Best Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland

Last Updated/Verified: Jan 8, 2026
Best Online AGNP Programs in Maryland

Maryland is a strong state for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs), thanks to major academic medical centers and large multi-hospital systems across Baltimore, Central Maryland, and the DC suburbs. For working RNs, online AGNP programs can be the most realistic option; didactic coursework is completed remotely, while clinical rotations are arranged in Maryland communities where you want to practice.

This article will cover:

  • The difference between Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care tracks
  • How online MSN vs DNP vs post-master's certificates compare
  • What to look for in Maryland-friendly clinical placement support
  • Local examples of Maryland clinical settings and employers that align well with each track

2026 Best Online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland

#1

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - jhu.edu

MSN to DNP - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johns Hopkins University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive, high-quality healthcare for adult and older adult populations. This rigorous 3-year online program with onsite immersions equips students with advanced clinical skills, evidence-based decision-making techniques, and leadership capabilities. Students learn to diagnose and manage complex health conditions, conduct sophisticated assessments, and transform healthcare delivery across various settings. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit, the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, an active RN license, and one year of nursing experience. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and emerge as clinical scholars ready to lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

  • 3-year online with immersions
  • 74 total credit program
  • 960 clinical hours required
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • One year RN experience preferred
  • National certification preparation
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Advanced clinical decision-making
  • Leadership skill development
  • Complex patient care focus

MSN to DNP - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johns Hopkins University's DNP Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide complex, comprehensive care for critically ill adult and older adult patients. Designed as a three-year hybrid program with online coursework and onsite immersions, students develop advanced clinical skills to diagnose, treat, and manage patients across acute care settings. With an estimated tuition of $1,997 per credit, the program offers financial aid options and requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical practice hours. Applicants must have a BSN, one year of acute care RN experience, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • 3-year hybrid online program
  • 840 clinical hours required
  • Online with onsite immersions
  • 1,000 total practice hours
  • Maryland RN license required
  • Advanced clinical decision-making
  • Prepares for ANCC certification
  • Faculty-guided scholarly project
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu

BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive care for patients from adolescence through older adulthood. Students gain expertise in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions with a holistic approach, emphasizing wellness coaching and preventative strategies. The 47-credit hybrid program spans 27 months, offering a dynamic curriculum blending online and in-person learning with extensive clinical practice experiences.

  • 47 total credit hours
  • 27-month program duration
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Care for adolescent-older adult population
  • Small class sizes
  • Cohort learning model
  • Interactive coursework
  • Extensive clinical practice
  • 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Personalized learning environment
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Adult-Gerontology NP Tracks: Primary Care vs Acute Care

Before you compare online AGNP programs, it's important to understand the two adult-gerontology population focus options, as each leads to different clinical roles and work environments.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP)

Primary care AGNPs focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, and long-term patient relationships across adult and older adult populations. These roles are typically outpatient and community-based.

Common Maryland-Aligned Settings:

  • Primary care and specialty outpatient practices
  • Community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)
  • Geriatrics, long-term care, and home-based primary care programs

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP)

Acute care AGNPs are trained to manage complex and unstable conditions in inpatient and high-acuity settings, often working as part of hospital-based care teams.

Common Maryland-Aligned Settings:

  • Hospital inpatient units and specialty services
  • ICU and step-down units
  • Surgical services and hospitalist teams

Adult-Gerontology Track Comparison

FeatureAG Primary CareAG Acute Care
Typical Practice SettingOutpatient and longitudinal careInpatient and high-acuity care
Ideal For RNs Who PreferChronic care, geriatrics, continuityComplex cases, rapid decision-making
Clinical EmphasisClinics, long-term care, community settingsHospitals, ICUs, specialty inpatient units

Tip: Choosing the Right Track
If you envision yourself working in outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, or community-based practices, an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care track is usually the best fit. If you prefer hospital medicine, ICU-level care, or specialty inpatient services, an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care track is more appropriate.

Maryland Licensure Essentials to Confirm Before You Enroll

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners in Maryland are regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). To qualify for advanced practice certification, your AGNP program must be reviewed and approved by the Board and aligned with state regulations.

Maryland AGNPs who intend to prescribe controlled substances must also complete the state's Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) registration process and register with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) prior to obtaining or renewing CDS registration.

What to Verify With Any Online AGNP Program:

  • The program supports clinical placements in Maryland
  • Faculty and staff assist with preceptor coordination and site agreements
  • The curriculum clearly aligns with primary care or acute care certification
  • You understand Maryland's CDS and PDMP requirements if prescribing is part of your future role

Explore nurse practitioner schools in Maryland.

Online Adult-Gerontology NP Pathways in Maryland

Online AGNP programs are offered through several academic pathways. Each option is designed for a different career stage and professional goal.

Online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner:

An MSN is often the fastest route to AGNP practice for RNs without prior graduate-level NP education.

Best For:

  • BSN-prepared RNs seeking entry into AGNP practice
  • Nurses who want to begin practicing sooner rather than later

Typical Features:

  • Fully online coursework with local clinical rotations
  • Separate primary care or acute care tracks
  • Eligibility for national AGNP certification upon graduation

Online DNP in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner:

DNP programs include advanced clinical preparation plus leadership, systems improvement, and evidence-based practice coursework.

Best For:

  • RNs seeking a terminal practice doctorate
  • Nurses interested in leadership, policy, or academic roles

Typical Features:

  • Online didactic coursework
  • Extensive clinical hours beyond the MSN level
  • Completion of a DNP scholarly or quality improvement project

Online Post-Master's Adult-Gerontology NP Certificate:

Post-master's certificates allow already graduate-prepared nurses to add an adult-gerontology population focus.

Best For:

  • APRNs adding AG primary care or AG acute care certification
  • MSN-prepared nurses expanding scope without earning another degree

Typical Features:

  • Shorter completion timelines
  • Focused coursework and clinicals aligned with certification requirements

What Makes an Online AGNP Program a Strong Choice for Maryland Students

Because clinical education happens locally, the best online AGNP programs for Maryland residents share several key characteristics.

Strong programs provide:

  • Guidance securing preceptors within Maryland health systems
  • Support with clinical affiliation agreements
  • Rotation planning that reflects Maryland practice environments

Common Maryland Clinical Settings

  • Major health systems and academic medical centers in the Baltimore region
  • Outpatient specialty practices and hospital networks in the DC suburbs
  • Community clinics, geriatrics practices, and long-term care facilities statewide

Tip: Plan Early for Clinicals
Even with school support, students are most successful when they begin clinical planning early, especially in competitive regions like the Baltimore–Washington corridor.

Flexible Online Learning Formats

Online AGNP programs vary in structure. Maryland RNs should consider:

  • Asynchronous coursework for rotating or night shifts
  • Required synchronous sessions or campus intensives
  • Overall workload balance with full-time employment

How to Evaluate AGNP Programs

Use the checklist below when researching online Maryland AGNP programs.

Maryland Online AGNP Program Evaluation Checklist

Evaluation AreaWhat to Look For
Track AvailabilityClear AG primary care and/or AG acute care pathways
Clinical SupportPreceptor guidance, affiliation agreements, local placements
Program FormatMostly online coursework with limited campus visits
Career PreparationCertification alignment and clinical readiness
State CompatibilityAuthorization for Maryland residents and clinicals

FAQs

Q: Can I Complete an Online AGNP Program and Do Clinicals in Maryland?

A: Yes, as long as the program is authorized to operate in Maryland and supports in-state clinical placements. Always confirm this before enrolling.

Q: Which AGNP Track Is Better in Maryland: Primary Care or Acute Care?

A: Primary care is best for outpatient clinics, geriatrics, and community settings, while acute care is designed for hospital-based and high-acuity roles. Choose based on where you want to practice.

Q: Do Maryland AGNPs Need Special Registration to Prescribe?

A: AGNPs who prescribe controlled substances must complete Maryland CDS registration and PDMP enrollment. Requirements may change, so review current state guidance when nearing graduation.

Erin Doyle, MSN, FNP-BC
Latest posts by Erin Doyle, MSN, FNP-BC (see all)

Related Articles