Completing an online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) program gives graduates the skills and knowledge needed to serve adult and elderly patients in advanced practice settings. These programs focus on helping learners understand the specific health and medical needs of adult and elderly populations, including both acute and chronic issues.
Online AGNP programs particularly support registered nurses (RNs) who currently work but want to earn advanced credentials. Given the flexible nature of distance learning, students can watch pre-recorded lectures, complete group projects, and turn in assignments at times that work best for them. All the programs in this ranking hold accreditation to ensure graduates face no issues when transferring credits, seeking credentials, or applying for advanced roles. View our ranking methodology and check out the best online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner programs for 2020.
Methodology
View our ranking methodology here.
Top 10 Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs
| 1. | George Washington University |
| 2. | Morningside College |
| 3. | Seton Hall University |
What to Expect From an Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program
Online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner programs introduce learners to advanced topics that aid in their work. Common topics include advanced practice care of adults across the lifespan, primary care of women, care of patients in primary care settings, and advanced practice care of the elderly. The time required to complete an online AGNP program varies, based on each student's undergraduate degree and whether they enroll on a full- or part-time basis.
Learners must also participate in supervised clinical hours. While each candidate should already possess an active and unencumbered RN license upon applying to the program, some states provide APRN licenses. Individual states set requirements for certification and licensure exams, along with the number of supervised hours required. Because of this, degree-seekers should check with their state board of licensing to understand the specifics.
Career Outlook for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners
Graduates of online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner programs typically work in hospitals and clinics, long-term care facilities, assisted living properties, and physician's offices. Their patient population spans from adolescents to the elderly, though some of these NPs may decide to focus on a particular age group, such as college students or geriatric patients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that nurse practitioners (NPs) earned median annual salaries of $115,800 in 2019. When considering this number, students should remember that factors like education level, amount of experience, type of employer, and place of residence all affect pay.
The BLS projects general NP employment to grow by 26% from 2018-28. AGNPs only make up part of these figures, but projections remain much faster than average for the field.
The Top Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs 2020
1. George Washington University
The online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) program at George Washington University (GWU) offers a primary care focus for students looking to serve patients outside acute care settings. Learners can choose from online and campus-based options and full- and part-time plans of study. After meeting all requirements, GWU graduates can sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or American Nurses Credentialing Center exams.
Topics covered in this online AGNP degree include concepts in population health, advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, biostatistics for healthcare research, and principles of nursing research and evidence-based practice. Learners also participate in several clinicals. Each degree-seeker completes 54 credits and 625 clinical hours.
Admission requirements include an accredited bachelor's degree in nursing, 3.0 or higher GPA, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, a personal statement, and an active and unencumbered nursing license.
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2. Morningside College
Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, provides an online AGNP program designed to prepare graduates to provide primary care to aging populations. Before beginning clinical work, learners obtain certification in their specialty areas. Enrollees can pursue either a two-year or three-year plan of study to fit their schedules.
Each student completes 46 credits, regardless of the specific track. Coursework covers topics in adult primary care, nutrition in disease management, statistics in advanced practice, and advanced pharmacology. Learners must visit the Iowa campus twice during enrollment and take part in intensive residencies. Students also complete clinical hours near their places of residence.
Students living outside of Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota must contact the dean before submitting their application materials. Required components currently include an accredited bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.0 or higher GPA, a valid RN license, BCLS certification, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a professional goal essay, and a resume. Morningside may grant conditional acceptance to those with lower GPAs.
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3. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University provides an online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program with acute and primary care tracks. The degree features a part-time schedule, with students spending 3-4 years completing the required 48 credits. Graduates qualify to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board exams after receiving their diplomas.
Curriculum topics include advanced health assessment and clinical decision-making, health promotion, health concepts of aging, and clinical pharmacology. All students, regardless of their chosen track, participate in several practicums throughout the degree. The program ends with an advanced professional role enactment. Former students engage with learners during the final semester to share their experiences and help them network.
Admission requirements include a BSN from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing- or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited program, a statement or professional goals, a registered professional nursing license, professional liability insurance, two letters of reference, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Acute care track learners need at least two years of experience, while primary care track students need at least one year.