Online DNP-AGPCNP Program

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:

1. Develop a clinical question that guides the scholarly project.
2. Read critically from professional nursing literature and other related disciplines to interpret, analyze and apply current research to improve practice.
3. 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.
4. Develop a protocol and submit it to the DNP council for project approval.
5. 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 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 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 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

The care of adults experiencing acute, chronic, and complex health problems are studied in this course specifically for students in the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program. The course expands on current research-based interventions unique to adults of varying ages, from wellness to illness. Individual, family, group counseling, and education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary, and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.

Prerequisites: NURS 620, NURS 621, NURS 623, and NURS 624

Corequisite: NURS 627C

This course will cover the theoretical, clinical, and role components of care by an advanced practice nurse 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.

Prerequisites: NURS 620, NURS 621C, NURS 623, and NURS 624

Corequisite: NURS 626

Graduates of Maryville’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program are prepared for leadership in clinical, nonclinical, educational, and administrative roles, with AGPCNP coursework focusing on primary care for adults and aging populations.

This program is designed to help you learn to address the unique healthcare needs of adult and senior patients, equipping you to excel in settings like primary care and long-term care facilities. This program also prepares you for AGPCNP certification, so you can deliver advanced, patient-centered care with confidence.

For professionals with a DNP from a U.S. institution, the median salary was around $115,000 in 2025. This figure reflects self-reported data across various roles and settings, including patient care, administration, leadership, research, and education.

Clinical roles tend to be higher-paying. 2025 data from PayScale shows that the top adult-gerontology nurse practitioners earned an average salary of $128,000 or more.

Salaries vary based on factors like discipline, education level, years of experience, and location of practice.

Maryville’s online DNP programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring they meet rigorous educational standards. This accreditation reflects Maryville’s commitment to high-quality nursing education.

Maryville University is also regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which has recognized the university since 1941.

As the role of nursing expands, advanced education is becoming increasingly important. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents one of the highest credentials for nurses, offering opportunities to enhance patient care and develop specialized skills.

For those pursuing a career in adult-gerontology primary care, a DNP-AGPCNP program provides targeted preparation. It helps equip nurses with advanced expertise in managing the health of adults and older populations while also opening doors to leadership roles in areas like policy, education, research, and administration.

This degree not only strengthens your practice but also positions you for additional certifications in adult-gerontology care, further advancing your career in primary care.

Graduates of this program can pursue certifications such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC®).

Maryville’s NP graduates consistently exceed national averages on certification exam pass rates across multiple specialties.

For those not seeking NP certification, the standalone DNP is another option. This path allows you to graduate faster and prepares you for advanced nursing roles or related positions.

Deciding between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) depends on your career aspirations and interests.

A DNP is a terminal degree focused on leadership, administration, research, and advanced clinical practice, making it ideal for nurses aiming to lead or improve healthcare outcomes.

An MSN, however, is often better for registered nurses (RNs) making the transition to a nurse practitioner (NP) role or for NPs looking to specialize. While both programs share foundational content, DNPs offer advanced training and broader career prospects.

You don’t need an MSN to pursue a DNP. For BSN-prepared nurses, we offer a BSN to DNP pathway, allowing you to move straight into a DNP program on an accelerated timeline.

If you’re interested in exploring options other than your DNP-AGPCNP, we offer four additional concentrations to help you build your skills or focus your practice:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Family NP
• Pediatric NP
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP

You can choose to earn a DNP without a concentration as well. This lets you achieve your terminal degree faster, though it doesn’t provide preparation for NP certification.