Adult Gerontology NP Programs Online: An In-Depth Guide
Explore online grad program options, find top-rated nursing schools, and start your path to becoming an AGNP.
When it comes to choosing an online adult gerontology nurse practitioner program, it’s worth investing the time to thoroughly research the programs currently available. We’re here to help you effectively use your research time by providing you with our picks for the best online AGNP programs offered for this school year. We’ve ranked programs based on important elements such as accreditation, affordability, and curriculum flexibility.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Public
Madonna University
Livonia, Michigan
Private
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Public
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Public
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Public
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, Georgia
Public
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Public
University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Public
Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
Private
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Public
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Public
Misericordia University
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Private
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Public
University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Public
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Private
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
Public
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, Colorado
Public
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Public
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Public
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
Public
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Public
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana
Public
La Salle University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Public
Northwood Technical College
Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Public
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, Minnesota
Public
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Public
Stark State College
North Canton, Ohio
Public
Inside Popular Online AGNP Programs
One way to understand online AGNP programs is to look inside a program. Is it fully online? Will it lead to the career outcome you’re looking for? Can you afford it? We’ve profiled two of today’s most popular adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs with online elements for its students.
Key Information About Online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs
As you begin researching online AGNP programs, it’s natural to have some questions. Below are the answers to the most common questions about adult gerontology nursing, what types of AGNP degree programs are available, what you can expect to learn in your degree program, and more.
What is adult gerontology nursing?
Gerontology is the study of old age and the aging process. So, it’s no surprise that the first thought many people have when they hear “adult gerontology nursing” is the care and treatment of the elderly. That’s not the case, however. The key term here is “aging process,” and if you think about it, the aging process begins the moment we are born. The practice of an AGNP nurse actually encompasses all aspects of the adult aging process, including issues of both illness and wellness, from adolescence to adulthood and on through to old age. That’s where the value of AGNP’s specialized practice lies: in the ability to address the broad range of care and treatment issues related to aging throughout the entire adult life cycle.
What are the different types of AGNP online programs?
There are several online academic pathways to becoming an AGNP, more than with most nursing specialties, in fact. There are three graduate degree levels to consider, for example. There are also two distinct specializations within the larger AGNP field, each with its own distinct curriculums and academic requirements. Here’s a detailed look at the available options.
Degree Levels
Specializations
What will I learn in an online AGNP program?
The goal of any quality online AGNP program is to ensure that its students graduate with advanced knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied on their first day of advanced nursing practice. This knowledge will come from all elements of the academic program, including didactic coursework, clinicals, internships, capstone projects, etc. Your exact learning outcomes will depend partially on your specialization (acute care or primary care) as well as the particular school and program you choose. Regardless, all AGNP graduates should expect to attain the following common learning outcomes:
- Manage the healthcare needs of patients based upon physical examinations and assessments, health histories, and behavioral and developmental assessments, particularly in how they relate to the aging process.
- Provide effective advanced nursing care to patients employing pathophysiological, pharmacotherapeutic, and cultural principles.
- Communicate and collaborate with interprofessional team members to improve the health outcomes of individual patients and across diverse populations and settings.
- Effectively employ knowledge of systems and organizational leadership theories and practices.
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the advancement of AGNP practice and the broader nursing profession.
Example AGNP Courses
Can I complete an AGNP program 100% online?
You will not be able to complete your AGNP program entirely online if you take into account the in-person clinical hour requirements that are part of every program. In terms of other requirements, most programs offer the bulk of their didactic coursework online (all of it, in some cases), but additionally require some on-campus participation in the form of short two- or three-day “intensives.” A few programs, like Maryville University’s AGNP programs, can be completed with no required on-campus attendance.
How long does it take to complete an online nurse practitioner gerontology program?
The time it takes to earn an AGNP degree varies from program to program depending on a range of factors including full-time vs. part-time study, transfer credits and practicum hours allowed, and the degree level you’re pursuing. You should have a good understanding of the time limits and allowances in place for any program you are considering before your enroll.
With that in mind, here’s a baseline estimate of how long each type of AGNP program usually takes to complete.
- MSN: One-and-a-half (accelerated plans) to two years full-time; Three years or more part-time.
- BSN to DNP: Three to four years. Programs often allow substantially more time to complete the capstone project.
- MSN to DNP: Two to three years. Programs often allow substantially more time to complete the capstone project.
- Post-Graduate Certificate: One-and-a-half to two years.
How much do online AGNP programs cost?
The cost associated with earning an online AGNP degree or certificate will vary based on the many of the same factors as those that affect program length we’ve listed above. Another major cost factor is whether the program you choose is offered by a public or private institution. Here are a few sample tuition costs (as of fall 2019) for three online AGNP programs. Remember, however, that your total cost will likely be higher because of additional fees, the cost of books and supplies, and more.
MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Total Credits: 52
$997/credit
DNP Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Total Credits: 78
$1,772/credit (Full-time)
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Total Credits: 60
$420/credit
Where to Find Help Paying for Your Online AGNP Program
College can be expensive, and paying for any degree or certificate program can be difficult even under the best of circumstances. That’s why it’s important to understand all of your funding options and have your financial resources lined up before entering your AGNP program. Fortunately, there are a number of real, manageable sources available. Here’s a look at the most common. And check out our ultimate guide to financial aid for even more information on how to get help paying for your AGNP program.
Understanding Accreditation for Online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs
Accreditation is an essential consideration for any degree or certificate program choice you make because proper accreditation is how you are assured that the education you receive meets certain minimum standards of quality. There are two basic types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation addresses the college or university itself. It is administered in the United States by a number of Department of Education-approved independent regional and national agencies.
Programmatic accreditation focuses on the specific degree or certificate program. Programmatic accreditation of MSN, DNP, and postgraduate nursing certificate programs in the U.S. is administered by both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The AGNP program you choose should be accredited by at least one of these organizations.
Confirming a school or program’s accreditation status is easy. Current accreditation information can almost always be found on the individual program’s website and/or institution’s accreditation webpage. You can also search for accreditation status by visiting the CCNE and ACEN websites, as well as this DOE database.
Getting Your Professional License and Certification After Your Online AGNP Program
All AGNPs in the United States must be licensed as RNs in the state or states in which they practice. Additionally, some states require nurse practitioners to hold a specific NP license to practice within that state. If you are looking for an AGNP degree or certificate program, you are likely already a RN or possibly even an APRN. Regardless of your RN or APRN status, if you want to learn more about a particular state’s licensure requirements, contact the state’s regulatory agency directly. You can find contact information using this NCSBN interactive map. You can also find licensure information for each state by visiting the American Association of Nurse Practitioners website.
Additionally, following completion of an AGNP degree or certificate program, prospective AGNPs should obtain national board certification, which in the U.S. is available through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Most states require national board certification as part of their licensure process.
To find out more about the specific certifications offered, visit the following sites:
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
Career and Salary Outlook for Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioners
Once you've completed your AGNP program and are qualified to work as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner, you may be wondering about job opportunities and salary expectations as you look for work. Fortunately, you can expect plenty of opportunities—the market for AGNPs is booming, with a projected growth rate of an impressive 44.5% nationally over the next decade. This figure varies from state to state but is generally high across the board. For example, New York has a relatively low growth rate of 26.3% over the next decade, while Arizona is projected to grow by 71.3% over the same period. Additionally, with a median national salary of $126,260, you can expect to make an excellent living as an AGNP in whichever state you choose to work. Check the table below for more details.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $94,530 | $126,260 | $168,030 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Alabama | 4,540 | 6,770 | 2,230 | 49.10% | 470 |
| Alaska | 500 | 550 | 50 | 10.00% | 30 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 11,200 | 4,660 | 71.30% | 860 |
| Arkansas | 3,000 | 4,840 | 1,840 | 61.30% | 360 |
| California | 21,500 | 34,100 | 12,600 | 58.60% | 2,500 |
| Colorado | 3,700 | 5,780 | 2,080 | 56.20% | 420 |
| Connecticut | 3,150 | 4,560 | 1,410 | 44.80% | 310 |
| Delaware | 1,000 | 1,550 | 550 | 55.00% | 110 |
| District of Columbia | 600 | 850 | 250 | 41.70% | 60 |
| Florida | 18,910 | 29,980 | 11,070 | 58.50% | 2,190 |
| Georgia | 7,900 | 12,500 | 4,600 | 58.20% | 910 |
| Idaho | 900 | 1,440 | 540 | 60.00% | 110 |
| Illinois | 8,970 | 12,660 | 3,690 | 41.10% | 850 |
| Indiana | 6,550 | 9,550 | 3,000 | 45.80% | 660 |
| Iowa | 2,400 | 3,670 | 1,270 | 52.90% | 260 |
| Kansas | 3,240 | 4,630 | 1,390 | 42.90% | 310 |
| Kentucky | 4,730 | 6,870 | 2,140 | 45.20% | 470 |
| Louisiana | 4,470 | 6,420 | 1,950 | 43.60% | 440 |
| Maine | 1,330 | 1,800 | 470 | 35.30% | 120 |
| Maryland | 5,240 | 7,450 | 2,210 | 42.20% | 500 |
| Massachusetts | 2,730 | 4,010 | 1,280 | 46.90% | 280 |
| Michigan | 7,370 | 10,410 | 3,040 | 41.20% | 700 |
| Minnesota | 5,570 | 8,010 | 2,440 | 43.80% | 550 |
| Mississippi | 4,110 | 5,860 | 1,750 | 42.60% | 400 |
| Missouri | 7,520 | 10,670 | 3,150 | 41.90% | 720 |
| Montana | 880 | 1,330 | 450 | 51.10% | 90 |
| Nebraska | 1,790 | 2,430 | 640 | 35.80% | 160 |
| Nevada | 1,840 | 2,780 | 940 | 51.10% | 200 |
| New Hampshire | 1,520 | 2,290 | 770 | 50.70% | 160 |
| New Jersey | 6,790 | 10,230 | 3,440 | 50.70% | 720 |
| New Mexico | 1,590 | 2,620 | 1,030 | 64.80% | 200 |
| New York | 16,600 | 20,970 | 4,370 | 26.30% | 440 |
| North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
| North Dakota | 580 | 860 | 280 | 48.30% | 60 |
| Ohio | 11,020 | 15,710 | 4,690 | 42.60% | 1,060 |
| Oklahoma | 3,030 | 4,200 | 1,170 | 38.60% | 280 |
| Oregon | 2,240 | 3,420 | 1,180 | 52.70% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | 8,010 | 11,430 | 3,420 | 42.70% | 770 |
| Rhode Island | 1,440 | 2,090 | 650 | 45.10% | 140 |
| South Carolina | 4,120 | 6,620 | 2,500 | 60.70% | 490 |
| South Dakota | 820 | 1,280 | 460 | 56.10% | 90 |
| Tennessee | 13,620 | 21,500 | 7,880 | 57.90% | 1,570 |
| Texas | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
| Utah | 3,680 | 5,900 | 2,220 | 60.30% | 430 |
| Vermont | 810 | 1,100 | 290 | 35.80% | 70 |
| Virginia | 7,170 | 11,160 | 3,990 | 55.60% | 800 |
| Washington | 4,150 | 6,020 | 1,870 | 45.10% | 600 |
| West Virginia | 1,700 | 2,590 | 890 | 52.40% | 180 |
| Wisconsin | 4,950 | 7,480 | 2,530 | 51.10% | 530 |
| Wyoming | 480 | 710 | 230 | 47.90% | 50 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Helpful Resources for AGNP Students and Professionals
Below is a list of additional online resources to help you gain a better understanding of the AGNP profession and how you can join it:
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)
GAPNA’s website offers a wealth of information on the AGNP practice including student resources such as its career center, online library, and access to GAPNA Foundation scholarships and grants.
About Nursing Licensure (NCSBN)
This page offers a great overall look at nursing licensure and includes links to more detailed information on the nursing licensing process and state boards of licensing in the U.S.
American Nurses Association (ANA)
The preeminent organization of professional nurses in the U.S. This website offers information about the profession generally and its various specializations, certification, and scholarship and grant opportunities.
Excellent webpage that acts as a clearinghouse for literature, graphics, videos, and more on everything you want to know about student financial aid and federal student aid programs.
Major organization for both nurses and nursing students with chapters on over 700 college and university campuses worldwide. Both undergraduate and graduate student memberships are available.
