M.S. in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
41
Credit Hours
27
Month Completion
Class Type
Online courseworkSee state availability
Next Start Date
Jan 6, 2025
Placement Tests
GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Accreditation
CCNE

Play a pivotal role in caring for older adults with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree

Patients of all ages, including those 65+, deserve the kind of healthcare excellence that comes only from compassionate, caring professionals who are equipped to deliver evidence-based solutions. If you’re drawn to helping older adults and want to specialize in their care, as well as those with chronic comorbidities, let Franklin’s M.S in Nursing-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP) degree put you on that path.

Program Availability

Online
On Site

Earn an In-Demand Degree

Fill the geriatric care gap.

$2,000 Smart Start Scholarship

New students in the MSN-AGPCNP program qualify for an automatic $2,000 scholarship.

Built-in Clinical Hours

Apply what you learn while you learn it.

Finish in as Few as 27 Months

Earn your primary care NP degree faster.

Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with other work-life commitments.

Learn from the Best

Benefit from the experience of your instructors – seasoned, in-field practitioners.

MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program Overview

Earn the qualifications you need to work with a growing population that needs nurse practitioners with a specialization in gerontology. Franklin’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers RNs the opportunity to further develop their professional skills by becoming an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). With a flexible program designed for busy, working nurses, Franklin’s MSN-AGPCNP degree program fully prepares you to ensure healthcare delivery excellence for patients in adolescence through adulthood.

Align your career credentials with your passion for gerontology nursing

It takes a special kind of heart and competency to work with the 65+ population. If that’s you and you want to take your career to a new level while improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for older adults (and for anyone age 13+), Franklin’s MSN-AGPCNP degree is for you. This degree will prepare you for a leadership or clinical nursing position in a variety of primary care settings, including long-term and preventive care, hospitals, private clinics and community health centers.

Realize your potential and expand your scope of practice with an MSN-AGPCNP degree

In this degree program, you’ll prepare to become an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner through a rigorously designed curriculum that emphasizes what next-level AGPCNPs need to know. You’ll learn – and practice – a variety of specialized skills. From suturing, biopsy and diagnostics, to differential diagnosis, objective assessments and evidence-based interventions, you’ll be enhancing the lives and care of our aging population.

Finish your degree faster, thanks to built-in clinical practice hours

Franklin’s MSN-AGPCNP degree program is unique because it weaves clinical practicum within your coursework. Thanks to this built-in experiential learning component, you’ll apply what you learn while you learn it. Franklin’s MSN-AGPCNP degree program lets you acquire 600 hours of clinical practice experience that’s focused on primary care across the lifespan, plus the opportunity for a specialization rotation.

Earn an accredited nursing degree and qualify to apply to take the national certification exam

The master’s degree program in nursing at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

As a student, you can be confident that your MSN will prepare you for advanced practice or doctoral-level study.

Once you complete your degree, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Passing the certification exam is necessary to receive a license to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in most states.

Since licensing requirements vary from state to state, make sure you understand the rules and regulations guiding both the location and scope of your practice as it relates to your professional development goals.

Transfer up to 12 credits and finish your MSN faster

If you have previously taken MSN courses at a CCNE-accredited institution, you may be able to transfer credit and save time and money toward your Franklin MSN. Franklin offers course-for-course credit for advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced physical assessment, as long as they have been completed within 3 to 5 years of your enrollment at Franklin. To see if your previous coursework can be used to satisfy degree requirements, you’ll need to submit a syllabus for the course(s) you’d like to have evaluated for transfer credit. Your admissions advisor will be happy to assist you in any way.  

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Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, post-graduate APRN certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Franklin University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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Future Start Dates

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Spring 2025
January
6
Recommended Register By:
Dec 27
Spring 2025
February
17
Recommended Register By:
Feb 7
Spring 2025
March
31
Recommended Register By:
Mar 21
Summer 2025
May
19
Recommended Register By:
May 9
Summer 2025
June
30
Recommended Register By:
Jun 20
Fall 2025
August
18
Recommended Register By:
Aug 8
Fall 2025
September
29
Recommended Register By:
Sep 19
Fall 2025
November
10
Recommended Register By:
Oct 31
Spring 2026
January
5
Recommended Register By:
Dec 26
Spring 2026
February
16
Recommended Register By:
Feb 6
Spring 2026
March
30
Recommended Register By:
Mar 20
Summer 2026
May
18
Recommended Register By:
May 8
Summer 2026
June
29
Recommended Register By:
Jun 19
Fall 2026
August
17
Recommended Register By:
Aug 7
Fall 2026
September
28
Recommended Register By:
Sep 18
Fall 2026
November
9
Recommended Register By:
Oct 30

Your Best Value MSN-AGPCNP Track

Choose Franklin’s MSN-AGPCNP and you’ll get more for your money while you make the most of your time. Complete your degree in as few as 27 months with online coursework and built-in clinical hours.

Automatic Smart Start Scholarship

$27,470
Total Tuition
$2,000
Automatic Scholarship
$25,470
Tuition with Scholarship

Franklin’s competitive tuition rate and our Smart Start Scholarship puts your degree within reach.

Affordable Tuition

$670
PER CREDIT HOUR

Affordable tuition rates for the accredited MSN-AGPCNP provide value and quality.

Lower Fees

Save thousands of dollars in fees by choosing Franklin over other leading programs for your MSN-AGPCNP.

Source: Internal research of leading programs (May 2022)

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$27,470
Total Tuition
(After Partner Discount)

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Curriculum & Course Descriptions

41 Semester Hours
Major Area Required
NURS 612 - Role of the Master's Prepared Nurse (3)

This course assesses the various roles of the master's prepared nurse. The influence of the health care delivery systems, health care policy, diversity, ethics, quality, safety, theory, evidence based practice, and information systems on the role of the master's prepared nurse will be explored.

NURS 644 - Advanced Pathophysiology (3)

This course provides an in-depth study of the physiological changes and responses to altered health states and their impact on the functional status of patients. Students will focus on the essential knowledge of human health and disease across the lifespan. Pathophysiological theories and evidence-based research serve as a basis for applying content to population groups.

NURS 646 - Advanced Physical Assessment (3)

This course builds upon the student?s previous health assessment knowledge offering more advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for advanced professional nursing roles. This course emphasizes knowledge of health assessment, including physical, psychosocial, spiritual health assessment, risk assessment, and functional assessment in diverse populations in the promotion of health and prevention of disease. To maintain a nursing focus on patient responses to health, illness, or the threat of illness, the nurse must exhibit effective communication and client teaching, which is incorporated throughout the course. The importance of effective documentation and health record keeping is included.

NURS 648 - Advanced Pharmacology (3)

This course focuses on the concepts, principles, and application of pharmacotherapeutics used in the management of health problems encountered in primary care. Emphasis is placed on theories and principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics, which provide a foundation for critical thinking, and the application of research finding. The focus on pharmacology is aimed at the treatment of acute and chronic health problems in populations over the lifespan. Prescriptive authority for nurses is explored.

NURS 693 - Evidence Based Practice & Quality Improv (3)

This course will explore and analyze methods to improve nursing practice and health outcomes. Collaborative efforts and ethical concerns are considered. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating evidence-based practice and quality assurance initiatives.

NURS 698 - Diagnostic Methods for the Nurse Practitioner (2)

This course will provide students with content regarding common diagnostic tests applicable to APN practice, the rationale for these tests, expected results and common abnormal results. Topics include selection of appropriate diagnostic tests, procedures for collecting specimens, analyzing selected tests and evaluating results. The role of the APRN is to be knowledgeable about evidence-based support for the choice of diagnostic testing and use critical thinking to evaluate the significance of this testing in the context of the test?s sensitivity specificity the disease prevalence and the patient?s likelihood for the condition. The APRN is an advocate for the patient when weighing the risk/benefit factors for testing while also being a good manager of resources and avoiding unnecessary testing which contributes to the high cost of medical care. The APRN needs to be familiar with legal implications of testing such as protecting the privacy of medical information, timeliness of providing test results, and laws concerning mandatory reporting. The ethics of autonomy and the right to refuse a test need to be considered as the APRN shares decision making with the patient. Socioeconomic factors and social determinants of health can influence create barriers to access to care and also need careful consideration.

NURS 700 - Foundations of Nurse Practition Practice

This course introduces the practice of primary health care. Principles of safety, quality, and the art of diagnosis and treatment influencing care delivery will be addressed. These include fundamentals in the art of diagnosis and treatment, population health, cultural competency, oral and written communication, and billing and coding. This course has a required basic office procedure skills and assessment lab of 16 hours.

NURS 701 - Primary Care I (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where the students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 702 - Primary Care II (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; used a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 710 - Management of the Geriatric Population (4)

This course focuses on the health care concepts specific to the application of assessment and management of physical and mental health with special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, disease detection, and chronic disease management for the geriatric population. Students will advance understanding of aging, age-related changes, palliative and end-of-life care. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records.

NURS 791 - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Capstone (4)

This course focuses on the health care concepts specific to the application of assessment and management of physical and mental health with special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, disease detection, and gender-related well-being. Students will advance understanding of core concepts related to well-being and gender-related health in diverse adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours, where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients? health records.

NURS 705 - Adult-Gero Primary Care NP Cert Prep (1)

This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully pass the national certification exam. Emphasis will be on best test-taking practices, the application of critical thinking, health promotion, disease prevention, and management of care of individuals with chronic health needs.

HCM 752 - Health Policy (4)

This course will explore the essential conceptual and analytical understanding of health policymaking and politics, including their impact on health administration and leadership. Selected policy issues will be explored through the application of political concepts and behavioral models, including a system model of policymaking. The emphasis will be on understanding the health leader?s approach to the policymaking system, become involved in it, and work through it to attain their objectives and those of their organization.

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MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program Details

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FNP or AGPCNP: Which is the Best Fit for You?

Nursing is a challenging, yet rewarding profession that affords you the opportunity to follow your passion in a rapidly evolving and growing industry. If you are deciding between the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), there are some important similarities between the two programs. Both specializations:

  • Require 600 clinical hours and completion of Primary Care I (NURS 701/701C) + Primary Care II  (NURS 702/702C)
  • Are nationally certified through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
  • Equip you for positions in ambulatory care centers, medical offices and correctional facilities

However, below you’ll find some information on what differentiates the two options. Compare the options and find the best fit for you.

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FNP
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AGPCNP

Age-Range of Patients: Birth to Geriatric

Best Fit: Nurses who enjoy caring for babies and children

Demand Driver: Rural areas with less access to pediatric specialists.

Additional Required Clinical Courses: Management of Multidimensional Health (NURS 703/703C) + FNP Capstone (NURS 790/790C)

Practice Settings: Schools, Rural Health Clinics, Worksite-Based Clinics

Age-Range of Patients: Patients ages 13 and older

Best Fit: Nurses who enjoy caring for teens and adults – especially older adults

Demand Driver: Aging population and absence of physicians specializing in geriatric care.

Additional Required Clinical Courses: Management of the Geriatric Population (NURS 710/710C) + Adult-Gero Primary Capstone (NURS 791/791C)

Practice Settings: Long-term Care Facilities, Assisted Living Centers, University Student Health Centers 

Employment Outlook

12%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Nursing are expected to increase by 12%

Occupation Median Salary (2023) Job Postings (2023) Projected Growth (2023-2033)
Occupation
Nurse Anesthetists $212,659 31,519 13%
Nurse Anesthetists
Median Salary: $212,659
Job Postings: 31,519
Projected Growth: 13%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists22,42771%
Nurse Anesthetists2,0617%
Locums Tenens1,1744%
Anesthesiologists9063%
Locum Tenens Anesthesiologists7102%
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SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Anesthesias8,88370%
Anesthesiology5,70845%
Nursing2,66321%
Pre-Anesthetic Assessment2,33718%
Surgery2,26218%
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Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians52%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals24%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners6%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)5%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)3%
Other6%
Nurse Midwives $129,646 6,819 9%
Nurse Midwives
Median Salary: $129,646
Job Postings: 6,819
Projected Growth: 9%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Midwives diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Nurse Midwives5,72084%
Nurse Midwives82912%
Certified Nurse Midwives/Women's Health Nurse Practitioners481%
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners701%
Directors of Health and Human Services50%
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SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Midwifery1,68867%
Obstetrics And Gynaecology1,24249%
Gynecology1,21148%
Postpartum Care1,02841%
Nursing93737%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians52%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals21%
Outpatient Care Centers15%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners5%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)2%
Other3%
Nurse Practitioners $126,256 387,601 44%
Nurse Practitioners
Median Salary: $126,256
Job Postings: 387,601
Projected Growth: 44%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Nurse Practitioners140,28236%
Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants73,20819%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners28,6377%
Family Nurse Practitioners32,0408%
Nurse Practitioners/Advanced Practice Registered Nurses18,4235%
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SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing59,01530%
Primary Care50,90926%
Medical Records33,49117%
Patient Education And Counseling27,99414%
Treatment Planning25,43413%
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Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians48%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals18%
Outpatient Care Centers9%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners4%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)3%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Other14%
Registered Nurses $86,070 4,823,198 10%
Registered Nurses
Median Salary: $86,070
Job Postings: 4,823,198
Projected Growth: 10%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Registered Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Registered Nurses1,029,00121%
Medical Surgical Registered Nurses382,3918%
Travel Registered Nurses481,60910%
ICU Registered Nurses372,6248%
Operating Room Registered Nurses295,2986%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing1,606,51859%
Nursing Care636,89623%
Nursing Process388,95014%
Medication Administration297,83611%
Intensive Care Unit287,12410%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals47%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)7%
Offices of Physicians7%
Home Health Care Services6%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)4%
Other24%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,738 977,050 9%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median Salary: $59,738
Job Postings: 977,050
Projected Growth: 9%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Licensed Practical Nurses499,54351%
Licensed Vocational Nurses110,18211%
Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses56,0316%
Home Health Licensed Practical Nurses49,7255%
Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses47,3645%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing247,17357%
Nursing Care106,18925%
Medication Administration93,63922%
Vital Signs76,80718%
Home Health Care63,91115%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)27%
Home Health Care Services12%
Offices of Physicians12%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals10%
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly7%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Other28%

Source: Employment Outlook data is provided by Lightcast. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

The Clinical Experience

Meet Your [Clinical] Match

Clinical rotations play a critical role in preparing you to excel as nurse practitioner. Learn how we will support your search and what you can do to personalize the experience to meet your personal and professional needs. 

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MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

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