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

Learn More About Maryland's Top AGNP Programs

The Old Line State offers a strong foundation for aspiring Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, with its renowned healthcare institutions, community health centers, and programs aimed at improving health outcomes across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Maryland emphasizes patient-centered care and provides diverse clinical training opportunities to prepare AGNPs for various practice settings.

This section highlights Maryland's leading 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. University of Maryland, Baltimore (UM)

UM School of Nursing has been empowering nurses to lead in advanced practice care for decades. With top-ranked AGACNP and AGPCNP DNP programs and a commitment to innovation, their graduates excel in their careers. 

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Blended Learning Model: A flexible mix of online and face-to-face classes
• Trailblazing Legacy: The AGPCNP program consistently ranks as one of the best in the nation and has been at the forefront since 1974
• Duration: You can complete your DNP in as little as three years 

Success Metrics — UM's 100% board pass rate for the 2023 AGNP graduates speaks for itself!

Clinical & Credit Hours —  Both programs are rigorous and involve 80 credit hours and 1,080 clinical hours.

Admissions Requirements — Ready to join one of the best? Here's what you'll need:

• A BSN with a 3.0 GPA
• An essay
• A resume or CV
• Two professional references 
• Minimum of two years of full-time, inpatient acute care nursing experience (ICU/ER experience preferred for AGACNP track)

Application Deadlines — The upcoming fall cycle has a priority deadline of December 1st. However, applications will still be reviewed past this date as space permits.

Financial Aid — Invest in your future with scholarship support from UM:

• Merit Scholarships: Automatically considered upon application ($1,500–$3,000/semester)
• Donor-Funded Awards: $500–$2,000 per semester
• Conway Scholarship: Full tuition and fees for eligible students
• Graduate Assistantships: Stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and health insurance

2. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is often considered to be synonymous with excellence in healthcare education, and its DNP AGACNP and AGPCNP programs are no exception. 

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Blended Learning Model: Online coursework with onsite immersions 
• Top Ranked: Hopkins is known for its exceptional resources and programs
• Flexible Duration: Complete your DNP in approximately three years

Clinical & Credit Hours —  Students have the exclusive opportunity to work with the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital while completing their studies!  Here's how both tracks are broken down:

• AGACNP DNP: 70 credit hours with 840 clinical hours and 160 practicum hours  
• AGPCNP DNP: 74 credit hours with 960 clinical hours and 160 DNP practicum hours  

Admissions Requirements — Want to join the Hopkins legacy? Here's what you'll need:

• A BSN or MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• One year of RN experience in an acute care setting caring for unstable adults (ICU, stepdown, etc.)
• Three letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
• A goal statement 
• A resume or CV 
• Undergraduate statistics with a grade of B or better 
• GRE scores are optional
• Interview with faculty (if selected by the admissions committee)

Application Deadlines — Keep these dates in mind for the fall cycle: 

• Early Decision: Apply by November 1st
• Priority Deadline: Apply by January 15th

Financial Aid — Hopkins offers a variety of financial support options, such as scholarships, grants, federal loans, and employment opportunities, to make your DNP journey accessible.

Note: The University of Maryland Global does not offer NP programs. Site to be updated. 

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 Maryland

The costs of AGNP programs in Maryland 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 Maryland

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 Maryland

Attending an accredited AGNP program in Maryland 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.