Most important takeaways…
- Missouri offers AGPCNP and AGACNP programs at MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels in online and hybrid formats.
- AGPCNP graduates manage chronic conditions in clinics, while AGACNP graduates treat acutely ill patients in hospitals and ICUs.
- Missouri NP salaries vary by metro area but generally fall below the national median for nurse practitioners.
- Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarships and federal loan repayment programs can offset AGNP tuition costs significantly.
Which adult-gerontology track fits your clinical interests: managing chronic conditions in outpatient settings or stabilizing critically ill patients in ICUs and emergency departments? Missouri nurses pursuing NP credentials face this decision early, since AGPCNP and AGACNP programs prepare you for distinct certifications, employers, and patient populations.
Six accredited schools across the state offer 19 program listings spanning MSN, DNP, and AGNP post-master's certificate online levels. Tuition ranges from roughly $8,200 annually at public universities to $25,600 or more at private institutions, and clinical hour requirements typically fall between 500 and 750 direct patient contact hours. Missouri's full practice authority status for APRNs, effective after a collaborative agreement period, continues to attract new graduates to the state's growing NP workforce.
AGPCNP vs. AGACNP: Choosing Your Adult-Gerontology Track
Both adult-gerontology NP tracks share a strong foundation in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Where they diverge is in the clinical settings you train in and the patient populations you ultimately serve. Understanding these differences up front will help you pick the track that aligns with your career vision and the hiring needs of Missouri employers like BJC HealthCare, Mercy, and SSM Health.
Best Adult-Gerontology NP Programs in Missouri
Missouri offers a strong mix of adult-gerontology nurse practitioner programs spanning both primary care (AGPCNP) and acute care (AGACNP) tracks, with options at the MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels. Whether you want to manage complex hospital patients as an AGACNP or deliver longitudinal wellness care as an AGPCNP, the programs below cover both pathways in online, hybrid, and campus-based formats. We included all degree levels so you can filter by the pathway that fits your current credentials and career goals.
- Graduate earnings and student outcomes
- Institutional graduation and retention rates
- Clinical training depth and partnerships
- Program format and flexibility
- Tuition and net price affordability
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing stands apart through its embedded partnership with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, giving AGACNP students pre-arranged clinical rotations at one of the nation's top-ranked academic medical centers. The college offers both primary care and acute care adult-gerontology tracks across MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels, with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio that supports individualized mentorship. AGACNP students accumulate well over 750 direct patient contact hours, and DNP candidates can reach more than 1,200 clinical contact hours through intensivist or hospitalist concentrations.
- Hybrid DNP with intensivist specialization
- Pre-arranged rotations at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- 750+ direct patient contact hours required
- 63 total credit hours at $834 per credit
- Requires recent ICU or ED RN experience
- State-of-the-art simulation training on campus
- Prepares for both ANCC and AACN certification exams
- Hospitalist track for inpatient medicine roles
- Work alongside Washington University physicians
- Campus visits 1 to 2 times per term for skills labs
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework options
- Small class sizes with experienced clinical faculty
- Pre-arranged clinical sites across affiliated hospitals
- 30-month hybrid MSN in primary care
- 48 total credit hours at $834 per credit
- Fall and spring start dates available
- BSN and active Missouri RN license required
- 18 to 30 hours per week time commitment
- Primary care focus on adult and geriatric populations
- 36-month MSN with two acute care track options
- 54 total credit hours with campus-based clinicals
- Requires one year of RN experience and ACLS certification
- Immersive hospital training in Magnet-recognized facility
- Multidisciplinary team training in academic medical center
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA for admission
- 42-credit post-master's certificate in 4 terms
- Intensivist track requires prior ICU experience
- Hybrid format with synchronous and asynchronous options
- Transfer credit accepted with gap analysis
- Summer and fall start dates available
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- 42-credit hospitalist post-master's certificate
- Designed for MSN, DNP, or PhD holders
- Campus visits required 1 to 2 times per term
- 20 to 30 hours per week time commitment
- Fall deadline July 31, spring deadline November 30
- Includes invasive procedures coursework
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP, Intensivist) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP, Hospitalist) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate, Intensivist) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate, Hospitalist) — Hybrid
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University brings Jesuit mission-driven education to its AGACNP offerings, with both an online MSN and a campus-based BSN-to-DNP pathway. SLU's graduate nursing program is nationally ranked, and its 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures strong faculty mentorship. DNP students complete 1,000 clinical hours and benefit from SLU's simulation labs in St. Louis, while MSN students enjoy a flexible online curriculum with just one required campus visit. The university emphasizes care for vulnerable urban populations, aligning clinical training with the health needs of the greater St. Louis community.
- Predominantly online MSN with one campus visit
- CCNE-accredited with individual faculty mentorship
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- 3.0 GPA required for admission
- Prepares for ANCC and AACN certification exams
- Nationally ranked graduate nursing program
- Flexible curriculum designed for working RNs
- BSN-to-DNP pathway with AGACNP concentration
- 64 total credit hours over a 4-year timeline
- 1,000 clinical hours with capstone project
- $1,450 per credit with rolling admissions
- Three start dates per year (fall, spring, summer)
- 8-week course sessions for manageable pacing
- Two campus visits to St. Louis required
- Employer tuition reimbursement supported
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner that blends online coursework with a mandatory summer residency on the Kansas City campus. UMKC's program is one of the few Missouri options focused exclusively on the primary care track, preparing graduates for outpatient and community-based roles with adults and older adults. A dedicated AGNP track coordinator and established advising infrastructure support students throughout the 74-credit-hour curriculum, which can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in three.
- 74-credit-hour CCNE-accredited DNP program
- Blended online with mandatory summer Kansas City residency
- Full-time (2 years) or part-time (3 years) completion
- In-state tuition available for students in many states
- Clinical rotations arranged near the student's location
- 3.2 minimum GPA and personal interview required
- Prepares for AGPCNP national certification exam
- Dedicated AGNP track coordinator for advising
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Maryville University
Maryville University in St. Louis provides one of the broadest adult-gerontology NP portfolios in Missouri, covering AGACNP and AGPCNP at the MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master's certificate levels, all delivered 100% online with no campus visits. The university reports a 92% AGACNP and 89% AGPCNP board-exam pass rate, and six annual start dates give working nurses maximum scheduling flexibility. Clinical placements are arranged locally regardless of where students live, with Missouri-based learners typically rotating through regional health systems.
- 100% online MSN, no campus visits required
- 32-month completion with six start dates per year
- No GRE or GMAT required for admission
- 92% program-specific certification pass rate
- CCNE-accredited with local clinical placements
- Tuition range of $15,534 to $66,634 total
- Fully online BSN-to-DNP in about 40 months
- AGACNP concentration with no campus visits
- CCNE-accredited with holistic care emphasis
- Local clinical sites arranged for students
- Six flexible start dates each year
- No waiting list once accepted
- 100% online DNP completable in 36 months
- AGPCNP concentration for outpatient settings
- High board-exam pass rate reported
- CCNE-accredited with local clinicals
- Designed for working nurses with flexible pacing
- No GRE, GMAT, or campus visits needed
- 35-credit online certificate for MSN holders
- Six entry points per year for enrollment
- No GRE, GMAT, or statistics prerequisite
- CCNE-accredited with local clinical practicum
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- Includes advanced pathophysiology and assessment courses
- 100% online post-master's certificate in 20 months
- Designed for MSN holders seeking AGPCNP credentials
- 89% program-specific certification pass rate
- No campus visits, no GRE or GMAT needed
- Six annual start dates for maximum flexibility
- CCNE-accredited with clinical practicum included
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate) — Online
University of Missouri-St Louis
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a DNP with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP emphasis delivered through distance learning and periodic on-campus intensives in St. Louis. UMSL's program stands out for its emphasis on underserved urban and rural Missouri communities, and faculty are practicing nurse practitioners who bring real-world clinical insight to the curriculum. Students complete a DNP Clinical Scholarship Project that translates evidence into practice, often targeting health disparities in the greater St. Louis region. As a public university, UMSL offers competitive in-state tuition starting around $15,480.
- 70-credit-hour CCNE-accredited DNP program
- Hybrid distance learning with on-campus intensives
- Focus on underserved Missouri populations
- Faculty are practicing nurse practitioners
- Clinical Scholarship Project as capstone requirement
- Full-time and part-time options with fall start
- Rolling admissions with financial aid and scholarships
- In-state tuition around $15,480 per year
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Missouri State University
Missouri State University in Springfield serves the southern Missouri corridor with AGACNP pathways at both the BSN-to-DNP and post-master's certificate levels. The graduate certificate requires a minimum of 500 clinical hours and 20 credit hours, making it a focused option for MSN-prepared nurses adding acute care credentials. BSN-to-DNP students follow a four-year full-time hybrid plan with mentorship from experienced faculty. Admission to the certificate requires a 3.25 graduate GPA, slightly above the typical 3.0 threshold, along with completed graduate-level pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment courses.
- Online certificate with minimum 500 clinical hours
- 20 credit hours completable in two years
- Requires 3.25 graduate GPA for admission
- Graduate-level pharmacology and pathophysiology prerequisites
- Three-course acute care sequence (I, II, III)
- Prepares for national AGACNP certification exam
- Applications processed through NursingCAS
- Hybrid four-year full-time BSN-to-DNP program
- CCNE-accredited with faculty mentorship
- Focus on adult critical care and leadership
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Transfer credit accepted toward degree
- Builds progressive assessment and diagnostic skills
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Online
Program Comparison: Costs, Clinical Hours, and Format
The table below compares Missouri adult-gerontology NP programs across both primary care (AGPCNP) and acute care (AGACNP) tracks. Tuition figures reflect annual institutional rates reported to federal sources, while net price is an institution-wide average after financial aid and may not match your actual graduate program cost. Clinical hour requirements vary significantly by degree level and track, so confirming current totals with each school is essential before you apply.
| School | Track | Degree Level | Format | In-State Tuition (Annual) | Out-of-State Tuition (Annual) | Avg. Net Price | Total Credits | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | AGPCNP | DNP | Hybrid | $13,726 | $32,298 | $13,310 | 74 | Contact school |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | AGPCNP | MSN | Hybrid | $13,726 | $32,298 | $13,310 | 46 | Contact school |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | AGPCNP | DNP | Hybrid | $15,480 | $36,792 | $15,071 | Contact school | Contact school |
| Missouri State University | AGACNP | Post-Master's Certificate | Online | $8,204 | $14,990 | $17,613 | Contact school | 500 minimum |
| Rockhurst University | AGACNP | MSN | Online | Contact school | Contact school | Contact school | 49 | 750 |
| Rockhurst University | AGACNP | Post-Master's Certificate | Online | Contact school | Contact school | Contact school | 20 | 750 |
| Maryville University | AGACNP | Post-Master's Certificate | Online | $16,246 | $16,246 | $22,066 | 35 | Contact school |
| Saint Louis University | AGACNP | MSN | Online | $25,590 | $25,590 | $24,398 | Contact school | Contact school |
| Saint Louis University | AGACNP | DNP | Online | $25,590 | $25,590 | $24,398 | 63 | 1,200 total practice hours |
| Saint Louis University | AGACNP | Post-Master's Certificate | Online | $25,590 | $25,590 | $24,398 | 16 to 27 | Contact school |
| Goldfarb School of Nursing | AGACNP | DNP | Contact school | Contact school | Contact school | Contact school | 63 | 1,260 total (750 direct patient care) |
Questions to Ask Yourself
How to Become an Adult-Gerontology NP in Missouri
Whether you're pursuing the primary care or acute care track, the path to becoming an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner in Missouri follows a clear sequence. Nurses who already hold an MSN in a different specialty can enter through a post-master's certificate program instead of completing a full graduate degree.
Certification and Licensure for AGNP Practice in Missouri
Once you finish your AGNP program, national certification is the bridge between graduation and Missouri licensure. The Missouri State Board of Nursing requires APRNs to hold a current national certification that matches the population focus they intend to practice in. That match matters more than many nurses realize: an AGPCNP-BC credential qualifies you for primary care settings, but it does not authorize you to practice in acute vs primary care environments, and the reverse is equally true. Choosing the wrong exam pathway could mean starting the certification process over, so it pays to have the end goal clear before you enroll.
ANCC AGPCNP-BC: The Primary Care Credential
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the AGPCNP-BC for nurses completing a primary care track. Eligibility requires a graduate degree from an accredited AGNP program, a current, active RN license, and documented clinical hours focused on the adult and older adult population. The national pass rate for 2024 was 85 percent, which puts this exam in a manageable range for candidates who prepare systematically.1 ANCC allows up to three retakes within a 12-month window if you need them.
ANCC AGACNP-BC: The Acute Care Credential
For nurses completing an acute care track, the ANCC AGACNP-BC is the parallel credential. Eligibility mirrors the primary care exam: graduate education, active RN licensure, and clinical hours in the acute adult-gerontology population. The exam is scored on a 0-to-500 scale, with 350 as the passing score.2 The 2024 national pass rate was 83 percent.3 Like the primary care exam, up to three retakes are permitted in a 12-month period.
AACN ACNPC-AG: An Acute Care Alternative
Acute care candidates have a second option through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): the ACNPC-AG. This computer-based, multiple-choice exam is designed for NPs caring for adult and older adult patients with acute, complex, or critical illness in high-acuity settings.2 The 2023 national pass rate of 91 percent was notably higher than either ANCC exam, though pass rates can shift year to year and should be interpreted with some caution.3 Candidates may attempt the ACNPC-AG up to four times within a 12-month period. If you are weighing the acute care path, our critical care nurse practitioner guide breaks down the career landscape in more detail.
Choosing the Right Exam for Missouri Practice
Most Missouri AGNP graduates sit for whichever exam aligns with their program track, and many programs build exam preparation into the curriculum. Before registering, confirm that the certification you pursue matches the practice environment you are targeting. For a broader overview of all available credentials, our NP certification exam resource is a helpful starting point. Reviewing current eligibility requirements directly from ANCC or AACN before applying is always a good step, since details can update between exam cycles.
Online vs. Hybrid AGNP Programs: What Missouri Nurses Should Know
Choosing between an online and hybrid AGNP program is one of the most practical decisions you will make, especially if you are balancing shifts, family, and coursework. Both formats can lead to the same credentials, but they differ in day-to-day logistics. Here is a balanced look at what each option means for Missouri nurses.
Pros
- Fully online didactic coursework lets you study on your own schedule, which is ideal if you work rotating or night shifts.
- No relocation is needed, so nurses in rural Missouri or the Ozarks can access programs from universities like Maryville University or the University of Missouri without moving.
- Asynchronous lectures and discussion boards allow you to pace your learning around 12-hour clinical days.
- Hybrid programs such as those at Saint Louis University and UMKC provide structured clinical placement support, reducing the stress of finding your own preceptors.
- On-campus immersion weekends (typically two to three per semester in hybrid models) offer hands-on simulation lab time that strengthens procedural confidence.
- Hybrid cohorts build strong peer networks and faculty mentorship relationships that often translate into professional references and job leads after graduation.
Cons
- Even fully online programs require several hundred in-person clinical hours, and some programs expect you to identify and secure your own preceptors in your area.
- Online students may have limited access to high-fidelity simulation labs, which can be a disadvantage for acute care track learners who need procedural practice.
- Hybrid and campus-based programs at schools like SLU or UMKC require periodic travel to St. Louis or Kansas City for immersion weekends, meaning time off work and added lodging costs.
- On-campus residency requirements in hybrid programs can conflict with employer scheduling, particularly for nurses without flexible PTO or shift-swap options.
Missouri AGNP Salary and Career Outlook
Investing thousands of dollars and hundreds of clinical hours in an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program makes sense only if the career and financial outcomes justify it. Missouri's NP salaries, paired with program debt levels and strong employer demand, paint a compelling picture for nurses weighing primary or acute care specialization.
Statewide Salary Data for Nurse Practitioners in Missouri
As of 2024, nurse practitioners in Missouri earn a mean annual wage of $124,600, slightly below the 2022 national mean of $124,680 but well above many other healthcare professions.1 The median salary for Missouri NPs sits near $121,000, close to the national median of $121,610.2 Entry-level practitioners at the 10th percentile earn around $108,180, while experienced NPs at the 90th percentile reach $140,710. For comparison, the national 90th percentile is $165,240, suggesting that top earners in Missouri lag behind those in higher-cost markets but still enjoy six-figure compensation.
Missouri employs roughly 6,820 nurse practitioners across settings ranging from urban academic medical centers to rural critical access hospitals.1 This stable workforce reflects consistent demand for advanced practice nurses in both primary and acute care roles.
Salary by Metro Area
Geography within Missouri matters. Nurse practitioners in the nurse practitioner programs St. Louis metropolitan area typically command salaries on the higher end of the state range, supported by large health systems such as BJC HealthCare and SSM Health. Kansas City, home to University of Missouri Health Care's Kansas City operations and multiple Mercy Health facilities, also offers competitive wages. Springfield and Columbia, though smaller markets, provide opportunities in both academic centers and community hospitals, with salaries generally in the mid-range for Missouri.
Program-level earnings data for Missouri AGNP graduates remain limited in public reporting. Institutions such as Barnes-Jewish College and Saint Louis University have begun publishing median graduate earnings in some datasets, but comprehensive outcomes across all tracks and degree levels are not yet available. What we do know is that graduates entering full-time NP roles in Missouri can reasonably expect starting salaries in the $100,000 to $115,000 range, with growth potential as they gain experience and specialty certifications.
Is the Investment Worth It?
Median program debt for Missouri AGNP students varies by institution. Barnes-Jewish College graduates carry a median debt of $16,750, while Maryville University certificate completers report around $22,000, and Missouri State graduates average roughly $21,992. Set against a median NP salary of approximately $121,000, these debt loads represent manageable financial commitments, typically under 20 percent of first-year earnings. Even graduates from DNP nurse practitioner programs Missouri with higher sticker prices often find that their return on investment becomes positive within a few years, especially when moving from bedside RN roles paying $60,000 to $70,000 into NP positions above $100,000.
Top Employers for Missouri AGNPs
Missouri's major health systems actively recruit both primary and acute care AGNPs:
- BJC HealthCare: The state's largest healthcare organization operates 15 hospitals across the St. Louis region and employs hundreds of nurse practitioners in both outpatient clinics and inpatient acute care units.
- Mercy Health: With facilities in Springfield, St. Louis, and surrounding communities, Mercy hires AGPCNPs for primary care offices and AGACNPs for hospital medicine and intensive care.
- SSM Health: A multi-state system headquartered in St. Louis, SSM employs AGNPs across urgent care, family medicine, and hospitalist teams.
- University of Missouri Health Care: The academic medical center in Columbia and its clinics throughout central Missouri recruit NPs for both primary and specialty roles.
- Rural critical access hospitals: Smaller facilities in underserved counties often rely on AGPCNPs to provide primary care in settings where physician recruitment is challenging.
Overall, Missouri's combination of moderate program costs, stable six-figure salaries, and diverse employer demand makes AGNP education a sound investment for nurses seeking career advancement and expanded clinical autonomy.
Missouri AGNP Salary at a Glance
Nurse practitioner salaries in Missouri vary by metro area, though they generally fall below the national median. Here is a snapshot of how key Missouri markets compare to the nationwide benchmark for NPs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri AGNP Programs
Choosing between primary care and acute care adult-gerontology tracks raises a lot of practical questions. Below you will find concise answers to the concerns Missouri nurses ask most often when exploring AGNP education.
- What is the difference between AGPCNP and AGACNP?
- AGPCNP (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner) focuses on wellness, chronic disease management, and preventive care in outpatient settings such as clinics and community health centers. AGACNP (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner) prepares you to manage acutely and critically ill adults in hospitals, ICUs, and emergency departments. The patient populations overlap in age range, but acuity levels and practice environments differ significantly.
- How long does it take to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner?
- Most MSN pathways take two to three years of full-time study, while part-time options may extend to four years. BSN-to-DNP programs typically require three to four years. Post-master's certificate tracks for nurses who already hold an MSN in another specialty are often the shortest route, sometimes finishing in as few as three to four semesters depending on transfer credits and clinical experience.
- Can you complete an adult-gerontology NP program online in Missouri?
- Yes. Several Missouri universities offer online or hybrid AGNP programs that deliver didactic coursework through virtual platforms. Clinical rotations still require hands-on hours at approved sites, but many programs allow you to arrange placements near your home or workplace. This flexibility makes it possible to continue working while earning your degree.
- What are the clinical hour requirements for AGACNP programs in Missouri?
- AGACNP programs in Missouri generally require a minimum of 500 direct patient care clinical hours, though many DNP programs exceed that number. Hours must be completed in acute or critical care settings under a qualified preceptor. Some programs bundle additional practicum hours for a scholarly project, pushing total clinical requirements to 750 or more at the doctoral level.
- Is an adult-gerontology NP worth it?
- For many nurses, yes. The aging U.S. population is driving strong demand for providers who specialize in adult and geriatric care. AGNPs in Missouri can expect competitive salaries, growing job availability, and the ability to practice with a high degree of autonomy. Both primary care and acute care tracks offer clear career ladders into leadership, education, and specialty roles.
- What certifications do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners need in Missouri?
- Missouri requires national board certification aligned with your population focus. Primary care graduates sit for the ANCC AGPCNP-BC exam. Acute care graduates may pursue the ANCC AGACNP-BC or the AACN ACNPC-AG credential. You must hold active certification to obtain and maintain your Missouri APRN license, and most certifications require renewal every five years with continuing education.
- Are there DNP-specific AGACNP pathways in Missouri?
- Yes. Multiple Missouri institutions offer BSN-to-DNP and post-master's DNP options with an AGACNP concentration. These programs integrate advanced clinical training with coursework in evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and quality improvement. If your long-term goals include hospital leadership, faculty positions, or health policy work, a DNP pathway gives you both the clinical credential and the doctoral degree in one program.
