M.S. in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

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Jan 8, 2024

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Home / Degrees / Master's Degrees / MSN Programs / Nursing-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

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

Other nursing programs that are available in :

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.

Future Start Dates

Your Best Value MSN-AGPCNP Track

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)

Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

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. Prerequisite NURS 612 or 613. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

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. Prerequisite NURS 612 or 613.

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 life span. Prerequisite NURS 612 or 613. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

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.

NURS 700 - Foundations of Nurse Practition Practice (3)

This course introduces the practice of primary health care. Principles of safety, quality, and 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. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

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 transitioning from student role to the advanced practice registered nurse working in a variety of settings with an emphasis in adolescent through geriatric emergent/urgent care, acute and chronic pain management and topics related to licensure and certification. 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 leaders approach to the policymaking system, become involved in it, and work through it to attain their objectives and those of their organization.

MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program Details

Tuition Costs

2023 - 2024 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$670
Nursing programs MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, MSN-AGPCNP, Post-Graduate FNP Certificate, Post-Graduate AGPCNP Certificate and Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate	$670
MSN-Generalist, MSN-Nurse Administrator and MSN-Nurse Educator	$598
RN-MSN Pathway (NURS 500)	$298
Current service members	$536
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526

M.S in Nursing-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Fees	Cost
Background check and clinical/practicum screening fee (NURS 612)	$150
Background Check (NURS 710)	$80
Clinical course fee (NURS 700, NURS 701, NURS 702, NURS 710, NURS 791)	$250 per course
Clinical/preceptor fees – courses with a clinical in a nurse practitioner track only	Varies by preceptor and site, if applicable $0-$2,000+

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Program Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. Click HERE to view the M.S. Nursing matrix.

Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Complete the residency requirement:
- MSN-AGPCNP students must earn 29 of the 41 required credits at Franklin University.
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics. Click here to view the Admissions Checklist: Graduate Nursing Programs.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's or associate degree/diploma from an institution accredited by a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.*

Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned associate or bachelor’s degree can petition for admission to the program chair by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program of study. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc.

If a student is admitted as a result of the petition, the student will need to obtain a “B” average (3.0 GPA) during the first graduate-level course of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or associate's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution.

Evidence of Active Nursing License

Applicants must have a valid, active and clear/unencumbered RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN).

Applicants holding the equivalent of an RN licensure or certification outside the U.S. must submit a Credential Evaluation Services (CES) Academic Report from the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
All students must maintain licensure throughout the program of study.
License information should be submitted here.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Catalog.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Program Specific Requirements

Please note: Due to the unique requirements of the MSN practicum experience, students should consult the Nursing MSN Program Handbook for important information on the program’s required practicum component before selecting this major. Applicants must complete and return the Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Handbook form prior to enrolling in the MSN program. For questions regarding the handbook or form, please contact the MSN Program Chair. The handbook and form can be accessed here.

Licensure Disclaimer

State Licensure Information
In order to be compliant with federal and state regulations related to distance education and professional licensure programs, not all professional licensure programs are open for enrollment or completion of required clinical experiences in every state or U.S. territory. To see which locations are open for Franklin’s nursing programs, please check the “Program Availability” list at the top of this page, or search by program or location through our Program Availability by Location tool.

Franklin University’s advanced practice registered nursing tracks are designed to lead to licensure/certification. Requirements for licensure vary by state and may involve more than successful degree completion. For more information, including a list of locations where Franklin’s programs meet state educational requirements for licensure and state licensure board contact information, please see the Professional Licensure Information section of the State Authorization & Professional Licensure webpage.

Program Advisory Board

The University employs a team approach to planning, developing and maintaining its academic curriculum. An essential element of this process – and a key to the institution’s quality assurance practices – is the Program Advisory Board (and the associated Alumni Advisory Board). A diverse array of business and industry leaders make up these discipline-specific boards that provide guidance on theory-to-practice ideas, global business perspectives, and emerging topics in the field. Each academic year, Program Advisory Boards meet with Division Chairs and faculty for lively and engaged conversations, thus bringing members’ substantial professional experience and expertise into the classroom. In addition, some Division Chairs elect to engage Program Advisory Board members in the assessment of academic program outcomes.

Franklin University Nursing Advisory Board
2021-2022
Name	Title	Company/ Organization

Gordon, Rosetta, BS	Nursing Student Education Coordinator, Patient Family Care Policy Coordinator, professional development	Nationwide Children's
Habor, Judith, PhD, APRN, FAAN	Professor NYU, Executive Director Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice Program	NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Harris, Le-Ann, DNP, RN, NEA-BC	CNO, VP Patient Care	Ohio Health/Grant Medical Center, Grove City Methodist Hospital, Pickerington MC, Westerville MC, and FSED Network
Kelly, Kimberly, BSN, RN, CPN	Alumni; Former member representing Nationwide Children's Hospital	Retired
Kowalesky, Christine, DNP, MHNP-BC	Community resource: Psych NP; Administrator	Crouse Family Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Community Program
Modan, Falaknaz	FNP Student	Franklin University
Nibert, Mary, DHA, BSN, MBA, RN	Alumni (BSN and MBA, DHA)	Fairfield Medical Center
Polimeni, Pat Emilie, BSN, MSN, FNP	Alumni (MSN-FNP)
Powell, Susan	Director of Nursing Excellence	Dayton Children's
Regis, Kimberly, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, PNP-BC, BCC	VP of Operations; Chief Nurse Executive, ambulatory	Nationwide Children's
Roepke, Melinda, MSN, R	Dean, Health Sciences, and Director Nursing Programs	North Central State College
Rohr, Tara, DNP, RN	Assistant Professor	Columbus State Community College
Schramm, Jill, DNP, FNP	Assistant Professor, Adjunct	University of Colorado and Franklin University

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Nursing Careers & Jobs

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-gerontology primary care NPs provide leadership and clinical expertise to provide lifelong care for adults from teens to seniors.

Nurse Practitioner - Medicare/Health Assessment

NPs in this arena conduct wellness visits, perform health assessments, and promote health education for geriatric patients and adults with chronic conditions.

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Home healthcare NPs promote quality of life among the gerontological population through in-home clinical assessment, treatment and care.

Hospice & Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

Hospice and palliative care NPs participate in collaborative and coordinated care to meet the needs and manage the symptoms of chronically ill and end-of-life patients.

Clinical Manager Nurse Practitioner

Clinical manager NPs oversee clinical operations and facilitate collaboration and team-based care that’s rooted in evidence-based practices, quality assessments and clinical performance analytics.

Primary Care Nursing Practice Employment Outlook

11%

From 2021-2031, jobs for Nurse Practitioners are expected to increase by 11%

All Occupations

2021	3,368,301 jobs
2031	3,739,735 jobs

Show Details >

Nurse Practitioners

2021	235,175 jobs
2031	336,473 jobs

Registered Nurses

2021	3,133,126 jobs
2031	3,403,262 jobs

Source information provided by Lightcast.

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

What is an MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree?

An MSN-AGPCNP degree is an advanced degree based on nursing theory and rooted in advanced practice concepts and research-based application. It is for registered nurses (RNs) who want to assume more responsibilities and increase their scope of practice, treating patients from adolescence through end-of-life.

What can you do with an MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree?

The MSN-AGPCNP degree opens you up to a wide variety of career positions caring for patients in their teens all the way up to the elderly. It’s an ideal degree for RNs with a soft spot for older patients – especially those dealing with chronic conditions, in a long-term care facility, or in need of Medicare assessment. This degree prepares you for careers in a wide variety of settings ranging from long-term care facilities to hospitals to home care.

Why get an MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree?

An MSN with an advanced practice specialty in gerontology prepares you to expand your reach and impact in a variety of areas, including chronic disease prevention and management.

What makes Franklin’s MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree unique?

Franklin streamlines your educational experience with flexible, online coursework and embedded practicum hours that let you practice while you learn – so you can finish faster. Thanks to simulation software, you’ll get a dynamic online learning experience to sharpen your skills before and during your clinical experience.

How long is an online MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program?

Franklin’s MSN-AGPCNP program is designed for busy nurses, so depending on transfer credits, you could finish in 7 trimesters (28 months).

When can I start an MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree?

Getting started with your MSN-AGPCNP is easy and convenient at Franklin. We offer three trimesters every year, with start dates within each. Talk to your admissions advisor to find the start date that's right for you.

How much will my MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree cost?

At Franklin, you’ll get a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future right now. Our helpful staff can talk with you about flexible financing options as well as financial aid programs. See current tuition and rates here.

Do you help find clinical sites?

Franklin University faculty will collaborate with you, however, you are expected to be ready with a site and a preceptor upon notification of acceptance. Being prepared helps prevent delays with starting any coursework that involves a clinical rotation. Because you’re probably familiar with potential clinical sites available in your area (including practices that might be owned and managed by your employer), we suggest you begin there. You can also look at smaller MD/NP/DO-owned practices. Then we’ll help you obtain site and preceptor approval, as well as ensure that the necessary paperwork is finalized. Ideally, placement arrangements are identified six months in advance and formally confirmed no later than two weeks before the first clinical course. So, depending on when you start your clinical rotations, this could be during the first term.

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