Best AGNP Programs in Illinois | 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 Illinois - Online & On-Campus

Learn More About Illinois' Top AGNP Programs

The Prairie State provides an excellent foundation for aspiring Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, with its leading hospitals, community health centers, and initiatives focused on improving healthcare across urban and rural communities. Illinois emphasizes patient-centered care and offers diverse clinical opportunities to prepare AGNPs for various practice environments.

This section highlights Illinois' top acute and primary care AGNP programs, detailing key features, admission requirements, and financial aid options to support your journey in advanced nursing practice.

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

1. Midwestern University

The first option to consider in Illinois is the College of Sciences at Midwestern University, known for its innovative nursing education and outstanding MSN and Post-Master's Certificate AGPCNP programs.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Blended Learning: Both tracks combine online coursework with one to two mandatory on-campus experiences.
• Duration: The MSN program takes 24 months to complete, and the Post-Master's Certificate takes 12 months to complete.

Clinical & Credit Hours — The MSN program involves 72 quarter credits, whereas the Post-Master's Certificate requires 35 quarter credits. Both programs also incorporate 640 clinical hours into the curriculum. 

Admissions Requirements — To apply, applicants must do the following:

• Hold a BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• Submit a resume/CV
• Submit an essay

Application Deadlines — Applications are due by July 31st through the Midwestern University website. 

Financial Aid — Financial aid, including federal loans and work study, is available to qualifying students.

2. DePaul University

Coming in second, DePaul College of Science and Health offers both an AGNP Certificate and DNP, preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's healthcare settings.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• 100% Online Classes: Both programs are delivered asynchronously online.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: DePaul recently invested $40 million in science and health programs, including a fully renovated nursing simulation lab. 

Success Metrics — DePaul graduates enjoy remarkable success, with 93% employed, continuing their education, or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation. 

Clinical & Credit Hours — Here is how both tracks are structured:

• DNP: 59 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours
• Post-Master's Certificate: 43 quarter hours and 600 clinical hours

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

• A BSN or MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• A CV or resume
• A personal statement
• Two letters of reference from professional or academic sources

Application Deadlines — With multiple start dates, you can apply year-round by these deadlines:

• Fall: July 15th
• Winter: November 1st
• Spring: February 1st
• Summer: April 15th

Financial Aid — Students are eligible for graduate assistantships and scholarships. Additionally, the DePaul Double Demon Scholarship allows alumni to take advantage of a 25% tuition discount on graduate coursework.

3. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

The UIC College of Nursing provides AGACNP and AGPCNP DNP programs, designed for experienced nurses aiming to expand their knowledge and skills in adult-gerontology care.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Hybrid Learning Environment: UIC's BSN-DNP programs combine online, blended, and on-campus courses and can be taken full- or part-time.
• Duration: Programs take two to six years to complete. 

Success Metrics — UIC grads have a 100% pass rate on their board certification exams.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Both programs involve 77 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. Faculty organize clinical practicums with highly qualified preceptors in hospitals, outpatient clinics, ICUs, ERs, and more, saving students the hassle of finding their own placements.

Admissions Requirements — To apply for the UIC DNP program, you'll need:

• A BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework.
• At least one year of RN experience in an adult acute care setting (ICU experience preferred for AGACNP applicants).

Application Deadlines — There are three deadlines to keep in mind:

• Early Deadline: November 1st
• Standard Deadline: January 15th
• Final Deadline: April 1st

Financial Aid — UIC offers robust financial support, including merit and reward scholarships, graduate assistantships, and more.  

4. Rush University

Renowned for its excellence in healthcare education, the College of Nursing at Rush University offers highly respected DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate programs in both AGNP concentrations. 

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• National Recognition: Rush University's AGACNP DNP program is ranked third in the nation by US News & World Report and has consistently remained in the top five for the past eight years.
• Hybrid Format: 75% of the coursework is completed online, and 25% on-campus.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Here are the study plans for each program:

• AGACNP & AGPCNP BSN-DNP: 71 credit hours, 1,000 clinical hours
• AGACNP & AGPCNP MSN-DNP: 38 credit hours (clinical hours customized via gap analysis)
• AGACNP Post-Graduate Certificate: 21 credit hours, 504 direct care clinical hours

Admissions Requirements — Interested candidates need: 

• A BSN or MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Six months of adult critical or acute care RN experience (AGACNP track)
• Completion of prerequisite graduate-level courses in Advanced Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology 
• A personal essay 
• Three professional letters of recommendation (including one from a current manager)
• A resume or CV
• A personal interview

Application Deadlines — The deadline for the fall term is March 3rd. 

Financial Aid — Rush offers a wealth of financial aid opportunities, including grants, scholarships, loans, and more. 

5. Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Saint Anthony is committed to preparing nursing professionals through its comprehensive MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate programs, offering both acute and primary care AGNP concentrations.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning Options: Students can attend classes part-time.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The programs uniquely include specialized courses in diagnostics and therapeutics, including 100 clinical hours in radiology, pharmacotherapeutics, nutritional support, and pulmonary critical care.
• Faith-Based Values: This Christian school focuses on service to others and compassionate care.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Each Adult-Gerontology program curriculum includes a core set of courses, supplemented by specialized focus areas.

Admissions Requirements — The minimum requirements for this program include:

• A BSN with a GPA of 2.8 or MSN with a 3.0 
• Successful completion of a college-level Statistics course
• A current resume
• A professional statement 
• Three professional letters of recommendation
• An admissions interview with faculty

Application Deadlines — There are no fixed deadlines for these programs, offering flexibility for prospective students. 

Financial Aid — Saint Anthony provides access to various institutional and external scholarships, tuition assistance, veteran support, and more. 

6. Lewis University College

Lewis University College of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares nursing professionals for advanced practice with its DNP, MSN, and Post-Master's Certificate programs specializing in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner roles.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning Structure: The DNP program is primarily online, complemented by on-campus immersion events and clinical practicum opportunities.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Both concentrations require the same amount of credits:

• MSN: 46 credit hours
• DNP: 76 credit hours
• Post-Master's Certificate: 28 credit hours

Students participate in clinical residencies and Health Assessment lab sessions at the Oak Brook campus, ensuring robust, practical learning.

Admissions Requirements — Candidates are required to have:

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• A minimum of two years as an RN
• A 1,000-word essay 
• Two letters of recommendation
• Current resume or CV
• Completion of graduate-level courses in Statistics, Population Health, and Healthcare Informatics (with a grade of B or higher)

Application Deadlines — Rolling admissions allow students to apply at any time for added flexibility.

Financial Aid — Lewis offers various scholarships, graduate assistantships, and discount opportunities for eligible students.

7. Loyola University Chicago (LUC)

LUC offers DNP programs in both AGNP concentrations that focus on clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and leadership development.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning Options: The DNP programs offer both part-time and full-time study option.
• Personalized Support: Each student collaborates with their program director to customize their course load before starting, and the low student-to-faculty ratios ensure individualized attention.
• Specialty Option: AGPCNP students can specialize in oncology with three extra credits.

Clinical & Credit Hours — The AGACNP program requires 71 credit hours, and the AGPCNP program requires 69. 

Admissions Requirements — Here's your LUC checklist:

• A BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• At least 2,000 hours of recent clinical practice
• Two professional letters of recommendation, ideally from a healthcare professional with a doctoral degree
• A personal statement 
• An updated resume or CV
• Graduate-level coursework in Statistics, Population Health, and Healthcare Informatics (grade of B or higher)

Application Deadlines — Applications are accepted year-round, but the fall term has a deadline of July 1st.

Financial Aid — Aid options include scholarships, grants, and loan programs.

8. Bradley University

Bradley's online nursing programs cater to diverse career goals, offering BSN, MSN, and Post-Master's Certificate options in both AGACNP and AGPCNP tracks.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Small Class Sizes: Enjoy personalized attention in classes ranging from 6-25 students.
• Duration: The MSN program takes 2.3 years, the DNP takes 3.3 years, and the Post-MSN takes 1.3 years.

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

• BSN to MSN: 47 credit hours with 600 clinical hours
• BSN to DNP: 68 credit hours with 1,000 clinical hours
• Post-Master's Certificate: 32 credit hours with 1,000 clinical hours

Admissions Requirements — Ensure you meet this criteria to apply:

• Hold a BSN or MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Submit an admissions essay
• Submit two letters of recommendation
• Submit a resume or CV

Application Deadlines — Apply anytime and start your path to advanced nursing practice when you're ready.

Financial Aid — Students have several financial aid options and can get personalized packages to make their education costs more manageable. 

9. Chamberlain University

Lastly, the College of Nursing at Chamberlain is dedicated to empowering nursing professionals with its flexible, student-focused MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate programs in both AGNP acute and primary care specialties.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexibility: Courses are offered 100% online.
• Duration: Programs can be completed in two to three years.

Success Metrics — Chamberlain's numbers do all the talking: 

• AGACNP 2022 Exam Pass Rate: 86.36%
• AGPCNP 2022 Exam Pass Rate: 100%

Clinical & Credit Hours — Chamberlain's Practicum Commitment ensures every student secures a preceptor or clinical site within 100 miles. Here's how the programs are structured:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
  • AGACNP MSN: 48 credit hours, 750 lab/clinical hours (50 Lab, 700 Clinical)
  • AGACNP Certificate: 36 credit hours, 750 lab/clinical hours (50 Lab, 700 Clinical)
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
  • AGPCNP MSN: 45 credit hours, 650 lab/clinical hours (25 Lab, 625 Clinical)
  • AGPCNP Certificate: 33 credit hours, 650 lab/clinical hours (25 Lab, 625 Clinical)

Admissions Requirements — Interested candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A BSN or higher with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• One year of RN experience (AGACNP track)

Application Deadlines — With eight-week classes starting six times per year, Chamberlain offers flexibility, letting you fit your education into your busy life.

Financial Aid — Chamberlain offers partner tuition rates through collaborations with healthcare institutions, community colleges, and professional associations. 

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 Illinois

The costs of AGNP programs in Illinois 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 Illinois

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 Illinois

Attending an accredited AGNP program in Illinois 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.