Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Best Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Connecticut
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Connecticut’s rapidly aging population, projected to reach 20% of residents age 65 and older by 2030, has created unprecedented demand for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) across the state. Online AGNP programs offer Connecticut nurses the flexibility to advance their education while continuing to serve patients at Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, Trinity Health of New England, and community health centers from Fairfield County to the Quiet Corner.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How online AGNP programs balance remote learning with Connecticut clinical placements
- The critical differences between primary care and acute care tracks and which suits your goals
- What MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate pathways offer Connecticut nurses
- How Connecticut’s scope of practice laws position AGNPs for career success
- What salary expectations and employment opportunities look like across the state
2026 Best Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Connecticut
Post University
Waterbury, CT - Private 4-year - post.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Post University's online MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to care for adults across the lifespan. This 28-month program offers flexible online classes with monthly starts. It requires a BSN and one year of nursing experience. The curriculum covers advanced assessment, pharmacology, and aging concepts. Students complete individualized clinical preceptorships. The program holds CCNE accreditation. Costs and admission details are available on the university website. Graduates gain skills for primary care settings, focusing on chronic and acute condition management.
- Online program format.
- 28-month program length.
- 42-45 credit hours.
- Monthly start dates available.
- BSN degree required.
- One year work experience needed.
- Individualized clinical preceptorships.
- CCNE accreditation.
- Focuses on adult gerontology care.
- Covers advanced pathophysiology.
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT - Private 4-year - qu.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's Master of Science in Nursing for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare to adult and elderly populations. This hybrid program equips students with advanced clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and specialized knowledge in primary care settings. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners capable of conducting patient assessments, diagnosing conditions, and developing personalized treatment plans for complex adult health challenges.
- Hybrid Program Delivery
- Advanced Nursing Practice
- Adult-Gerontology Specialization
- Clinical Skill Development
- Comprehensive Patient Care
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN prepares healthcare professionals to excel in high-intensity medical environments. This dynamic online program, complemented by three focused campus immersions, equips nurses with advanced skills to deliver comprehensive acute care. Designed for registered nurses with at least one year of acute care experience, the 48-credit curriculum covers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and specialized clinical practica. Graduates become eligible for national certification, positioning themselves for leadership roles in critical care settings. The program offers a flexible learning model that combines rigorous academic training with practical clinical experience.
- Online with 3 campus immersions
- 48-credit comprehensive program
- Prepares for national certification
- Requires 1+ year acute care experience
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical skill development
- Specializes in acute care practice
- GPA requirement: 3.00
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Interprofessional team collaboration
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at UConn prepares licensed registered nurses for advanced practice roles in complex acute care settings. Designed for professionals with at least two years of acute care experience, this 100% online master's and doctoral degree track equips nurses with specialized clinical skills to manage critically ill adult and geriatric patient populations. The comprehensive curriculum focuses on developing expert-level acute care competencies, enabling graduates to provide exceptional patient care in high-intensity medical environments.
- 100% Online Program
- Master's and DNP Options
- Advanced Acute Care Focus
- Requires 2+ Years Experience
- For Licensed RNs
Graduate Certificate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program prepares experienced registered nurses to advance their careers in complex patient care. Designed for nurses with at least two years of acute care experience, this fully online master's degree offers flexible full or part-time options. Graduates are equipped to manage care for acutely ill adult and gerontology populations, with opportunities to pursue certification through professional nursing organizations. The program includes comprehensive clinical training and two on-campus intensive sessions, providing a robust educational pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice roles.
- Fully online master's degree
- 500 clinical practice hours
- Two on-campus intensive sessions
- Prep for AACN/ANCC certification
- For RNs with 2+ years experience
- Multiple degree path options
- Advanced acute care training
MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at UConn prepares advanced practice nurses to manage complex care for critically ill adult and elderly patients. Designed for experienced registered nurses, this online master's and doctoral degree provides comprehensive clinical skills in acute care settings. The program targets licensed RNs with a bachelor's degree and at least two years of acute care experience, offering a flexible pathway to specialized healthcare expertise.
- 100% Online Degree Program
- Master's and Doctoral Options
- Requires 2+ Years Acute Care Experience
- Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
- Targets Licensed RNs
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT - Public 4-Year - wcsu.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Connecticut State University's Master of Science in Nursing prepares advanced practice nurses for specialized leadership roles through a comprehensive, flexible hybrid program. Students can choose concentrations like Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, developing expertise in complex patient management. The 41-47 credit program offers part-time study over approximately four years, featuring a rigorous curriculum combining foundational nursing theory, specialized role training, and extensive 500-hour clinical practicum experiences. Graduates emerge prepared for certification examinations and equipped to deliver high-quality, evidence-based healthcare across diverse clinical settings.
- Hybrid part-time study format
- 500+ clinical practicum hours
- Multiple advanced practice roles
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 1-year nursing experience required
- Six-year maximum program completion
- Advanced practice certification preparation
BSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Western Connecticut State University is tailored for advanced practice nurses aiming for a terminal degree focused on clinical practice. This online program emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership, preparing graduates to significantly impact healthcare delivery. With a concentration in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, students delve into specialized care for aging populations. The program requires a master's degree, RN and APRN licenses, and a 3.0 GPA for admission. It combines rigorous coursework with 505 clinical hours, ensuring graduates are ready to lead in diverse healthcare settings.
- Online program flexibility.
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care focus.
- Requires master's degree for admission.
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement.
- 505 clinical hours included.
- 40 credits total.
- Focus on evidence-based practice.
- Leadership in healthcare policy.
- RN and APRN license required.
- Prepares for DNP project.
Primary Care vs. Acute Care: Choosing Your Specialization
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP)
Primary care AGNPs manage chronic diseases, provide preventive services, and treat common acute illnesses in outpatient environments, including primary care practices throughout New Haven, Hartford, and Bridgeport, geriatric clinics at Yale Medicine and UCONN Health, FQHCs serving underserved populations, nursing homes across Connecticut’s eight counties, and house call programs for homebound elderly patients.
Ideal for nurses who: Enjoy longitudinal patient relationships, want to focus on wellness and prevention, prefer scheduled outpatient hours, and are passionate about managing complex chronic conditions in aging populations.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP)
Acute care AGNPs manage critically ill adult patients in hospital settings, including ICUs at Yale New Haven Hospital and Hartford Hospital, emergency departments, hospitalist medicine programs, cardiac care units, surgical services, and rapid response teams.
Ideal for nurses who: Thrive in fast-paced environments, have critical care backgrounds, enjoy diagnostic challenges, and are comfortable with unpredictable schedules.
Degree Pathways: MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificates Explained
MSN Programs: The Traditional Entry Point
Structure: 42-50 credits, 18-24 months full-time or 2-3 years part-time
Online AGNP MSN programs represent the most direct route from BSN to AGNP practice. Connecticut nurses complete advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment alongside gerontology-specific content covering normal aging changes, polypharmacy management, cognitive decline assessment, and geriatric syndromes.
Clinical requirements typically total 500-600 supervised hours at Connecticut healthcare facilities. Upon graduation, you’re eligible for national AGNP certification and Connecticut APRN licensure.
DNP Programs: The Terminal Clinical Degree
BSN to DNP: 72-85 credits, 3-4 years | Post-Master’s DNP: 30-40 credits, 1-2 years
Connecticut’s movement toward doctoral preparation reflects national trends, though the state doesn’t mandate DNP degrees for APRN practice. AGNP DNP programs add systems leadership, healthcare policy, and quality improvement to clinical AGNP training.
Who benefits from DNP education? Nurses aspiring to administrative roles at Connecticut hospital systems, faculty positions at UCONN, Yale, or Quinnipiac nursing schools, or those who want terminal degrees for long-term career positioning.
Post-Master’s Certificates: Efficient Specialization
Structure: 36-45 credits, 12-18 months
Already practicing as a family NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, or women’s health NP in Connecticut? Post-master’s AGNP certificates let you add adult-gerontology certification through focused coursework and 500-600 clinical hours, without the need for a second full master’s degree.
Online Learning Meets Connecticut Clinical Reality
How Online AGNP Programs Actually Work
Asynchronous coursework: Complete lectures and assignments on your schedule; study after your shift at Middlesex Health or before your day at Griffin Hospital.
Synchronous sessions: Participate in scheduled virtual class meetings for case discussions and clinical reasoning exercises, typically around East Coast hours.
Clinical practica: Despite online academics, all programs require extensive hands-on patient care at Connecticut facilities near your home.
Connecticut Clinical Site Landscape
| Region | Healthcare Systems | Clinical Opportunities |
| Greater Hartford | Hartford HealthCare, Trinity Health, UCONN Health | Academic medical centers, community hospitals, urban FQHCs |
| New Haven | Yale New Haven Health System | Leading academic medicine, specialty geriatric services |
| Fairfield County | Stamford Health, Norwalk Hospital, Bridgeport Hospital | Suburban practices, urban hospitals, long-term care |
| Eastern Connecticut | Lawrence + Memorial, Windham Hospital, Day Kimball | Rural health settings, critical access hospitals |
TIP: Some online programs help Connecticut students secure clinical sites through established partnerships. Others expect students to identify preceptors themselves. Clarify this during admissions and start networking immediately through the Connecticut Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Society.
Financial Investment and Connecticut-Specific Support
What You’ll Pay
| Credential | CT In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private Universities |
| MSN | $18,000 – $32,000 | $36,000 – $58,000 | $42,000 – $72,000 |
| DNP | $32,000 – $52,000 | $60,000 – $90,000 | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | $20,000 – $38,000 | $32,000 – $50,000 | $38,000 – $58,000 |
Funding Your Connecticut AGNP Education
Employer Support:
- Yale New Haven Health: Up to $5,000 annually
- Hartford HealthCare: Tuition reimbursement with employment commitments
- Trinity Health of New England: Educational benefits for career advancement
Federal Programs:
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment offers up to $85,000 for nurses in shortage areas throughout Connecticut
Connecticut Licensure and Practice Authority
After completing your online AGNP program:
- Pass national certification (AGPCNP-BC or AGACNP-BC through AANPCB or ANCC)
- Apply for APRN licensure through the Connecticut Department of Public Health
- Obtain DEA registration for prescriptive authority
Connecticut’s scope of practice: Connecticut grants full practice authority to APRNs. AGNPs practice independently without physician oversight, prescribe all medications including Schedule II-V controlled substances, and may own independent practices.
Expect 4-8 weeks from certification to Connecticut APRN licensure.
Career Landscape for Connecticut AGNPs
Connecticut’s healthcare market offers diverse opportunities across the state’s 169 towns.
Employment settings: Primary care medical groups, geriatric specialty practices at academic centers, hospital medicine and critical care programs, skilled nursing facilities, home health and hospice, retail health clinics, concierge practices in affluent communities, and community health centers addressing health equity.
Compensation expectations:
Connecticut AGNPs earn among the highest salaries nationally:
- Primary care AGNPs: $110,000 – $130,000 annually
- Acute care AGNPs: $120,000 – $145,000 annually
- Experienced practitioners in specialized roles: $135,000 – $160,000+
Fairfield County typically offers the highest compensation, while rural eastern Connecticut positions may offer slightly lower salaries but include loan repayment and signing bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Connecticut hospitals hire new graduate AGNPs, or do they require experience?
A: Major Connecticut systems like Yale New Haven Health and Hartford HealthCare increasingly offer new graduate AGNP residency programs providing structured orientation and mentorship. Smaller hospitals often prefer experienced providers, though Connecticut’s provider shortage means new graduates find positions, particularly in primary care and underserved communities.
Q: If I complete my clinical hours at a Connecticut hospital, am I likely to be hired there after graduation?
A: Many Connecticut AGNPs secure employment at their clinical training sites, though it’s not guaranteed. Facilities value former students’ familiarity with systems. Approach clinical rotations professionally, express interest in post-graduation employment, and network with unit managers during your training.
Q: How do Connecticut AGNP salaries compare to neighboring states?
A: Connecticut offers higher base salaries than Massachusetts ($105,000-$125,000), Rhode Island ($100,000-$120,000), and upstate New York ($95,000-$115,000), though lower than the New York City metro ($125,000-$150,000). When adjusted for cost of living and state income taxes, Connecticut compensation remains competitive.
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