Most Affordable Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs in 2023

Are you considering pursuing a career as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)? If affordability is a key factor in your decision-making process, we've got you covered as we outline some of the most budget-friendly options in 2023.

In addition to presenting these options, we've also provided details into the role of an AGNP, shedding light on the diverse and impactful responsibilities they undertake in this advanced nursing practice.

We'll also explore salary expectations for AGNPs, helping you understand the potential financial rewards that come with your dedication and expertise in this field, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

Most Affordable AGNP Programs

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States. 

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

At Texas Tech University HSC, the AGNP program prepares students to provide primary care to adult and elderly patients. The curriculum includes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making courses. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.

• Cost: $23,116 for in-state students, $43,276 for out-of-state students.

Post University

Post University's AGNP program focuses on developing advanced nursing skills for adults and elderly patients. The program offers flexible online courses with a clinical component to provide students with practical experience in managing complex health conditions.

• Cost: $560 per credit hour

Kent State University

Kent State University offers an Acute Care AGNP program. Students learn to manage acute and chronic health conditions in adult and elderly patients across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates to deliver high-quality care to complex patient populations.

• Cost: $25,109 for in-state students, $46,847.20 for out-of-state students.

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University provides an AGNP Primary Care program designed to train nurse practitioners to offer comprehensive services to adult and geriatric patients. The program emphasizes holistic care and includes clinical experiences to enhance students' clinical skills.

• Cost: $543 per credit hour

University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers an AGNP program that prepares graduates to deliver advanced care to adult and elderly patients. The program focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of chronic illnesses in the aging population.

• Cost: $432.78 per credit hour in-state, 847.66 out-of-state

The University of Texas Medical Branch

At UTMB, the AGNP Acute Care program equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide critical care to adult and geriatric patients. Students gain practical experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.

• Cost: $302.93 per credit hour for in-state students, $731.80 per credit hour for out-of-state students.

University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama's AGNP Primary Care program prepares graduates to deliver primary care services to adult and elderly patients, emphasizing patient-centered care and incorporating clinical experiences to develop students' clinical competence.

• Cost: $594 per credit hour

Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University's AGNP Primary Care program focuses on providing students with advanced clinical courses and a significant number of clinical hours to ensure they're well-prepared for their careers.

• Cost: $13,093 for in-state students (annual), $13,453 for out-of-state students (annual).

University of Missouri

Integrating classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, the University of Missouri's AGNP Acute Care program enables students to manage complex health conditions and provide services to adult and geriatric patients.

• Cost: $707 per credit hour in-state and $1,327 for out-of-state students.

AGNP Job Description

AGNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in delivering comprehensive healthcare services to adult and older adult populations. These highly trained professionals possess advanced skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute and chronic health conditions in adult and geriatric patients.

AGNPs are uniquely qualified to provide holistic care throughout the adult lifespan, integrating their expertise in adult health and gerontology. Their coursework prepares them to practice in diverse healthcare environments such as primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings.

Responsibilities

Some key responsibilities of AGNPs include the following:

• Conducting thorough health assessments: AGNPs perform comprehensive evaluations of adult and geriatric patients, which involve physical exams, reviewing medical histories, and collecting relevant patient information.
• Diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions: AGNPs utilize their advanced training to diagnose and treat a broad range of acute and chronic health issues in adult and older adult populations. This encompasses ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and devising treatment plans.
• Collaborating with healthcare teams: AGNPs work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated and comprehensive care to patients. They actively participate in care conferences, consult with colleagues, and ensure effective communication among the healthcare team.
• Providing patient education: AGNPs play a vital role in educating patients about their health conditions, available treatment options, medication management, and lifestyle modifications. They empower patients to actively participate in their care and make informed decisions regarding their health.
• Emphasizing preventive care: AGNPs prioritize preventive care measures, including health screenings, vaccinations, and health promotion activities. They emphasize the significance of early detection and assist patients in adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent future health problems.
• Managing ongoing care: AGNPs are involved in the long-term management of patients with chronic illnesses. They monitor disease progression, make necessary adjustments to treatment plans, and offer continuous support and counseling to help patients effectively manage their conditions.
• Advocating for patients: AGNPs serve as patient advocates, addressing their needs and concerns. They actively work towards enhancing patient safety, improving access to care, and maintaining the quality of healthcare services.
• Keeping up with medical advancements: AGNPs engage in continuous learning and professional development to remain current with the latest research, medical advancements, and best practices in adult and geriatric healthcare. They apply evidence-based guidelines to provide high-quality care.

Please note that the specific responsibilities of AGNPs may vary depending on factors such as state regulations, practice settings, and collaborative agreements with physicians.

AGNP Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for NPs as of May 2022 was $124,680 or $59.94 hourly.

The top-paying states were:

• California: $158.130
• New Jersey: $143,250
• Massachusetts: $138,700
• Oregon: $136,250
• Nevada: $136,230

Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify between different types of NP specialties. However, ZipRecruiter reports that the national average salary for AGNPs is $223,503.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I take AGNP programs part-time, full-time, online, or hybrid?

Yes, AGNP programs are offered in various formats to accommodate different students' needs. Depending on the university or educational institution, AGNP programs may be available in part-time, full-time, online, or hybrid formats.

How do I know if an AGNP program is accredited before applying and enrolling?

To determine if an AGNP program is accredited, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify the accrediting body: In the United States, nursing education programs are typically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These accrediting bodies ensure that programs meet specific standards of quality and excellence in nursing education.
2. Check the program's official website: Visit the official website of the AGNP program you are considering. Accredited programs usually provide information about their accreditation status on their website. Look for a section dedicated to accreditation or quality assurance.
3. Verify with accrediting bodies: Visit the accrediting bodies' websites, ACEN and CCNE, and search for the AGNP program or the institution offering the program in their directory of accredited nursing programs. These directories allow you to search for programs by name, state, or institution. If the program is listed in the directory, the respective accrediting body has accredited it.
4. Contact the program directly: If you cannot find accreditation information on the program's website or through the accrediting bodies' directories, consider contacting the AGNP program directly. Contact their admissions office or program coordinator and inquire about their accreditation status. They should be able to provide you with the relevant information and clarify any accreditation-related queries.
5. Confirm accreditation validity: Accreditation is typically granted for a specific duration, and programs undergo periodic reviews to maintain their accredited status. When confirming accreditation, also check the accreditation validity period to ensure that it covers the duration of your intended enrollment.