You can complete your AGPCNP in as few as 28 months and 100% online. Begin your coursework the semester after you enroll with six entry points per year (January, March, May, July, August, and October).
Delivering holistic care for adults from wellness to illness
Today’s healthcare providers are working to help overcome the unique challenges and circumstances faced by the modern aging population. Nurse practitioner leaders are needed now more than ever. Become one. Learn how to translate your desire to give holistic care into proactive, culturally sensitive, and ethical healthcare solutions for adult patients.
Each of our adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs is designed to help experienced nurses provide first-rate care for adults of varying ages.
100% online with no campus visits required
No GMAT, GRE, or Statistics required for admission
Complete clinicals locally in your preferred setting
No waiting list once you’re accepted
Four Online AGPCNP Programs
Enhance your nursing skill set by developing expertise in adult gerontology. This advanced degree program offers an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track designed to help active nurses excel and provide first-rate care for adults of varying ages.
Do you seek a clear path to the top of your profession? This program offers a direct path to a DNP career with the added advantage of specializing MSN clinical work in adult-gerontology. The online BSN to DNP program is designed so you can focus a portion of your coursework in adult-gerontology.
Do you already have your MSN degree and want to specialize your skills and knowledge in adult-gerontology? Our online post-master’s certificate in adult-gerontology is designed for nurses who seek increased autonomy and authority in their role.
Go from your MSN to your DNP with an AGPCNP concentration, and you can earn a terminal degree that helps bring you back into the clinical setting. You’ll earn your AGPCNP along with attaining your DNP, allowing you to practice at the highest level and lead interdisciplinary teams.
It’s a continuum of care and opportunity
The combination of an aging society, life-extending medical advances, and healthcare reform have contributed to creating the ideal environment for growth in adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) careers. Pursue this specialty and dedicate your skills to caring for a modern adult population with unique healthcare needs. It’s a gratifying career, knowing you are helping individuals progress through their entire adult life.
Did you know that U.S. News & World Report list nurse practitioners No. 1 on their 2024 list of the “100 Best Jobs?” Contributing factors include high average salaries and growing demand across specializations, including adult-gerontology primary care. The AGPCNP has a higher-than-average growth rate due to the increasing size of the adult patient population.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that people 65 years old and older comprise around 20% of the total U.S. population, creating an incredible demand for an AGPCNP’s services.
More than 80 million millennials are now adults, comprising the largest cohort population in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.
About 66 million people were enrolled in Medicare as of 2023 according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a number that stands to rise dramatically in the coming years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job openings for nurse practitioners are expected to increase by 45% between 2022 and 2032.
The average salary for nurse practitioners is $126,260, according to the BLS.
We’re a private, four-year institution ranked as one of America’s Best Colleges by both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. We’re also proud to have been named to the Military Friendly Schools List for the 6th consecutive year. When you choose us, you receive a highly flexible and highly regarded education with the added convenience of being delivered 100% online. Here are a few more reasons why we offer you the best path:
Streamline your time and talent to earn a post-master’s certificate.
Graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Enjoy a flexible and convenient 24/7 online learning model.
Explore important topics that can help pave the way to a better future for yourself and the nurses who follow in your footsteps.
Take the opportunity to conduct research via clinical inquiry courses that will challenge your assumptions.
Learn from an expert faculty of nursing leaders who openly share their experiences and insights regarding public health and the nursing profession.
Founded in 1872 — Top Ranked for Today
Proud to be recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Maryville University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Four curriculum models to pursue a rewarding career specialty.
Online MSN AGPCNP Concentration
Online Master of Science in Nursing — Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN AGPCNP)
The focus of this course is to critique, evaluate and apply appropriate theory within advanced nursing practice.
This course explores evidence-based practice as it relates to changing and improving current advanced nursing knowledge and application.
This course explores systems of health care delivery , finance and policies that guide the local, national and global level. The historical, philosophical and sociocultural aspects of health care policy are examined.
This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing and evaluating advanced nursing practice roles within the health care system. Legal and ethical contexts are included.
This course focuses on health screening, health promotion and disease prevention at the individual, regional and national level. This includes the exploration at the advanced nursing practice role to direct program planning, development, implementation and evaluation to improve healthcare outcomes.
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness across the lifespan.
This course explores focused and comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings and patients across the lifespan. This includes development of health promotion strategies and prioritization of care.
Prerequisite: Online - NURS 611, NURS 615
Corequisite: On Ground - NURS 615
This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens of illnesses for individuals across the lifespan. Also included are illness prevention, non-pharmacological and legal implications for prescriptive authority for the nurse practitioner.
Note: Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed.
This course will prepare the advance practice nurse for a leadership role on interprofessional teams that effectively implement patient safety and quality improvement initiatives. Budget and marketing principles will be explored.
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this first of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 621 or NURS 621C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice nurse and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 620
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this second of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621 or NURS 621C
Corequisite: NURS 624 or NURS 624C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice provider and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of adults with chronic and acute health problems in a primary care setting.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621
Corequisite: NURS 623
Online BSN to DNP AGPCNP Program Concentration
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — AGPCNP Concentration (BSN to DNP AGPCNP)
You can complete your program in as few as 36 months and 100% online. You can begin your coursework the semester after you are accepted, in spring, summer, or fall.
The focus of this course is to critique, evaluate and apply appropriate theory within advanced nursing practice.
This course explores evidence-based practice as it relates to changing and improving current advanced nursing knowledge and application.
This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing and evaluating advanced nursing practice roles within the health care system. Legal and ethical contexts are included.
This course focuses on health screening, health promotion and disease prevention at the individual, regional and national level. This includes the exploration at the advanced nursing practice role to direct program planning, development, implementation and evaluation to improve healthcare outcomes.
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness across the lifespan.
This course explores focused and comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings and patients across the lifespan. This includes development of health promotion strategies and prioritization of care.
Prerequisite: Online - NURS 611, NURS 615
Corequisite: On Ground - NURS 615
This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens of illnesses for individuals across the lifespan. Also included are illness prevention, non-pharmacological and legal implications for prescriptive authority for the nurse practitioner.
Note: Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed.
This course will prepare the advance practice nurse for a leadership role on interprofessional teams that effectively implement patient safety and quality improvement initiatives. Budget and marketing principles will be explored.
This course is designed to introduce students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will learn to evaluate and use output from statistical computing software.
Prerequisite: NURS 710
This course is designed to explore the phenomenon of interest related to the DNP scholarly project. Students will systematically develop a project protocol that is supported by the literature and submit it for department approval.
Course objectives:
- Develop a clinical question that guides the scholarly project.
- Read critically from professional nursing literature and other related disciplines to interpret, analyze and apply current research to improve practice.
- Apply a systematic approach to address clinical problems within healthcare organizations, including outcome measures and a sustainability plan to create meaningful changes in clinical outcomes.
- Develop a protocol and submit it to the DNP council for project approval.
- Develop the first chapter of the scholarly project that includes needed sections based on the selected DNP project format.
This course is designed to emphasize an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated to prepare students for the design of research proposals.
Prerequisite: NURS 700 and NURS 701
This course is designed to explore ethical principles for the highest level of nursing practice. Students will use evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature to analyze ethical issues in professional practice.
This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized.
This course will allow the students to design an evidence-based project that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this initiative will be explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students will apply the elements of protection of human subjects and complete the Maryville IRB.
Prerequisite: NURS 700, NURS 701, NURS 702, and NURS 703
This course is designed to expand the students knowledge of clinical project data collection and analysis of data. Students will apply integrated research concepts pertaining to the clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. Complete project data is needed prior to the start of this course.
Prerequisite: NURS 705 and NUS 705L
This course is designed to expand the students understanding of methods of dissemination in translational research. Variables that impact the analysis of data related to the scholarly project will be examined. Implications for patients, clinical practice and the healthcare systems will be explored and findings disseminated.
Prerequisite: NURS 706
This course is designed to allow students to analyze organizational, management and social science theories in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized.
This course is designed to present the student with knowledge of the American healthcare system. Economically and politically feasible/viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system’s delivery of health care will be explored. The student will analyze the policy making process in preparation to be effective advocates for health policy change.
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this first of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 621 or NURS 621C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice nurse and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 620
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this second of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621 or NURS 621C
Corequisite: NURS 624 or NURS 624C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice provider and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of adults with chronic and acute health problems in a primary care setting.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621
Corequisite: NURS 623
Online Post-Master's Certificate AGPCNP Concentration
Online Post-Master’s Certificate — Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN AGPCNPC)
You can complete your adult gerontology nurse practitioner certification in as few as 20 months and 100% online. You can begin your coursework the semester after you are accepted, with six entry points either in spring, summer, or fall.
This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing and evaluating advanced nursing practice roles within the health care system. Legal and ethical contexts are included.
This course focuses on health screening, health promotion and disease prevention at the individual, regional and national level. This includes the exploration at the advanced nursing practice role to direct program planning, development, implementation and evaluation to improve healthcare outcomes.
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness across the lifespan.
This course explores focused and comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings and patients across the lifespan. This includes development of health promotion strategies and prioritization of care.
Prerequisite: Online - NURS 611, NURS 615
Corequisite: On Ground - NURS 615
This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens of illnesses for individuals across the lifespan. Also included are illness prevention, non-pharmacological and legal implications for prescriptive authority for the nurse practitioner.
Note: Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed.
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this first of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 621 or NURS 621C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice nurse and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 620
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this second of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621 or NURS 621C
Corequisite: NURS 624 or NURS 624C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice provider and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of adults with chronic and acute health problems in a primary care setting.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621
Corequisite: NURS 623
Online DNP-NP Program AGPCNP Concentration
This course is designed to introduce students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will learn to evaluate and use output from statistical computing software.
Prerequisite: NURS 710
This course is designed to explore the phenomenon of interest related to the DNP scholarly project. Students will systematically develop a project protocol that is supported by the literature and submit it for department approval.
Course objectives:
- Develop a clinical question that guides the scholarly project.
- Read critically from professional nursing literature and other related disciplines to interpret, analyze and apply current research to improve practice.
- Apply a systematic approach to address clinical problems within healthcare organizations, including outcome measures and a sustainability plan to create meaningful changes in clinical outcomes.
- Develop a protocol and submit it to the DNP council for project approval.
- Develop the first chapter of the scholarly project that includes needed sections based on the selected DNP project format.
This course is designed to emphasize an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated to prepare students for the design of research proposals.
Prerequisite: NURS 700 and NURS 701
This course is designed to present the student with knowledge of the American healthcare system. Economically and politically feasible/viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system’s delivery of health care will be explored. The student will analyze the policy making process in preparation to be effective advocates for health policy change.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the measurement of phenomena as it relates to the research process. Procedures for selecting, applying, and interpreting the correct statistical application to a research problem will be presented with students processing the results.
Prerequisite: NURS 700
This course is designed to explore ethical principles for the highest level of nursing practice. Students will use evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature to analyze ethical issues in professional practice.
This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized.
This course will allow the students to design an evidence-based project that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this initiative will be explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students will apply the elements of protection of human subjects and complete the Maryville IRB.
Prerequisite: NURS 700, NURS 701, NURS 702, and NURS 703
This course is designed to expand the students knowledge of clinical project data collection and analysis of data. Students will apply integrated research concepts pertaining to the clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. Complete project data is needed prior to the start of this course.
Prerequisite: NURS 705 and NUS 705L
This course is designed to expand the students understanding of methods of dissemination in translational research. Variables that impact the analysis of data related to the scholarly project will be examined. Implications for patients, clinical practice and the healthcare systems will be explored and findings disseminated.
Prerequisite: NURS 706
This course is designed to allow students to analyze organizational, management and social science theories in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized.
This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing and evaluating advanced nursing practice roles within the health care system. Legal and ethical contexts are included.
This course focuses on health screening, health promotion and disease prevention at the individual, regional and national level. This includes the exploration at the advanced nursing practice role to direct program planning, development, implementation and evaluation to improve healthcare outcomes.
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness across the lifespan.
This course explores focused and comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings and patients across the lifespan. This includes development of health promotion strategies and prioritization of care.
Prerequisite: Online - NURS 611, NURS 615
Corequisite: On Ground - NURS 615
This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens of illnesses for individuals across the lifespan. Also included are illness prevention, non-pharmacological and legal implications for prescriptive authority for the nurse practitioner.
Note: Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed.
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this first of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 621 or NURS 621C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice nurse and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 620
This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this second of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621 or NURS 621C
Corequisite: NURS 624 or NURS 624C
This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice provider and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of adults with chronic and acute health problems in a primary care setting.
Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621
Corequisite: NURS 623
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which includes ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.
There are some things that can help you figure out the skills you need to achieve your goals
An AGPCNP, or adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, is a specialized nurse who provides primary care to adults and elderly patients. Their responsibilities include conducting routine checkups, diagnosing and treating common illnesses, managing chronic diseases, prescribing medication, and providing health education and counseling. They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive care.
The scope of practice for an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) generally includes the following:
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: AGPCNPs provide education and counseling to patients about healthy lifestyle choices and preventative care.
Diagnosis and Treatment: They are trained to diagnose and treat common health problems in adults and the elderly, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Prescribing Medication: Depending on the regulations of the region in which they practice, AGPCNPs may have the authority to prescribe medications.
Chronic Disease Management: They often manage the care of patients with chronic illnesses, adjusting treatment plans as necessary and coordinating with other healthcare providers.
Patient Advocacy: AGPCNPs often act as advocates for their patients, helping them navigate the healthcare system and understand their treatment options.
Research: Some AGPCNPs participate in research to improve patient care and advance the field of geriatric nursing.
Consultation and Collaboration: They often work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with doctors, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
End-of-Life Care: They may also provide palliative and end-of-life care, helping patients and their families make decisions about advanced care planning.
To become an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), you first need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
Next, gain clinical experience as an RN, which is usually required for admission into graduate programs. Then, pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from a program that offers an AGPCNP specialty track. This will involve completing supervised clinical hours working with adult and elderly patients.
After graduation, take the AGPCNP certification exam offered by organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Once certified, apply for state licensure to practice as an AGPCNP. Remember, requirements can vary by state.
Lastly, engage in continuing education throughout your career to maintain your certification and licensure.
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals. They may work in different departments such as geriatrics, internal medicine, cardiology, or any other department that provides care for adult and elderly patients. However, their specific duties can vary depending on the hospital's size, location, and specialty areas.
After you complete your MSN or DNP and become an AGPCNP, you can pursue board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). After meeting prerequisites, you can take the credentialing examination. Once you pass, you are awarded the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (AGPCNP-BC) credential, which is valid for five years.