In the 2010 U.S. Census, more Americans (40.3 million) were documented to be over the age of 65 than in any previous census conducted since it’s inception in 1790. The largest population segment of the U.S., the post World War II “Baby Boomers”, account for this rapidly aging population who expect, and require, more healthcare and social services.
The healthcare industry is rushing to meet this challenge by offering more hospital, clinics and out patient facilities for older Americans; however, approximately only 1% of nurses are certified in the clinical aspects of adult gerontology/geriatrics. According to the Center for Health Workforce Studies (2006) career opportunities continue to outpace need and will grow exponentially for clinicians educated, certified and licensed in gerontological care.
Gerontology (or, geriatric, the terms are interchangeable) trained nurses assess patients mental status, understand acute and chronic health issues, educate patients on common concerns (falls, incontinence, changing sleep patterns, etc.), comprehend medication adjustments/compliance and link patients with local resources as needed.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MSN and Nurse Practitioners with gerontology specialties enjoy a median salary of $96,460 (2012) and the job outlook is growing at an amazing 31% average rate over the next few years. These nurses can expect to find employment in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and long-term care facilities.
Schools of Nursing, in an attempt to address this rising need for qualified gerontology nurses, are providing online nurse practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) and MSN programs with gerontology specializations. Several schools offer either an acute care or primary care track option. Many employers offer tuition assistance for nurses wanting to improve their skills and certifications, so you may want to check with your Human Resources department to see if a tuition assistance program is offered and if you qualify.
It’s important for licensure purposes that the program you choose meets educational standards set by independent accreditation organizations, such as Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), etc.
Some educational programs require clinical experiences that can be completed in an approved area where you work or live. Some programs may require on-campus participation of short durations. Due to state regulations, some schools are limited in accepting students outside of their state, so be certain to check that you’re eligible for admission.
We’ve researched online programs and have ranked accredited programs based on estimated cost, length of program and curriculum highlights. It’s a good beginning point for your gerontology program search.
#1. East Carolina University
U.S. News and World Report ranks East Carolina’s graduate nursing program as #18 in the nation. This is a Nurse Practitioner degree with a gerontology specialty and is offered full and part time online. Applicants for this program must have one year RN experience and provide a third reference from a health care provider knowledgeable about the applicant’s nursing practice.
Length of Program: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition: $14,429 (in-state); $42,817 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Care of Older Adults,Care of Older Adults with Acute and Chronic Illness Practicum, Specialty Care of Adults, Perspectives on Death and Dying for Professionals
Program Website: East Carolina University
#2. Delta State University Robert E. Smith School of Nursing
Delta State University, founded in 1925, is located in Cleveland, MS and offers a MSN Adult/Gerontological nurse practitioner program, accredited by CCNE. This is a blended program with online classes and strategically scheduled campus seminars. Practicums are arranged in facilities and agencies near the student’s community with faculty approval.
Length of Program: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,030
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Theoretical Issues in Nursing and Ethics, Advanced Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice, Clinical Management of Adults and Older Adults I,II and III, Advanced Pharmacology, Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Advanced Healthcare Policy and Politics
Program Website: Delta State University Robert E. Smith School of Nursing
#3. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
This school, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, was established in 1953 and has offered a graduate program in nursing since 1972. Accredited by CCNE, this graduate program is an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree. The curriculum is based on the following core concepts: health promotion, human diversity, illness and disease management, communication, critical thinking, professional values/ethics, and role development.
Length of Program: 41 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $16,400 (in-state); $32,800 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Theory in Nursing, Research Methodology, Research Utilization in Advanced Nursing Practice, Introduction to Professional Practice Management,Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Advanced Nursing Practice, Community Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing, Advanced Professional Practice Management, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Practicum, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Theory, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing I, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Practicum I, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing II, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Practicum II
Program Website: University of Arkansas for Medical Science
#4. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota, located in Grand Forks, ND, offers an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track to provide primary care to adults across the lifespan. The online program is CCNE accredited; however, the program requires students to come to campus four times (one time per semester). Clinical experience can be conducted in your home area in collaboration with the nursing school and your chosen preceptor.
Length of Program: 52 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,331.04 (in-state); $43,817 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Theories and Concepts in Nursing, Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology I, Essentials in Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Evidence for Practice, Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Adult-Gerontology Illness Management I, Advanced Pharmacology for Primary Care I, Role Development of the NP, Advanced Clinical Practicum I
Program Website: University of North Dakota
#5. University of Mississippi Medical Center
Offering two tracks in Acute Care Adult-Gerontology and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, this online program is CCNE accredited. Programs are individualized plans of study determined by academic advisers upon enrollment, based on the student’s experience and career goals. The program is offered both full time and part time. Please note, there may be a one time, per semester, on-campus intensive for those in the primary care track.
Length of Program: 49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $19,044.34 (in-state); $51,841.54 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Reproductive Health for Adult Practitioners, Discipline of Nursing Advanced Health Assessment Clinical Laboratory Science for the Nurse Practitioner, Research Design and Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, Role Development & Role Enactment for Advanced Role Practice in Nursing, Finance and Leadership in Health Care Systems, Clinical Management of Adults & Older Adults II
Programa Website: University of Mississippi
#6. University of Southern Indiana
This MSN program offers three choices for students interested in an advanced degree in gerontology. Students in this program may choose from Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Adult Gerontology Acute Nurse Practitioner (AGANP) or Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) specialties. This online program is accredited by CCNE and has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top online graduate nursing programs (#36) in the country.
Length of Program: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $19,706.40 (in-state); $34,475.55 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Concepts of Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Primary Care of Adults and Elders I,II and III, Advanced Concepts of Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice
Program Website: University of Southern Indiana
#7. University of Nebraska Medical Center
This online MSN program offers an Adult/Gerontology CNS track. Clinical requirements may be satisfied in your community using local preceptors. The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s school of nursing has been training nurses since 1917, is accredited by CCNE, and located in Omaha, NE.
Length of Program: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $20,656.50 (in-state); $43,862.75 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Adult-Gerontology Across the Life Span I: Transitional Care of Adults with Chronic Health Problems, Adult-Gerontology Comprehensive Assessment, Health Promotion and Risk Management, Adult-Gerontology Across the Lifespan I: Common Adult Health Problems, Adult-Gerontology Across the Lifespan II: Acute and Episodic Adult Health Problems, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist I, Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nurses I, Applied Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Assessment Across the Life Span, Health Promotion for Populations
Program Website: University of Nebraska Medical Center
#8. Old Dominion University Online
This long-time Virginia university offers an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator degree. Fully accredited by CCNE, this online program’s graduates are eligible to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certification examination by the American Nurses’ Association (ANCC). Clinical experience for this program is coordinated with the school to determine appropriate clinical sites. Approximately 168 hours of clinical experience is required. The program currently is unable to accept students from the state of Washington due to regulatory issues.
Length of Program: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $20,880 (In-State); $22,545 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Physical Assessment Laboratory, Pharmacotherapeutics for Primary Health Care Providers, Research Design, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Introduction to Practice, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum I: Role Socialization, Ethical Concepts and Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
Program Website: Old Dominion University Online
#9. Wilkes University
Located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited, this online program provides students an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree and graduates will be eligible to sit for national certification exams. Wilkes University has been recognized by The Princeton Review on its “Best Northeastern Colleges” list and is consistently named as one of the nation’s best universities by U.S. News and World Report for academic excellence and has been named as one of the Top Five Online Gerontology MSN Practitioner Programs in the 2015 NurseJournal. Required clinical experiences are conducted where students reside.
Length of Program: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $21,440
Curriculum Snapshot: Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners, Adult Heath Perspectives of Culturally Diverse, Rural and Underserved Populations, Advanced Practice in Adult Gerontology I and II, Advanced Practice in Adult Gerontology – Clinical I and II
Program Website: Wilkes University
#10. University of Texas Medical Branch
Located in Galveston, TX and CCNE accredited, this Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree offers all courses online with minimal on-campus visitations. Clinical experiences can be conducted in the student’s home area and includes more than 700 clinical hours. Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for national certification by the American Association of nurse Practitioners or the American nurses Credentialing Center.
Length of Program: 49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $22,408 (in-state); $39,754 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Research/Theoretical Foundations, Pathophysiology, Geriatric Syndromes, Pharmacology, Geriatric Syndromes, Pharmacology, AGNP I – Well Adults (180 hours of clinical), Innovations in Community Health
Program Website: University of Texas Medical Branch
#11. University of South Carolina
Ranked #3 nationwide by U.S. News and World Report for it’s graduate School of Nursing, the University of South Carolina’s program is CCNE accredited and offers an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) degree.
Length of Program: 37-40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $24,758 (in-state); $25,000 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: heoretical and Conceptual Foundation for Nursing, Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurses, Introduction to Biostatistics OR Application of Basic Statistics for Nursing and Nursing Service Management, Pharmacologic Management of Pediatric, Adult, and Gerontological Patients Across the Healthcare Delivery Continuum, Advanced Health Assessment, Diagnostic Interpretation and Therapeutic Modalities, Management of Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems I, Research Methods for Nursing, Management of Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems II
Program Website: University of South Carolina
#12. Clarkson College
Located in Omaha, NE, Clarkson College has been ranked #21 by U.S. News and World Report for it’s online graduate nursing program. This Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and has a minimum on-campus requirement on weekends for specific courses.
Length of Program: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $25,145
Curriculum Snapshot: Primary Care of the Geriatric Client, Advanced Physical Assessment, Primary Health Care I, Advanced Nutrition, Pharmacology for Practitioners, Advanced Pathophysiology, Behavioral Health Care for Practitioners, Primary Care of Women
Program Website: Clarkson College
#13. Saint Louis University
This is a CCNE accredited MSN-NP program that offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care focus, which can include a Nurse Educator component, if the student likes. Founded in St. Louis, MO in 1928, the Saint Louis School of Nursing boasts being the first online MSN program. The school has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top graduate nursing schools in the nation.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $27,360
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pathophysiology, Role Acquisition, Advanced Pharmacology, Ethics in Nursing and Health Care, Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making, Health Promotion, Critical Appraisal of Technology: Acute Care, General Research Methods, Advanced Clinical Studies in the Acute Care Setting I and II,
Principles of Practice Management, Nursing Practicum
Program Website: Saint Louis University
#14. Concordia University Wisconsin
Founded by Lutherans in 1881, this program is accredited by CCNE and provides an Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner degree. There are 600 clinical hours required and may be completed in the student’s home area. Preceptors (students are required to locate their own preceptors) must have at least one year clinical experience and be licensed and board certified. Be aware there is an on-campus requirement in Advanced Health Assessment, which must be taken on campus over a two week period. There is a $535 clinical fee per semester, in addition to tuition.
Length of Program: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $28,160
Curriculum Snapshot: Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, Counseling Theories & Issues, The American Family Today, Selected Issues in Family Life, Family Development, Bioethics for the Health Care Professional, Health Care Systems in Context, Nursing Theory, Nursing Research, Advanced Health Assessment, Thesis Scholarly Project, Global Perspectives
Program Website: Concordia University Wisconsin
#15. University of Texas-Arlington
The UT Arlington College of Nursing was established in 1971 and provides a MSN degree with a speciality in gerontology. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and ranked #90 by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s top graduate nursing schools.
Length of Program: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $29,430
Curriculum Snapshot: Psychiatric Managment in Advanced Nursing Practice, Adult Management in Advance Management in Advanced Nursing Practice, Invasive Procedures for Advanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nursing, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nursing II, Advanced Clinical Nursing Practicum
Program Website: University of Texas-Arlington
#16. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University provides an online MSN with a Specialization in Gerontology and is CCNE-accredited. The program has frequent start dates and four-week classes. This MSN program meets the academic standards for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).
Length of Program: 53 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $26,235
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Roles and Practice, Health Care Research Analysis and Utilization, Advanced Pharmacology for Acute Care, Advanced Physiology and pathophysiology, Scope Practice, Documentation and Billing.
Program Website: Grand Canyon University
#17. Boise State University
The Master of Nursing Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) degree program at Boise State University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and can be completed within 3 years. There is a clinical experience including a minimum of 700 supervised clinical hours with this degree, as well as three on-campus sessions, required for this program. Classes begin in January.
Length of Program: 50 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $31,775
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundation of Knowledge and Theory for Advanced Nursing, Advanced Research and Scholarly Inquiry for Nursing, Advanced Principles of Population Health Nursing, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse Clinical, Professional Role for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice, Diagnosis and Management of Adult/Geriatric Health and Illness, Diagnosis and Management of Adult/Geriatric Health and Illness Clinical
Program Website: Boise State University
#18. University of Cincinnati
CCNE accredited, the University of Cincinnati offers an online MSN Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree. UC holds top rankings as Best Grad Schools in Nursing and the top 10% of all US nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report. Graduates of the MSN program’s AGNP specialty are eligible to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exams.
Length of Program: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $31,856 (in-state); $32,516 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Biostatistics for Evidence Based Practice, Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Health Assessment, Finance and Economics of Healthcare
Program Website: University of Cincinnati
#19. Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Sciences
This is an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program requires on-campus intensives, lasting 3-5 days where students will participate in clinical training through high-fidelity simulators, standardized patients, and/or training workshops, participate in program events held for students and faculty and collaborate in-person with faculty and peers.
Length of Program: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $34,552
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Concepts in Physiology & Pathophysiology, Health Care Ethics, Anatomy for Health Care Professionals,Adult Gerontology ACNP I, Health Policy, Professional Aspects of Advanced Practice Nursing, Adult Gerontology ACNP III, OCI: Adult Gerontologial-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner On-Campus Intensive
Program Website: Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Sciences
#20. Drexel University Online
This master’s program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and emphasizes diagnostic and clinical decision-making. Students will prepare to become acute care nurses for roles as clinicians and leaders in a healthcare environments.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $34,593
Curriculum Snapshot: Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments, Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Research Methods and Biostatistics, Evaluation and Translation of Health Research, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Clinical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan, Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners
Program Website: Drexel University Online
#21. Lewis University
This non-profit Illinois university is a Catholic school sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and is accredited by CCNE. The school provides an online Master’s in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner as well as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program curriculum. Lewis University is consistently named one of the “Best Midwestern Universities” by The Princeton Review and ranked a top tier university by U.S. News & World Report. The school has also been designated Military Friendly by GI Jobs.
Length of Program: 46 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $35,420
Curriculum Snapshot: Management: Adult/Gerontology and Adolescents, Practicum: Adult/Gerontology and Adolescents, Advanced Practice Nursing Management: Special Populations, Management: Acute Care for Adult/Gerontology, Practicum: Acute Care for Adult/Gerontology
Program Website: Lewis University
#22. Michigan State University
The Michigan State University is nationally ranked by U.S. News Report at #31 for it’s online graduate nursing program. Accredited by CCNE, this CNS program is a combined program of Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse combined with Nursing Education Focus. Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the ANCC certification examination and the Nurse Educator Certification exam (NLN) upon graduation. While coursework is 100% online, admitted students are required to attend a mandatory on-campus orientation held in August.
Length of Program: 51 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $36,567
Curriculum Snapshot: Statistics for the Healthcare Professional, Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nurses, Research for Advanced Practice Nurses, Clinical Decision Making, Applied Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Health Care Policy and Politics, Care for Aging Individuals Across the Healthcare Continuum,
Physical Assessment for Clinical Nurse Specialist
Program Website: Michigan State University
#23. Maryville University
This is an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) program designed to teach the skills necessary for preventative and evidence-based approaches to nursing. Accredited by CCNE, Maryville University, located in St. Louis, MO, has received recognition as one of the Top Private Schools by Forbes and as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. Required practicums are arranged in your home area.
Length of Program: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $38,337
Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence Based Practice in Nursing, Health Care Policy, Professional Role Development: Adv Practice Nursing, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention, Leadership and Quality, Adult/Geriatric Health Care I, Adult/Geriatric Health Care I and II, Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Practicum I and II
Program Website: Maryville University
#24. Walden University
The Walden University MSN gerontology program is for nurses currently holding a BSN and graduates will be prepared to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The program has been recognized as #14 for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care specialty program in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools. There are 600 hours of directly supervised clinical practice requirement; and, effective in 2012, the program is only available for those nurses with one-year professional experience in an acute care clinical setting.
Length of Program: 49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $42,000
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan, Advanced Practice Care of Frail Elders,Primary Care of Women, Direct Care Roles in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan
Program Websites:Walden University
#25. Loyola University of Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Loyola University of Chicago’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers both an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN degrees. This program is a blended program with most courses offered online and some classroom courses. CCNE accredited, the school offers a subspecialty in oncology focusing on the oncology continuum of care.
Length of Program: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $45,676
Curriculum Snapshot: Epidemiology, Nursing Concepts and Theories, Ethics for Health Professionals, Research for Health Professionals, Advanced Specialty Courses, Advanced Practice Concepts in Community Health, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Role Socialization, Health Policy Issues, Health Care Financing, CNS Practice Across the Adult Age Spectrum
Program Website: Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
#26. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Vanderbilt’s School of Nursing has been ranked as #11 by U.S. News and World Report for it’s graduate school of nursing and member of the National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence and is accredited by CCNE. This Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree is a modified distance learning program requiring block on-campus visits over an extended weekend. Clinical experiences are arranged in your local region when possible.
Length of Program: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $48,760
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Health Assessment Applications for Adult Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Pathophysiologic Concepts, Adult Gerontology Primary Care I, Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Care of the Adolescent, Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Care of the Woman, Adult Gerontology Primary Care II, Advanced Concepts Of Aging
Program Website: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
#27. George Washington School of Nursing
This is a rigorous program with students completing coursework online and with the clinical practicum rotation done in their local community under faculty mentoring. Awarded one of U.S. News and World Report’s Top 50 of the Best Graduate Schools in Nursing rankings, George Washington University School of Nursing, is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students completing the program are eligible to sit for the AANP or ANCC certification examination for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner role and population focus.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $49,400
Curriculum Snapshot: Concepts in Population Health, Nursing Leadership, Health Policy, Quality, and Political Process, Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPNCP) I, Practice Introduction, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) II, Adolescent & Adult, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitionr (AGPCNP) III, Adult, Older/Frail, Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing
Program Website: George Washington School of Nursing
#28. Seton Hall University
Ranked as one of U.S. News and World Report’s Top Graduate Schools of Nursing, Seton Hall’s program is a MSN, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner degree and prepares graduates to sit for national certification in Primary Care or Acute Care through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program. There is a 600 hours clinical practice with this program.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $54,480
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Basis of Nursing, Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology, Nursing Research I, Clinical Pharmacology, Forces in Healthcare, Health Promotion, Advanced Health Assessment/Clinical Decision Making, Acute Care Theory I, Graduate Nursing Practicum II/Acute Health Concepts of Aging, Advanced Acute Care Theory, Graduate Nursing Practicum III/Acute Advanced Professional Role Enactment
Program Website: Seton Hall University
#29. University of Delaware
Noted by U.S. News and World Report as #25 in it’s national nursing graduate schools ranking, the University of Delaware offers a CNS degree in gerontology. Course content is patterned after the CNS practice competencies as defined by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Competencies focus on assessment skills, therapeutic interventions, evidence-based practice, issues/trends in health care, cost effective care, innovations in practice, and mentorshipas they relate.
Length of Program: 34 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $56,916
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Practice Roles for Healthcare Providers, Advanced Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Statistics, Theory and Research, Role Integration
Program Website: University of Delaware
#30. Duke University School of Nursing
Ranked #7 by US News and World Report as Best Nursing School for Adult/Gerontology program, Duke University’s School of Nursing offers programs focusing on Adult-Gerontology in both the acute care and primary care settings. Accredited by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), there is a clinical requirement done under the supervision of a mentor.
Length of Program: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $65,856
Curriculum Snapshot: Nurse as Scholar I: Science Development,Study Design & Statistics 3, Nurse as Scholar II: Evidence-based Practice, Population Health in a Global Society, Professional Transitions: Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Physiology Across the Lifespan, Conceptual Basis of Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Specialty Seminars in Advanced Pathophysiology for Adult & Gerontological Health
Program Website: Duke University School of Nursing