Online Post-Master’s Adult Gerontolgy NP Programs – What’s the Best AGNP Graduate Certificate Program for You?

Master’s-prepared nurses who wish to enter the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) specialty at either the acute care or primary care level can save money and time by enrolling in an AGNP post-master’s certificate program (also sometimes referred to as a post-graduate certificate program). Prior to earning a post-master’s certificate, students need to have some work experience as a nurse. An MSN and a current RN license are the most typical requirements for this pathway.

Compare the 2021 Top Ranked Online AGNP Post-Master's Certificate Programs

For current APRNs considering entry into the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) specialty, an online AGNP Post-Master's Certificate program can be the perfect pathway. These certificate programs make it easy to switch focus areas swiftly and affordably. Choosing the right program, however, can be challenging. That's why we've ranked the top online AGNP Post-Master's Certificate programs across the country. For more information on our rankings, visit our Methodology page.

1.

Graceland University

Lamoni, IA

Overview:

Graceland University's adult-gerontology, nurse practitioner online certificate program is a post-graduate specialty that enables students to complete practicums across a range of acute care areas within the in-patient setting. Specialty practicums include orthopedics, endocrinology, oncology, rheumatology, and more.

Highlights:

• Advanced practice competency labs must be completed in-person
• In-person practicums must be completed under supervision of a preceptor
• Graceland's nursing program has a 50-year history

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Online/Hybrid

2.

Concordia University Wisconsin

Mequon, WI

Overview:

Concordia University Wisconsin's online Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP post-grad cert includes advanced nursing theory courses, including healthcare policy & issues, pathophysiological theories, and health care informatics. More than theory, the program encompasses advanced primary care clinicals and didactics emphasizing evidence-based practice across the adult lifecycle.

Highlights:

• Curriculum is built on Christian principles
• Part of the Certificate After Graduate Education (CAGE) program in nursing
• Complete 35 course credits to earn your post-grad cert

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

3.

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

Overview:

Deliver quality care and services to aged and acutely ill patients when you earn your post-master's adult-gerontology nurse practitioner certificate online from the University of South Carolina. Students learn how to treat adult patients diagnosed with complex and often multiple conditions.

Highlights:

• Complete the post-grad certificate in 5 semesters
• In-person clinical rotations are required for the online program
• Online graduate programs have consistently ranked highly

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Online/Hybrid

4.

University of Massachusetts Boston

Boston, MA

Overview:

U Mass's online Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner specialty for post-graduate Registered Nurses encompasses didactic study and clinical coursework. Select courses include Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Mental and Psychosocial Health, Primary Care of the Older Adult, and more.

Highlights:

• Complete in-person clinical hours in your home state
• Affordable tuition rates from a top-rated public research university
• Program enrollment eligibility varies by state

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post-Master's Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Certificate Online/Hybrid

5.

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI

Overview:

Students become Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) when they complete their online Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) post-master's certificate at the University of Detroit Mercy. By gaining clinical expertise and becoming patient advocates dedicated to improving the quality of patient care, students graduate practice- and exam-ready.

Highlights:

• A Catholic university that relies on Jesuit and Mercy traditions
• Students complete their in-person clinicals in their state of residency
• 100% of program graduates are employed in APRN roles

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post-MSN Certificate in Adult Gerontology CNS (Certificate) Online/Hybrid

Why Get a Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology NP Certificate?

Obtaining a post-master’s certificate as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner allows you to specialize in an area of practice that holds exceptional opportunities for advancement. Choosing to specialize in a particular population also means that you can work with those that provide you with the most pleasure. AGNPs who hold a post-master’s graduate certificate may find employment in:

• Internal medicine
• Ambulatory care
• Long-term care
• Rehabilitation centers
• Community health clinics

Before deciding on this route to the AGNP specialty, there are several factors to consider.

Pros

• Shortest, most cost-effective route to become an AGNP for nurses who hold an MSN already
• Good choice for MSN-prepared nurses who aren’t sure they want to commit to a DNP
• Great way to an advance a career without having to pursue a full degree program

Cons

• Those who eventually want to earn a DNP may be better off skipping the post-grad cert and entering one directly
• May not hold the same prestige as a full degree in the specialty
• If research and/or teaching is the end-goal, a DNP may be the better choice

How to Choose an Online Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology NP Certificate Program

If you’re like many nurses, you plan to continue working as you pursue your AGNP post-graduate certificate. Choosing an online program that doesn’t require on-site visits to the college campus is likely to fulfill your needs. It’s a good idea to make sure the online AGNP post-master’s certificate program you choose is properly accredited.

Prospective students should also decide whether they want to pursue an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate or an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate. Both options are regularly available at the post-master’s certificate level.

While you might think that a shorter course is best because it allows you to put your certificate to use more quickly, ensure that it meets the requirements that are necessary for licensure and/or certification. Another consideration is figuring out how the program handles the clinical experience. Will you need to find your own facility or does the program have contracts with clinics or hospitals in your area, for example? 

Post-Master’s AGNP Certificate Curriculum

The exact curriculum you’ll complete as part of attaining your adult-gerontology nurse practitioner post-master’s grad certificate depends on the particular requirements of the college and the program itself, especially if you choose to subspecialize in Acute or Primary Care. It’s likely that if you did not complete advanced physiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment as part of your master’s degree, then you’ll need to do so in order to earn your certificate. Other courses that you might take include:

• Acute Care of the Adult
• Primary Care of the Adult Patient
• Specialty courses in areas such as neurology or oncology

Clinical requirements may vary by state, but post-grad certificate AGNP students generally need to complete around 625 clinical hours in the specialty. These clinical rotations can be arranged in the student’s hometown, or even at their place of employment. Preceptors must be approved by the school before rotations can take place.

List of Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate Programs

To see available online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate programs near you, check out our listings below.