Every day 10,000 Baby Boomers retire. Every day. That's 10,000 people over the age of 65 who require specialized healthcare provided by professionals trained in the particular needs of those of advanced age. If we combine that staggering figure with the projected near 100,000 physician shortage by 2020, there may be a problem. One solution is the specific training of more Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in gerontology. Colleges and universities are offering online APRN programs which graduate Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners to meet the increase in patient demands. Most of these programs qualify students to sit for certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
29 Best Value Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GPCNP) Online Programs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, although not specifically addressing A-GPCNP professionals, does project that job opportunities and growth for APRNs will increase to a rapid 31 percent between 2016-2026. PayScale, which conducts employer surveys, estimates annual salaries ranging between $71,370-$109,564 for APRNs with a gerontology concentration. Using 2017 data the BLS estimated the median salary for this career to be $110,930 annually. Job opportunities for A-GPCNP nurses are found in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics, long-term care and assisted living facilities, or government agencies.
Methodology
Best Medical Degrees conducted a review of schools offering online, blended, or hybrid graduate nursing programs with gerontology concentrations. The information is ranked by several factors: 1) appropriate accreditation from either the CCNE or ACEN, 2) number of credit hours needed to complete a program, 3) national U.S. News and World Report collegiate rankings when available, 4) estimated cost of tuition (excluding additional school fees), and 5) distance educational format completely online, combination of online and in-person class participation, minimal on-campus requirements, etc.) The information in this ranking may be changed by the schools without notice.
1. University of Texas Medical Center
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston has a blended MSN A-GPCNP degree which does require on-campus attendance for orientation between two or three times during each semester. Clinical experiences, however, can be conducted in the student's resident community. Admission criteria include an active and unencumbered nursing license for the state in which clinical experiences will be performed, a BSN from an accredited nursing program, a cumulative 3.0 GPA for all upper-division undergraduate courses, academic transcripts, a professional resume, professional letter of recommendation, and a minimum of one-year clinical nursing experience.
Program Length: 51 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $252 (TX Resident); $674 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Well Adults, Acute Health Problems of Adults, Informatics, Chronic & Complex Health Problems of Adults, Nurse Practitioner Business and Roles, Public Heath Principles in Advanced nursing Practice Nursing, Clinical Role Practicum, Theoretical and Research Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice, Pathophysiology, Geriatric Syndromes, Pharmacological Principles and Clinical Therapeutics, Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostic Reasoning, and more.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Texas Medical Branch
2. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
If you live in the greater Houston area this may be the program for you. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's Cizik School of Nursing offers a hybrid/blend MSN A-GPCNP degree that may be completed in five to eight semesters. Admission requires students to submit official academic transcripts for all schools attended, a BSN with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited program, an undergraduate statistics course, and at least one-year clinical nursing experience. The school recommends this program for students who live within commuting distance of the health science center. U.S. News and World Report nationally ranks the Cizik School of Nursing as one of its Best Nursing Schools.
Program Length: 41 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $282 (TX Resident); $1,115 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Examination/Differential Diagnosis, Advanced Physical Examination/Differential Diagnosis Lab, Diagnostic Tests and Procedures, Advanced Practice Role in Population Health, Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinicals, and more.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
3. University of South Alabama
All coursework for the MSN A-GPCNP degree from the University of South Alabama is offered online, but on-campus clinical intensives are required on the Mobile campus. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for certification exams. Currently, this program is unable to accept students from South Dakota and New York. Admission to this program involves verification of U.S. citizenship, a current and valid ID with no restrictions, two years of clinical nursing experience, a BSN from an accredited nursing program, and official transcripts from all previously attended schools.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $378 (AL Resident); $756 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Nursing Assessment, Physio-pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing, Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Issues for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Introduction to Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Assessment of Vulnerable Populations, Practicum, plus more.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of South Alabama
4. University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) provides a hybrid Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program with a gerontology specialty. U.S. News and World Report recognize the College of Health and Nursing Professions at USI as administering one of its top 30 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. The program does have a two-day orientation requirement on the Evansville campus, as well as for specific clinical courses. Admission documents include at least a 3.0 GPA from an accredited BSN program, completion of an undergraduate statistics course, an unrestricted nursing license, and clinical practice is recommended (although not required). Out-of-state students will want to verify that their state of residence qualifies for the program by reviewing State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement information.
Program Length: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $385 (IN Resident); $754 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence Based Practice for Advanced Nursing, Advanced Concepts of Pathophysiology, Primary Care of Adults, Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Health Assessment, Population Based Care and Health Policy, Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice, and more.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Southern Indiana
5. Purdue University Global
This MSN A-GPCNP degree from Purdue University Global, formally Kaplan University, is offered 100% online and can be completed in 18-24 months. The school also offers an EXCELTRACK option for core courses. This option will take into account the student's previous experience and may reduce the number of hours required for the degree. Admission to this program requires a BSN, a valid nursing license, academic transcripts. Plus there may be additional admission information obtained by contacting an admission advisor. Clinical experiences and practica are conducted in the student's home community under a qualified preceptor.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $420
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Life Span, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, Introduction to Primary Care for the Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care of the Adolescent and Adult, Primary Care of the Frail Elderly, Clinical – Frail Elderly Focus, Clinicals, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Purdue University Global
6. University of Mississippi Medical Center
Located in Jackson, MS, the University of Mississippi Medical Center offers an online/hybrid MSN program with an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree. Students who have a BSN from an accredited program with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course, satisfactory GRE scores, a current Mississippi nursing license, and at least one year of clinical nursing experience are eligible to apply. All clinical experiences must be completed in Mississippi. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the ANCC and AANPCP exams.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $468 (MS Resident); $1,374 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Discipline of Nursing, Advanced Health Assessment, Finance and Leadership in Health Care System, Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Research Design and Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice, Clinical, Pharmacotherapeutics, Clinical Management of Adult and Older Adults, Practicum in Clinical Management of Adults & Older Adults, Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Mississippi Medical Center
7. Wilmington University
Wilmington University is located in New Castle, Delaware and offers a hybrid MSN A-GPCNP program which may be completed in 32 months. This program requires one evening class per week of on-campus attendance and is best suited for students living in close proximity to New Castle. Admission for this program requires submission of official academic transcripts, a copy of an unrestricted and current nursing license, a Wilmington University application, as well as admission to the Wilson Graduate Center.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $447
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Adult Health Assessment, Primary Care II: Acute and Chronic Care of Adults, Primary Care III: Gender Health Issues, Primary Care IV: Acute and Chronic Care of Geriatrics, Advanced Geriatric Assessment and Health Promotion, Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Wilmington University
8. Kent State University
Kent State University's hybrid MSN A-GPCFP degree requires some attendance on the Kent State campus. The program may be completed in two years and offers fall and spring start dates. Full and part-time attendance options are available. Admission to this program requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited nursing program, a grade of "C" or better in an undergraduate statistics course, and an unrestricted and active nursing license in the state in which the clinical practicum will be completed. Additional documents, such as, letter of reference, professional resume, and a personal goal essay are also required. Kent State's nursing program is designated a NLN Center of Excellence and is one of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 41 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $490 (OH Resident); $916 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical Diagnostics, Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Methods of Inquiry, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care, Primary Care II: Chronically Ill Adults, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care, Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Kent State University
9. Briar Cliff University
Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Briar Cliff University offers a hybrid MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree. This program offers online coursework but does require 6 mandatory, health assessment labs on the Sioux City campus during the summer. Every effort is made to find clinical placements close to the student's home area. Admission to the program requires applicants demonstrate BSN graduation with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited nursing program, a valid Iowa nursing license (or license in a compact state), evidence of working in patient care in a clinical setting, two letters of recommendation, a professional goals statement, etc. The program admits students twice a year.
Program Length: 49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $525
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations Of Advanced Nursing Practice, Theoretical Foundations For Advanced Nursing Practice, Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing, Advanced Human Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Practice Skills Lab, Advanced Pharmacology, Gerontology Practicum, Evidence-based Practice, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Briar Cliff University
10. University of Nebraska Medical Center
The College of Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has been educating nurses since 1917 and has long been a leader in distance education. The college offers an online MSN A-GPCNP degree which allows students to complete clinical experiences in the student's home community under a local preceptor. Beyond completion of a general application, interested students must hold a CCNE or NLN accredited BSN with a 3.0 GPA, successful completion of undergraduate nursing research and health assessment courses, a current nursing license, official academic transcripts, etc. This program rates in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $576 (NE Resident): $1,041 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot:Health Systems Innovation & Improvement, Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nurse, Health Promotion and Risk Management, Applied Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses, Adult-Gerontology Across the Life Span III: Transitional Care of Adults with Chronic Health Problems, Advanced Assessment Across the Life Span, Adult-Gerontology Comprehensive Assessment, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Nebraska Medical Center
11. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) has designed an affordable, online MSN A-GPCNP degree for working nurses wishing to advance their careers. Application to this program requires students to have an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited BSN, official academic transcripts, undergraduate statistics course with a grade of "C" or higher, and proof of a current and valid nursing license from the state in which you practice. The program offers multiple admission dates throughout the academic year. Graduates are ready to take certification exams.
Program Length: 43 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $621
Curriculum Snapshot: Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults, Geriatric Primary Care and Pharmacology, Primary Care A/G Clinical, Adult-Gero Primary Care Capstone, Analysis and Application of Health Data for Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP), Diagnostic Reasoning and Advanced Physical Assessment, Human Pathophysiology, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology and Intervention for APRN's, Health Care Policy and Economics in Population Health, Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Northern Kentucky University
12. Clarkson College
U.S. News and World Report lists Clarkson College as one of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and includes the college's MSN A-GPCNP degree. Although the program is primarily offered online, there are minimal, clinical course attendance requirements on the Omaha, NE campus. Clarkson College is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement and you may want to confirm your state is eligible for admission. Admission requirements include a BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA, a valid nursing license, verification of employment, and the Acute Care Skills Assessment Form, etc.
Program Length: 47 Credit Hour
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $642
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Law and Ethics, Research Design and Methods, Evidence-Based Practice Research Project, Advanced Physical Assessment, Primary Care of the Adult Gerontology Client, Advanced Nutrition, Pharmacology for Practitioners, Advanced Pathophysiology, Behavioral Health Care for Practitioners, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Clarkson College
13. University of Colorado
The University of Colorado College of Nursing supports a hybrid A-GPCNP program. The majority of core courses are offered online, but in-class intensives are required on the Aurora, CO campus. Clinical experiences for out of state students may be completed in the student's home community provided satisfactory clinical placements are found. Students are expected to verify that their residence and licensure state qualifies for this program. Applicants must demonstrate a BSN with minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, completion of an undergraduate research and statistics courses, a current and unencumbered nursing license, official transcripts, and other university requirements. U.S. News and World Report rates the University of Colorado School of Nursing program in the top 5 of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 33 Credit Hour
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $655 (CO Resident); $1,060 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Professional Role, Theory Foundations for Advanced Nursing, Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Evidence-Based Practice: Evaluating Evidence,
Foundations of Healthcare Informatics, Advanced Assessment, AGPCNP Advanced Practicum, Advanced Clinical Skills, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Colorado College of Nursing
14. University of Alabama Birmingham
The MSN A-GCPNP degree at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) may be completed online. Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program, possess an unencumbered nursing license, have a 3.0 GPA minimum for undergraduate studies, academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Additionally, prospective students must supply GRE, GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) which are no more than five years old. UAB's School of Nursing is consistently recognized by U.S. News and World Report and has been rated in the top 25 of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs as well as Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost Per Credit Hour: $656
Curriculum Snapshot: Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice Roles, Translating Evidence into Practice, Health Care Systems for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice, Focus on Advanced Nursing, Practice Specialization, Advanced Adult Nursing, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Alabama Birmingham
15. Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University has an online MSN A-GPCNP degree. General admission requirements for a graduate program at Spring Arbor University requests students hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational program, submission of official academic transcripts, a Spring Arbor University Graduate School application, and fee, etc. More information is available on the website by completing an online request for a Program Guide. Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, Michigan and has been rated a Regional University by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: Included in Program Guide
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $691
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Assessment & Diagnostic Reason, Family Systems & Childbearing Family, Chronic Disease & Complex Problems in Older Adults, etc. (Additional coursework descriptions available in Program Guide)
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Spring Arbor University
16. Wilkes University
A Pennsylvania university, Wilkes University has an online MSN A-GAP degree which is offered primarily online and prepares students to sit for national certification. There is a campus requirement when enrolled in Advanced Health Assessment and also may be required for Advanced Practice in Adult-Gerontology Clinical enrollment. Overall, however, clinical hours are conducted in the student's home community. Admission for this program requires applicants to provide verification of a valid and unencumbered nursing license, a MSN from a NLN, CCNE, or ACEN accredited program, official academic transcripts, and at least one year clinical nursing experience, etc. Wilkes University also offers this degree as a bridge program for Registered Nurses to enter an accelerated program to the MSN.
Program Length: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $700
Curriculum Snapshot: Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners, Heath Perspectives of Culturally Diverse,Rural and Underserved Populations, Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care, Advanced Practice in Adult-Gerontology Clinical, Advanced Health Assessment, Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Advanced Nursing Research, Advanced Role Development in Nursing, Health Policy and Politics for Advancing Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Wilkes University
17. Concordia University
Concordia University (CU) in Mequon, WI, has been in existence since 1881 and has grown with the times. CU provides an hybrid/online MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree that allows for either full or part-time enrollment. The program does require a two-week residency requirement during the advanced health assessment course. Admission application requires the student have an accredited BSN, be currently working in a clinical practice, official academic transcripts, a nursing license, a background check, and other requirements. Presently, the program is unable to accept students from Alabama, Alaska, California, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee or Wyoming.
Program Length: 41 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $719
Curriculum Snapshot: Genetics, Immunology & Microbiology, Healthcare Policy & Issues in Advanced Nursing, Theoretical Foundations for Adv Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Collaberation, Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Life Span, Advanced Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Foundations of Healthcare Informatics, Pharmacotherapeutics, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Primary Care Clinical-AGPCNP, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Concordia University
18. University of Cincinnati
Admission to the University of Cincinnati (UC) online MSN A-GPCNP program is straightforward. Information required of applicants includes a BSN from an accredited nursing program, an unrestricted and active nursing license, at least one year clinical nursing experience, and the completion, with a grade of "C" or better, of a statistics course. Additional material includes three letters of reference, official school transcripts, school applications, etc. UC's program is regularly recognized by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. This program can be finished in two years.
Program Length: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $724 (OH Resident); $1,311 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Health Assessment, Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Care Policy, Research and Best Evidence for Clinical Reasoning, Differential Diagnosis for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Clinical Management, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Cincinnati
19. Boise State University
Boise State University offers a hybrid A-GPCNP degree which is only available for students living in the western half of the United States. Didactic coursework is conducted online, but the program requires three on-campus intensives which occur in the summer. Additionally, three clinical rotations are mandated. Admissions requires applicants have a BSN accredited degree with a 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of "C" or better as well as a research course, official transcripts, etc. The A-GNP program offers preference to students who have at least one year direct patient care clinical experience. This is a Best Online Graduate Nursing Program as designated by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 50 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $750
Curriculum Snapshot:Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice,
Diagnosis and Management of Adult/Geriatric Health and Illness, Professional Role for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse Clinical, Diagnosis and Management of Adult/Geriatric Health and Illness, Clinical Rotations, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Boise State University
20. Maryville University
Maryville University's online degree is rated one of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. This Missouri university awards a MSN A-GPCNP degree which may be completed in as few as 36 months and requires clinical hours to be completed over three semesters. Clinical experiences may be completed in the student's local area. There are no campus visits required, no GRE scores, and program admission is open six months of the year. For detailed admission requirements, you should contact Admissions.
Program Length: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $813
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice, Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing, Health Care Policy, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention, Professional Role Development,Leadership and Quality, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Adult-Gerontology Health Care, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Maryville University
21. Lewis University
Lewis University located in Romeoville, IL, provides an online MSN A-GPCNP degree which is rated in the top 100 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. To be admitted to this program, students must hold a BSN program that is accredited by CCNE or ACEN, be currently licensed as a registered nurse in their state of practice, provide official academic transcripts, completion of a statistics course with a grade of "B" or higher, and two professional recommendations. Other general graduate school requirements may apply.
Program Length: 46 Credit Hour
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $800
Curriculum Snapshot: Applied Biostatistics for Advanced Nursing Practice, Healthcare Organizations, Systems, and Policy, Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice, Population Health, Role Transition and Development for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Epidemiology, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing, Applied Physiology/Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing, Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACEN, CCNE
Program Website: Lewis University
22. Drexel University
Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, has a long history of providing distance education. This is a hybrid A-GPCNP degree requiring a minimum of on-campus intensives three times prior to clinical experience. The program is subject to state regulations and restrictions and its recommended you verify the degree is accepted in your state. There are prerequisites required for admission which includes a BSN (with a 3.0 GPA) from a NLN and/or CCNE accredited program, two professional resumes, a personal essay, an unrestricted and active nursing license, and one year adult nursing care experience is preferred but not required, etc. Admission is limited to once a year in May. Drexel's graduate nursing program is listed in the top 100 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 52 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $968
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Research Methods and Biostatistics, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care II: Management and Care of Adult Patients in Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care III: Management of the Older-Adult Patient in Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care IV: Gerontology Management and Care, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Drexel University Colleg of Nursing and Healthcare Professions
23. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing's MSN A-GPCNP program has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of its Best Nursing Schools: Master's degree and Best Graduate Nursing School: Nurse Practitioner Adult/Gerontology/Primary. The school is also a member of the National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence. This program is described by Vanderbilt as a "modified distance learning" program, with online didactic courses, block on-campus attendance requirements (extended weekends), and clinicals conducted, when possible, in the student's home community. Admission to this elite program requires students have a BSN from an accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, certain prerequisite courses are required, three letters of professional recommendations, an unrestricted nursing license, and academic transcripts, etc.
Length of Program 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,215
Curriculum Snapshot:Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Adult Gerontology Primary Care,Advanced Health Assessment Applications for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Nursing in the Primary Care of the Woman, Essential Procedures for the Primary Care Provider, Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Essential Procedures for the Primary Care Provider, Clinicals, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
24. Seton Hall University
Located in New Jersey, Seton Hall University is consistently highly ranked by rating publications and U.S. News and World Report rates the nursing programs as one of the Best Master's of Nursing Programs and Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. Prospective students in the MSN A-GPCNP program must hold a baccalaureate degree from a CCNE or NLN accredited nursing program, has a current nursing license from the state in which they practice, minimum of 1 year clinical nursing experience within five years of application, etc. There are three on-campus immersion requirements for this hybrid program which includes orientation and two practica experiences. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC and AANPCB certification exams.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,259
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Promotion, Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making, Graduate Practicum, Acute Care Theory,
Advanced Professional Role Enactment, Health Concepts of Aging, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Seton Hall University
25. University of Rochester
The Nursing School at the University of Rochester is cited by U.S. News and World Report as being one of the Best Nursing Schools: Master's. This MSN A-GPCNP degree is a blended format which requires weekly or occasional in-person class attendance. Applicants must hold a BSN from a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing program, one-year full time, acute care clinical experience, a statistics course with a grade of "C" or above, a current nursing license, academic transcripts, etc. Students are also required to be CPR certified.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,510
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Ethics and Public Policy in the Health Care System, Research Principles for Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, Evaluation and Management of Adult Lifespan Patients, Nurse Practitioner Procedure Lab, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care I & II, Clinical Experiences, etc.
Program Accreditation:
Program Website:School of Nursing at the University of Rochester
26. George Washington University
George Washington University, through its GW-Online division, offers an online MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree which may be studied full or part-time. U.S. News and World Report rates this program in its top 10 Best Onlne Graduate Nursing Programs. The George Washington University School of Nursing requires applicants to have a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered nursing license, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, etc. Students are required to identify and submit their clinical placement location for approval by their advisor. This program prepares students to sit for ANCC and AANP certification exams. State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) prohibits the program from admitting students from New York, Louisiana, Alabama, and North Dakota.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,395
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Advanced Physiology and Pathobiology, Genetics for Health Care Providers, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Concepts in Population Health, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care: Adult Older/Frail, Clinical Experience, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: GW Online
27. Duke University
The A-GPCNP program is offered through the prestigious Duke University's School of Nursing is rated in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and in the top 5 of Best Nursing Schools: Masters programs. This online program offers students the opportunity to choose specialty areas (i.e., oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, etc.) and even the opportunity for international clinical experiences. Bachelors prepared nurses seeking admission must provide prior academic transcripts, a minimum of three professional references, GRE scores (if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0), a current nursing license for your state of residency, clinical nursing experience, etc.
Program Length: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,769
Curriculum Snapshot: Population Health in a Global Society, Advanced Practice Nursing Care in Older Adult Patients, Advanced Practice Nursing Care in Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adult Patients Clinical, Advanced Practice Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Patients Synthesis, Nurse as Scholar II: Evidence-based Practice, Advanced Pathology/Physiology Across the Lifespan: A Conceptual Approach, Physical Assessment
& Diagnostic Reasoning in APN, Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Duke University School of Nursing
28. University of Texas-Arlington
The University of Texas-Arlington (UTA) offers an online MSN A-GPCNP degree which may be completed in 29-33 months. Applicants are required to have a minimum of two years clinical nursing experience, an unencumbered and active nursing license, a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 (those with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be required to submit GRE scores), an undergraduate statistics course, etc. This program allows for 10 transfer credits. UTA is named a #1 Public College of Nursing programs by the American Association of Colleges and Nurses (AACN) and as a top 75 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 41 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,962
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pathophysiology, Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing,
Principles of Research in Nursing, Advanced Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice, Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Clinical Practice, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
29. Case Western Reserve University
The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is ranked in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Nurse Practitioner: Adult/Gerontology, Acute Care nursing programs. Coursework for this MSN A-GPCNP program may be completed in 18 months and requires about 600 clinical hours. A partial list of application requirements is located on the School of Nursing website. This list includes documents such as official academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation from your current work supervisor and professional colleagues, a professional resume, as well as a personal essay describing career goals and reasons for making application to this program.
Program Length: 41 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $2,011 (OH Resident); $2,071 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Psychosocial and Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice, Theoretical Foundations, Evidence Based Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, Assessment for Advanced Practice, Common + Acute Health Problems of the Adult and Older Adult, Primary Care of Older Adults, Advanced Management in Adult and Older Adult Primary Care, Clinical Experiences, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Case Western Reserve University