Online DNP Adult-Gerontology NP Programs – What’s the Best Program for You?

Indiana University's BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers a comprehensive online hybrid educational experience targeting nursing professionals seeking advanced practice credentials. Students engage in a rigorous three-year curriculum featuring 1,035 total clinical hours, with 750 dedicated to direct patient care. The program prepares graduates to provide specialized healthcare for patients aged 13 and older, emphasizing evidence-based practices and clinical excellence. Participants develop expert skills in managing well, at-risk, and chronically ill adult populations, positioning themselves for diverse healthcare roles with national certification and prescriptive authority potential.

• Three-year full-time program
• 1,035 total clinical hours
• 750 direct patient care hours
• Ages 13+ patient population
• National certification eligible
• Hybrid program format
• Multiple healthcare settings
• Advanced nursing practice

Indiana University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track offers an innovative hybrid online program designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced specialization. Through state-of-the-art simulation technologies and immersive learning experiences, students master complex clinical procedures like endotracheal intubation and central line insertion. The curriculum focuses on comprehensive patient management across adolescent to geriatric populations, with extensive clinical training in high-acuity environments such as trauma centers, cardiology, and critical care medicine. Graduates receive robust preparation for national certification and advanced practice roles.

• Hybrid program format
• State-of-the-art simulation training
• Expert faculty-led instruction
• High-acuity clinical experiences
• National certification preparation
• Small cohort learning environment
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Multiple clinical practice settings

Indiana University-Indianapolis offers a comprehensive BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program designed for advanced practice nursing professionals. This three-year hybrid curriculum encompasses 66 credit hours and 1,035 clinical training hours, including 750 direct patient care experiences. Targeting healthcare delivery for patients aged 13 and older, the program prepares graduates for diverse ambulatory and extended-care settings. Students gain extensive clinical expertise, qualifying for ANCC or AANP certification and potential prescriptive authority in Indiana, with opportunities spanning collaborative clinical practices and nurse-managed clinics.

• Three-year full-time program.
• 66 credit hours required.
• 1035 total clinical hours.
• 750 direct patient care hours.
• Hybrid program type.
• Eligible for ANCC/AANP certification.
• Prescriptive authority qualification.
• Focus on adult-gerontology primary care.
• Ambulatory or extended-care settings.
• Opportunities in various healthcare settings.

University of Central Florida's online Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner delivers comprehensive training for advanced practice nurses. With 72 credit hours and 1,080 practicum hours, the program uniquely develops high-level clinical expertise through evidence-based practice and leadership strategies. Designed exclusively for RNs holding a BSN, students benefit from competitive in-state tuition at $369.65 per credit hour. The curriculum emphasizes complex clinical scenario analysis, innovative healthcare solutions, and quality improvement initiatives, preparing graduates to excel in adult and elderly patient care settings.

• 72 credit hours total
• 1,080 practicum hours
• In-state tuition $369.65/credit
• BSN degree prerequisite
• RN licensure in Florida
• Advanced health assessment
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership development
• Clinical reasoning skills
• Healthcare policy understanding

UCF's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner provides advanced clinical training for nurses specializing in complex patient care. Featuring 1,080 clinical hours and 76 total credits, the program prepares practitioners to deliver comprehensive care for patients aged 18 and older across diverse healthcare environments. Students engage in interprofessional learning, develop critical thinking skills, and receive comprehensive certification exam preparation. The rigorous curriculum combines online coursework with periodic campus intensives, ensuring graduates are equipped with cutting-edge healthcare knowledge and leadership capabilities.

• Hybrid-online DNP program
• 1,080 total clinical hours
• Twice yearly campus intensives
• 76 total credit hours
• Nationally accredited program
• Acute care focus 18+ patients
• RN license required
• BSN from accredited institution
• Clinical sites assigned by program
• Certification exam preparation

University of Central Florida's BSN to DNP program in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative educational pathway for ambitious nurses. This hybrid online format accommodates both full-time and part-time students, blending digital coursework with hands-on clinical experiences in Florida. Requiring a BSN, active Florida RN license, and undergraduate statistics course, the program cultivates advanced practice skills and healthcare leadership. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and patient care improvement, graduates emerge prepared for sophisticated healthcare roles with potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities supporting their academic journey.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on Adult/Gerontology Primary Care
• Requires Florida RN license
• BSN degree prerequisite
• Undergraduate statistics course required
• Full-time and part-time options
• Clinical placements in Central Florida
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Financial aid available

University of Florida's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid online/in-person track targeting experienced critical care nurses. Designed for advanced nursing professionals, the program equips students to manage complex medical needs across adult age ranges. Students develop expertise in acute and critical illness management within high-intensity healthcare environments. The program requires a minimum of one year critical care experience and offers clinical sites exclusively within Florida. Graduates become nationally certifiable through prestigious nursing credentialing organizations, positioning themselves for dynamic healthcare careers with advanced clinical competencies.

• Requires 1+ year critical care experience
• Hybrid program format
• Nationally certifiable track
• Clinical sites within Florida
• Focuses on acute care management

University of Florida's BSN to DNP program in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner provides a comprehensive hybrid educational pathway for advanced practice nurses. This specialized track prepares graduates to independently manage acute, critical, and chronic illnesses across diverse adult populations. With flexible full-time and part-time curriculum options, students gain in-depth knowledge of high-acuity inpatient settings. The program mandates at least one year of critical care experience and offers individualized clinical experiences within Florida. Graduates are eligible for certification through ANCC and AACN, emphasizing stabilization, management, and potential clinical travel requirements.

• Hybrid program format.
• Focus on high-acuity inpatient settings.
• Requires critical care experience.
• Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification.
• Clinical sites within Florida.
• Full-time and part-time options.
• Prepares for diverse populations.
• Emphasizes stabilization and management.
• Travel may be required.
• Individualized clinical experiences.

Penn State's online Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Adult Gerontology Acute Care provides advanced practice nurses a flexible pathway to specialize in complex patient care. Designed for working professionals, the program requires 66-75 credits and 1,200 clinical hours, ensuring comprehensive skill development in advanced patient assessment and intervention. Students can pursue part-time or full-time enrollment, completing the program in 3-4 years. With a minimum BSN requirement and preparation for national certification, graduates are equipped to transform healthcare delivery across acute care clinical environments, addressing critical medical needs of complex patient populations.

• Online, part-time or full-time
• Multiple NP concentration options
• 66-75 credit program
• 1,200 clinical practice hours
• National certification preparation
• Minimum BSN degree required
• Program completion: 3-4 years

Pennsylvania State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult Gerontology Primary Care concentration offers licensed RNs an advanced educational pathway focusing on comprehensive geriatric healthcare. The program requires 65-78 credits, completed within 3-4 years, and emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and holistic care management. Students develop expertise in complex health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice through rigorous online curriculum. With three on-campus intensive sessions, a tuition rate of $1,027 per credit, and CCNE accreditation, the program prepares nurses for leadership roles in geriatric healthcare, including national certification eligibility.

• Online DNP with Adult Gerontology focus
• 65-78 total credits required
• 3-4 year completion timeframe
• Practicum in Pennsylvania sites
• CCNE Accredited program
• Three on-campus intensive sessions
• National certification preparation
• $1,027 per credit tuition rate

Pennsylvania State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family/Individual Across the Lifespan provides advanced practice nurses a comprehensive educational experience. The program spans 65-78 credit hours, delivering interdisciplinary training focused on preventative, acute, and chronic care across patient age ranges. Students complete extensive clinical practicums and gain national certification eligibility. Featuring three in-person intensive sessions, a Pennsylvania nursing license requirement, and a competitive $1,027 per credit tuition, the CCNE-accredited program supports working professionals seeking to advance nursing careers and improve patient outcomes through comprehensive healthcare delivery.

• Online DNP program
• 65-78 total credit hours
• CCNE Accredited program
• Three in-person intensive sessions
• 1,125 practicum hours required
• Pennsylvania nursing license required
• $1,027 per credit tuition

Penn State's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health offers advanced practice nurses a comprehensive program to provide mental health care across patient lifespans. Requiring 65-78 credits and a Pennsylvania nursing license, the curriculum blends online coursework with three intensive in-person sessions. Students gain advanced expertise in biopsychosocial assessment, neuropsychopharmacology, psychotherapy techniques, and crisis intervention. The CCNE-accredited program, priced at $1,027 per credit, prepares nurses for national certification exams and equips them with evidence-based practices in psychiatric and mental health treatment, positioning graduates for expanded clinical roles.

• Online DNP with PA licensure required
• 65-78 total program credits
• 3 on-campus intensive sessions
• CCNE accredited program
• 1,125 post-BSN practicum hours
• Cost: $1,027 per credit
• Prepares for national certification exam

The University of Pittsburgh's online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) DNP program is a cutting-edge educational pathway designed for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized acute care expertise. This hybrid program offers a comprehensive three-year curriculum that blends synchronous distance learning with intensive clinical training. Students develop advanced diagnostic reasoning skills, focusing on critically and chronically ill adult populations. The program prepares graduates to excel in complex healthcare environments, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership development, and advanced clinical interventions. With 79 total credits and options for clinical emphasis, students are strategically positioned to pursue national certification and contribute meaningfully to acute care medical research.

• Full-time onsite Pittsburgh program
• 79 total credit curriculum
• Prepares for national certification
• Clinical emphasis options available
• Three-year DNP track
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership and research focus
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Synchronous distance options
• Acute care specialization

University of Pittsburgh's fully online Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) DNP program offers a transformative educational experience for MSN-prepared nurses. Designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise, this program provides comprehensive training in adolescent through adult healthcare. Students engage in flexible learning environments, developing sophisticated leadership capabilities and evidence-based practice skills. The curriculum requires a minimum of 41 credits and supports both full-time and part-time enrollment. Graduates are prepared to diagnose complex health conditions, implement innovative care strategies, and lead healthcare initiatives across diverse primary care settings, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive patient-centered approaches.

• Flexible online and onsite study
• MSN to DNP pathway
• Minimum 41 credits required
• Full-time or part-time options
• Nationally certified NPs eligible
• Comprehensive DNP project required
• Advanced clinical leadership focus
• Adolescent through adult healthcare

The University of Pittsburgh's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program delivers an innovative distance education pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Utilizing virtual learning environments and strategic clinical partnerships, this hybrid program prepares nurses to become expert primary care providers serving patients from adolescence through adulthood. CCNE-accredited and featuring comprehensive coursework, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy understanding, and advanced clinical leadership. Students benefit from flexible learning formats, interactive virtual classrooms, and a curriculum designed to enhance diagnostic skills and patient care strategies across complex healthcare landscapes.

• Distance education format
• Virtual classroom interactions
• Clinical partnerships established
• CCNE accredited program
• Comprehensive DNP curriculum
• Advanced practice preparation
• Flexible learning environment

The University of Iowa's online hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner delivers cutting-edge doctoral-level nursing education. Students gain comprehensive clinical expertise through an innovative curriculum designed to address evolving healthcare challenges. This military-friendly program prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in primary care settings, with a strong emphasis on cost-efficient healthcare delivery. Graduates become eligible for national certification exams and develop advanced skills for managing complex patient needs across adult and geriatric populations. The program, first approved in 2009, offers a robust learning experience with personalized clinical training.

• Doctoral-level nursing education
• Hybrid program format
• National certification exam preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• First DNP program approved in 2009

University of Iowa's hybrid DNP program in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers a top-tier educational pathway for nurses seeking advanced specialization. Nationally ranked among the top 10 AG-ACNP programs, this online-hybrid curriculum provides intensive clinical training with 720 required clinical hours. Students learn complex patient management techniques, symptom stabilization, and care transition strategies. The program accepts up to 12 BSN-prepared nurses annually, offering a comprehensive post-graduate certificate option and leadership skill development. Designed for nurses wanting to work with critically ill adults and older adults, the program emphasizes advanced practice and professional growth.

• Hybrid Learning Format
• 720 Clinical Training Hours
• BSN to DNP Path
• Complex Patient Care Focus
• Post-Graduate Certificate Option
• Leadership Skill Development

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell's online DNP program in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care offers a comprehensive pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking transformative leadership skills. This hybrid program provides flexible learning formats with part-time and full-time options, enabling students to develop critical healthcare management strategies. CCNE-accredited and designed with multiple pathway entry points, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, policy formulation, and innovative patient care approaches. Students can complete the program through a 75-credit BS to DNP track, focusing on comprehensive adult-gerontology healthcare delivery and leadership skill development.

• Three DNP pathway options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Online and hybrid delivery
• Part-time and full-time options
• Scholarly project focus
• Leadership skill development
• Adult Gerontology concentration
• 75-credit BS to DNP pathway
• Flexible learning formats

UMass Lowell's Post-Baccalaureate DNP program with Adult-Gerontology Primary Care concentration delivers a dynamic online learning experience for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. The hybrid format accommodates diverse professional schedules, allowing completion within 4-8 years. Requiring a 3.0 GPA and Massachusetts RN licensure, the program rigorously prepares practitioners to address healthcare disparities through cultural competency training. Coursework integrates evaluation research, health policy analysis, and evidence-based practice, equipping graduates to lead transformative patient care initiatives in complex healthcare environments.

• Hybrid program format.
• Focus on Adult-Gerontology Primary Care.
• 4 years full-time, 5 years part-time.
• Up to 8 years to complete.
• Requires Massachusetts RN licensure.
• 3.000 GPA for admission.
• Covers cultural competency.
• Leadership in healthcare focus.
• Evidence-based practice curriculum.
• Improves patient care outcomes.

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell's Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a sophisticated online educational pathway for nursing professionals. This hybrid program blends digital coursework with immersive on-campus intensives, preparing advanced practitioners for complex healthcare leadership roles. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses with a 3.0 GPA and active RN licensure, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and health policy influence. Graduates emerge equipped to drive meaningful improvements in diverse healthcare settings and address critical patient care challenges.

• Hybrid program format
• Family Nurse Practitioner focus
• Requires BSN and 3.0 GPA
• Massachusetts RN license needed
• Emphasizes cultural competency
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Focus on evidence-based practice
• Addresses healthcare disparities
• Influences health policy
• Improves patient care outcomes

Tennessee Tech's online hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner offers a comprehensive 83-credit BSN-DNP pathway. The program uniquely prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver patient-centered healthcare across patient lifespans. Students develop advanced clinical skills, learn complex condition management, and cultivate professional leadership competencies. The curriculum strategically blends core nursing principles with specialized concentration coursework, positioning graduates for national certification and diverse healthcare employment opportunities. Military-friendly and emphasizing collaborative healthcare approaches, this program equips nurses with transformative skills for modern healthcare environments.

• Terminal professional nursing degree
• BSN-DNP 83 total credit hours
• MSN-DNP 32 total credit hours
• Across lifespan patient care
• Prepares for national certification
• Multiple healthcare settings
• Collaborative healthcare approach
• Core, concentration, DNP project
• Advanced practice nursing focus

Tennessee Tech's hybrid DNP program in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner provides a specialized 75-credit educational pathway targeting advanced practice nursing. This innovative online program prepares nurses to manage complex acute care scenarios across patient age ranges from adolescence through elderly populations. Students receive comprehensive training combining rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced clinical expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing graduates for national certification. With a military-friendly approach, the program emphasizes versatile healthcare settings and professional development.

• BSN-DNP 75 total credit hours
• Acute care focus adolescence to elderly
• National certification preparation
• Joint TTU-ETSU nursing program
• Varied healthcare settings employment

Tennessee Technological University's collaborative online DNP program in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers flexible BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP tracks. The hybrid format provides comprehensive preparation for advanced practice nurses focusing on acute care from adolescence to older adults. Students complete 75 credit hours in the BSN-DNP pathway or 31 credit hours in the MSN-DNP option, combining rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences. The program prepares graduates for certification, emphasizes collaborative healthcare team approaches, and develops skills for diverse healthcare environments. Military-friendly and strategically designed to meet contemporary nursing challenges.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on acute care
• BSN-DNP: 75 credit hours
• MSN-DNP: 31 credit hours
• Prepares for certification
• Collaborative healthcare team focus
• Adolescent to older adult care
• Combines academic and practical experience
• Diverse healthcare settings preparation
• Specific admission criteria

The University of Utah's online DNP Adult/Gerontology Primary Care program delivers a comprehensive three-year hybrid learning experience targeting advanced nursing professionals. Students develop critical competencies in evidence-based practice, health policy, and holistic patient care across diverse outpatient settings. The program uniquely emphasizes chronic illness management and disease prevention, preparing graduates to deliver exceptional primary care services. With flexible distance learning options and over 1,000 clinical practice hours, nurses can advance their expertise while maintaining professional commitments. Military-friendly and featuring on-campus hospital resources, this program positions practitioners for transformative healthcare leadership roles.

• Three-year doctoral program
• Hybrid learning format
• Focuses on Adult/Gerontology care
• Evidence-based practice training
• Clinical experiences included
• Policy development skills
• Comprehensive healthcare approach
• Advanced nursing practice

University of Utah's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner doctoral program offers an innovative hybrid curriculum designed for nurses seeking specialized critical care expertise. Spanning three years, the program integrates extensive online coursework with immersive clinical experiences, providing over 1,000 direct patient care hours. Students gain advanced skills in stabilizing complex medical conditions, preventing complications, and delivering comprehensive acute care treatments. The program prepares graduates for national ANCC and AACN certification, with opportunities for specialized clinical rotations and interdisciplinary professional education.

• 3-year hybrid doctoral program
• 850+ direct patient care hours
• Advanced practice clinical rotations
• Prepares for ANCC/AACN certification
• Multiple clinical specialty options
• Distance learning available
• Covers acute/critical care environments

The University of Utah's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides a robust hybrid doctoral experience for nurses specializing in acute and critical care environments. Combining flexible online learning with strategic on-campus sessions, students complete 850+ direct care hours and 150+ indirect care training opportunities. The curriculum comprehensively covers acute care diagnostics, pharmacology, and holistic treatment approaches. Designed for distance learners, the program offers certification preparation through ANCC or AACN, with extensive clinical rotation options and faculty possessing significant clinical backgrounds.

• Hybrid program option.
• 850+ direct care hours.
• 150+ indirect care hours.
• Prepares for ANCC/AACN certification.
• Focus on acute and critical care.
• 3-year program duration.
• 8 consecutive semesters.
• Distance option for students 50+ miles away.
• On-campus participation required.
• Diverse clinical rotations available.

Pennsylvania State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Primary Care offers a comprehensive program for healthcare professionals seeking advanced nursing expertise. Designed for registered nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees, this rigorous 65-68 credit program emphasizes patient-centered care for older adults. Students engage in health promotion, disease prevention, and complex health management strategies. The program features three intensive on-campus sessions, 1,125 practicum hours, and prepares graduates for national certification exams. With CCNE accreditation and competitive per-credit tuition of $1,027, the curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced clinical skills tailored to adult-gerontology primary care.

• Online DNP program
• Specialization in Adult Gerontology
• 3-year full-time or 4-year part-time
• 65-68 total credits required
• $1,027 per credit tuition
• CCNE Accredited program
• Pennsylvania licensure required
• 1,125 practicum hours
• Three on-campus intensive sessions
• Prepare for national certification

Pennsylvania State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Practitioner provides advanced practice nurses with specialized Adult Gerontology Acute Care training. The program offers flexible part-time and full-time options, completing 66-75 credits and 1,200 clinical hours. Students develop expertise in expert clinical care, evidence-based interventions, and comprehensive patient management across diverse healthcare settings. Graduates become well-prepared healthcare leaders, eligible for national certification examinations. The program's World Campus delivery and expert faculty mentorship ensure students receive cutting-edge education in acute care nursing practice.

• Online DNP program
• 66-75 total credits
• 1,200 clinical hours
• Multiple specialization tracks
• Part-time and full-time options
• World Campus delivery
• Nationally accredited program
• Expert faculty mentorship
• National certification preparation

Pennsylvania State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care targets experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This doctoral program prepares healthcare professionals to provide specialized care for critically ill adult and older adult patients. Students develop sophisticated assessment, therapeutic, and technological intervention skills for high-stakes medical scenarios. The curriculum requires 1,125 post-bachelor's practicum hours, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experiences. With CCNE accreditation and competitive $1,027 per credit tuition, graduates become eligible for national certification exams, positioning themselves at the forefront of acute care nursing practice.

• Online DNP program for acute care nurses
• 65-78 total credit hours
• $1,027 per credit tuition
• CCNE Accredited program
• 1,125 practicum hours required
• Requires Pennsylvania nursing license
• Two years acute care experience required
• Three on-campus intensive sessions
• National certification exam eligible

Pennsylvania State University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult Gerontology Primary Care concentration equips advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for older adults. This rigorous program focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and complex medical management. Students complete 65-78 credits at $1,027 per credit, gaining expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating adult and geriatric populations. The curriculum includes 1,125 clinical practicum hours and three campus intensive sessions. With CCNE accreditation and national certification exam preparation, graduates emerge as highly skilled healthcare professionals capable of providing cost-effective, high-quality medical guidance.

• Online hybrid DNP program
• Prepares Adult Gerontology NP
• $1,027 per credit tuition
• 1,125 clinical practicum hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Pennsylvania nursing license required
• Three campus intensive sessions
• National certification eligibility