About the Program

This program prepares RNs or NPs who have a Master’s degree in nursing to function as Nurse Practitioners in ambulatory or community-based areas. Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) provide comprehensive care to the entire spectrum of adults including young adults, adults and older adults; they provide primary care services incorporating health promotion, health protection, disease prevention and disease management. Graduates of this specialty are eligible to take the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification examination prepared by an approved national organization as accepted by the Board of Registration in Nursing and to apply to practice in the expanded role in their state based on regulatory guidelines.

The 12- or 21-credit certificate program is designed to assist RNs or NP’s who have an MS degree in nursing to acquire the knowledge and clinical experience that will prepare them to sit for national certification exams as AGPNs.

The 21-credit option is open to RNs with a master’s degree in nursing from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program. The program of study includes 9 credits of didactic study and 12 credits of clinical course work, including 600 hours of clinical practice in the gerontology specialty area. It may be completed in two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time.

The 12-credit option is open to NPs with strong clinical backgrounds, a master’s degree in nursing, and current national certification as a family, adult, pediatric, or gerontological nurse practitioner, who wish to sit for certification exams in a second specialty area. Students complete a minimum of 6 credits of didactic and 6 credits of clinical course work, including 300 hours of clinical practice. Participants concentrate in adult/gerontologically advanced practice nursing. The program may be completed in one semester full-time or two semesters part-time, once all prerequisites are accepted.