Online MSN Adult-Gerontology NP Programs – Selecting the Best Program
The Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) pathway is a common online educational route for nurses who wish to enter the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) specialty. An aspiring adult-gerontology nurse practitioner who wishes to pursue an MSN degree typically already has experience working in the nursing field. In addition, most already hold a bachelor’s degree. However, there are programs that address the needs of nurses who have earned an associate degree or that hold a general bachelor’s degree. In any case, those who wish to pursue the AGNP specialty via an online MSN program need to have a current, unencumbered RN license, a GPA of 3.0 or above, and some clinical experience in the adult-gerontology field.
Compare the 2021 Top Ranked Online AGNP MSN Programs
For those looking to enter the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialty through a traditional MSN degree, online program options have made the process more accessible than ever. Finding the right program, though, can be challenging. That's why we have analyzed programs across the country and ranked our top picks. Browse the best online AGNP MSN programs below to find the perfect fit for you. To see how we developed our rankings, visit our Methodology page.

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University - Purdue University, Indianapolis, a partnership between two Big Ten schools, offers online MSN degrees in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, for both Acute and Primary Care. The top-ranked programs focus on nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, problem-solving, and information technology in healthcare.
Highlights:
- Graduates can sit for appropriate certifications and exams
- Clinical hours must be completed and supervised in Indiana
- Some in-person or hybrid courses may be required
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Online/Hybrid
Galveston, TX

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has an online MSN degree in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, for both Acute and Primary Care concentrations. Nursing leadership, improving patient care outcomes and patient advocacy are key components of the program, which studies young adults and elderly populations.
Highlights:
- Program requires on-campus visits for each of its four semesters
- Small class sizes allow for individual attention and real-world application
- In-person clinicals are typically completed in the Houston or Galveston area
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
Evansville, IN

Designed for nurses looking for career advancement, the online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Acute) program at the University of Southern Indiana provides instruction across foundational, specialty and clinical courses. Evidence-based practice, population-based care, healthcare informatics, and management of acutely ill adults are a sample of key courses.
Highlights:
- Students collaborate with faculty to set up in-person clinicals
- The AGNP specialty is 42 credit hours with 705 clinical hours
- No on-campus visits required; admission limited to certain states
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Online/Hybrid
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Online/Hybrid
Peoria, IL

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing based in Peoria, Illinois offers an online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner MSN degree. It concentrates on providing critical care and treatment of both acute and chronic ailments. Students learn how to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions as well as how to leverage information systems for healthcare.
Highlights:
- On-campus visits are required for hands-on instruction
- A private, Catholic college that directly serves the on-campus teaching hospital
- Affordable tuition rates
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
Sioux City, IA

A traditional women's college, Briar Cliff University, in Sioux City, Iowa offers an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in an online format. The MSN degree prepares graduates to practice primary health care delivery in numerous clinical settings. The holistic program enables students to apply nursing research and evidence to care for aging patients.
Highlights:
- Students must attend six on-site visits for degree completion
- Clinicals may be completed in student's home state
- Readies graduates to sit for appropriate exams
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
Why Get an MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Degree?
Obtaining an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner MSN degree provides you with a broad swath of knowledge and skills. These arm you with the education you need to treat, diagnose, and work with adults over their lifespan. Because you’ll work with a range of people ages 13 through seniors, the employment opportunities that are open to you are nearly endless. From correctional facilities and rehabilitation centers to college campuses and private practice offices, your diverse skills will be put to good use.
Whether you choose to pursue a primary care or acute care AGNP master’s program, there are some things to consider with this degree type.
Pros
- Easy to find both Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP programs at the MSN level
- Online and hybrid programs readily available
- Quickest route for nurses with a BSN
Cons
- Curriculum won’t emphasize administration/leadership the way a DNP program will
- If research or teaching is the goal, students may wish to go directly to the DNP
How to Choose an Online MSN AGNP Program
When you are considering which online adult-gerontology nurse practitioner MSN program to enroll in, you’ll probably focus on the credit hours needed, as well as the cost and the length of time the program will take you to complete. In general, 45 credit hours are the average number required for this type of degree. Many schools offer both full and part-time enrollment options, which will impact the length of time a student will need to complete the program. If you wish to further specialize in Acute or Primary Care, you’ll need to look for a school that has an AGNP program with that emphasis.
You’ll also want to ensure that the program is accredited. Many employers require this of anyone they hire. In addition, make note of any requirements for on-site visits – while many programs are offered in a fully online format, some schools offer hybrid programs that require some on-campus learning.
MSN AGNP Curriculum
The curriculum for an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner MSN degree will provide you with a rich foundation of knowledge that spans many aspects. You can expect to take courses such as:
- Business of Healthcare: Finance
- Advanced Skin and Wound Management
- Advanced Continence Management
Around 700 clinical hours in the adult-gerontology field will be required as part of the MSN-AGNP curriculum, depending on your state. Clinical hours can take the form of on-campus intensives as well as rotations and residencies that involve direct patient care. Most schools have clinical coordinators who can help students secure placements in their local area; many students can even fulfill the clinical portion of the curriculum at the hospital or facility where they are currently employed.
List of Online MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs
Finding an online or hybrid MSN-level AGNP program is easy with our school listings. Browse below to get started today!
Select Your State:
Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL |
University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL |
University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL |
Arkansas
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock, AR |
University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR |
Colorado
Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO |
University of Colorado | Aurora, CO |
University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO |
Connecticut
University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT |
Florida
Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL |
Georgia
Emory University | Atlanta, GA |
Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA |
Middle Georgia State University | Macon, GA |
Hawaii
Hawai‘i Pacific University | Honolulu, HI |
Idaho
Boise State University | Boise, ID |
Illinois
Bradley University | Peoria, IL |
Lewis University | Romeoville, IL |
Loyola University of Chicago | Chicago, IL |
Resurrection University | Chicago, IL |
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing | Peoria, IL |
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford | Rockford, IL |
Indiana
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN |
University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN |
University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN |
Iowa
Allen College | Waterloo, IA |
Briar Cliff University | Sioux City, IA |
Graceland University | Lamoni, IA |
Morningside University | Sioux City, IA |
Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY |
Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA |
Massachusetts
Regis University | Weston, MA |
University of Massachusetts Boston | Boston, MA |
Michigan
Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI |
Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI |
Oakland University | Rochester, MI |
Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI |
Mississippi
University Of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson, MS |
Missouri
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing | St. Louis, MO |
Maryville University | St. Louis, MO |
University Of Missouri Kansas City | Kansas City, MO |
Nebraska
Clarkson College | Omaha, NE |
New Jersey
Felician University | Rutherford, NJ |
Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ |
Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ |
New Mexico
The University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM |
New York
Hunter College | NY, NY |
Keuka College | Keuka Park, NY |
Mount Saint Mary College | Newburgh, NY |
Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY |
North Carolina
Duke University | Durham, NC |
North Dakota
University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND |
Ohio
Kent State University | Kent, OH |
Malone University | Canton, OH |
Ohio University | Athens, OH |
University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH |
Pennsylvania
Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA |
Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA |
La Salle University | Philadelphia, PA |
Rhode Island
Rhode Island College | Providence, RI |
South Carolina
University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC |
Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX |
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, TX |
University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston | Houston, TX |
Vermont
Norwich University | Northfield, VT |
Virginia
George Mason University | Fairfax, VA |
Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA |
Washington, DC
Georgetown University | Washington, DC |
The George Washington University | Washington, DC |
Wisconsin
Concordia Wisconsin Campus | Mequon, WI |
Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.