Best Online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs

Bridge, Accelerated, and Alternative Pathways

As mentioned, there are alternative ways for nurses to fast-track their journey to AG nurse practitioner licensure. If you don’t have a BSN already, you may be able to leverage your RN licensure and nursing experience to achieve your nursing graduate degree in a shorter amount of time and for less money. If you have an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), this will qualify you for most bridge programs. Here are a few examples of nursing bridge programs:

• RN to NP
• RN to MSN
• BSN to DNP
• Accelerated MSN
• Master's Entry to Nursing Practice
• Post-Master’s Certificate

Learn more about Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Fast & Affordable AGNP Programs

Going back to school is a big investment, and it’s not unusual for nurses who are already working a full-time schedule on a limited salary to have few options when it comes to cheap and quick graduate school options. However, this doesn’t mean that students will have zero options; there are dozens of nursing programs that are sure to have a tuition and graduation timeline that meets most student’s budgets and schedule.

How to Complete an AGNP Program Quickly

Completing an MSN or DNP-level Adult Gerontology NP program can eat up a lot of spare time, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose between your sanity and your future. If you're interested in finishing your degree as fast as possible, you can consider several methods.

1. Opting for a full-time program will save you time over a part-time option.
2. Online programs can often be completed more quickly than their on-campus counterparts.
3. MSN AGNP programs typically take 2 years to complete, much shorter than 3-4 year DNP programs.

A few examples of quick AGNP programs include:

AGNP Programs with Affordable Tuition

It’s no secret that going back to school can eat away at your savings, but even the most thrifty students can be sure to find a nurse practitioner program that fits their budget. Establishing residency in the school’s state or looking for schools within more affordable communities are just a few ways your can mitigate high tuition costs. Here are some additional tips:

1. Location – Urban and high-cost living areas will naturally command higher tuition rates.
2. Private vs. Public Schools – Private schools often have higher tuition and fees than public schools.
3. Degree Level – MSN-level AGNP programs are often shorter and cheaper than DNP options.

Here are a few of the most affordable AGNP programs available:

AGNP Curriculum

The curriculum of an adult gerontology nurse practitioner program is designed to prepare nurses to provide comprehensive care for adults and older adults across the lifespan. Coursework typically covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to build a strong foundation in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions. In addition to clinical skills, AGNP programs often include studies in geriatric care, health promotion, and disease prevention, allowing practitioners to address the unique needs of aging populations. Clinical practicum experiences are integrated to develop hands-on expertise in a variety of healthcare settings.

Typical Classes/Courses

Below is a bullet-point list of common courses found in AGNP programs at both the MSN and DNP levels:

• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment
• Primary Care of Adults
• Primary Care of Older Adults
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Program Clinical Requirements

Both MSN and DNP Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) programs involve significant clinical practice hours to build expertise. Required clinical hours generally range from 500 to over 1,000, depending on the degree pathway. Students should review their program's curriculum for the specific number of direct-care clinical hours required.

MSN: For MSN-level AGNP students, clinical training typically involves around 500-600 hours, concentrating on patient care in primary care environments like outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.

DNP: In DNP AGNP programs, clinical requirements often exceed 1,000 hours, allowing for additional experience in advanced clinical responsibilities, leadership roles, and project-based work aimed at enhancing healthcare systems. DNP students frequently engage in a clinical residency and complete a capstone project, which highlights their proficiency in adult and geriatric care and their application of evidence-based practices.

These clinical hours are vital for developing the skills needed to care for adults across various healthcare settings, focusing on diagnostic skill, preventative care, and critical thinking in complex cases.

List of Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs

There are many AGNP programs available, including the following schools.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.