Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Jersey
- 2026 Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Jersey
- Primary Care vs. Acute Care: Choosing Your AGNP Path
- MSN or DNP: Determining the Right AGNP Degree Level
- Evaluating Campus-Based and Online Program Options
- Clinical Training Opportunities in New Jersey’s Healthcare Landscape
- Key Selection Criteria for New Jersey AGNP Programs
- Career Opportunities for AGNPs in New Jersey
- New Jersey AGNP Licensure and Practice Authority
- Strategies for AGNP Program Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Latest Articles & Guides
New Jersey’s aging population and position as a healthcare hub create exceptional opportunities for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs). With the state’s 65+ population projected to reach 1.9 million by 2030, demand for advanced practice providers specializing in adult and geriatric care continues to surge across hospitals, primary care offices, and long-term care facilities throughout the Garden State.
This article will cover:
- How to choose between Primary Care and Acute Care AGNP specializations
- The advantages of MSN versus DNP preparation for New Jersey’s healthcare market
- Which New Jersey programs offer the strongest clinical placement partnerships
- Expected salary ranges and employment opportunities across the state’s diverse healthcare systems
- State-specific licensure requirements and scope of practice considerations
2026 Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Jersey
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ - Public 4-Year - wpunj.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
William Paterson University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) prepares healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive primary care for adults across their lifespan. This CCNE-accredited program offers a flexible pathway for working nurses to advance their careers in just 16 months. Students complete 39 credit hours and 510 clinical hours, learning advanced assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice skills. With a total tuition of $29,552.25, the program equips graduates to work in diverse healthcare settings like internal medicine offices, community clinics, and specialty centers.
- 100% Online Program
- 39 Credit Hours Total
- 510 Clinical Hours
- $29,552.25 Total Tuition
- 16-Month Completion Time
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Prepares for Certification Exam
- Experienced Nursing Faculty
- Multiple Healthcare Work Settings
- BSN Required for Admission
Master's - RN to MSN – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care - Online Learning - Visit Website
William Paterson University's RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers in primary care. Designed for working professionals, this 24-month online program combines flexibility with rigorous academic training. Students complete 57 credit hours and 660 clinical hours, transitioning seamlessly from RN to BSN to MSN. The total tuition of $30,351.75 represents an investment in advanced nursing practice, with a focus on adult and gerontological patient care across diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires an associate degree, unencumbered RN license, and minimum 2.5 GPA, making it accessible to experienced nurses seeking career growth.
- 100% Online Program
- Total Tuition: $30,351.75
- 24-Month Program Duration
- 57 Total Credit Hours
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Concentration
- Embedded BSN Curricula
- Prepares for Certification Exam
- Flexible Six Annual Start Dates
- 660 Clinical Practice Hours
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ - Private 4-year - shu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Seton Hall University's Master of Science in Nursing for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare across the adult lifespan. This 48-credit online program equips students with critical skills to assess, diagnose, and manage patient health in diverse clinical settings. With a 100% exam pass rate and opportunities spanning specialties like cardiology, neurology, and oncology, graduates are positioned for high-demand, well-compensated nursing careers. The program offers flexible learning, hands-on clinical experiences, and mentorship to develop confident, compassionate healthcare providers.
- 48-credit online MSN program
- 600 total clinical hours
- 100% AANPCB exam pass rate
- Flexible online coursework
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple healthcare specialties
- 3-4 year completion time
- No set class times
- Immersive clinical experiences
- Values-based curriculum
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Seton Hall University's Master of Science in Nursing program for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners offers a comprehensive 48-credit online pathway for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Graduates gain expertise in managing complex healthcare needs for adult and elderly populations across diverse clinical settings. The program boasts an impressive 95% certification exam pass rate and prepares students for high-demand roles in specialties like cardiology, oncology, and neurology. With flexible online coursework and hands-on clinical practicums totaling 675 hours, students develop advanced clinical skills while positioning themselves for lucrative career opportunities in a rapidly growing healthcare field.
- 48-credit online MSN program
- 675 total clinical hours
- 95% certification exam pass rate
- One year nursing experience required
- CCNE accredited program
- Practicum in multiple specialties
- Flexible online coursework
- Career opportunities in multiple settings
Saint Peter's University
Jersey City, NJ - Private 4-year - saintpeters.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Peter's University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, designed for registered nurses seeking to specialize. This program blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. With a focus on adult gerontology, students gain expertise in caring for patients from adolescence through old age. The program requires 39 credit hours and can be completed in as little as two years. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Graduates are well-prepared for certification and have high employment rates shortly after graduation.
- Online program format
- Adult Gerontology concentration
- 39 credit hours required
- Complete in 2 years
- 600 clinical practice hours
- CCNE accredited
- Small class sizes
- Personalized faculty mentorship
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Individual academic advising
Stockton University
Galloway, NJ - Public 4-Year - stockton.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Stockton University's Master of Science in Nursing offers a dynamic Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for ambitious registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This hybrid program prepares professionals to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care across adult and geriatric populations. Students complete 46 credits with flexible 24 or 33-month options, featuring extensive clinical training with 750 supervised hours. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, health promotion, and advanced practice skills, positioning graduates for national certification and leadership roles in complex healthcare environments.
- 46-credit MSN program
- Hybrid online/campus delivery
- 750 clinical practice hours
- 24 or 33-month options
- No GRE required
- National certification preparation
- Advanced practice focus
- Evidence-based curriculum
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ - Private 4-year - rider.edu
Master's - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Rider University's Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) empowers working nurses to advance their careers through a flexible, part-time program. Designed for healthcare professionals seeking career autonomy, the program offers specialized concentrations in adult-gerontology primary care, with opportunities to develop advanced clinical expertise. Students enjoy 100% online coursework with a single in-person residency, preparing for high-demand roles with projected job growth of 52% by 2030. The curriculum includes comprehensive clinical training, with 750 clinical hours across specializations, and prepares graduates to sit for national certification exams.
- 100% online with flexible schedule
- Three concentration options
- 750 clinical hours required
- Part-time program design
- CCNE accredited program
- Preparation for certification exams
- Faculty-coordinated clinical placements
Felician University
Lodi, NJ - Private 4-year - felician.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care
Online Learning - Visit Website
Felician University's Master of Science in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care for adults from adolescence through elderly stages. This fully online program develops autonomous healthcare professionals who can manage acute and chronic conditions across diverse populations. Students complete 37 credits in approximately three years, including 585 clinical practice hours. Graduates become eligible for national certification and advanced practice nursing licensure, positioning themselves for leadership roles in healthcare teams.
- Fully online program
- 37-credit curriculum
- 585 clinical practice hours
- National certification eligible
- Advanced practice nursing focus
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ - Public 4-Year - rowan.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rowan University's Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) prepares registered nurses to provide advanced care for critically and chronically ill adult patients. This hybrid program combines online coursework with face-to-face and clinical experiences, requiring students to have two years of acute care experience. Designed for working professionals, the part-time format allows nurses to enhance their skills while maintaining employment. Graduates complete 750 clinical hours and are positioned to sit for concentration certification exams, opening career opportunities in complex healthcare settings.
- Hybrid part-time nursing program
- 750 total clinical hours
- Requires 2+ years acute care experience
- 44-53 semester hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Professional RN license mandatory
- 15-18 total courses
- Current CPR certification
- Professional malpractice insurance
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, NJ - Private 4-year - fdu.edu
Master's - Nurse Practitioner MSN
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairleigh Dickinson University's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adult and geriatric populations. This rigorous 43-credit hybrid program equips students with advanced clinical skills for diagnosing and managing complex health conditions. Students complete 750 clinical hours, gaining hands-on experience across acute and chronic care settings. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, graduates become eligible for national certification examinations, positioning them for dynamic healthcare roles. Admission requires a 2.8 GPA, RN licensure, and a bachelor's degree, with competitive candidates demonstrating substantial healthcare experience.
- 43 total program credits
- 750 direct care clinical hours
- Hybrid program format
- Multiple start dates available
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- National certification preparation
- RN licensure required
- 2.8 minimum GPA
- Synchronous online classes
- Part-time study option
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, NJ - Public 4-Year - newark.rutgers.edu
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers School of Nursing's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a comprehensive pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Students gain expertise in holistic patient care, focusing on adolescents, adults, and older adults across diverse healthcare settings. The rigorous 69-credit program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health promotion, and preventive care. Graduates become eligible for national certification and can work in primary care clinics, home care, private practices, and long-term care facilities, with a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
- 69 total credit program
- 4-5 year study plans
- Holistic patient care approach
- Certification preparation
- Multiple healthcare settings
- Interprofessional collaboration focus
- Health promotion emphasis
- Preventive care training
Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers' Post-Baccalaureate DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver critical care for complex health conditions. Designed for nurses seeking specialized expertise, the comprehensive 75-credit program offers flexible 4-5 year study plans. Graduates become skilled practitioners capable of performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, with eligibility for national board certification. The hybrid format enables working professionals to advance their clinical capabilities while maintaining career commitments.
- 75 total program credits
- 4-5 year study plans
- Hybrid program format
- National certification eligible
- Advanced acute care focus
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Madison, NJ - Private 4-year - fdu.edu
Master's - Nurse Practitioner MSN
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care - Online Learning - Visit Website
Fairleigh Dickinson University's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. This rigorous online program prepares students to provide exceptional healthcare for adult and geriatric populations through intensive clinical training. Graduates complete 750 clinical hours and 43 total credits, positioning them for advanced practice certification. The curriculum blends advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and specialized gerontological coursework. Admission requires a 2.8 GPA, RN licensure, and a bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible start dates and synchronous learning experiences.
- Fully online program
- 750 direct care clinical hours
- 43 total graduate credits
- Part-time pace
- Rolling admissions
- Advanced practice certification eligible
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
- Requires RN and BS degree
- Multiple start dates available
- Specialized adult gerontology focus
Primary Care vs. Acute Care: Choosing Your AGNP Path
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs include two distinct specialty pathways, each preparing you for different practice environments.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) programs train you to manage health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic illness management in outpatient settings. You’ll care for patients from young adulthood through end-of-life, conducting wellness exams, managing diabetes and hypertension, and coordinating care for complex medical conditions.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) programs prepare you for hospital-based practice in intensive care units, emergency departments, surgical services, and specialty inpatient units. This certification focuses on managing acutely ill and critically unstable patients requiring rapid assessment and intervention.
Your clinical interests should guide this decision. If you envision building long-term relationships with patients in primary care practices or senior living communities, pursue AGPCNP. If you’re drawn to fast-paced hospital environments managing post-surgical patients or critical illnesses, AGACNP aligns better with your goals.
MSN or DNP: Determining the Right AGNP Degree Level
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
MSN programs typically require 18-24 months of full-time study and focus exclusively on advanced clinical competencies. These programs efficiently prepare you for national certification and immediate entry into practice.
Best suited for nurses who:
- Want to transition quickly into advanced practice roles
- Plan to work primarily in direct patient care
- Seek the most cost-effective pathway to AGNP certification
- Have no immediate interest in healthcare administration or policy
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
DNP programs extend 3-4 years (full-time) and incorporate advanced coursework in healthcare systems, quality improvement, evidence-based practice translation, and organizational leadership. New Jersey’s major health systems, including RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and AtlantiCare, increasingly recruit DNP-prepared providers for leadership tracks and specialty positions.
Best suited for nurses who:
- Aspire to clinical leadership or administrative roles
- Want to influence healthcare policy and system-level change
- Plan to teach in academic settings
- Seek the terminal degree in nursing practice
Post-BSN DNP programs also exist, combining master’s and doctoral preparation into a single degree pathway, though these require significant time commitment.
Evaluating Campus-Based and Online Program Options
Campus Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey’s compact geography means campus-based programs offer accessibility without extensive commutes. Universities in Newark, New Brunswick, Jersey City, and South Orange provide on-site learning with immediate access to faculty and simulation facilities.
Campus programs excel at:
- Providing hands-on skills training in advanced simulation labs
- Facilitating spontaneous faculty consultation and peer collaboration
- Offering structured networking with New Jersey healthcare professionals
- Creating cohort experiences that build lasting professional relationships
Online and Hybrid Programs
Online AGNP programs deliver theoretical content virtually while requiring in-person clinical experiences. This format suits working nurses, particularly those in South Jersey or northwestern counties distant from major universities.
Key considerations for online learners:
- Flexibility to maintain full-time or part-time employment during coursework
- Reduced campus commuting, especially valuable given New Jersey’s traffic congestion
- Self-discipline required for asynchronous learning
- Potential challenges securing clinical placements without institutional support
Critical point: Regardless of format, all AGNP programs mandate 500-750 supervised clinical hours. Proximity to quality clinical sites should heavily influence your program selection.
Clinical Training Opportunities in New Jersey’s Healthcare Landscape
New Jersey’s healthcare infrastructure provides diverse clinical training environments spanning urban academic medical centers, suburban practices, and underserved communities.
Major Healthcare Systems Hosting AGNP Students
Northern New Jersey:
- Hackensack University Medical Center – Level I trauma center with opportunities in cardiology, pulmonology, and geriatric medicine
- Morristown Medical Center (Atlantic Health System) – Robust primary care network and specialty services
- Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center – Teaching hospital with AGNP students in hospitalist services
Central New Jersey:
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – Academic medical center affiliated with Rutgers, offering acute care rotations in ICU and step-down units
- CentraState Medical Center – Community hospital with strong primary care affiliations
- Capital Health – Serving Trenton and surrounding areas with primary and acute care opportunities
Southern New Jersey:
- Cooper University Hospital – Camden-based teaching hospital with inner-city patient populations
- Virtua Health System – Extensive primary care network throughout South Jersey
- AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center – Atlantic City’s major healthcare provider with diverse patient demographics
Learn more about nurse practitioner schools in New Jersey.
Specialized Clinical Settings
New Jersey’s demographics create unique training opportunities. The state’s large senior population means robust experiences in geriatric assessment, dementia care, and palliative services. Meanwhile, densely populated urban areas like Newark, Camden, and Paterson expose students to diverse populations with complex social determinants of health.
Key Selection Criteria for New Jersey AGNP Programs
Accreditation Status
Verify your program holds Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation. This ensures certification exam eligibility and future employment opportunities.
Clinical Placement Support
Programs differ significantly in clinical coordination services. Some assign dedicated placement coordinators who leverage established healthcare partnerships. Others require students to independently secure preceptors—a challenging process in New Jersey’s competitive market.
Questions to ask admissions representatives:
- Does the program guarantee clinical placements?
- What percentage of students secure sites through university partnerships versus independent searches?
- Are clinical coordinators available throughout the placement process?
- Which healthcare systems have formal agreements with the program?
Certification Exam Performance
Review programs’ American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification pass rates. Strong programs consistently achieve 90%+ first-time pass rates.
Faculty Credentials and Practice
Faculty who maintain active clinical practice bring current insights into New Jersey’s healthcare environment, including the state’s regulations, reimbursement landscape, and emerging practice trends.
Career Opportunities for AGNPs in New Jersey
New Jersey’s healthcare sector offers AGNPs competitive compensation and diverse employment settings.
| Practice Setting | Salary Range* | Example Employers |
| Hospital Medicine (Acute Care) | $115,000 – $135,000 | RWJBarnabas, Hackensack Meridian, Cooper |
| Primary Care Practices | $105,000 – $125,000 | Private practices, CarePoint Health, Horizon PACE |
| Specialty Clinics | $110,000 – $140,000 | Cardiology groups, pulmonology, oncology practices |
| Long-Term Care/SNFs | $100,000 – $120,000 | Genesis HealthCare, Sunrise Senior Living |
| Federally Qualified Health Centers | $95,000 – $115,000 | Zufall Health, Eric B. Chandler Health Center |
| Urgent Care Centers | $110,000 – $130,000 | PM Pediatrics, CityMD, Patient First |
*Salaries reflect experience level, specialty, and geographic location within New Jersey
Geographic Demand Variations
Northern New Jersey, particularly Bergen and Essex counties, offers the highest concentration of opportunities and competitive salaries due to proximity to New York City healthcare markets. However, South Jersey and rural northwestern counties experience provider shortages, creating opportunities for AGNPs willing to serve these communities, often with loan repayment incentives.
New Jersey AGNP Licensure and Practice Authority
After program completion, you’ll pursue these credentials:
- National Certification: Pass either AANP or ANCC certification exam for your chosen specialty (AGPCNP or AGACNP)
- New Jersey APN License: Apply through the New Jersey Board of Nursing with proof of national certification
- Collaborative Practice Agreement: New Jersey requires written agreements with collaborating physicians, though APNs exercise significant autonomy in practice
- DEA Registration: Obtain federal prescriptive authority for controlled substances
- NPI Number: Secure your National Provider Identifier for billing purposes
New Jersey grants APNs independent prescriptive authority and does not require physician co-signatures on medical records, offering substantial clinical autonomy compared to more restrictive states.
Strategies for AGNP Program Success
Start Clinical Networking Immediately
Join the New Jersey State Nurses Association and the Advanced Practice Nurses of New Jersey during your first semester. Attend conferences and chapter meetings to connect with potential preceptors before your clinical courses begin.
Gain Experience in Your Target Specialty
If possible, work as an RN in your desired practice area (primary care, ICU, medical-surgical) before or during your program. This experience provides invaluable context for advanced coursework and makes you a stronger candidate for competitive clinical placements.
Understand New Jersey’s Healthcare Landscape
Familiarize yourself with the state’s major insurers (Horizon BCBS, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), patient assistance programs, and social services. New Jersey’s diverse socioeconomic landscape means you’ll serve patients ranging from affluent suburban residents to uninsured urban populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does New Jersey offer loan forgiveness programs for nurse practitioners?
A: Yes. The New Jersey Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program provides loan repayment up to $120,000 for APNs committing to practice in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. Counties including Cumberland, Salem, and parts of Atlantic qualify. Additionally, working in Federally Qualified Health Centers may qualify you for the federal NHSC Loan Repayment Program.
Q: Can I precept AGNP students in New Jersey without additional certification?
A: New Jersey requires preceptors to hold national certification in their specialty area and maintain an active NJ APN license. Many healthcare systems provide preceptor training and compensation for supervising students. Serving as a preceptor offers professional development opportunities and potential adjunct faculty appointments.
Q: How does New Jersey’s collaborative practice requirement work in reality?
While New Jersey law mandates physician collaboration agreements, in practice, experienced AGNPs often work with significant independence. The collaborating physician doesn’t need to be on-site, and many agreements involve periodic chart review rather than direct supervision. Urban practices and large health systems typically facilitate these arrangements more easily than small private practices.
Q: Are there specific populations I should prepare to serve in New Jersey?
A: New Jersey’s diversity means cultural competency is essential. You’ll encounter large Latino populations (particularly in Hudson and Passaic counties), significant South Asian communities (Middlesex County), and Orthodox Jewish populations (Lakewood, Teaneck). Spanish language skills are highly valuable and may increase employment opportunities, particularly in primary care. Additionally, understanding Medicare and Medicaid programs is crucial given New Jersey’s substantial senior population.
Q: What’s the job market outlook for AGNPs in New Jersey compared to other specialties?
A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 45% growth for nurse practitioners through 2031, with adult-gerontology specialties experiencing particularly strong demand due to aging populations. New Jersey’s physician shortage, especially in primary care, creates robust opportunities. However, competition exists in desirable suburban locations. New graduates often find their first positions more readily in acute care hospital settings or underserved areas before transitioning to competitive primary care practices.
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