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

Learn More About Michigan's Top AGNP Programs

The Great Lakes State provides a strong foundation for aspiring Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, with its renowned healthcare systems, community health initiatives, and programs aimed at improving care in both urban and rural areas. Michigan emphasizes innovative, patient-centered care and offers diverse clinical training opportunities to prepare AGNPs for various healthcare settings.

This section highlights Michigan'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. University of Michigan (U-M)

U-M kicks off our list with unparalleled excellence in nursing education. Choose from either the AGACNP or AGPCNP concentration in the MSN or DNP track. 

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning Formats: The AGPCNP MSN program is fully online for ultimate flexibility, while other programs offer a hybrid model.
• Top Ranked: Consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally, U-M is at the forefront of innovation.
• State-of-the-Art Resources: Leverage advanced simulation technology and clinical partnerships with leading healthcare systems across Michigan and beyond.
• Integrated Learning: U-M's interprofessional opportunities allow collaboration with other top-tier health professionals and researchers, keeping you ahead of the curve.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Students complete extensive clinical hours tailored to their specialization, ensuring they're practice-ready upon graduation. Let's breakdown the curriculums for each track:

• AGACNP MSN: 47 credits
• AGPCNP MSN: 49 credits
• AGACNP DNP: 72 credits
• AGPCNP DNP: 74 credits

Admissions Requirements — Here's what you'll need to become a U-M Wolverine:

• A BSN or MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• A statement of purpose 
• A resume
• A video assessment
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably from nursing professionals with advanced degrees

Application Deadlines — To join the fall cohort, keep note of these dates:

• Priority Deadline: January 15, 2025
• Final Deadline: March 15, 2025

Financial Aid — The U-M School of Nursing is committed to helping students finance their education through grants, scholarships, and state and federal loan programs. With a focus on merit and need-based funding, U-M ensures its students are supported every step of the way.

2. Spring Arbor University (SAU)

Whether you choose the MSN or Post-Master's Certificate program in the AGPCNP concentration, SAU can equip you with the skills and confidence to excel in your nursing career.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Christ-Centered Education: Experience a learning environment that integrates a Christ-centered worldview.
• Highly Ranked: Recognized as a "Best Value" school by US News & World Report and consistently ranked on national and regional levels for its academic quality and exceptional value.
• Flexible Scheduling: The fully online, asynchronous format allows you to balance work, life, and education effortlessly with the unique 7-1-7 model (7-week courses with 1-week breaks).
• Personalized Support: From day one to graduation, receive guidance from a dedicated Student Success Coach.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Here's what you can expect in these programs:

• MSN program: 47 credit hours and 570 clinical hours
• Post-Master's Certificate: At least 12 credit hours and 500 clinical hours 

Admissions Requirements — To join SAU's esteemed programs, you'll need:

• A BSN or MSN (for the certificate) with a 3.0 GPA
• A short personal statement 
• Prerequisite courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Adult Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Post-Master's Certificate track)

Application Deadlines — Students are admitted on a rolling basis, so get your application in as soon as possible!

Financial Aid — SAU offers competitively priced tuition to ensure you receive a high-quality education without breaking the bank! The admissions team will work closely with you to explore all eligible financial aid options, such as scholarships, military discounts, loan programs, and tax benefits.

3. Wayne State University (WSU)

Nestled in the heart of Detroit, WSU offers excellent AGACNP and AGPCNP programs with a focus on serving diverse urban communities. You can choose from a BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, or Post-Master's Certificate tracks.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning Paths: Choose between full-time and part-time options.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Gain expertise in advanced diagnostic reasoning, theory-based practice, and the integration of nursing and biopsychosocial theories.
• Expert Preparation: Graduates emerge as skilled practitioners, educators, and clinical scholars equipped to address the complex needs of acutely ill adults.

Clinical & Credit Hour Requirements — Clinical practicum sites are customized based on each student's career objectives and areas of clinical interest. Both concentrations require the same credit and clinical hours:

• BSN to DNP: 73 credits, a 3-credit graduate statistics prerequisite, and 1,000 clinical hours
• MSN to DNP: 38 credits and 1,000 clinical hours
• Post-MSN Certificate: 18 credits and at least 500 clinical hours

Admissions Requirements — All candidates must submit the following materials: 

• Transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA in a BSN or MSN 
• A resume or CV
• A personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation, including one from a doctorally prepared individual, on official letterhead

Application Deadlines — Here are the dates to keep in mind:

• Fall Deadline: August 15
• Winter Deadline: September 1 (Post-Grad Certificate Only)

Financial Aid — WSU's College of Nursing offers a variety of financial assistance options, including scholarships, grants, and loan programs.

4. University of Michigan, Flint (U-M Flint)

Coming full circle, the final option to consider is another U-M Flint School of Nursing. U-M Flint offers a DNP in both AGACNP and AGPCNP concentrations and a Post-Master's Certificate in the former only. 

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Dual-Degree Advantage: Complete a one-track program to earn both an MSN and a DNP.
• Flexible Online Format: This program offers part-time and full-time options, with online coursework and minimal campus visits for health residencies, simulations, and ceremonies.
• Access to UM Resources: Tap into the resources of the world-renowned University of Michigan community, including research opportunities on the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses.

Program Requirements — Here are the study plans for each program:

• BSN-DNP AGACNP: 73 credits 
• MSN-DNP AGACNP: 55 credits
• BSN-DNP AGPCNP: 70 credits
• MSN-DNP AGPCNP: 52 credits
• Post-Master's Certificate AGACNP: 18-22 credits

Admission Requirements — To join these competitive programs, you'll need:

• A BSN or MSN with a minimum 3.2 GPA
• At least one year of RN experience preferred
• A CV or resume
• A statement of goals
• A potential phone or virtual interview

Application Deadlines — Here are the application deadlines to be aware of:

• Early Fall Admission: February 1
• Final Fall Admission: April 1 
• Winter Admission: September 20 

Financial Aid — U-M Flint offers competitive tuition rates with diverse financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and more.

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 Michigan

The costs of AGNP programs in Michigan 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 Michigan

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 Michigan

Attending an accredited AGNP program in Michigan 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.