Home > Online Programs > Nursing > Post-Master's Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Individualized Plans
Based on Prior Education
Online Program
Coursework Designed for Working Nurses
Multiple Intakes
Six start dates to choose from
Care for the unique needs of adolescents and adults of all ages in all life stages
Online Post-Master’s AGPCNP Certificate Program Overview
Prepare for a rewarding career as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) through an online, faith-based program that aligns with your life and values.
Spring Arbor University's online Post-Master’s Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PMC-AGPCNP) will equip you with the primary care knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to care for adolescents and adults of all ages.
As a student in the online PMC-AGPCNP program, you can:
- Continue working full-time as you earn your certificate on your own schedule.
- Enjoy a week off in between classes with our 7-1-7 model (7-week courses, 1-week breaks).
- Receive dedicated support from a Student Success Coach.
- Complete your certificate prepared to take the AGPC certification exam (AGPCNP-BC® or AGNP-C).
- Experience spiritual growth through a quality educational journey rooted in faith.
Spring Arbor University's online Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is CCNE-accredited and highly ranked for academic quality.
The post-graduate APRN certificate program at Spring Arbor University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Now Accepting Applications
Online Post-Master's AGPCNP Certificate: Fast Facts
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- 14-month program (may require additional prereq courses)
- 500 clinical hours
Designed for Working Nurses
- Take one seven-week course at a time and enjoy a week off in between
- Begin your certificate at the right time for you — choose from six intake dates a year
- Flexible login times — complete your assignments on your own schedule
Inspiring Outcomes
- Become prepared for certification through a quality educational experience
- Strong certification passing rates: above national average for first-time test-takers
- Ranked on a national and regional level for its academic quality and value
A Caring Community
- Small class sizes and caring, connected faculty provide a personal learning experience
- Dedicated student success advisor to support you from enrollment to completion, as well as career development support
- Faith-based educational philosophy that considers Christian perspectives in nursing practice and values spiritual growth
-
-
-
- 14-month program (may require additional prereq courses)
- 500 clinical hours
Designed for Working Nurses
- Take one seven-week course at a time and enjoy a week off in between
- Begin your certificate at the right time for you — choose from six intake dates a year
- Flexible login times — complete your assignments on your own schedule
Inspiring Outcomes
- Become prepared for certification through a quality educational experience
- Strong certification passing rates: above national average for first-time test-takers
- Ranked on a national and regional level for its academic quality and value
A Caring Community
- Small class sizes and caring, connected faculty provide a personal learning experience
- Dedicated student success advisor to support you from enrollment to completion, as well as career development support
- Faith-based educational philosophy that considers Christian perspectives in nursing practice and values spiritual growth
Online Post-Master's Certificate - AGPCNP Program Curriculum
For a complete listing of courses, contact us for a program guide.
This course will present critical concepts the advanced practice nurse can use in delivering evidence-based nursing for the adult population. Using a holistic approach, students will apply theory to practice.
This course prepares students with the skills to function as an advanced practice nurse in addressing chronic and complex alterations in health experienced by the older adult. Gerontology concepts will be applied in meeting the biological, psychosocial, mental, and spiritual needs of the older adult. Students will combine history taking, physical examination techniques, and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.
The focus of this course is on management of chronic disease and complex care needs of older adults. Emphasis will be on case management and interdisciplinary collaboration to arrange and evaluate care for the most health compromised clients.
Learn More
Gain access to full course descriptions, program details and tuition information.
SAU’s online PMC-AGPCNP program can be completed in as few as 14-18 months, depending on completed prerequisites.
Enjoy a week off in between classes with our 7-1-7 model (7-week courses, 1-week breaks).
Typically, our nursing classes have 20-25 students.
To be accepted into the online PMC-AGPCNP program, you must meet the following requirements:
- MSN degree from an accredited program
- Official graduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
- A current nursing license from your state of employment
- Online application
- Short personal statement
Prerequisite Courses
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Adult Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Some additional prerequisites may apply
Adult-Gerontology NP Career Outlook
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that there are more than 325,000 nurse practitioners in the country, and only 7% are certified in adult-gerontology primary care. This small percentage clearly demonstrates the need for more, as our population is aging rapidly.
Benefits of Becoming an AGPCNP
Becoming an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner can fulfill your passion for service and healthcare advocacy for this population with unique needs. They prescribe medication, perform examinations, diagnose illnesses and provide treatment for patients ranging from adolescents to older adults. Other benefits include:
- Increased salary and career opportunities
- Better work/life balance with a more traditional work schedule
- New level of independence and leadership
- Versatility to work in a wide range of care environments
By earning your online PMC-AGPCNP, you’ll be preparing for one of the fastest-growing professions in the country, while meeting the surging demand for providers in this specialized area of primary care.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for all types of NPs is exploding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that projected employment for this profession is expected to grow 52% through the year 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. It notes that the median annual wage of NPs is $115,000, which is 42% higher than that of RNs, according to the AANP.
*National Council for Mental Wellbeing
**American Association of Nurse Practitioners
***U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Role of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) can provide the full spectrum of primary care services, just as primary care physicians do. They prescribe medication, perform examinations, diagnose illnesses and provide treatment for patients ranging from adolescents to older adults.
In some states, AGPCNPs can practice independently. AGPCNPs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient clinics
- Private group practices
- Community health centers
Grow as a Christ-Centered Nurse
At Spring Arbor University, it is a privilege to provide a Christ-centered nursing education to our students and to participate in their journey. You will grow spiritually, personally and professionally throughout this program and will gain a better understanding of what it means to live out your faith as a nurse.
While the Christian faith is the foundation of our program, we welcome all students regardless of personal faith. All students will benefit from introspection and critical thinking as they consider how to meaningfully care for patients of different faith backgrounds.
Watch this video for more information on our faith-based philosophy.
