Best AGNP Programs in Georgia | 2025

With their unique blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) serve as primary and acute care providers, offering a holistic approach to health and wellness for older adults. If you're interested in this rewarding career path, read more about the best programs available in 2025.

Best AGNP Programs in Georgia - Online & On-Campus

Learn More About Georgia's Top AGNP Programs

The Peach State offers a strong foundation for aspiring Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners with its renowned hospitals, community health centers, and initiatives to enhance healthcare access in both urban and rural areas. Georgia's focus on patient-centered care and diverse clinical opportunities ensures AGNPs are well-prepared for various practice settings.

This section highlights Georgia's leading acute and primary care AGNP programs, covering key features, admission requirements, and financial aid options to support your advanced nursing journey.

^{For more details on AGNP programs and schools, refer to the section and links above.}

1. Emory University

Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate programs, empowering nurses to excel in gerontological acute and critical care.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning Options: Pursue your degree full-time or part-time.
• Expert-Led Training: Experience Emory's unique combination of advanced clinical training and direct mentorship with renowned nurse practitioners and physicians.
• Extensive Alumni Network: Join a 12,000+ member alumni community of healthcare innovators and leaders.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Emory students have access to top clinical sites across Atlanta and in the US! Here's how each track is broken down:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
  • AGACNP MSN: 48 credit hours and 700 supervised clinical hours 
  • AGACNP DNP: 74 credit hours and 1,140 clinical hours
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP 
  • AGPCNP MSN: 49 credit hours and 750 clinical hours
  • AGPCNP DNP: 74 credit hours and 1,140 clinical hours
• The curriculum for the Post-Master's Certificates is constantly updated.

Admissions Requirements — Applicants should have:

•  A BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• At least one year of RN experience in an acute/critical care setting (AGACNP track)
• A resume or CV
• A personal statement
• Two to three references (preferably including one nursing supervisor)

Application Deadlines — Both the fall and Summer semesters have the same deadlines:

• Round 1 deadline: August 1
• Round 2 deadline: October 1
• Round 3 deadline: December 1

Financial Aid — With over 92% of students receiving financial aid, support is available through scholarships, grants, and tailored financial packages.

2. Brenau University

Brenau's AGACNP Graduate Certificate program is a fast-track, immersive path designed for nurses aiming to make an impact in acute care! This program equips you to handle complex, critical patients with skill and confidence.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Efficient & Focused: Earn your Post-Master's Certificate in just two semesters.
• Flexible Hybrid Format: The program blends online coursework and in-person learning.

Clinical & Credit Hours — This accelerated program requires 15 credit hours and includes clinical placement. Georgia residents are assured placements within 100 miles of Gainesville.

Admissions Requirements — To qualify for Brenau's program, applicants need:

• An MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• A current resume or CV

Application Deadlines — With rolling admissions, you can apply any time and start planning for your next career move today!

Financial Aid — Financial aid is limited for this track, as you will not be considered a degree-seeking student.

3. Mercer University

Mercer University College of Nursing offers AGNP pathways through its MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate programs, providing flexible options for advanced nursing practice.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Study Options: Mercer offers full-time and part-time options.
• Comprehensive Support & Guidance: Learn from expert faculty mentors who are committed to your success.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Each path offers comprehensive training:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
  • AGACNP MSN: 49 credit hours, 780 clinical hours
  • AGACNP Post-Graduate Certificate: 26 semester credit hours (13 course credits, 13 clinical), 780 clinical hours
  • AGACNP DNP: 77 credit hours, 780 practicum hours, 240 immersion hours, 1,020 post-baccalaureate practice hours.
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
  • AGPCNP MSN: 45 credit hours, 780 clinical hours
  • AGPCNP Post-Graduate Certificate: 22 semester credit hours (9 course credits, 13 clinical), 780 clinical hours
  • AGPCNP DNP: 73 credit hours, 780 practicum hours, 240 immersion hours, 1,020 post-baccalaureate practice hours.

Admissions Requirements — Here's what you'll need to apply:

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA, though 2.75-2.99 may be conditionally accepted 
• A resume 
• A personal statement
• An interview 
• Three professional references (one must come from a nurse with a master's degree or higher)

Application Deadlines — Plan ahead with these deadlines in mind:

• Fall priority deadline: April 1
• Fall final deadline: July 1

Financial Aid — Mercer students will be given tailored financial support, including university-funded scholarships, federal aid, and private scholarships. 

4. Augusta University

Augusta University offers specialized AGNP programs through its Post-Master's Certificate and DNP options, focusing on advancing expertise in acute care settings.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Personalized Learning Paths: Tailor your experience with Augusta's commitment to thorough training and adaptable study options to fit your goals.
• Healthcare Hub: As Georgia's premier public health sciences and medical research university, Augusta is home to cutting-edge medical facilities.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Both tracks offer robust curriculums: 

• Post-Master's Certificate: 20 credit hours and 585 clinical hours
• DNP: 76 credit hours and 1,216 clinical hours

Admissions Requirements — Considering applying? Ensure you have:

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• Prior coursework in Physical/Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology, completed with a B or higher (Post-Master's)
• Prior coursework in Statistics or Biostatistics course with a grade of B (DNP)
• An updated resume or CV
• An essay 
• Three letters of recommendation (from academic, employment, or clinical supervisors)

Application Deadlines — Here are the deadlines for each track:

• Post-Master's: Apply by September 15th for the Spring term
• DNP: Apply by May 15th for the fall term

Financial Aid — Students have access to a wide array of financial aid options, including federal, state, and institutional loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. 

5. Middle Georgia State University (MGA)

MGA offers strong options for advancing into specialized roles with its AGACNP MSN and Post-Master's Certificate programs, designed to enhance expertise in acute care practice.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Versatile Online Learning: With all coursework offered online and two full-day immersive sessions per semester, MGA ensures flexibility.
• Innovative Curriculum: The program emphasizes advanced health promotion, disease management, and both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Curious how these programs are structured? Here are their main components: 

• MSN: 43 credit hours and 630 clinical hours
• Post-Master's Certificate: 19 credit hours and 630 clinical hours

Admissions Requirements — To be considered for admission, you'll need:

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisite courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment (Post-Master's)
• A resume
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
• A personal essay 
• An interview 

Application Deadlines — Early application is strongly recommended, but here are the deadlines for each track:

• Post-Master's Certificate: Apply by August 1st for the fall term
• MSN: Apply by May 1st for the fall term

Financial Aid — MGA offers federal, state, and institutional loans, grants, and scholarships to help you fund your education. Their dedicated Financial Aid Office is available to guide you through the process and help you explore all of your options!

6. Georgia Southern University (GSU)

GSU provides diverse pathways for nurses at various career stages, offering BSN-MSN, MSN-DNP, BSN-DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate programs in both AGACNP and AGPCNP specialties.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning: GSU offers both synchronous and asynchronous online coursework with some live sessions for those who enjoy real-time engagement.
• Exit Option for MSN: Complete your specialty courses and earn an MSN, and if you want to return later for the full DNP, you have up to four years to pick up where you left off!

Clinical & Credit Hours - Both concentrations have the same curriculum requirements:

• BSN-MSN: 43 credit hours and 720 clinical hours
• BSN-DNP: 77 credit hours and 1,350 clinical hours
• MSN-DNP: 37 credit hours and 630 clinical hours
• Post-MSN Certificate: 19 credit hours

Admissions Requirements — To join one of these programs, ensure you:

• Hold a BSN or MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Have at least one year of full-time clinical nursing experience (critical care nursing for AGACNP track)
• Completed a Health Assessment course with a grade of C or better
• Completed a statistics course with a grade of C or better (undergraduate or graduate level)
• Submit three professional recommendations

Application Deadlines — Fall term applications are due by March 1st. 

Financial Aid — GSU offers a range of financial support options, but most excitingly, they offer several scholarships, including Georgia Nurses Association Scholarships and AANP Grants & Scholarships.

7. South University

Rounding off this list is South University, offering an Online AGNP MSN program specializing in primary care.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Fully Online Flexibility: South University's online format allows you to balance your education with your personal and professional commitments.
• Focused Specialization: The curriculum focuses on at-risk populations and emphasizes evidence-based practice, advanced clinical judgment, and leadership skills.

Success Metrics — With a 75% pass rate on the AGNP certification exam, South University provides the resources you need to succeed and launch your career.

Clinical & Credit Hours — This program involves 56 credit hours and 600 clinical hours.

Admission Requirements — To join this program, you'll need a BSN with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Application Deadlines — Apply anytime! South University has rolling admissions.

Financial Aid — South University offers a variety of financial aid options. If you're a South University graduate, you may be eligible for additional alumni grants to help fund your education!

What Is an AGNP Program?

AGNP programs prepare registered nurses to provide advanced care to adults across their lifespan, from young adulthood to older age, in either primary or acute care specialties. Primary care AGNPs focus on long-term health management, preventive care, and treatment of chronic illnesses in outpatient settings. Acute care AGNPs, on the other hand, are trained to manage and treat severe, sudden health issues, often working in hospitals, emergency rooms, or intensive care units. Both specializations aim to enhance patient outcomes through advanced clinical skills, comprehensive assessments, and evidence-based interventions tailored to the adult and geriatric populations.

AGNP Coursework

AGNP coursework typically includes:

• Advanced Health Assessment
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Clinical Decision Making
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Care Policy and Ethics
• Geriatric Syndromes and Care

AGNP Clinical Training

AGNP clinical training typically includes:

• Primary Care Clinical Practicum
• Acute Care Clinical Practicum
• Geriatric Care Clinical Practicum
• Specialty Clinical Rotations (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology, oncology)
• Clinical Simulation Labs
• Interprofessional Collaboration Exercises
• Community Health Practicum
• Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Labs
• Advanced Practice Nursing Preceptorship
• Capstone Project or Clinical Residency

AGNP Program Admission Requirements

Prospective students looking to become AGNPs must meet specific prerequisites and requirements to enroll in an AGNP program.

AGNP Prerequisites

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN): Typically required from an accredited nursing school.
• RN License: A current and unencumbered RN license.
• Clinical Experience: Relevant experience in adult gerontology or related settings.
• Undergraduate Coursework: Health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology courses.
• Minimum GPA: Usually around 3.0 or higher.

Additionally, prospective students will likely need to complete a criminal background check, health exam, immunizations if not up to date, and a drug test. 

AGNP Program Requirements

• Coursework Completion: Successful completion of all designated coursework, including advanced practice nursing and gerontological nursing theory.
• Clinical Practicum Hours: A specified number of supervised hours in adult-gerontological settings.
• Scholarly Project: Some programs may require a capstone or thesis project.
• Ongoing RN Licensure: Maintenance of an active RN license throughout the program.

AGNP Program Costs in Georgia

The costs of AGNP programs in Georgia can vary widely depending on several factors. Here's a general breakdown:

Tuition Fee Insights

• Resident vs. Out-of-State Tuition: Public universities often charge lower rates for state residents.
• Online Programs: Generally more cost-effective but still require clinical hours.
• Cost Per Credit Hour: DNP courses may be more expensive than MSN courses.

Additional Cost Considerations

• Books and Supplies: Textbook and supply costs can add up quickly.
• Technology Fees: Common in online or hybrid programs for digital resources.
• Lab & Clinical Fees: Charged for courses requiring specific materials or equipment.
• Miscellaneous Fees: Include application, graduation, and administrative costs.
• Living Expenses: Relevant for students who relocate or reduce work hours.
• Certification & Licensing Fees: Necessary for NP practice credentials.
• Opportunity Costs: Potential financial impact of reduced work hours.
• Long-term ROI: Consider networking opportunities, educational quality, and job placement.
• Personal Circumstances: Factors like childcare or maintaining employment may affect program choice.

It's advised that students research financial aid opportunities, grants, and bursaries to help offset the costs of their education, and to further offset costs consider exploring the Most Affordable Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025.

AGNP Salary Expectations in Georgia

The earnings of an AGNP can differ significantly, influenced by factors such as the location, work experience, the type of industry one is in, education attained, and certifications earned.

Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs earn a mean annual wage of $124,680 or $59.94 hourly.

Top-Paying States for NPs

• California: $158,130
• New Jersey: $143,250
• Massachusetts: $138,700
• Oregon: $136,250
• Nevada: $136,230

While the BLS doesn't provide a detailed breakdown for each NP specialty, ZipRecruiter fills this gap by reporting that the national annual salary for AGNPs stands at $242,952, equivalent to $117 per hour.

Top-Paying States for AGNPs

• New Jersey: $269,226
• Wisconsin: $262,923
• Alaska: $256,416
• Massachusetts: $256,069
• Oregon: $255,244

AGNP Career Outlook 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Nurse Practitioner profession is rapidly expanding, with an expected growth of 38% between 2022 and 2032, significantly outpacing the average for other occupations. This surge is attributed to the increasing number of older adults and a healthcare industry trend that favors NPs in primary care roles.

In focusing on AGNPs, the growth becomes even more pronounced. The aging baby boomer generation, coupled with a looming healthcare provider shortfall, is set to intensify demand. As the boomer generation transitions into retirement, the strain on healthcare resources will grow, compounded by the heightened care requirements of an aging population. This demographic shift underscores the critical role AGNPs will play in addressing the complex healthcare needs of an expanding elderly cohort.

Importance of Picking an Accredited AGNP Program in Georgia

Attending an accredited AGNP program in Georgia is crucial for several reasons, which are essential for both the immediate and long-term success of your nursing career.

• Education Standards: Adherence to rigorous criteria for curriculum, faculty, resources, and clinical training.
• Compliance with Regulations: Guaranteed to meet important federal and state educational standards.
• Clinical Training: Ensures required clinical hours and high-quality clinical experiences.
• APRN Licensure: Typically required for state APRN licensing.
• Certification Exams: Accredited programs offer thorough preparation for FNP certification exams.
• Credit Transfers: Credits from accredited programs transfer more easily to other institutions.
• Professional Credibility: Graduation from an accredited program boosts your professional reputation.
• Employment Prospects: Employers prefer candidates from accredited programs.
• Financial Aid: Many financial aid options and scholarships are available only to students in accredited programs.

For these reasons, students should ensure their programs of interest are accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

AGNP Programs Near Me

Discover AGNP programs in a state near you:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the differences between the primary care and acute care AGNP tracks?

Primary Care AGNP: This track focuses on long-term, comprehensive healthcare for adults and the elderly, often in outpatient settings like clinics, private practices, or long-term care facilities. Primary care AGNPs are trained to manage chronic conditions, provide preventive care, and promote healthy aging. They often build ongoing relationships with patients and may coordinate care across various specialties.

Acute Care AGNP: This track prepares nurse practitioners to work in fast-paced, high-intensity environments such as hospitals, emergency rooms, or intensive care units. Acute care AGNPs are trained to manage sudden, severe health issues, including complex and critical conditions. Their role is more episodic, focusing on stabilization, immediate treatment, and managing acute symptoms or injuries.

Choosing Between Tracks: The decision between primary care and acute care often depends on your career goals and preferred work environment. If you enjoy developing long-term relationships with patients and prefer a steady, outpatient setting, primary care may be for you. On the other hand, if you thrive in high-pressure situations and enjoy the challenge of treating critical conditions, acute care might be a better fit.

What types of clinical experiences are included in AGNP programs?

AGNP programs typically include a variety of clinical rotations to expose students to different patient populations and healthcare settings. For primary care AGNPs, clinical experiences may involve working in outpatient clinics, community health centers, and long-term care facilities. For acute care AGNPs, clinical rotations might take place in hospitals, emergency departments, and specialty units like cardiology or intensive care. These experiences are designed to build competency in diagnosing and managing the specific health concerns of adult and elderly patients in both routine and complex scenarios.

What certification exams are required after completing an AGNP program?

After completing an AGNP program, graduates must pass a certification exam to become licensed and practice as an AGNP. For primary care AGNPs, the most common exams are offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). For acute care AGNPs, certification is typically through the ANCC or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Each exam assesses the candidate's knowledge and skills specific to their chosen track, ensuring they are prepared to provide high-quality care to their patients.