Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

Bravely move forward in your nursing career today

• Access coursework 100% online with no campus visits required.
• Apply with no GMAT, GRE, or statistics needed.
• Choose from five concentrations.
• Complete clinicals locally in your preferred setting.
• Get started quickly with no waiting list once you’re accepted.
• Choose the part-time or full-time option, and earn your MSN-AGPCNP degree in as few as 20 months.

Why choose the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP concentration?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career and work with adults and seniors, start with Maryville’s online MSN with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) concentration.

This concentration focuses on developing the essential skills to assess, educate, diagnose, and manage the care of adult patients throughout their lifespan in a primary care setting. This includes managing chronic conditions, promoting preventive care, and supporting overall health and wellness.

Through Maryville’s core NP coursework, you can develop a graduate-level understanding of advanced nursing practice across various settings and specializations, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in primary care.

Nurse leaders are shaping the future of healthcare

Maryville University proudly offers an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN specialization, so you can equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to provide high-level primary care for adults across the lifespan.

Develop leadership skills centered on compassion, preventive care, and evidence-based decision-making, and prepare to provide treatment and chronic illness management for adults as an NP — one of the fastest-growing and most rewarding careers in the U.S.

Benefits of online MSN degrees

Ready to expand your NP capabilities and open up opportunities to become a mentor, educator, researcher, or administrator?

Our accredited online MSN-AGPCNP gives you the flexibility to advance your nursing career on your time while continuing to work. Learn from experienced faculty and get the support you need to thrive.

An MSN from Maryville can give you the skills, confidence, and knowledge to take the next step in your nursing career.

Why choose one of Maryville’s online MSN programs?

• Enjoy convenient, flexible 24/7 online learning.
• Complete your AGPCPN in approximately two years.
• Gain practical knowledge and skills you can apply dynamically to your nursing practice.
• Learn hands-on, real-world skills from experienced faculty members who know how to succeed in nursing.
• Receive personalized, learner-focused support as you pursue your education.
• Study with a university that embraces the values of caring, collaboration, and excellence.

Pursue an MSN-AGPCNP that matches your NP career goals

Pursuing your AGPCNP master’s degree is the first step in defining the role you want to have as a nurse practitioner.

Our specialized program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), helps prepare you with advanced nursing skills and clinical expertise to meet the diverse needs of patients in primary care settings. Prepare to provide a better standard of care for your patients or pursue new opportunities in leadership, advocacy, research, or primary care innovation.

What can I expect from Maryville’s MSN-AGPCNP?

Explore advanced primary care diagnosis and management concepts while building the skills to become an AGPCNP in this 18-credit program.

• Choose part-time or full-time study options to fit your schedule.
• Learn crucial skills related to primary care and diagnosis, management, and treatment of chronic and complex health conditions.
• Study with experienced nurses who know what it takes to succeed as an AGPCNP.
• Get real-world education that prepares you for success in your NP practice.

Should I choose acute care or primary care?

Primary care nurses prioritize long-term patient care, building lasting relationships to manage chronic conditions, promote preventive health, and support overall well-being. This role is ideal for those who value continuity and a patient-centered approach.

Acute care nurses, on the other hand, thrive in fast-paced settings like hospitals or ERs, delivering immediate care to patients with severe or critical conditions.

What can you do with your online MSN degree?

This is your chance to invest in your future: Earning your MSN-AGPCNP could be the key to advancing your nursing career and enhancing your primary care practice.

The need for nurse practitioners in adult and gerontological primary care is growing rapidly due to healthcare reforms, an aging U.S. population, and the rise in chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. With your MSN, you can gain critical knowledge and skills to help you prepare for new primary care nursing opportunities.

How much can you earn with your online MSN degree?

• RNs who earn their MSN and become NPs make about $43,000 more than RNs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• The median salary for NPs was $126,260 in 2023, according to the BLS.
• Adult-gerontolog primary care NP is ranked among the 11 highest-paying nursing roles, according to Indeed.
• The ongoing shortage of NPs and primary care physicians means newly educated nurse practitioners have more opportunities than ever to make a difference, especially in underserved areas.

Careers for online MSN-AGPCNP graduates

AGPCNPs can pursue a variety of careers that give them the opportunity to treat adults and older patients and assist in disease prevention, health promotion, and management of chronic conditions. Some of these include the following.

• Clinical nurse leader
• Clinical research specialist
• Eating disorder nurse
• Forensic nurse
• Home health care nurse
• Infection control nurse
• Nurse manager
• Nursing supervisor
• Primary care nurse practitioner
• Rehabilitation nurse

MSN Career Settings

Adult-gerontology primary care NPs can work in various settings, providing care to adults throughout their lifespan. Common workplaces include the following.

• Hospitals and clinics
• Community health centers
• In-home care
• Long-term care facilities
• Nursing research facilities
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Retirement homes
• Telehealth clinics

Learn more on our careers page.

According to data compiled by Indeed, AGPCNP is among the 11 highest-paid nursing specialties.

As of 2025, the median salary for AGPCNP-educated nurses is about $108,000, according to data collected by PayScale. The top 10% of adult-gerontology NPs earn more than $128,000. Salaries may vary depending on factors like location, education, and years of experience.

Online MSN degrees job outlook

The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, which means countless opportunities may open for qualified nurses. Earning your MSN-AGPCNP can help you take the next step in your nursing career as you explore a booming job market.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for nurse practitioners will increase by a tremendous 46% between 2023 and 2033.
• The BLS projects strong growth for adult-gerontology nurse practitioners as baby boomers age.

The changing workforce

As an experienced RN, you’ve noticed changes in the workforce — and not just from the ongoing nursing and physician shortages. According to the Pew Research Center, millennials represent the largest population segment, replacing retiring baby boomers.

These demographic changes and a rise in less-experienced workers mean healthcare organizations now face a growing demand for skilled NPs who can operate autonomously, particularly in fields like adult and geriatric care.

The rewards of the profession

While primary care nursing can be challenging and may sometimes lead to stressful scenarios, many NPs report high job satisfaction. Factors like meaningful impact, a supportive work environment, and work-life balance contribute to this positivity.

With a nursing shortage and changes throughout the workforce, many employers offer great benefits packages to attract highly skilled primary care NPs.

The new model of healthcare

As healthcare shifts toward outpatient visits to reduce costs, nurse practitioners are in greater demand. They play a key role by offering care and wellness education in primary and community clinic environments.

NPs are increasingly recognized as primary care providers in the United States. Their holistic approach to care focuses on promoting healthy lifestyle choices and guiding patients toward appropriate medical decisions. It's no surprise that those who choose the high-quality, patient-focused care of an NP often experience lower healthcare expenses, fewer ER visits, shorter hospital stays, and reduced medication costs.