Best AGNP Programs in North Carolina | 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 North Carolina - Online & On-Campus

Learn More About North Carolina's Top AGNP Programs

The Tar Heel State offers an excellent foundation for aspiring Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, with its renowned medical centers, community health initiatives, and programs addressing healthcare needs in both urban and rural communities. North Carolina emphasizes patient-centered care and provides diverse clinical training opportunities to prepare AGNPs for various practice settings.

This section highlights North Carolina's leading acute and primary care AGNP programs, detailing 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill)

Recognized as one of the best in the nation, UNC Chapel Hill offers exceptional programs for aspiring and advanced nursing professionals. You can pursue a BSN-DNP, BSN-MSN, or a Post-Master's Certificate in the AGACNP or AGPCNP concentration.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Learning, Tailored to You: Full-time or part-time online programswith periodic on-campus immersions.
• Prestigious Recognition: Ranked as among the top programs in the country by  US News & World Repor, 17th nationally in overall DNP programs, 6th in AGPCNP programs, and 6th in for its MSN.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Here are the study plans for these programs:

• AGPCNP BSN-DNP: 76 credits and 1,000 clinical hours.
• AGPCNP BSN-MSN: 46 credits and 660 clinical hours.
• AGACNP Post-Master's Certificate: 18 credits and 600 clinical hours.

Admissions Requirements — Here's what you need to join one of the nation's top programs:

• A BSN or MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (2.75–2.99 may apply with a strong justification)
• At least one year of paid clinical RN experience
• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course with a grade of B or better 
• Post-Master's applicants must also have two years of full-time acute care experience 

Application Deadlines — Each concentration has its own deadline:

• AGPCNP Tracks: February 11th
• AGACNP Track: April 8th

Financial Aid — In the 2023-24 academic year alone, over 250 nursing students were awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships. Whether through merit-based awards or need-based aid, the UNC team is dedicated to helping you fund your future!

2. Duke University

Duke offers top-ranking AGACNP and AGPCNP BSN-MSN programs where you'll develop the expertise and connections to excel in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• High Ranking: Both programs rank #1 in the nation.
• Flexible, Distance-Based Learning: Programs combine online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives for hands-on learning, including sessions in the state-of-the-art cadaver lab.
• In-Demand Skills: Programs emphasize ending health disparities and advancing health equity, particularly in rural and underserved populations.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Clinical practice experiences can be completed near your home, and Duke has a network of over 2,000 partners worldwide. The dedicated clinical placement team will work with you to find opportunities that align with your career goals. Here are the graduate requirements for these programs:

• AGACNP MSN: 48 credits and 728 clinical hours
• AGPCNP MSN: 42 credits and 560 clinical hours

Admissions Requirements — Duke maintains a competitive and inclusive admissions process with the following requirements:

• A BSN with a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred
• Completion of a general or introductory Statistics course with a grade of C or better
• At least one year of RN experience is recommended 
• A personal statement 
• A resume/CV
• Three professional recommendations

Application Deadlines — Duke's rolling admissions process ensures timely review and feedback:

• Fall Priority: Applications submitted September–December 1st
• Spring Priority: Applications submitted January–May 1st

Applications received after these deadlines are reviewed on a space-available basis.

Financial Aid — Duke's School of Nursing is committed to making its world-class education accessible. Financial aid options include merit- and need-based scholarships, with select awards covering up to full tuition. Federal student loans are also available.

3. University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)

UNC Charlotte offers dynamic pathways for nurses ready to elevate their careers as an Acute Care AGNP, featuring both an MSN and Post-Master's Certificate program tracks.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• State-of-the-Art Training: Learn in one of North Carolina's leading urban research universities with access to cutting-edge healthcare facilities.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from industry leaders who bring real-world expertise to every course.

Success Metrics — UNC has a 100% AGACNP certification exam pass rate, ensuring graduates are ready to excel in their roles.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Here are the curriculum requirements for both programs:

• MSN: 47 credit hours and 720 clinical hours
• Post-Master's Certificate: 20 credit hours and 660 clinical hours

Admissions Requirements — To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA 
• Have 12+ months of acute care nursing experience (ICU preferred)
• Have completed an undergraduate Statistics course with a C or higher
• Submit a Statement of Purpose (max. two double-spaced pages)
• Submit references from professional colleagues, with at least one from a supervisor
• Have graduate coursework in Health assessment, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology (Post-Master's Certificate track)

Application Deadlines — Applications for the fall semester are due by:

• Priority Deadline: March 1st
• Final Deadline: August 1st

Financial Aid — UNC Charlotte offers a range of funding options, including fellowships, tuition awards, assistantships, and federal financial aid. 

4. University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

UNCW's AGPCNP DNP program equips graduates with advanced practice nursing skills to provide care to patients aged 13 through end-of-life.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Options: Choose from full-time or part-time study for this online program.
• Personalized Learning: Collaborate with expert faculty to design a DNP project tailored to your professional goals.

Clinical & Credit Hours — The program requires a minimum of 68 credit hours, including six credits dedicated to a DNP project, and 1,000 clinical hours.

Admissions Requirements — Ready to become a UNCW Seahawk? Here's what you'll need to apply:

• A BSN with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (or 2.75, considered case-by-case)
• 600 hours of RN work experience before starting clinical courses
• Undergraduate credits in Community Health, Health and Physical Assessment, Nursing Research, and Statistics
• Three professional references 
• A video essay
• A resume

Application Deadlines — Check the school page for 2025 priority deadlines. 

Financial Aid — UNCW offers a cost-effective pathway to a doctorate, along with numerous scholarships and paid research positions.

5. East Carolina University (ECU)2

ECU offers academic excellence and a strong commitment to student success through its AGACNP Post-Master's Certificate and AGPCNP BSN-DNP programs.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Rural Focus: Committed to serving rural and underserved populations in Eastern North Carolina.
• Collaboration: Promotes teamwork in clinics, schools, health departments, and long-term care facilities.
• Hybrid Format: Offers a flexible hybrid model with most coursework completed online.
• Patient Population: Trains AGNPs to care for adolescents through advanced elderly care in community, skilled nursing, and long-term care settings.
• Highly Ranked Excellence: ECU's nursing programs are consistently recognized among the top 25% in the nation by US News & World Report.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Gain invaluable hands-on experience with clinical placements arranged in your geographic area or within a four-hour drive of your home. Here's how these programs are structured:

• AGACNP Post-Master's Certificate: 20 credit hours and extensive clinical placements 
• AGPCNP BSN-to-DNP: 61 credit hours, 720 clinical hours, and a comprehensive three-semester DNP project

Admissions Requirements — Candidates must meet the following application criteria:

• Hold a BSN or MSN with a 3.2 GPA or higher
• Have prerequisites in Human Physiology, Health Assessment, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Clinical Pharmacology (Post-Master's Certificate track)
• Have prerequisites in Statistics (DNP track)
• Submit a personal statement
• Submit professional references
• Have basic computer proficiency and a completed e-Portfolio
• Complete an interview with graduate faculty

Application Deadlines — Here are the dates to keep track of:

• Post-Master's Certificate: Apply by October 15th to start in the fall semester
• BSN-to-DNP: Apply by January 10th to start in the fall semester 

Financial Aid — ECU offers competitive tuition rates and access to various financial aid options to make your educational goals attainable.

6. South College

South College School of Nursing provides a supportive setting for aspiring NPs, offering an MSN and a Post-Graduate Certificate with a focus on AGACNP.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible & Accelerated Learning: Earn your MSN online in as little as 21 months (full-time) or pursue the Post-Graduate Certificate in a fully online format.

Clinical & Credit Hours — The MSN program requires 73 credit hours and 570 clinical hours, and the Post-Graduate Certificate requires 47 credit hours. You'll be in charge of identifying clinical sites and preceptors yourself. 

Admissions Requirements — South College maintains a welcoming and inclusive admissions process. Here's what you'll need:

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0+ GPA
• 800 hours of RN practice before the first practicum
• A two-page personal statement
• A resume or CV

Application Deadlines — With rolling admissions, you can apply anytime!

Financial Aid — South College offers extensive financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. 

7. University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNC Greensboro)

Rounding off the top AGNP programs in NC is UNC Greensboro School of Nursing's AGPCNP Post-BSN DNP program, which prepares nurses for advanced roles in primary care.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Hybrid Learning: Combine online coursework with weekly on-campus sessions.
• Fast Track to Your DNP: Complete your degree in just eight semesters.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Learn in cutting-edge classrooms and simulation spaces.
• Affordable Excellence: Recognized as North Carolina's most affordable university and ranked #1 for lowest net cost in the state by The New York Times.

Success Metrics -— UNC Greensboro grads have a 100% pass rate and an 85% employment rate within six months of graduation. 

Clinical & Credit Hours — The program includes 68 credits, 840 clinical hours, and 300 scholarly/immersion hours.

Admissions Requirements — Apply to UNC Greensboro with:

• A BSN with a 3.0 GPA
• At least one year of full-time clinical nursing experience
• Completion of courses in Inferential Statistics, Chemistry, and Health Assessment
• A resume
• Three professional nursing references
• A personal statement (400 words or less)
• An interview

Application Deadline — Apply by July 15th to secure your spot!

Financial Aid — Access a wide range of funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and scholarships.

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 North Carolina

The costs of AGNP programs in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina

Attending an accredited AGNP program in North Carolina 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.