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

Learn More About Ohio's Top AGNP Programs

The Buckeye State is home to a dynamic healthcare landscape, offering opportunities for aspiring Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners to serve diverse populations. Ohio's strong focus on community health and innovation in healthcare education provides AGNP students with valuable clinical experiences in settings ranging from urban hospitals to rural community clinics.

This section highlights Ohio's leading acute and primary care AGNP programs, emphasizing their contributions to healthcare advancements and commitment to preparing skilled practitioners. Key features, admission requirements, and financial aid details are provided to help you explore your options.

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

1. University of Cincinnati (UC)

Renowned for its commitment to excellence, UC offers online MSN and DNP programs in both the AGACNP and AGPCNP tracks.  

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexibility: All UC AGNP programs except the AGACNP DNP are offered 100% online.
• Hands-On Experience: Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation centers and UC Medical Center's cadaver lab.

Success Metrics — With an AGPCNP certification exam pass rate of 100% in 2023, UC graduates exceed industry standards.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Each track can be broken down as follows:

• MSN AGPCNP: 44 total credits, including 504 hours of clinicals
• BSN-DNP AGPCNP: 75–76 credit hours, including 1,000 clinical hours
• BSN-DNP AGACNP: 76-79 credit hours, icnlduing 1,000 clinical hours (only open to Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana residents)

Admissions Requirements — To join one of these programs, you'll need:

• A BSN with a 3.0 GPA
• An undergraduate Statistics course completed with a 2.0 or higher
• At least one year of RN experience in the U.S.
• A goal statement
• A resume/CV
• Three letters of reference

Application Deadlines — MSN applications are due by March 15th, and DNP applications are due by June 1st for the fall cycle.

Financial Aid — UC offers financial aid packages and scholarships.

2. The Ohio State University (OSU)

Another leading institution, OSU's College of Nursing offers MSN and BSN-to-DNP programs with AGACNP and AGPCNP tracks.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Duration: Programs take two to three years to complete full-time.
• Flexibility: AGPCNP programs can be completed online or in-person and the AGACNP program is only offered in person.
• National Recognition: OSU's online master's program was ranked #2 in the nation in 2023.

Clinical & Credit Hours — You will  be required to complete extensive clinical hours at sites near you. Here are the plans of study for these tracks:

• MSN AGPCNP: 51 credit hours
• BSN-DNP AGPCNP: 74-75 credit hours
• BSN-DNP AGACNP: 73 credit hours

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

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0+ GPA
• A completed Statistics course (DNP track)
• A goal statement
• A resume/CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• An online video interview

Application Deadlines — OSU offers two rounds of deadlines:

• Round 1: August 1st - Oct 15th
• Round 2: Feb 1st - March 1st

Financial Aid — From scholarships and grants to federal loans, OSU aims to make achieving your goals more affordable. 

3. Ursuline College

Ursuline College stands out with its MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate programs, offering both AGNP acute and primary care concentrations.. 

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• National Recognition: Ursuline's Breen School of Nursing is a distinguished leader in nursing education, earning top-tier rankings and accolades.

Clinical & Credit Hours — Below are the graduate requirements for each program:

• ACNP Acute Care
  • AGACNP MSN: 45 credit hours
  • AGACNP Post-Graduate Certificate: 10 credit hours
• AGNP Primary Care
  • AGPCNP MSN: 39 credit hours
  • AGPCNP BSN-DNP: 75 credit hours
  • AGPCNP Post-Graduate Certificate: 18 courses

Admissions Requirements — Here's your checklist to get started:

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• An essay
• Three professional recommendations 
• An updated resume
• At least one year of recent RN experience

Application Deadlines — Master's AGACNP courses begin in fall and Spring, while Post-Master's programs start every semester. You're encouraged to submit your applications as early as possible, but there are no hard deadlines.

Financial Aid — Ursuline is committed to supporting your educational journey with scholarships, loans, grants, and more. 

4. Wright State University

Wright State's AGACNP MSN program equips nurses with advanced skills to provide direct care for patients with acute and chronic conditions across a range of clinical settings.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible Specializations: Tailor your expertise with sub-specialties in critical care, cardiology, neurology, oncology, trauma, and more.

Clinical & Credit Hours — This is a 51-credit-hour program designed to prepare you for direct patient care in ICUs, emergency departments, specialty clinics, and more.

Admissions Requirements — To apply, you'll need:

• A BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Two years of recent critical care nursing experience
• A resume/CV
• A clinical experience essay
• A short professional goals statement 
• Two references (supervisor and faculty/employer)

Application Deadlines — Keep these deadlines in mind for each start:

• Spring Start Deadline: December 1st
• Summer Start Deadline: April 1st
• Fall Start Deadline: July 31st

Financial Aid — Wright State delivers excellent, affordable education with different financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, work study, and loans, to make the investment more manageable.  

5. Youngstown State University (YSU)

YSU is another strong option, offering AGACNP programs through its MSN and Post-MSN Certificate pathways.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• 100% Online: Study from anywhere with flexible online coursework designed to fit your schedule.
• Accelerated Options: Complete your Master of Science in Nursing or Post-Master's Certificate in as few as 18 months.

Clinical & Credit Hours — The MSN program requires 45 credit hours, and the Post-MSN Graduate Certificate track requires 36 credit hours. You'll also be expected to complete at least 540 clinical hours, preparing you for high-acuity patient care in hospitals, ICUs, emergency rooms, and more.

Admissions Requirements — Get admission-ready with:

• A BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA
• One year of recent critical care experience

Application Deadlines — Fortunately, YSU admits students up until just a few weeks before each cohort begins! You can apply by December 16th to join the Winter class that begins January 6th. 

Financial Aid — YSU offers affordable tuition rates and financial assistance options, including scholarships, grants, and pay-by-the-course options to help you manage the costs a little better.

6. Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)

Concluding our list of top AGNP programs in Ohio, CWRU's AGNP MSN programs offer a strong option for nurses pursuing advanced practice in adult-gerontology care.

Key AGNP Program Highlights

• Flexible & Distance-Friendly Learning: Most of CWRU's coursework is available in an online format.
• Specialization Options: Opt for the AGACNP Flight Nursing Specialty to become skilled in critical care transport and work in high-stake environments.

Clinical & Credit Hours — The AGACNP track involves 39 credit hours and a total of 700 clinical hours. The AGPCNP track involves 41 credit hours and 600 clinical hours.

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

• A BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• At least one year of recent critical care experience
• A passion for providing exceptional care

Application Deadlines — Applications for fall enrollment are due by March 15th, and applications for Spring enrollment are due October 1st.

Financial Aid — CWRU is committed to helping you manage the cost of your education, offering a variety of financial aid options. 

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 Ohio

The costs of AGNP programs in Ohio 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 Ohio

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 Ohio

Attending an accredited AGNP program in Ohio 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

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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.