Virginia’s rapidly expanding older adult population, particularly concentrated in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond metro, creates urgent demand for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) skilled in managing complex chronic conditions, coordinating care transitions, and addressing the unique healthcare needs of aging Virginians. From serving military retirees at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth to managing Medicare populations at VCU Health and University of Virginia Health, AGNPs play an essential role in Virginia’s healthcare delivery system.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How primary care and acute care AGNP program tracks prepare you for different Virginia practice environments
- What MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate pathways offer Virginia nurses
- How online, campus, and hybrid programs serve students across the Commonwealth
- Where Virginia AGNP students complete clinical training
- How Virginia’s scope of practice and job market support AGNP careers
2027 Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA - Public 4-Year - virginia.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Virginia's hybrid MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) equips RNs with advanced skills to manage acute and chronically ill adults. The program offers full- and part-time tracks, requiring 500 clinical hours and preparing graduates for certification exams. Admissions require a BSN, 3.0 GPA, Virginia RN license, and one year of RN experience. Apply by January 5; no GRE needed. Tuition ranges from $25,756 (in-state) to $40,328 (out-of-state). Clinical experiences take place at UVA Medical Center, with mentorship from expert faculty. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership development. This two-year (full-time) or three-year (part-time) path includes three recommendations, a resume, and an $85 application fee.
- Hybrid program format.
- Full-time and part-time options.
- Two-year full-time completion.
- Three-year part-time completion.
- 500 clinical hours required.
- Eligible for certification exams.
- Guaranteed admission for alumni.
- Application deadline January 5.
- BSN degree required.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UVA's DNP in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) prepares advanced practice nurses for acute and critical care settings. Delivered in a hybrid format, students attend in-person classes about once monthly while completing online coursework. The 14-credit practicum includes 750 clinical hours at prestigious sites such as UVA Medical Center and Inova Health System. Core studies cover healthcare data analysis, evidence-based practice, and health policy, with interdisciplinary access to ethics and medicine. Graduates are eligible for AACN or ANCC certification. Tuition is $914 per credit, with a 3.0 GPA and work experience required. UVA alumni receive guaranteed admission. The $85 application fee and full-time/part-time options make this DNP flexible for working nurses.
- $914 per credit
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 750 clinical hours
- Work experience required
- $85 application fee
- Prepares for AACN or ANCC
- Guaranteed admission for UVA alumni
- In-person class about 1x/month
- Faculty experts in education and research
South University-Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - southuniversity.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care)
Online Learning - Visit Website
South University-Virginia Beach offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This CCNE-accredited program equips registered nurses with advanced skills to care for elderly and vulnerable populations, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common health problems. Students develop leadership, clinical judgment, and communication skills while meeting national competencies for adult-gerontology primary care. The curriculum includes required in-person clinicals and is designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. Graduates are prepared to pursue national certification through ANCC or AANP. Entrance exam requirements are not specified by the university. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and geriatric care specialization.
- Online program format
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care specialization
- Master of Science in Nursing degree
- Prepares for national certification
- Meets NONPF core competencies
- Focuses on elderly populations
- Builds clinical judgment skills
- Develops leadership abilities
- Enhances communication skills
- Evidence-based practice approach
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA - Public 4-Year - vcu.edu
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a part-time hybrid format designed for working nurses. This 10-semester, 3.5-year program emphasizes care for physiologically unstable, technologically dependent adults, building advanced clinical, leadership, and quality improvement skills. Clinical placements are supported with matched preceptors at the Magnet-designated VCU Medical Center, fostering team-based healthcare training. Students complete a practice-focused DNP project rather than a dissertation. The program boasts a 100% first-time certification pass rate. Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate teaching assistantships are available. Applications close July 15, 2027, for the fall start, and the program is capacity-limited.
- 10-Semester program
- Complete in 3.5-year part-time hybrid program
- Apply by 2027-07-15
- Part-time available
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
South University-Richmond
Glen Allen, VA - Private 4-year - southuniversity.edu
BSN to MSN - RN to Master of Science in Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
South University-Richmond’s online RN to MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares RNs for advanced practice with older populations. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic condition management across the adult lifespan. Students complete 227 credits, including 78 block-transferred from an associate’s degree, with interactive online coursework via Brightspace and mobile Pulse App access. Supervised in-person clinical practicums provide hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. Coursework covers advanced pharmacology, health policy, and evidence-based practice, aligned with NONPF core competencies. Admissions require a valid RN license, an associate’s degree or equivalent, and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams and equipped to serve at-risk aging populations.
- Online program format.
- RN to MSN pathway.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care focus.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- 227 total credits required.
- Includes supervised practicum experiences.
- Admission requires RN license.
- 2.5 GPA minimum for admission.
- Associate's degree in nursing required.
- Meets NONPF core competencies.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - Public 4-Year - gmu.edu
MSN to DNP - Nursing - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - DNP
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
George Mason University's DNP with an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares RNs for advanced practice across the adult lifespan. Offered in a hybrid format, the program offers both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways, accommodating nurses at different career stages. Admission requires an active RN license, at least one year of RN experience, and a recent statistics course (within five years). Applicants submit transcripts, a goals statement, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and CPR certification. No graduate entrance exam (e.g., GRE) is listed among the requirements. The program begins in the spring, with an application deadline of November 1, 2025.
- Apply by 2025-11-01
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Active RN license required
- CPR certification required
- BSN-DNP pathway available
- MSN-DNP pathway available
- Goals statement required
- Resume required
Primary Care vs. Acute Care Specializations
Virginia programs prepare AGNPs for two distinct practice tracks with different national certifications and employment paths.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP)
Primary care AGNPs manage chronic diseases, provide preventive services, and treat common acute illnesses in outpatient settings. Virginia AGPCNP graduates practice in internal medicine groups throughout Loudoun and Fairfax counties, geriatric medicine clinics at Sentara Healthcare and Bon Secours systems, community health centers serving underserved populations in Petersburg and Danville, nursing homes across Virginia’s 95 counties, and house call programs reaching homebound seniors in rural areas like Tazewell County and Accomack County.
This track suits nurses interested in longitudinal patient relationships, managing polypharmacy in older adults, and addressing geriatric syndromes including falls, cognitive decline, and functional impairment.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP)
Acute care AGNPs manage critically ill and hospitalized adults. Virginia AGACNP graduates work in intensive care units at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and VCU Medical Center, emergency departments throughout the Sentara Healthcare system, hospitalist medicine programs at University of Virginia Health, cardiac care units at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, and surgical services at Virginia Commonwealth University Health.
This track prepares nurses for rapid assessment, complex decision-making, and managing acutely decompensated patients requiring hospital-level interventions.
Educational Pathways in Virginia
MSN Programs: Entry-Level AGNP Preparation
Structure: 45-52 credits, 18-24 months full-time or 2-3 years part-time
Clinical hours: 500-700 supervised hours
Virginia MSN programs combine advanced practice nursing foundations (pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment) with gerontology-specific content covering normal aging, age-related pharmacology changes, geriatric assessment, and managing older adults with multiple comorbidities.
Graduates are eligible for national AGNP certification through AANPCB or ANCC and Virginia APRN licensure, allowing immediate practice throughout the Commonwealth.
DNP Programs: Terminal Clinical Degrees
BSN to DNP pathway: 75-85 credits, 3-4 years
These programs integrate all MSN-level AGNP content with doctoral education in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, quality improvement, and systems leadership. Virginia BSN to DNP students complete scholarly projects addressing Commonwealth-specific issues—perhaps examining diabetes management in Hampton Roads’ African American communities, improving care transitions at rural Virginia hospitals, or evaluating fall prevention programs in Northern Virginia nursing homes.
Post-Master’s DNP pathway: 30-40 credits, 1-2 years
Already certified as an AGNP? Post-master’s DNP programs add doctoral credentials for Virginia AGNPs pursuing leadership at Sentara Healthcare, Inova Health System, or Bon Secours, faculty positions at University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, or Old Dominion University nursing schools, or policy roles influencing Virginia healthcare.
Post-Master’s AGNP Certificates
Structure: 36-45 credits, 12-18 months
Clinical hours: 500-600 supervised hours
Virginia nurses holding master’s degrees in other specialties can add AGNP certification through adult gerontology NP post-master’s certificate programs. This benefits family NPs wanting to focus on adult populations, psychiatric NPs seeking primary care skills, or women’s health NPs expanding scope; particularly valuable in rural Virginia where generalist skills enhance employment prospects.
Explore all nurse practitioner schools in Virginia.
Program Formats Across Virginia
Campus-Based Programs
Traditional on-campus programs concentrate in Richmond, Charlottesville, Norfolk, and Fairfax, offering in-person instruction, simulation labs, and established clinical partnerships. Campus students benefit from face-to-face faculty mentorship and networking with Virginia healthcare professionals at institutions like VCU Health, University of Virginia Health, Sentara Healthcare, and Inova Health System.
Advantage: Immediate access to university resources, structured learning environments, and built-in peer support networks.
Consideration: Requires geographic proximity to campus or willingness to commute regularly; challenging for nurses in Southwest Virginia or the Eastern Shore.
Online Programs
Fully online programs allow Virginia nurses from Abingdon to Virginia Beach to complete didactic coursework remotely while arranging clinical practica near their communities. Students study asynchronously with flexibility around work schedules at institutions like Johnston Memorial Hospital, Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, or Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg.
Advantage: Geographic flexibility, ability to maintain full-time employment, and access to programs outside Virginia offering competitive tuition.
Consideration: Requires strong self-discipline, reliable technology access, and personal responsibility for securing clinical placements at Virginia facilities.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs combine online coursework with periodic campus requirements—weekend intensives, week-long summer sessions, or monthly on-campus meetings. This format suits Virginia nurses wanting some face-to-face interaction without weekly commuting from places like Roanoke, Lynchburg, or Winchester.
Advantage: Balances flexibility with in-person learning and relationship-building.
Consideration: On-campus sessions require advance planning for travel and time away from work.
Clinical Training Throughout Virginia
All AGNP programs require substantial hands-on clinical experience at Virginia healthcare facilities, regardless of program format.
Clinical Sites Across the Commonwealth
| Region | Major Healthcare Systems | Clinical Opportunities |
| Northern Virginia | Inova Health System, Virginia Hospital Center, Kaiser Permanente | Diverse populations, suburban practices, geriatric specialty services |
| Richmond Metro | VCU Health, Bon Secours, HCA Virginia | Academic medicine, urban health disparities, specialty geriatrics |
| Hampton Roads | Sentara Healthcare, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (adult services), Naval Medical Center Portsmouth | Military retirees, coastal communities, teaching hospitals |
| Central Virginia | University of Virginia Health (Charlottesville), Sentara RMH (Harrisonburg) | Academic medical center, Shenandoah Valley populations |
| Western Virginia | Carilion Clinic (Roanoke), LewisGale Medical Center (Salem) | Appalachian health, regional referral centers |
| Southwest Virginia | Ballad Health facilities, Johnston Memorial Hospital (Abingdon) | Rural healthcare, medically underserved communities |
Students complete rotations at diverse settings, including hospital medicine, outpatient primary care, long-term care facilities, palliative care programs, and Veterans Affairs facilities throughout Virginia. Programs typically assist with placement but often expect student participation, particularly for specialized settings or geographic preferences.
Admission Requirements
| Requirement | Typical Expectation |
| RN License | Current Virginia RN license (or compact state license) |
| Undergraduate Degree | BSN from accredited program, minimum 3.0 GPA |
| Nursing Experience | 1-2 years recommended; medical-surgical or critical care valued |
| GRE | Waived by most Virginia programs |
| References | 2-3 professional letters from supervisors or faculty |
| Personal Statement | Essay demonstrating commitment to adult-gerontology nursing |
| Interview | Many programs conduct virtual or in-person interviews |
Financial Investment
Program Costs
| Program Type | Estimated Total Cost |
| Public university MSN (Virginia residents) | $18,000 – $32,000 |
| Public university MSN (non-residents) | $38,000 – $62,000 |
| Private university MSN | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Public university DNP (Virginia residents) | $32,000 – $52,000 |
| Private university DNP | $62,000 – $92,000 |
| Post-master’s certificate | $20,000 – $40,000 |
Virginia residents attending UVA, VCU, Old Dominion, or other public institutions benefit significantly from in-state tuition.
Virginia APRN Licensure and Practice
Certification and Licensure Process
- Complete Virginia Board of Nursing-approved AGNP program
- Pass national certification (AGPCNP-BC or AGACNP-BC through AANPCB or ANCC)
- Apply for Virginia APRN licensure through Virginia Board of Nursing
- Establish practice agreement (see below)
Virginia Scope of Practice
Autonomous practice after meeting requirements: Virginia APRNs who complete 5 years of practice (or equivalent experience) can practice without a practice agreement, gaining full autonomy including independent prescriptive authority.
Initial practice agreement: New graduate AGNPs must maintain a practice agreement with a licensed physician for the first years of practice. This is collaborative rather than supervisory—physicians provide consultation as needed but don’t oversee daily practice.
Full prescriptive authority: Virginia AGNPs prescribe all medications including Schedule II-V controlled substances. After meeting experience requirements, this authority becomes completely independent.
This progressive framework means Virginia AGNPs initially practice with physician backup but transition to complete autonomy, balancing new graduate support with recognition of advanced practice capabilities.
Career Opportunities in Virginia
Virginia’s aging population and provider shortages create strong demand for AGNPs.
Employment settings: Primary care practices throughout Northern Virginia suburbs and growing metro areas, hospital medicine programs at VCU Health and University of Virginia Health, geriatric specialty practices at Sentara and Inova systems, long-term care facilities statewide, hospice and palliative care programs, Veterans Affairs facilities in Hampton, Richmond, and Salem, and community health centers addressing health equity.
Salary expectations:
- Northern Virginia: $105,000 – $130,000 annually
- Richmond Metro: $95,000 – $118,000 annually
- Hampton Roads: $95,000 – $120,000 annually
- Charlottesville/Roanoke: $90,000 – $115,000 annually
- Rural Virginia: $88,000 – $110,000 (plus loan repayment and bonuses)
Northern Virginia’s proximity to Washington, DC drives higher compensation. Rural areas offer lower base salaries but frequently include signing bonuses ($15,000-$30,000), relocation assistance, and generous loan repayment that can total $30,000-$50,000 over commitment periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Virginia AGNP programs require gerontology nursing experience for admission?
A: Most prefer but don’t require gerontology experience. Strong academic performance, professional references, and demonstrated interest in older adult care offset lack of specific background. Programs provide foundational gerontology content assuming diverse nursing backgrounds.
Q: How does Virginia’s practice agreement requirement affect new graduate AGNPs?
A: The practice agreement is consultative; physicians provide backup and guidance but don’t supervise daily practice or co-sign charts. Most Virginia employers help new AGNPs establish agreements. After gaining required experience, you practice completely independently. Many new graduates find the arrangement supportive rather than restrictive.
Q: Can I complete clinical hours in one Virginia region while attending a program based elsewhere in the state?
A: Yes. Most programs support students completing clinical rotations near their home location. Online and hybrid programs particularly accommodate this. However, verify the program’s clinical placement support in your region during admissions discussions.
Q: Will my Virginia AGNP license allow me to practice in neighboring states?
A: Virginia participates in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact for RN licensure but not for APRN licensure. You’ll need separate APRN licensure for Maryland, DC, West Virginia, North Carolina, or other states. Your national AGNP certification is recognized nationwide, simplifying out-of-state applications.
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