Provide holistic, patient-centered care for adults of all ages. Be a catalyst for better healthcare in your community.
No. 1 in MSN AGPCNP Programs in the U.S.¹
Guide your own patients throughout their healthcare journey with Walden’s MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) 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.
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 58 quarter credits
- Core courses (23 cr.)
- Specialization courses (35 cr includes the required 640 practicum hours)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-937-6657.
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 84 quarter credits
- Foundations courses (26 cr.)
- Core courses (20 cr.)
- Specialization courses (35 credits includes the required 640 practicum hours)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-937-6657.
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.
Personalized Practicum Support
After you register for Walden 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 degree journey.
Admission Requirements
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
- The Technical Standards Policy Form, a statement of understanding of the MSN NP practicum requirements.
- Additional Walden admission criteria required. Contact an Enrollment Specialist for more details.
More information for international applicants.
Explore Real-Life Clinical Scenarios With Walden Grand Rounds
As a nurse practitioner student at Walden, you can take part in Walden Grand Rounds several times throughout the quarter. Meet virtually with faculty and classmates to review clinical patient scenarios that are focused on assessing, differentiating, and treating pathological conditions. This is a unique opportunity to connect what you’ve learned in class with real-life situations and challenges you’ll encounter in the field as an NP.
The progress you make now pays you back. You’ll receive your clinical practicum courses tuition-free.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 58 quarter credit hours | $750 per quarter hour | $43,500 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $1,190 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
| $45,330** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$6,000 $39,330* |
||
*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.
**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 $1,500 to $2,000. 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.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours |
$415 per quarter hour | $10,790 |
| 58 MSN quarter credit hours |
$750 per quarter hour | $43,500 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $1,530 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
| $56,460** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$6,000 $50,460* |
||
*Represents RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
**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 $1,500 to $2,000. 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.
Program Outcomes
Deliver a New Level of Patient Care
In Walden’s MSN AGPCNP online program, you’ll gain the next-level training needed to manage patients across the spectrum of adolescence to older adulthood. Learn to treat the whole patient by understanding all of the factors that impact their health. Prepare to fill the gaps in primary care and promote accessible, high-quality healthcare in your community.
This MSN degree program’s content is consistent with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) standards for AGPCNP education.
Walden practicum coordinators are available to assist you in meeting your practicum requirements. See our FAQ document for answers to some of the most common questions.
What’s the Career Impact of Earning an MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner?
With an aging population and a growing emphasis on preventive care, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners are in demand. Jobs for NPs are expected to grow by 52% through 2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—a rate much faster than average for all occupations.2
An MSN AGPCNP program can empower you to be a frontline advocate for your patients and a champion of more affordable, equitable, and accessible patient care. Position yourself for new opportunities and become a catalyst for better outcomes in your practice and community.
An MSN AGPCNP program can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Primary care clinics
- Specialty care clinics
- Urgent care clinics
- Women’s health clinics
- Public health departments
- Long-term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Internal medicine
- Palliative care facilitie
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Learning Outcomes
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.
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Testimonials
I chose Walden to earn my advanced degree because I was pleased with the design and presentation of the curriculum, its flexibility, and the very encouraging reviews of the experiences of current students and alumni.
Lisa D. Stovel-Rolle ’12MSN
I was very surprised about how well-prepared I felt for my certification boards after graduation. The program prepared me for entry to practice.
Joshua Reed ’14MSN
Choosing to specialize as a family nurse practitioner has opened many doors. ... I can explore many areas in nursing and still be a nurse practitioner.
Melissa Bellamy ’18MSN
FAQ About Walden’s Online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
What is primary care nursing?
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.
What is a primary care nurse practitioner?
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.
What does an AGPCNP nurse do?
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.
What’s it like to take an MSN-AGPCNP program online?
Learning Environment
Walden’s MSN-AGPCNP online classrooms feature state-of-the-art learning technologies, media, and support materials. With interactive simulations, engaging case studies, a robust online library, and NP exam prep tests, you will have a well-rounded educational experience.
Student Support
Walden offers a robust support staff—including student success advising, graduation counseling, and practicum coordinators—to assist students.
National Certification Preparation
Students in Walden’s online MSN-AGPCNP program will be academically prepared to sit for the national certification exam for adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner upon graduation. Qualifications to sit for certification exams are determined by the certifying body.
Where can a primary care nurse practitioner work?
With the proper experience and training, such as a degree from Walden’s MSN program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization, you may be positioned for roles in the following settings:
- Primary care clinics
- Specialty care clinics
- Urgent care clinics
- Worksite-based health clinics
- Private medical practices
- Public health departments
- Long-term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Women’s health
- Internal medicine
- Palliative care facilities
How do you become an AGPCNP?
After you successfully complete your Master of Science 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.
Is Walden’s MSN program accredited by the CCNE?
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). 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.
What makes Walden’s MSN-AGPCNP program different from others?
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 100% online, making it possible to earn your degree while you continue to work. Walden does not require travel for health assessments like other universities often do, and students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis. In addition, class sizes are small and 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.
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Based on the most recent year of completions survey data available, using CIP code family 51.38 “Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing” for Master’s degrees (Award level 7). Available at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data (Retrieved February 2020; may consist of or include provisional release data).
What support does Walden provide for finding a nursing practicum site?
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, we are excited to announce the new Walden University Practicum Pledge™. You will benefit from our large network of field sites and preceptors, an additional 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*).
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1Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Based on the most recent year of completions survey data available, using CIP code family 51.38 “Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing” for Master’s degrees (Award level 7). Available at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data. (Retrieved January 2021; may consist of or include provisional release data.)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners, SOC Code 29-1171. Retrieved September 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Note on licensure: Walden’s MSN nurse practitioner specializations are designed to academically prepare graduates with an active registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the U.S. as nurse practitioners. However, each state has its own academic preparation and authority to practice requirements and issues its own license for an RN to be permitted to practice as a nurse practitioner in that state. Learn more about professional licensure.
No graduate program can guarantee that graduates will obtain licensure to practice as a nurse practitioner. We encourage students to consult the appropriate board of nursing or regulatory authority in the states or jurisdictions in which they reside or intend to seek licensure to determine specific requirements. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general information relating to licensure; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to licensure for the state in which they intend to practice, as requirements vary widely.
Note on certification: Walden’s MSN program is designed to academically prepare graduates to apply for national certification. Walden makes no representations or guarantees that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to achieve national certification. We encourage students to consult an appropriate certifying body for the specific certification eligibility requirements. Students should also consult their state board of nursing or other state agency to determine what certifications are required or accepted in that state. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification, as requirements vary widely. For more information about nurse practitioner certification exams, students should visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board at www.aanpcert.org, the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) at [email protected], or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) at https://pncb.org, or other nurse practitioner certification websites.
Enrollment Restrictions by State
Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into any nurse practitioner specializations: Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
Note on Field Experience and Relocating
Students who are considering relocating are advised to contact their Student Success Advisor prior to any decision to relocate in order to determine how relocation may impact progress in their program. Advisors can provide information and guidance on how relocating may result in possible changes, restrictions, and/or additional requirements affecting field experience. Each Board of Nursing and Higher Education Authority governs the field experience rules and regulations in their respective states, and students may be unable to complete field experience in the state in which they plan to relocate. While Walden is committed to working collaboratively with students to secure field sites across the United States, it is imperative that students contact their Student Success Advisor immediately when considering relocating.