Georgia’s Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs

Emory University's MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, ranked #1 nationally for master's nursing programs, equips RNs for advanced primary care roles focused on chronic disease prevention and management across the adult lifespan. Delivered in a hybrid format, the curriculum pairs online coursework with in-person intensives, accommodating working professionals. Students complete over 750 supervised clinical hours across hospitals, community health centers, VA facilities, and specialty settings, supported by Emory's cutting-edge simulation center. Applicants must hold a BSN, one year of RN experience, and an unencumbered Georgia RN license. No GRE is explicitly noted; a $50 application fee applies. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP national certification and can pursue careers as nurse practitioners, clinical researchers, consultants, or educators. Full-time completion spans 4 semesters, with part-time and fall or spring start options available.

• 4-Semester program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/spring
• 750 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• $50 application fee
• Prepares for ANCC Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner exam
• Military benefits accepted
• Distance-based online with in-person intensives
• Prepared for ANCC or AANP certification

Ranked #1 in the nation for the fourth consecutive year, Emory University's MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers specialized training for high-acuity environments, preparing graduates to manage acutely and chronically ill adult patients in critical care, trauma, surgical, and inpatient specialty settings. The hybrid model integrates online coursework with in-person intensives, with clinical training exceeding 700 hours at partner sites including hospitals, VA clinics, and community centers. Full-time students complete the program in 4 semesters; part-time tracks run 6–7 semesters depending on start term. Applicants must have at least one year of acute or critical care RN experience. The program is directed by Dr. Heather Meissen, DNP, ACNP, FCCM, FAANP, and carries a $50 application fee.

• 4-Semester program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/spring
• 700 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• $50 application fee
• Hybrid: online courses with in-person intensives
• Requires 1 year acute/critical care RN experience
• Prepares for careers in critical care, trauma, surgery
• Clinical partners include VA, hospitals, community centers

Emory University's Post-BSN DNP with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP concentration develops BSN-prepared nurses into doctoral-level clinical leaders skilled in managing complex adult and geriatric patients across ICUs, hospitals, and specialty clinics. The curriculum integrates advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, systems leadership, and quality improvement. Notably, no entrance exam is required for admission. The hybrid program blends online learning with intensive on-site sessions in Atlanta, with full- and part-time tracks enabling completion in as few as 2.5 years. Tuition is approximately $1,936 per credit, and over 92% of students receive financial assistance, including scholarships. Applicants must submit a $50 fee and at least three letters of recommendation, along with documented clinical experience.

• 7 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• $1,936 per credit
• Complete in Earn your DNP in 2.5 years
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• $50 application fee
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Georgia Southern University's online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a post-MSN program tailored for APRNs seeking to expand their acute care competencies. Requiring just 19 credit hours, the program can be completed in three semesters through flexible asynchronous coursework, with some live sessions included. Applicants must hold a master's degree, APRN certification, a Georgia RN license, and at least one year of RN experience, including critical care. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Clinical placements are limited to Georgia or South Carolina. No GRE or MAT is required. CCNE accredited with a March 1 application deadline for fall cohort entry.

• Online program format.
• 19 credit hours required.
• Completion in three semesters.
• Post-MSN certificate program.
• Requires APRN certification.
• Master's degree prerequisite.
• 3.0 minimum GPA needed.
• Clinicals in Georgia or South Carolina.
• Personalized gap analysis.
• Asynchronous coursework available.

Designed for working APRNs, Georgia Southern University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner focuses on adult and geriatric primary care practice. The 19-credit-hour curriculum is delivered asynchronously with some required live sessions, offering flexibility without sacrificing rigor. Admission requires an MSN, a 3.0 GPA, current APRN certification, and Georgia RN licensure. Notably, no GRE or MAT is required for admission. Clinical experiences are arranged in Georgia or South Carolina, with students responsible for securing their own preceptors. A statistics course and health assessment are among the prerequisites. The program prepares graduates for national certification and carries CCNE accreditation.

• 19 credit hours to completion.
• Online program format.
• Fall entry cohort.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 minimum GPA required.
• APRN certification needed.
• Georgia RN licensure required.
• Clinicals in GA or SC.
• Prepares for national certification.
• $50 application fee.

Georgia Southern University's hybrid BSN-to-DNP program features an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track spanning 80 credit hours. Combining asynchronous online learning with live sessions, the curriculum addresses health policy, evidence-based practice, informatics, and clinical research, culminating in a clinical scholarship project. The program specifically emphasizes serving rural and underserved adult populations. Applicants must submit GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a $50 application fee, with fall being the sole entry point. A gap analysis personalizes each student's plan of study. CCNE-accredited, the program prepares graduates for national NP certification and advanced roles including clinical director and healthcare executive positions.

• CCNE accredited
• 4 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE
• 80 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required

Georgia Southern University's hybrid BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track equips RNs with advanced skills to manage acutely and critically ill adult patients. The 80-credit program includes an MSN exit option at 43 credits and blends asynchronous coursework with required live sessions. Core content spans ethical leadership, health informatics, evidence-based practice, and health policy. One year of critical care experience is a prerequisite for admission, along with GRE scores, three recommendation letters, and a $50 application fee. Clinical placements are arranged in Georgia and South Carolina. A personalized gap analysis guides each student's curriculum. CCNE accredited, with a single fall cohort starting each year.

• CCNE accredited
• 4 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE
• 80 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required

Georgia Southern University's Post-BSN to DNP with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration is an 80-credit hybrid program preparing nurses to deliver primary care to adults and older adults across diverse and underserved settings. The curriculum integrates advanced nursing science, health policy, ethical leadership, evidence-based practice, and health informatics, concluding with a clinical scholarship project. An MSN exit option is available after completing the required credits. Admission requires GRE scores, a BSN, one year of clinical experience, three letters of recommendation, and a $50 application fee, with enrollment beginning each fall. Graduates are eligible for AGPCNP certification and careers as nurse practitioners, clinical directors, or health policy advisors. CCNE accredited.

• CCNE accredited
• 4 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE
• 80 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• Cohort-based structure
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)

Mercer University's MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track, housed within the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing at the Atlanta campus, offers a blended format combining synchronous online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations. The program spans 17 to 28 months with full-time and part-time options and three annual start terms. Students accumulate 780 clinical hours, with faculty-assisted placement support available. The curriculum spans disease prevention through critical care management, and graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC AGACNP certification exam. No GRE requirement is explicitly promoted; prospective students should confirm current admission requirements directly with the university.

• Complete in 17-28 months
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer/fall
• 780 clinical hours
• Prepares for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification examination
• Blended online and in-person format
• Faculty-assisted clinical placements
• Atlanta campus location
• Part of Georgia Baptist College of Nursing

Mercer University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is designed for experienced APRNs seeking to deepen their acute care expertise. Built upon an accredited MSN degree, this campus-based program requires applicants to hold an active Georgia APRN license and submit three professional references, a resume highlighting APRN experience, a professional goals statement, and official transcripts, along with a $50 application fee. The curriculum targets complex patient management for adult and older adult populations, making it a strong pathway for nurses advancing into hospital and critical care environments. An interview with the graduate dean is also part of the admissions process.

• Post-Master's Certificate program.
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care focus.
• Campus-based learning format.
• Requires accredited MSN degree.
• APRN license in Georgia needed.
• Three professional references required.
• Interview with graduate dean.
• $50 application fee.
• Official transcripts submission.
• Resume/CV with APRN experience.

Mercer University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is tailored for MSN-prepared nurses looking to specialize in primary care for aging populations. Delivered at Mercer's Georgia campuses, the program focuses on care across the adult lifespan and prepares graduates for the AGPCNP certification. Admission requirements include an accredited MSN, an active Georgia APRN license, three professional references, a cover letter detailing professional goals, official transcripts, a resume or CV, and a $50 non-refundable application fee. An interview with the Associate Dean is also required. Curriculum plans are accessible online through the College of Nursing.

• Post-graduate certificate program.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
• Requires MSN from accredited program.
• APRN license in Georgia needed.
• Submit three professional references.
• Cover letter with goals required.
• $50 nonrefundable application fee.
• Official transcripts submission.
• Resume or CV required.
• Interview with Associate Dean.

Mercer University's BSN to DNP program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization is a hybrid offering through the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, combining synchronous online instruction with in-person sessions at the Atlanta campus. Designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses, the program advances clinical skills in health assessment, chronic disease management, and evidence-based leadership for adult and older adult primary care populations. Graduates qualify to sit for the AGPCNP certification exam through either the ANCC or AANPCB. Four DNP specialty tracks are available, allowing nurses to align the degree with their career goals. Applicants should verify entrance exam requirements directly with Mercer.

• 4 concentration options
• Synchronous online classes
• Prepares for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification examination
• Certification preparation: ANCC or AANPCB
• Four BSN to DNP specialty tracks
• Hybrid format with on-campus sessions

Mercer University's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration is built for MSN-credentialed APRNs pursuing the highest level of clinical leadership. At 58 total credit hours, the full-time program incorporates 540 clinical practicum hours at a 1:4 credit-to-clinical hour ratio, alongside a DNP scholarly project. Core coursework spans health policy, nursing informatics, organizational leadership, and evidence-based practice, all centered on acute care for adult-gerontology patients. Graduates are eligible for AGACNP certification through ANCC or AACN. Current APRN certification is accepted as part of the admissions profile; entrance exam requirements should be confirmed with the university.

• 58 total credit hours
• 540 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for ANCC and AACN
• Designed for MSN-prepared nurses
• Accepts current APRN certification
• Prepares for AGACNP certification
• Credit to clinical hour ratio 1:4
• Curriculum includes health policy
• Includes informatics course

• Prepares for AGACNP certification exam
• Eligible for ANCC or AACN certification
• DNP project and immersion required
• 1,020 total practice hours

Middle Georgia State University's ACEN-accredited Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration equips BSN-prepared RNs to manage complex adult and geriatric patients in acute care environments. Spanning 45 credit hours across five consecutive semesters, the curriculum is predominantly online, supplemented by two on-campus immersion days per semester. Students accumulate 855 clinical hours at approved Georgia facilities. Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, at least one year of RN experience, an unrestricted Georgia RN license, three professional recommendations, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts. No GRE requirement is specified. Graduates are eligible to sit for AGACNP certification exams.

• 45 credit hours.
• Five consecutive semesters.
• Online courses.
• Two on-campus immersion days.
• 855 clinical practice hours.
• ACEN-accredited program.
• Prepares for AGACNP certification.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA needed.
• One year RN experience.

Middle Georgia State University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a 24-credit-hour program tailored for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses already certified in other specialties. Delivered entirely online with a hybrid format that incorporates practical clinical components, the program prepares APRNs for AGACNP certification and launches its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025. Applicants must hold an active Georgia nursing license with APRN certification and submit official transcripts, one recommendation letter, and an updated resume to the Graduate School. No GRE or other entrance exam is mentioned as a requirement. Ideal for working nurses seeking acute care specialization with adult and gerontology populations.

• Post-Master's Certificate program.
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care focus.
• 24 credit hours required.
• Fully online course instruction.
• Hybrid program type.
• Starts Fall 2025.
• For APRNs with other certifications.
• Prepares for AGACNP certification.
• Three required courses.
• Courses include clinical components.

South University–Savannah offers an online MSN with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, designed to equip registered nurses with advanced competencies in diagnosing, managing, and preventing health conditions in adult and elderly populations. The curriculum aligns with NONPF competencies and emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, and care for vulnerable patient groups. Students must complete required clinical practicum hours alongside virtual instruction, providing real-world experience. The program holds CCNE accreditation and SACSCOC regional accreditation. No GRE is prominently required, though a nursing background is necessary for admission. Graduates are eligible to sit for national NP certification upon completion.

• Online program format.
• Focus on elderly care.
• National certification eligible.
• CCNE accreditation.
• Clinical practicum required.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Advanced leadership skills.
• Critical thinking development.
• Communication skills training.
• Prevents common health problems.