Best Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina
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North Carolina’s rapidly aging population, with adults 65+ projected to account for 20% of residents by 2030, creates unprecedented demand for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) across the Tar Heel State. Online AGNP programs offer North Carolina nurses the flexibility to advance their education while continuing to serve patients at Duke Health, UNC Health, Atrium Health, Novant Health, and community hospitals from the mountains of Asheville to the coastal plains of Wilmington.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How online AGNP programs balance remote coursework with North Carolina clinical requirements
- The essential differences between primary care and acute care specializations
- What MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate pathways offer
- Where North Carolina AGNP students complete hands-on clinical training
- How North Carolina’s scope of practice laws position AGNPs for career success
2026 Best Online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina
Duke University
Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Master of Science in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical healthcare needs for patients across the lifespan. Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, this innovative 42-credit hour program offers flexible online learning with extensive clinical experience. Students complete a minimum of 560 clinical hours, positioning them to excel in various healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes health equity, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations, especially in underserved communities. With projected job growth of 38% and competitive salaries exceeding $129,480, this program offers an exceptional pathway to a rewarding nursing career.
- 42-credit hour flexible curriculum
- 560+ clinical training hours
- Online and hybrid learning options
- Expansive clinical partnership network
- Focus on health equity
- Comprehensive patient care approach
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) MSN program prepares registered nurses to excel in advanced practice nursing. Ranked #1 nationally, this hybrid program offers distance-based learning and comprehensive clinical experiences. Students develop expertise in treating acutely and critically ill patients across diverse healthcare settings. With only 7% of nurse practitioners certified in this specialty, graduates enter a high-demand field with significant career potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 38% job growth for advanced practice registered nurses, with median annual salaries around $129,480.
- Hybrid distance-based learning
- Global clinical placement network
- Focus on health equity
- Extensive clinical simulation experiences
Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for nurses with a master's degree. This program builds on existing expertise with specialized skills for acute care. It features a hybrid format with distance-based learning and clinical placements near students' locations. The curriculum focuses on health equity and serving rural or underserved populations. Admissions require at least 12 months of acute-care nursing experience. Financial aid options are available. The program prepares graduates for high-demand roles in settings like intensive care units and emergency departments.
- Post-Graduate Certificate program.
- Hybrid distance-based learning.
- Clinical placements near home.
- Focus on health equity.
- 12 months acute-care experience required.
- Financial aid available.
- Prepares for ICU roles.
- Serves rural populations.
- Builds on master's degree.
- Global clinical network.
Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner for nurses with a master's degree. This hybrid program builds specialized skills for adult and geriatric care. It features flexible online classes and at least 560 clinical hours at partner sites worldwide. The curriculum focuses on health equity and prepares graduates for high-demand roles in various settings. Admissions consider holistic factors, and financial aid options are available.
- Post-graduate certificate program.
- Hybrid format with online classes.
- At least 560 clinical hours.
- Flexible for working nurses.
- Worldwide clinical partner sites.
- Focus on health equity.
- For master's degree holders.
- Builds specialized skills.
- Prepares for certification.
- Holistic admissions strategy.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC - Public 4-Year - unc.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adult and elderly populations. Students gain specialized skills in preventive care, chronic disease management, and patient assessment through a rigorous online curriculum. The program equips nurses with advanced clinical expertise, enabling them to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings, from primary care clinics to community health centers.
- Online Master's in Nursing
- Advanced Practice Specialization
- Adult-Gerontology Focus
- Comprehensive Clinical Preparation
- Expert Patient Care Training
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Oncology)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a top-ranked Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program. This distance-based program prepares students to care for patients aged 13 through end of life. It includes an Oncology focus option with extra coursework. The curriculum covers research and clinical skills. Graduates can pursue certification. The program is affordable with financial aid opportunities. Admissions require a BSN and relevant experience. It's designed for working professionals seeking advanced practice roles.
- Distance-based online format.
- Oncology focus available.
- Cares for ages 13+.
- Includes five clinical courses.
- Eligible for certification exams.
- Affordable with financial aid.
- BSN required for admission.
- Prepares for advanced practice.
- Focus on evidence-based care.
- Includes diagnostic reasoning course.
Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate provides advanced clinical training for experienced nurses seeking specialized expertise in acute care settings. This hybrid program prepares professionals to deliver comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to adult and geriatric patients experiencing complex medical conditions. Graduates develop advanced assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills essential for managing critical and rapidly changing patient health scenarios in intensive care, emergency departments, and specialized medical units.
- Hybrid program format
- Post-graduate certificate
- Advanced acute care nursing
- Specialized gerontology focus
- Advanced clinical training
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
East Carolina University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This 20-semester hour program prepares certified advanced practice nurses to care for adults and older adults with complex acute conditions. Courses are delivered online, with clinical experiences arranged locally. Admission requires an MSN, DNP, or PhD and APRN certification, plus a 3.2 GPA and North Carolina or compact state RN license. Spring admissions occur annually. Graduates are eligible for the ANCC certification exam, enhancing career opportunities in hospital and acute care settings.
- 20-semester hour curriculum.
- Online course delivery.
- Local clinical arrangements.
- Spring admissions annually.
- Requires MSN, DNP, or PhD.
- APRN certification needed.
- 3.2 GPA minimum.
- North Carolina RN license.
- Part-time study plan.
- Prepares for ANCC exam.
MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to serve diverse patient populations. The 61-semester-hour curriculum focuses on comprehensive healthcare for adolescents through elderly patients, emphasizing rural and underserved communities. Students complete 720 clinical practice hours and a three-semester DNP project, developing skills to work in community clinics, health departments, and long-term care settings. Graduates are eligible for national certification and prepared to deliver high-quality, interprofessional healthcare.
- 61 semester-hour curriculum
- 720 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid online/clinical format
- North Carolina RN licensure required
- Interprofessional healthcare focus
- ANCC/AANP certification eligible
- Part-time and full-time options
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's hybrid Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles. This 61-semester-hour curriculum includes 720 clinical practice hours and a DNP project. Focused on adolescents to the elderly, graduates work in diverse settings like clinics and long-term care. The program supports rural and underserved populations in North Carolina. Online coursework with in-person clinical rotations in NC. Requires active RN licensure in NC or a compact state. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP certification. Assistance with clinical placements and student support services available.
- 61 semester-hour curriculum
- 720 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid program format
- Focus on rural and underserved populations
- Eligible for ANCC/AANP certification
- Requires active RN licensure in NC
- Clinical rotations in NC only
- Assistance with clinical placements
- Student-support services available
- Prepares for advanced nursing practice
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC - Public 4-Year - uncw.edu
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Doctor of Nursing Practice program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for patients aged 13 through end of life. This rigorous program integrates nursing science with analytical and organizational sciences, equipping graduates to provide high-quality primary care, evaluate intervention effectiveness, and excel in advanced practice provider roles across diverse healthcare settings.
- Advanced practice nursing skills
- Primary care focus ages 13+
- Hybrid program delivery
- Comprehensive healthcare preparation
- Interdisciplinary scientific approach
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - uncg.edu
MSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adults across their lifespan. Students gain cutting-edge clinical skills to optimize patient outcomes in diverse primary care settings, from clinics to long-term care facilities. With a robust 96% national certification exam pass rate and 85% employment within six months, this program offers exceptional career advancement opportunities for nursing professionals seeking specialized gerontological expertise.
- Doctoral-level nursing specialization
- CCNE accredited program
- Hybrid class delivery
- Clinical placements arranged
- State-of-art teaching facility
- Rural and underserved experience
- 96% national exam pass rate
- Faculty practice engagement
- Online and in-person options
- Faculty mentorship provided
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care for adult and aging populations. Students gain sophisticated clinical skills through a hybrid learning model, combining online coursework with intensive clinical practicums. The three-year program offers a rigorous curriculum with 840 clinical practice hours, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for national certification and professional roles in primary care settings. With a remarkable 100% certification pass rate and 85% employment within six months of graduation, this program provides a strategic pathway for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers in adult healthcare.
- 100% AGPCNP certification pass rate
- Hybrid program with weekly sessions
- Complete DNP in 8 semesters
- 840 total clinical practice hours
- Affordable tuition with scholarships
- Small classes with expert faculty
- Clinical preceptor placement
- 85% employment after graduation
Understanding AGNP Specializations
Online programs prepare North Carolina nurses for two distinct practice tracks.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP)
Primary care AGNPs manage chronic diseases, provide preventive services, and treat acute illnesses in outpatient environments. North Carolina AGPCNP graduates practice in internal medicine clinics throughout the Research Triangle, geriatric practices at Duke Health and UNC Health, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and primary care offices in rapidly growing areas like Cary, Apex, and Huntersville.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP)
Acute care AGNPs manage critically ill adults in hospital settings. North Carolina AGACNP graduates work in intensive care units at Atrium Health facilities, emergency departments at Vidant Health in Greenville, cardiac care units at Wake Forest Baptist, hospitalist programs throughout Cone Health in Greensboro, and specialty services at Duke University Hospital.
Tip: Medical-surgical, critical care, or emergency nurses typically gravitate toward acute care. Nurses from outpatient clinics, primary care, or long-term care often prefer the primary care track’s focus on health promotion and chronic disease management.
Online AGNP Education Pathways
MSN: Direct Route to Practice
Timeline: 18-24 months full-time, 2-3 years part-time | Clinical hours: 500-600
Online AGNP MSN programs deliver theoretical content through learning management systems while requiring hands-on clinical training at North Carolina facilities. Even fully online programs require a physical presence for clinical practica; expect 2-3 full days per week at hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities during clinical semesters.
Upon graduation, North Carolina nurses are eligible for national AGNP certification and state APRN licensure.
DNP: Terminal Degree Options
Post-Master’s DNP programs: 30-36 credits, 1-2 years
Already practicing as a certified AGNP? Post-master’s AGNP DNP programs add doctoral credentials for those pursuing leadership at Atrium Health, Duke Health, or faculty positions at UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, or East Carolina University.
Post-Master’s AGNP Certificates
Timeline: 12-18 months | Clinical hours: 500-600
Online AGNP post-master’s certificates allow practicing nurse practitioners in other specialties to add AGNP certification, which is particularly valuable in rural North Carolina counties where specialty-specific positions are limited.
Clinical Training in North Carolina
Despite online coursework, all AGNP programs require extensive in-person clinical experience at North Carolina healthcare facilities.
Clinical Sites Across the State
Major Metropolitan Areas:
- Research Triangle: Duke Health, UNC Health hospitals and clinics, WakeMed Health, Rex Hospital
- Charlotte Metro: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Novant Health Presbyterian
- Piedmont Triad: Wake Forest Baptist Health, Cone Health, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
- Coastal Region: Vidant Health in Greenville, New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington
Placement considerations: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro-Winston-Salem offer abundant options. Students in rural counties may need to travel to regional hubs for certain specialty rotations.
Veterans Affairs facilities in Durham, Asheville, Salisbury, and Fayetteville provide opportunities for students interested in serving veteran populations.
Tip: Upon program acceptance, join the North Carolina Nurses Association and contact AGNPs at your workplace. North Carolina has a close-knit healthcare community; personal connections significantly help with clinical placement.
Check out nurse practitioner schools in North Carolina.
AGNP Admission Requirements
| Requirement | Standard Expectation |
| RN License | Active North Carolina RN license (or compact state license) |
| Undergraduate Degree | BSN from accredited program, typically 3.0+ GPA |
| Nursing Experience | 1-2 years; acute care or medical-surgical experience valued |
| GRE | Waived by most programs |
| References | 2-3 professional letters |
| Personal Statement | Essay demonstrating commitment to adult-gerontology nursing |
Program Costs and North Carolina Financial Resources
Tuition Expectations
| Program Type | Estimated Total Cost |
| In-state public university MSN | $16,000 – $30,000 |
| Out-of-state public university MSN | $32,000 – $58,000 |
| Private university MSN | $38,000 – $68,000 |
| In-state BSN-to-DNP | $30,000 – $52,000 |
| Private university DNP | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| Post-master’s certificate | $18,000 – $40,000 |
Tip: Complete the FAFSA early and research institution-specific scholarships. North Carolina residents should explore state-funded programs even when attending out-of-state online programs.
North Carolina Licensure and Scope of Practice
Certification and Licensure Process
- Complete AGNP program meeting North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements
- Pass national certification (AGPCNP-BC or AGACNP-BC through AANPCB or ANCC)
- Apply for North Carolina APRN licensure
- Obtain DEA registration for prescriptive authority
North Carolina Practice Authority
North Carolina requires collaborative practice agreements between APRNs and physicians, but grants substantial autonomy:
- AGNPs practice independently in routine clinical care; agreements are consultative, not supervisory
- Full prescriptive authority including Schedule II-V controlled substances
- No chart review or co-signature requirements
- AGNPs can own and operate independent practices
Most North Carolina AGNPs report the requirement as administrative rather than restrictive.
Career Outlook for North Carolina AGNPs
Employment Settings: Primary care practices throughout Charlotte metro, Research Triangle, Triad region, and coastal communities; hospital medicine programs at Atrium Health, Duke Health, and Vidant Health; critical care units at major medical centers; long-term care facilities statewide; hospice and palliative care programs; and Veterans Affairs facilities.
Salary Expectations
| Region | Annual Salary Range |
| Research Triangle | $100,000 – $125,000 |
| Charlotte Metro | $100,000 – $128,000 |
| Piedmont Triad | $95,000 – $118,000 |
| Coastal Region | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| Rural Counties | $92,000 – $115,000 (plus loan repayment/bonuses) |
Charlotte and the Research Triangle typically offer the highest compensation. Rural areas may offer lower base salaries but often include signing bonuses ($10,000-$25,000) and generous loan-repayment packages totaling $30,000-$50,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find preceptors for clinical hours in North Carolina?
A: Network through the North Carolina Nurses Association, contact AGNPs at your workplace, and attend North Carolina healthcare conferences. Some programs provide preceptor networks, while others expect significant student initiative.
Q: Will North Carolina accept clinical hours completed via telehealth?
A: Some programs allow limited telehealth hours, but North Carolina requires substantial in-person patient interaction. Check with your program about telehealth policies and the North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements.
Q: Can I work as an AGNP in North Carolina immediately after graduation?
A: You must pass the AGNP certification exam and obtain North Carolina APRN licensure before practicing. Plan for 2-3 months between graduation and beginning practice.
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