Best Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
Adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) play a vital role in healthcare, providing comprehensive primary and preventative care to adolescents, adults and older adult patients. As demand grows for these advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), more and more prospective nurses are researching the best adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs to earn their MSN or DNP and prepare for certification.
Selecting the right AGPCNP program means considering your career goals, modality preferences, location, and other personal needs. This guide offers an in-depth look at ten of the best adult geronotology primary care nurse practitioner programs nationwide to help you determine the ideal fit. We evaluated each school on metrics like curriculum quality, experiential learning opportunities, affordability and graduate outcomes.
What Are the Best Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs According to an NP Researcher?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of California-Los Angeles
- Georgetown University
- Emory University
- University of Southern Indiana
- Northern Kentucky University
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Wayne State University
- Winona State University
- University of Nevada-Reno
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- Duke University
- Rhode Island College
- University of South Carolina-Columbia
- The University of Texas at El Paso
- University of Utah College of Nursing
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
#1 in Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, AL - 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
Total Faculty: 2544
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,568
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,344
Percent Admitted: 81%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
Graduation Rate: 61%
#1 in California
University of California-Los Angeles
- 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA - 90095-1405
- (310) 825-4321
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 5371
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $13,258
- Book and Supplies: $1,405
- Percent Received Aid: 73%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $16,180
- Percent Admitted: 14%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
#1 in District of Columbia
Georgetown University
- 37th and O St NW, Washington, DC - 20057-0001
- (202) 687-0100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1639
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 54%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $44,328
- Percent Admitted: 17%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
#1 in Georgia
Emory University
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
- 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA - 30322
- (404) 727-6123
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4012
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 58%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $41,159
- Percent Admitted: 19%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
#1 in Indiana
University of Southern Indiana
College of Nursing & Health Professions
- 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN - 47712
- (812) 464-8600
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 349
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,424
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,668
- Percent Admitted: 94%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
#1 in Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University
- Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY - 41099
- (859) 572-5100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 610
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,392
- Book and Supplies: $800
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,586
- Percent Admitted: 87%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
#1 in Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- 175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, LA - 71497-0002
- (318) 357-6011
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 320
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,672
- Book and Supplies: $1,300
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,774
- Percent Admitted: 95%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
#1 in Michigan
Wayne State University
- 42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI - 48202
- (313) 577-2424
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2238
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $14,043
- Book and Supplies: $1,268
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,435
- Percent Admitted: 69%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
#1 in Minnesota
Winona State University
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- 175 West Mark Street, Winona, MN - 55987-5838
- (507) 457-5000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 303
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,184
- Book and Supplies: $900
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,891
- Percent Admitted: 75%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
#1 in Nevada
University of Nevada-Reno
- North Virginia Street, Reno, NV - 89557
- (775) 784-1110
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1173
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,588
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 92%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,872
- Percent Admitted: 87%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
#1 in New York
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Post-Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Program
- 70 Washington Sq South, New York, NY - 10012-1091
- (212) 998-1212
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 6927
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $718
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 65%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $26,276
- Percent Admitted: 21%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
#1 in North Carolina
Duke University
- 103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC - 27708
- (919) 684-8111
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 5495
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,434
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 63%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $48,351
- Percent Admitted: 8%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
#1 in Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
- 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI - 02908
- (401) 456-8000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 319
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,702
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 93%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,674
- Percent Admitted: 81%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
#1 in South Carolina
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC - 29208
- (803) 777-7000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1956
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,688
- Book and Supplies: $1,085
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,405
- Percent Admitted: 68%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
#1 in Texas
The University of Texas at El Paso
- 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX - 79968-0691
- (915) 747-5000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 818
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,744
- Book and Supplies: $1,632
- Percent Received Aid: 88%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,362
- Percent Admitted: 100%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
#1 in Utah
University of Utah College of Nursing
- 201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, UT - 84112-9008
- (801) 581-7200
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4193
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,893
- Book and Supplies: $1,036
- Percent Received Aid: 87%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,345
- Percent Admitted: 79%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
#1 in Washington
University of Washington
- 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA - 98195-4550
- (206) 543-2100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 7812
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,076
- Book and Supplies: $900
- Percent Received Aid: 56%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,519
- Percent Admitted: 56%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
#1 in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI - 53706-1380
- (608) 263-2400
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4957
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,720
- Book and Supplies: $1,150
- Percent Received Aid: 58%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,609
- Percent Admitted: 57%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
See our Ranking Methodology
What is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner?
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner deliver evidence-based care to diverse patient populations in primary and long-term care settings. Their comprehensive skillset allows them to:
- Provide wellness and preventative care
- Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- Prescribe medication and therapies
- Coordinate care and referrals
AGPCNPs are licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses that have earned either a:
- MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
Most complete 500+ supervised clinical hours in primary care settings working alongside physicians and advanced practice nurses during their NP education. Coursework covers topics like:
- Advanced health assessment
- Diagnostic reasoning
- Pharmacotherapeutics
- Pathophysiology
- Public and community health
Why Pursue a Career as an AGPCNP?
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner role offers several advantages:
- Opportunity to Make an Impact – AGPCNPs serve a vital role expanding access to affordable, patient-centered primary care, especially in rural and underserved communities. Their emphasis on preventative care, education and chronic disease management improves community health outcomes.
- Career Growth and Options – The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 45% NP job growth from 2020-2030 – over 10 times the average rate across professions. AGPCNPs enjoy varied rewarding career paths, from family practice to college health centers and everywhere in between.
- Competitive Salaries – As of 2021, adult-gero primary care NPs earn an average annual salary of $111,840 per the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)’s National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey. Those working in outpatient care settings reported even higher wages.
- Ability to Practice Independently – 23 states plus DC authorize full practice authority for NPs, not requiring direct physician oversight. This allows experienced AGPCNPs the flexibility to open their own clinics. Even in reduced practice states, many establish strong collaborative relationships with supervising physicians.
- Job Security and Flexibility – America’s aging population and expanded access to healthcare means demand will continue growing for adult gerontology PCPs. NPs also benefit from flexible work arrangements across settings from private practice to telehealth.
If making a genuine difference through patient advocacy and leadership appeals to you, an AGPCNP career offers immense rewards. Choosing the right program to equip you is the crucial first step.
Methodology for Ranking the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
Numerous factors influence the overall quality and outcomes of an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program. Our rankings methodology holistically evaluates several key elements, including:
NP Specialty Curriculum Quality
- Coursework breadth, depth and sequencing
- Specialty concentrations or tracks
- Interprofessional and simulation learning
- Average credit hours required
Hands-On Clinical Training
- Minimum direct patient care hours
- Diversity of healthcare settings
- Specialized gerontology rotations
- Preceptor training and engagement
Cost & Financing Support
- Competitively priced tuition and fees
- Scholarships, grants and federal aid opportunities
- Value compared nationally
Faculty Qualifications
- Percentage of faculty holding doctoral degrees
- Faculty h-index scores measuring research impact
- Years practicing as healthcare professionals
- Faculty to student ratio
Program Reputation & Outcomes
- Competitive GPA and test score requirements
- Graduation, certification and job placement rates
- Alumni surveys and NP practice success stories
- National program rankings by third parties
These elements collectively characterize the student experience, graduate readiness for advanced practice and career success potential. We aimed to feature both long-respected programs and newer offerings from innovative and emerging schools.
Key Factors in Choosing the Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program for Your Needs
With this thorough overview of the top 10 adult gerontology primary care NP programs nationally, prospective students can better gauge the ideal fit based on individual needs and preferences. As you narrow down your options, compare programs across some of these key factors:
Location & Modality
- Is the program nearby or offered online?
- Do you require a hybrid blend of online and on-campus learning?
- Can you travel or relocate for clinical intensives if needed?
Cost & Affordability
- How much is the total tuition with fees for each program pathway?
- What scholarships, financial aid options or graduate funding is accessible?
- What are the state residency requirements for cheaper in-state tuition?
Full Practice Authority
- Does the state allow NPs full practice rights after graduation?
- Are there restrictions on prescribing, referrals or other scope limitations?
Specialization or Population Focus
- Does the program offer tracks in areas like emergency, adult psych etc?
- Are there curriculum electives or projects geared to populations you want to serve?
Accreditation
- Is the nursing school CCNE or ACEN accredited?
- Are clinical sites certified or recognized providers by CMS standards?
Faculty Qualifications & Support
- What are the faculty credentials, backgrounds and years of AGNP practice?
- Is faculty nursing research published and impactful?
- How large are classes and what is the student/faculty ratio?
Factor individual needs like work status, location preferences and targeted patient group into account when deciding amongst this year’s top ranked AGPCNP programs.
Preparing a Strong Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP School Application
With an excellent AGPCNP program selected as your target goal, the next step is submitting a winning nurse practitioner school application. From essays to test scores, we break down top tips for applicant success:
Meet Base Academic Requirements
While specific prerequisites, minimum GPAs and graduate test score requirements vary by program, expect that most request:
- Bachelor’s degree and RN license
- 3.0+ GPA
- Competitive GRE or MAT test scores
- A&P, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment pre-reqs
- Showcase NP Specialty Fit – Both a polished resume and passionate application essay should demonstrate existing experience, unique qualifications and motivation behind this NP specialty pursuit and program selection.
- Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation – Ask nursing supervisors, instructors or providers you’ve job shadowed or worked with directly to personalize a recommendation showcasing your assets.
- Prepare for Interviews – Practice articulating key points to commonly asked questions so you can confidently convey your passion in the competitive applicant interview stage if extended an invitation.
With early planning and a standout application conveying your talents aligned to AGPCNP practice, prospective students can earn admission to their ideal nurse practitioner degree program.
What is the Career Trajectory After Graduating From an AGPCNP Program?
Once you successfully complete AGPCNP education and board certification, a long, rewarding career awaits helping adults, seniors and geriatric populations manage their health. New grad NPs often start in clinic settings like:
- Primary care offices
- Community health centers
- Outpatient care facilities
Experienced AGPCNPs sometimes transition into positions like:
- Gerontology service line directors
- Long-term care or nursing home NP coordinators
- Hospital, health system or ACO care team leaders
- Independent NP practice owners
Many also diversify their skillset with additional credentials like a:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- MBA in healthcare leadership
- Certificate in palliative, hospice or wound care
If interested in teaching future generations of NPs, obtaining a PhD in Nursing opens doors to faculty roles.
No matter your ultimate career destination, choosing the right AGPCNP program provides the educational foundation enabling your success and leadership impacting patient lives for years to come. Revisit our top 10 adult gerontology primary care NP program rankings and insider tips for applying when you’re ready to take the next step!
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FAQ for AGNP Programs
What is the difference between an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and an adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioner?
Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs) provide care to adults and older adults with complex, acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. They work in settings like hospitals, emergency rooms, and specialty clinics. Adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) focus on preventive care, wellness, and common health problems in outpatient settings like clinics and nursing homes.
Do online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner programs provide the same quality education and preparation as on-campus programs?
Yes, accredited online adult-gerontology NP programs follow strict standards and offer the same level of rigor as traditional programs. Online students access recorded lectures, engage in discussions, take exams, and complete 500+ clinical practicum hours. The flexibility of online programs allows working nurses to advance their career while meeting work and life commitments.
What are the main certification exams that adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners and primary care nurse practitioners must pass?
All new nurse practitioners must pass a national certification exam through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) to qualify for advanced licensure APRN status after graduating. Common exams are the ANCC’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP exams.
What kind of coursework and clinical training is included in top DNP programs specializing in adult-gerontology care?
Highly-ranked DNP programs include advanced coursework and clinical practicum rotations tailored specifically to caring for adult and geriatric patients. Students develop skills in diagnosis, treatment, pharmacology, interventions, care coordination, quality improvement, and leadership. Clinical hours are completed under the supervision of experienced AGACNPs or AGPCNPs based on population focus.
Can experienced nurses with a BSN complete accelerated BSN-to-DNP programs 100% online to become adult care nurse practitioners more quickly?
Yes, many schools now offer accelerated online BSN-to-DNP programs allowing experienced bachelor’s-prepared nurses to earn their DNP and AGNP certification in just 2-3 years of full-time study instead of 5-7 years through the traditional MSN then DNP route. These intensive programs recognize prior nursing knowledge through generous transfer credit allotments.
Resources
- Overview of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Role – American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- AG-ACNP Resources
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- About the Author
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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.
