Discover career opportunities in your area that match your interests.
Create and download your plan today!
Guide your own patients throughout their healthcare journey with Walden’s MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) online program—and see why we’re the No. 1 choice for MSN AGPCNP programs in the U.S. In this specialization, you’ll learn from practicing NPs as you gain the advanced training to oversee the health and well-being of people 13 and older. Build the skills and confidence needed to deliver quality primary care and make a life-changing impact for the patients and communities you serve. Help shape a more equitable system that serves every person with compassion and dignity.
This program academically prepares you to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) AGPCNP exam and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification Board AGPCNP exam.
SUPPORT FOR YOUR PRACTICUM
Our Practicum Pledge® provides a collaborative, dedicated process to help you find a well-suited and timely practicum match.
ENGAGING LEARNING
Prepare for real-life scenarios you’ll face in your specialty through supervised clinical experiences and virtual Walden Grand Rounds.
ADVANCE YOUR CLINICAL SKILLS
Gain practical skills with our virtual skills lab, featuring video training, assessments, and faculty support.
Choose the BSN-MSN track if you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Advanced practice nurses must be equipped with an in-depth understanding of pathophysiological disease processes across the lifespan. In this course, students focus on understanding the bio-physiological processes, the deviations from these processes, and an in-depth examination of the scientific concepts related to the biology of disease processes. Advanced practice nursing students build on their knowledge of normal organ systems functioning to help organ systems return to optimal homeostasis. Through knowledge of pathophysiological disease processes, students synthesize the information needed to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients across the life span. Students explore a variety of topics regarding organ system diseases.
A solid foundation in the concepts and principles of drug therapy across the lifespan is essential to the work of advanced practice nurses. This course applies the advanced principles of pharmacology, including pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, by analysis of common drug classes prescribed by advanced practice nurses across the lifespan. Factors influencing successful therapy, such as effectiveness, safety, acceptability, cost, genetic/environmental influences, complementary regimens, and patient behaviors are considered. Through this course, students prepare to examine complex decisions in the management and treatment of selected acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents. Advanced practice nursing students will have a more in-depth understanding of drug legislation and regulation for prescribing drugs.
The physical and emotional well-being of patients and families can be complex and multifaceted. Advanced practice nurses need to have the knowledge and ability to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive physical health assessments. Students in this course focus on concepts and skills to assess patients across the lifespan. They learn to use diagnostic reasoning, advanced communication, and physical assessment skills to identify changes in health patterns. Students also will explore preventative health through risk evaluation of healthy individuals as a central theme of clinical practice in addition to the assessment of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The advanced skills of reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X-rays will be covered. Course assignments emphasize risk assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based assessment across the lifespan.
In this course, students learn how nurse practitioners master the art and science of clinical decision making among adult populations across the lifespan. Students focus on the diagnosis and management of primary healthcare needs and problems of the adult across the lifespan. They engage in a variety of course assignments that focus on physical and behavioral disease processes central to diagnosing conditions as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic treatment programs for acute illnesses commonly encountered in a primary healthcare setting.
In this course, students focus on the complex healthcare and management needs of older adults by advanced nurse practitioners in acute and primary care settings. Students learn to plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens of older adults through the application of knowledge in multiple settings. Additionally, students examine content related to end-of-life care and caregiver issues to gain the knowledge and sensibilities needed to implement positive change for the quality of life available to this vulnerable population.
Choose the RN-MSN track if you are a registered nurses (RN) who holds a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree other than BSN.
This course introduces students to the online learning environment and the professional role of the baccalaureate prepared nurse. Course content assists students in recognizing and reinforcing the role of nurses as well-equipped, ethical, empathetic, and well-informed leaders capable of effecting change at various levels. Students will be inspired to reflect on both the future of nursing and practice as change agents.
Students develop readiness for field experience in this course through steps and milestones aligned with the field experience application and orientation process. Steps include affirmation of planning details, identifying a field experience site, confirmation of application submittal, post-application requirements, and personal preparation for success at the field location. Activities focus on organization for searching and securing the site and professional comportment both during the site search and attendance at the site. Students confirm their field readiness through milestones designed to provide themselves and field experience coordinators with visibility on their field site preparation activities and ensure appropriate engagement between students and field experience coordinators to enable a successful transition from coursework to field experiences.
This course introduces the concepts of evidence-based practice and research principles in nursing. The foundational elements of the research process and understanding of ethical research principles are explored. The concepts are applied to demonstrate their impact on providing safe, quality, patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.
This course addresses the baccalaureate prepared nurse’s role in advancing population health. Students will focus on strategies to reduce health inequities, identify social determinants of health, improve health promotion, and disease prevention for culturally diverse, vulnerable populations; thereby improving the health of local, national, and global communities. Students consider the role of nursing in strengthening population health through effective collaboration across healthcare settings.
This course will explore established and emerging principles of safety and quality improvement science. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how quality is measured, tracked, and improved in healthcare. The objective of this course is to empower the nursing professional to use knowledge and skills in the science of quality improvement and improve clinical outcomes for patients and their families.
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor’s in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Elevate your nursing expertise with an MSN AGPCNP online. Our efficient admissions process makes it simple to take the first step toward positioning yourself for new opportunities.
Get started with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree other than BSN
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts
More information for international applicants.
You’re ready to be a front-line advocate for your patients. We’re ready to help you make your education more attainable through student-specific savings.
Tuition Savings
Transfer Credit
Scholarships
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 58 quarter credit hours | $775 per quarter hour | $44,950 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,260 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
$46,850* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,200 | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,800 to $2,500; this includes a mandatory clinical skills resource required during NURS/DNRS 6512 at a cost of $299. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents BSN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $430 per quarter hour | $11,180 |
| 58 MSN quarter credit hours | $775 per quarter hour | $44,950 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,800 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
$58,570* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,200 | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 40 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,800 to $2,500; this includes a mandatory clinical skills resource required during NURS/DNRS 6512 at a cost of $299. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
Personalized Practicum Support
After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge® (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your online MSN program.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners provide primary or specialty care, working independently or as part of a healthcare team.
Expected growth: 46%1
Estimated annual wage: $94,530–$140,6101
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
Upon completing this specialization, graduates will be prepared to:
Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.
Experience unwavering support from our faculty of nurse practitioners, who are passionate about fostering your growth and achievement.
In general, primary care refers to clinic-based medical care where you might see a patient multiple times over many years and perform care in a multitude of areas such as health promotion and maintenance, disease prevention, counseling and education, and the diagnosis and treatment of both acute and chronic illnesses.
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who effectively manage disease prevention, health promotion, health maintenance, and restorative care in patients ages 13 years and older. AGPCNPs have autonomy to manage their own group of patients and provide comprehensive, preventive, and continuous healthcare across the age spectrum. AGPCNPs provide holistic, patient-centered, and evidence-based care.
AGPCNPs assess, diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of health issues. They can effectively implement and facilitate disease prevention, health promotion, health maintenance, and restorative care interventions. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to determine the most comprehensive line of care for their patients. AGPCNPs provide age-appropriate wellness promotion and disease prevention services, weighing the costs, risks, and benefits to individuals. They are licensed to provide care for patients ages 13 years and older.
Our MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner online program is designed for working nurses. Program features include:
After you successfully complete your Master of Scie nce in Nursing (MSN) program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization, you will need to pursue licensure and certification. AGPCNP licensure requirements are set at the state level, meaning each state’s nursing board has the authority to determine the requirements for licensure. It’s best for individuals to check with their state board of nursing for licensure and certification requirements; however, the vast majority of states require individuals to be certified by a national certification board.
Each national certification exam is a competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge in specific focus areas. Each autonomous national nursing certification board assesses entry-level nurse practitioner knowledge and practice competencies required to provide safe and quality healthcare. There are two primary national certification boards that offer the exams necessary for credentialing AGPCNPs: the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
An AGPCNP who is certified has fulfilled the requirements of a national certification board. Certification boards do not license individuals as AGPCNPs. In order for an individual to be licensed as an AGPCNP, individuals must meet the requirements set forth by their state nursing board.
Yes, Walden’s MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Additionally, Walden’s post-master’s certificate program nurse practitioner specializations are accredited by CCNE. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
No other university in the U.S. graduates more nurses with MSN degrees than Walden. Didactic coursework in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is online, making it possible to earn your degree while you continue to work. Walden students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis. In addition, students are taught by 100% doctorally prepared faculty in their didactic courses.
Walden offers unparalleled support services that include a robust online library, Student Success Advisors, practicum support staff, career planning and development, and more. Walden is also committed to positive social change, which is emphasized throughout the curriculum.
A nursing practicum gives you valuable practical experience by allowing you to apply your new knowledge and skills in real-life situations and settings. Although you’re responsible for initiating your search for a field site based on your location preferences, Walden offers Practicum Advantage™ that provides Student Success Advisor coaching, resources, and self-help tools you need to identify a practicum site and nursing preceptor that fit with your education and career goals.
For the nurse practitioner (NP) specializations in our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, Walden offers Practicum Pledge®. You will benefit from our large network of field sites and preceptors as well as a dedicated Field Placement Team that partners with you to identify a site and preceptor. If you’re unable to identify your own nursing practicum site and preceptor after several attempts, we’ll assist in finding you a suitable match (along with additional requirements ).1
With flexible full-time or part-time study, all courses are available each quarter to allow timely program completion. The online format is convenient for working nursing professionals. The Walden University Practicum Pledge® helps students with placements in clinical settings.1
