Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois

Bradley University's online MSN with an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) track prepares nurses for advanced practice across the adult lifespan. The 47-credit curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and management of adolescents, adults, and older adults. Students complete 600 clinical hours in primary care settings, gaining hands-on experience with diverse populations. Graduates are eligible for AGPCNP certification through ANCC or AANP. Coursework also includes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and informatics, building skills for leadership in a changing healthcare landscape. The program is designed for working BSN-prepared nurses seeking to expand their scope of practice and impact patient outcomes in outpatient settings.

• 47 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 600 clinical hours
• Prepares for AGPCNP certification
• BSN from accredited program required
• Online format
• Comprehensive assessment required
• Focus on adolescents through geriatrics

Bradley University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (RN/MSN) with an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) concentration. This 56-semester hour program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles caring for acutely ill adults and geriatric patients. Admissions require an RN degree from an accredited program, a current nursing license, and a 3.0 nursing GPA. The curriculum includes 600 clinical hours in acute care settings. Graduates are eligible for AGACNP certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The program focuses on diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology, and management of acute conditions.

• 56-semester hour program
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Online delivery format
• 600 clinical hours required
• RN degree admission requirement
• Current nursing license needed
• 3.0 nursing GPA requirement
• Prepares for AGACNP certification
• Advanced Health Assessment course
• Advanced Pharmacology I course

Bradley University’s online RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track prepares registered nurses to become advanced practice providers caring for acutely and critically ill adults across the lifespan. The curriculum blends advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment with acute care management skills. Students learn to diagnose and manage complex conditions commonly seen in hospitals, intensive care units, and emergency departments. Clinical experiences are completed locally with preceptors you choose, allowing you to stay in your community while gaining hands-on training. The program is 100% online with no campus visits, making it ideal for working nurses. Graduates are prepared to sit for the ANCC certification exam and pursue roles such as acute care nurse practitioner in hospitals, specialty clinics, and critical care settings. With over 60 years of nursing education experience, Bradley combines academic rigor with the flexibility needed to advance your career without pausing it.

• 4 concentration options
• Prepares for ANCC
• 100% online with no residency
• Choose your own preceptors
• Complete clinicals locally
• Continue working while studying
• RN to MSN includes 9 undergraduate hours
• Over 60 years of NP education

Bradley University offers an online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate for MSN-prepared nurses. This program provides specialized training in acute care for diverse adult populations, focusing on health assessment, disease prevention, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Students can complete coursework 100% online in 1.3 to 2 years, preparing for ANCC or AACN certification exams. The program features flexible clinical hours with approved preceptors and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It's designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in acute care settings.

• 100% online program.
• Complete in 1.3-2 years.
• Four certificate options available.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Flexible clinical hour arrangements.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• For MSN-prepared nurses.
• Focus on acute care populations.
• Develops health assessment skills.
• Covers pathophysiology and pharmacology.

Bradley University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This program helps MSN-holding nurses specialize in primary care for adults and older adults. You'll learn to manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. The certificate prepares you for ANCC or AANPCB certification exams. Coursework is 100% online with flexible scheduling. You can graduate in as few as 1.3 to 2 years. The program features experienced faculty and clinical placement support.

• 100% online program
• Complete in 1.3-2 years
• Prepares for certification exams
• Focuses on chronic condition management
• For MSN-holding nurses
• Flexible clinical placements
• Experienced faculty clinicians
• Specialized primary care focus
• Adult-gerontology patient population
• CCNE accredited program

• 70 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1000 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for AGPCNP certification
• Preceptor-supervised clinical hours
• DNP project on system change
• Comprehensive assessment required
• Online BSN to DNP pathway
• Requires current nursing license

• 70 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1000 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for AGACNP specialty certification examination
• 600 clinical hours in acute care settings
• Comprehensive assessment required prior to graduation
• Evidence-based practice DNP project
• Graduates eligible for ANCC AGACNP certification
• BSN from accredited nursing program required

• 70 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1000 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for AGPCNP specialty certification examination
• Eligible for ANCC or AANP certification
• BSN-to-DNP pathway
• DNP project required
• 600 hours in acute care settings
• Comprehensive assessment required

• CCNE accredited
• 5 concentration options
• Flexible clinical hours with approved preceptors
• 100% online coursework
• Faculty of experienced clinicians

The MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) specialization at Lewis University prepares registered nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care to adolescents through older adults. You'll develop advanced skills in health promotion, patient education, diagnostics, and disease prevention across diverse settings. The curriculum integrates applied biostatistics, healthcare informatics, population health, and theoretical foundations for advanced practice. As a graduate, you'll be equipped to manage common acute and chronic conditions, order and interpret tests, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. The program offers flexibility with full-time or part-time pacing and courses available online or at the Oak Brook campus. CCNE-accredited, the program boasts a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and access to expert practitioner faculty. Financial support includes employer tuition discounts, membership savings, and the Frequent Flyer Scholarship for alumni. Students in this track may also qualify for the Nurse Faculty Loan Forgiveness program. Career outcomes include roles in community clinics, private practices, and health systems.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 7 concentration options
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Employer reimbursement supported
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Nurse Faculty Loan Forgiveness eligible

Lewis University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, designed for nurses seeking advanced specialization. This hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, preparing graduates to manage acute illnesses in settings like intensive care units. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and submission of transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Financial aid options include employer tuition assistance and alumni scholarships, making it accessible for working professionals. The curriculum focuses on acute care skills, enhancing career opportunities in healthcare.

• Hybrid program format.
• Post-master's certificate offered.
• Focuses on acute care.
• Prepares for intensive care settings.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• RN licensure needed.
• Transcripts required.
• Two recommendation letters.
• Essay submission needed.

Lewis University's Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study prepares you to provide routine medical care to adolescents and adults in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The program requires a completed application, current RN licensure in Illinois or your state, graduation from an accredited MSN program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a 500-word essay. Tuition is competitive, with financial aid options including employer assistance, a 20% alumni scholarship, and graduate assistantships. This campus-based program focuses on advancing your career in primary care nursing.

• Certificate of Advanced Study program.
• Prepares for routine medical care.
• Serves adolescents and adults.
• Settings include hospitals and clinics.
• Campus-based program in Illinois.
• Requires current RN licensure.
• Graduation from accredited MSN program.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Official transcripts needed.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Lewis University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares you to deliver comprehensive primary care to adolescents and adults across diverse settings. The curriculum blends rigorous online coursework with on-site immersion events, covering topics such as health promotion, diagnostics, disease prevention, and patient education. You'll develop advanced clinical judgment and systems thinking through courses in research design, healthcare ethics, policy, quality improvement, and financial management, culminating in a DNP Scholarly Project. With multiple entry points—BSN or MSN—you can tailor your path. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice, equipping you for roles in primary care clinics, community health centers, and private practices. Distinctive features include a supportive faculty with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, employer tuition discounts, and opportunities for loan forgiveness. Graduates are well-prepared to lead and innovate in primary care, championing health equity and transforming healthcare delivery.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 6 concentration options
• Complete in earn your degree in 4.5 years
• Full-time and part-time options
• $135,000 median earnings
• Average Salary DNP* $135K
• Capstone required
• Employer reimbursement supported
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Lewis University's BSN to DNP in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles in acute care settings. The 73-credit curriculum blends core DNP coursework with specialized AGACNP training, covering topics like health policy, informatics, pharmacotherapeutics, and acute care management. Students engage in immersive experiences, including two required DNP immersions and a final scholarly project, fostering leadership and evidence-based practice. Graduates are equipped to manage complex health conditions in adult and geriatric populations, pursuing careers as acute care nurse practitioners in hospitals, intensive care units, and specialty clinics. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and quality improvement, ensuring graduates are ready to transform healthcare delivery.

• 73 total credit hours
• Requires two DNP Immersions
• Final Scholarly Project Presentation

• 73 total credit hours
• Capstone required
• Two DNP immersions required
• DNP Residencies included

North Park University's online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares RNs to deliver primary care from adolescence through older adulthood. The curriculum covers health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic condition management through courses like Scientific Inquiry and Population-Based Care. After online coursework and an on-campus skills immersion, students complete 765 clinical hours in settings such as private practices and hospitals. Graduates achieve a 100% pass rate on the AGPCNP certification exam. The 32-month, 48-credit program offers flexible online learning with multiple start dates. Faculty bring expertise in geriatrics and neurology, ensuring a supportive educational experience.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• $44,400 total program tuition
• $925 per credit
• 32-Month program
• 48 total credit hours
• 19 total courses
• Apply by 2026-08-10
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)

North Park University offers an online Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. This 37-credit program costs $925 per credit and can be completed in 20-32 months. It prepares nurses to provide comprehensive primary care from adolescence through end-of-life, with 765 practicum hours and clinical placement support. Admissions require an MSN degree, Illinois RN license, 3.0 GPA, and specific prerequisites. The program is CCNE-accredited and features 100% online coursework with optional on-campus immersion opportunities.

• 37 credit hours
• $925 per credit
• 20-32 month completion
• 100% online coursework
• 765 practicum hours
• CCNE accredited
• Clinical placement support
• On-campus immersion opportunities
• 15 total courses
• Illinois residency required

Chamberlain University's online MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced roles in primary care. The program focuses on chronic disease management and wellness for adolescents, adults, and older adults. It offers 100% online coursework with practicum components and can be completed in as few as 2.5 years. Admission requires a BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and no GRE. Students benefit from dedicated practicum support, in-person immersion events, and board exam preparation. Tuition includes potential savings through grants and scholarships.

• 100% online coursework.
• Finish in 2.5 years.
• No GRE required.
• BSN and RN license needed.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Dedicated practicum support.
• In-person immersion events.
• Board exam preparation.
• 625 clinical practicum hours.
• Accredited by CCNE.

Chamberlain University's online Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to diagnose and treat acutely ill adults and older adults. This flexible program offers 100% online coursework with a practicum component, allowing students to balance work and personal commitments. You can finish in as few as three years with multiple start dates throughout the year. The curriculum includes five MSN core courses, four nurse practitioner core courses, and eight AGACNP specialization courses, totaling 750 clinical hours. Admission requires a BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and one year of RN experience. No GRE is required. Tuition varies, with potential savings through partnerships, military rates, and grants like the Commitment to Completion Grant™. The program is accredited by CCNE and includes dedicated practicum support, in-person immersion events, and board exam preparation.

• Finish in as few as 3 years.
• 100% online coursework with practicum.
• No GRE or entrance exams required.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Multiple start dates available.
• Flexible 24/7 online access.
• Requires BSN with 3.0 GPA.
• Active RN license needed.
• One year RN experience required.
• 750 total clinical hours.

Chamberlain University's RN-BSN to MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers without first completing a standalone BSN. Delivered fully online, the program prepares graduates to care for acutely and critically ill adult and older adult patients in high-acuity settings like ICUs, emergency departments, and specialty units. Students develop advanced assessment skills, diagnostic reasoning, and the ability to manage complex, multi-system conditions common in aging populations. The curriculum bridges foundational BSN-level content with graduate-level clinical training, so working nurses can build on real-world experience while earning their MSN. Graduates are positioned to practice as acute care nurse practitioners, collaborating with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to manage patients through illness, recovery, and transitions of care. This path suits experienced RNs who are ready to take on greater clinical responsibility and expand their scope of practice in hospital or specialty care environments.

• 9 concentration options
• Available fully online to Illinois residents
• RN-BSN to MSN pathway available
• Multiple MSN concentrations offered alongside AGACNP
• Graduate certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care also available
• Doctor of Nursing Practice also offered in Illinois

Chamberlain University's Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) is designed for nurses with a master's or doctoral degree seeking to specialize in acute care. This 100% online program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 6 semesters with full-time enrollment. The curriculum includes courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and acute care management, along with two on-ground immersion experiences and an intensive review session. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an active RN license. Financial aid options are available, including scholarships and grants.

• 36 credit hours required
• 100% online coursework
• 6 semesters full-time
• Two on-ground immersion weekends
• On-ground intensive review session
• Accredited by CCNE
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Active RN license required
• Master's degree prerequisite
• Financial aid available

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) DNP program at UIC is designed for working nurses seeking advanced clinical training. This part-time, hybrid program combines online, blended, and on-campus courses, allowing flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The curriculum covers primary care across the adult lifespan, from young adults to older adults, focusing on preventive, chronic, and acute care. Students complete 77 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours, with 675 hours in AGPCNP-specific settings. A standout feature is that faculty arrange all clinical placements, ensuring high-quality experiences in diverse settings like primary care clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies. Graduates are prepared for national certification, such as through ANCC, and pursue careers as primary care NPs in various healthcare environments. The program is available at four UIC campuses—Chicago, Quad Cities, Rockford, and Urbana—and emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and patient-centered care.

• 77 total credit hours
• Part-time available
• 1000 clinical hours
• Faculty arranges clinical placements
• Available at four Illinois campuses
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• BSN-to-DNP pathway

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This hybrid program boasts a 100% board certification pass rate among its 2022 graduates. Practicum sites and preceptors are arranged by faculty, ensuring hands-on clinical experience. Graduates are eligible for national certification through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The program also offers pathways for post-master's DNP and post-DNP certificate for those seeking advanced specialization. With a strong emphasis on acute care for adult and older adult populations, the curriculum prepares nurses for leadership roles in complex healthcare settings. The combination of online and on-campus learning provides flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

• 100% licensure pass rate
• Practicum sites arranged by faculty
• Post-master's DNP available
• Post-DNP certificate available