Duke University MSN AGACNP - Spring 2026

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Specializes in RN.

Hi all, 

Just received my acceptance letter today for Spring of 2026 for Duke's MSN - AGACNP program.  Curious if anyone else out there would like me to start a FB group??  I am very interested if anyone knows the curriculum plan of study. If it's part-time/full-time, etc... I have scoured their website to no avail.

Thanks in advance!!

Amy

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Hey Amy!

I just accepted today and would love to get in a facebook group! I'm pretty sure it is full time, but the hybrid layout makes it feel more part time - but I'm sure we will have a huge orientation coming up with all the info!

-Quint

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Specializes in RN.

I will start one and get back to you!   Do you know how long the program is?  And how it works?  Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall or Spring Fall Spring Fall?   So many questions!😂

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I think that it's Spring Summer fall, and I'm not sure how long, my guess would be right under 3 years.

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Specializes in Primary Care.

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This is the curriculum. I boxed in the difference between primary care and acute care here. I'm completing the PGC for AC starting Spring 2026. 

 I completed the PC track MSN with a specialty certificate add on. First two semesters are chill. I worked throughout the whole program so its definitely possible. It ramps up when you head into pathophysiology and pharmacology. In grad school 6 credit hours is "full time.” I had a maximum of 7 credits at a time for nursing though due to some classes being 4 credits versus 3. They'll give you an advisor and you'll complete a plan of study and have this for when you register for classes. 

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Specializes in Primary Care.

So it appears this changed slightly, taking out the 622 requirement, added more credit hours to the clinical portion from 3-4 to 5 for most of the clinical hours, changed a course name by adding a letter to it for the AC major portion: https://nursing.duke.edu/academic-programs/curricula/msn-agnpac

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Specializes in RN.

Hi Faith.  Thank you so much for the info.  Do you know when they assign you an advisor?  Or when you get in touch with the advisor?   I have little to no info to go off of and I'm wondering how much tuition the first semester will be?  I've never applied for student loans, so I'm curious how all of this works out.  Also, is the program Spring Summer Fall for three years?  I wish there was an actual curriculum or sample plan of study broken down by terms.  Thank you again!

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Specializes in Primary Care.

Hello, 

So when I applied initially for the MSN program for primary care Spring 2022, I got accepted/paid deposit around 9/17 and I got an email about my advisor and sample matriculation plan 10/12. This was three years ago, but it'll give you some idea of a timeline. You would have to make up your own personal one with your advisor as you put together a plan of study. There's a program you use that's within DukeHub.  They will prove instructions and it'll guide you through the program. They will break it down by semesters, and it's 2 years with Spring, Summer Term 1, Fall, Spring (7 terms). So expect Spring 2028 for graduation if you're not adding in a specialty certificate. If adding a specialty certificate, they start in Spring and finish in Fall. If interested in those, I would highly suggest doing so while you're in MSN, as you'll get financial aid via federal loans to pay for it at the beginning otherwise you will have to pay out of pocket, do a payment plan (which was like $3k a month x3-4, or take out a private loan such as via Sallie Mae. I would apply early for those speciality interests as they can fill up fast. I applied the first semester and ensured I got admittance into the Spring semester I was graduating in (as you have to have pre requisites of N595 and N596 first). Oh and another thing that's super helpful to know: if you're working full time or are luckily under 26 to be on parents health insurance plan, keep that and waive the school insurance. It'll save $4k. This new school insurance company you kind of have to stay firm with them because they will deny you fast even when you have coverage with Duke facilities (ensure you have proof laid out and ready!) Also waive the health fee by emailing student health saying you are an "online student living > 50 miles from campus.” Do this EVERY semester! It'll shave off $300-$400 each semester. As for tuition, I paid $11k each semester back in 2022. It had changed to $15k per semester as of late per this document: https://nursing.duke.edu/academic-programs/msn-master-science-nursing/tuition-fees-msn

Financial aid will be reaching out with what you're eligible for to accept with student loans, grants, and or scholarships. This will also be mapped out in DukeHub. 

I can share my primary care sample mat plan so you can have an idea: 

 

AGNP-PC- Spring 2-15-2021.pdf

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Specializes in RN.

That response was chef's kiss. Huge thank you for that:)

Which specialty did you choose?  And was it worth it to you? Are you able to sit for your boards while doing the specialty curriculum?  
 

Also, your mat plan was #1 Spring Summer Fall, #2 Spring Summer Fall, #3 Spring. Did that include your specialty classes or was it just your core classes? 

Did you like Duke's program? And did you feel like it was worth the steep price tag?  I very much did not want to attend a degree mill.  And I feel Duke's reputation wouldn't permit degree milling.    By chance, do you know how many students were in your cohort.  
 

Again, thank you so much!

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Specializes in Primary Care.

Hello, 

The mat plan was just the MSN courses alone, no specialty added. This addition will be in your individualized plan of study after applying for the specialty and being approved. This plan of study can be adjusted if needed. I personally chose endocrinology and yes, super worth it.

With the specialty, I was able to learn a whole lot more than what was taught in the core courses with the specialty such as diabetes management.  If I could've chosen another specialty, it would be cardiology as these both are strong at least from my perspective. They have a lot more which can be beneficial based on interest and what job you had prior etc.

I was able to complete boards while doing the last two courses of the specialty program. It was kinda hectic because I was working, doing clinicals, and applying for a job during this time too. With the job, it required certification and licensing before a deadline. With all that said, it can be done. 

I actually know someone in my cohort who applied for boards prior to graduation so whenever you finish clinicals is when you can technically apply for boards. 

As far as how many students in my cohort, I cannot recall as there was a mix between FNP and PC in the core classes for most of the MSN program. 

In addition, if you were ever interested in DNP study, you can apply very easily while in the MSN and still have the ability to apply for boards as well and work as an NP during this. It only requires essays (about 2-3), and an advisor recommendation. This can also extend coverage for the specialty certificate to be covered by federal financial aid. 

Duke's programs, are the best. I am biased as I did all my nursing education with them. It gives you that edge over others for sure as both myself and a fellow MSN graduate work at major hospitals. Another point that's different - for pharmacology, you get taught by a pharmacist - this was intense but a great knowledge base to have!! I truly enjoyed my experiences on and off campus. You can also be apart of everything Duke has to offer, not just the medical campus. For instance, I participated in camp out which was a lottery system for season Duke basketball tickets - I won- it was so much fun. You can do this whole process in year 2. The alumni network is amazing and there's a Duke affiliation in various states along with events you can attend and they are very nice!! In the end: You make the experience worth it. Definitely NOT a degree mill or a suitcase school. 

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Specializes in RN.

Once again, phenomenal response.  Thank you much for taking the time to answer my questions. Truly appreciate it!

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