Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP

Become a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Take Your Nursing Career to the Next Level

Keuka College’s Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Program is designed to give nurses like you the opportunity to advance your career and enhance the level of patient care you provide. It empowers you to explore new healthcare opportunities through hands-on experience, research, and evidence-based practice.

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Highlights

Flexible Entry Options

Whether you hold a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in Nursing, we have two convenient entry options to help you pursue your career goals. Join us in August 2023 with a bachelor's degree, or wait until January 2024 if you have a master's degree.

Consistent Schedule and Cohort

We understand that you're a busy working nurse, which is why we designed our program with a consistent schedule that requires just one night of in-person class each week on our Keuka College campus. Plus, you'll progress through the program with the same group of dedicated nurses from start to finish, building a supportive community that will last long after graduation.

Practice-Ready Graduates

At Keuka College, we're committed to preparing you for a successful career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Our program boasts a first-time pass rate on the national certification exam of more than 85%, giving you the confidence and skills you need to hit the ground running.

Extensive Network of Clinical Preceptors

These experienced professionals will help you bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving you access to the clinical experience you need to focus on your areas of interest. You'll be well-equipped to tackle any challenge that comes your way as an APRN.

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Download your A/GPCNP Degree or Certificate Program Guide Here

Get more information to make the decision that's right for you:

  • Featured courses and program outcomes
  • Admission requirements
  • Tuition and financial aid information
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Unlock Your Potential as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? Our Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program is just what you need to prepare for an exciting career in Advanced Practice.

Our comprehensive program of study is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in a variety of primary care settings serving adults. You'll learn from experienced faculty members and work alongside other passionate nursing professionals, all while enjoying a supportive community that will help you reach your full potential.

And the best part? When you successfully complete the program, you'll be fully prepared to take the American Nurse Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners national certification examination for Advanced Practice. That means you'll be ready to hit the ground running and make a real difference in the lives of the patients you serve.

Take the first step towards your dream career as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and apply to our program today!

Master’s Degree Program

  • Designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing 
  • Attend class in person once a week for four hours on our lakeside campus
  • Clinical requirements can be completed close to home, and there's plenty of support available to find the right placement for your goals
  • Complete assignments and readings online when it fits your schedule
  • You can complete the program in 24 months
  • The next cycle of classes begins August 28, 2023

Certificate Program

  • Designed for those who have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) 
  • Attend an in-person class once a week for four hours on our lakeside campus
  • Clinical requirements can be completed close to home, and there's plenty of support available to find the right placement for your goals
  • Complete assignments and readings online when it fits your schedule
  • You can complete the program in 17 months
  • The next cycle of classes begins January 15, 2024

Admission Requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited Nursing program
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • An unencumbered New York State license and current registration as a Registered Nurse (RN)
  • An appropriate combination of healthcare experience and professionalism demonstrated through 2 clinical/professional recommendations

Courses will transform you into a primary care provider who can apply the latest research, technology, and expertise to patient care.

Requirements

The number of credits you need will vary depending on whether you already have a master’s degree. The program requires 540 hours of clinical field instruction in order to earn your degree or certificate from Keuka College.

If you’ve already started an MSN program elsewhere, some of your graduate-level credits may transfer in, saving you time and money.

View College Catalog

12 Master’s Degree (AGPCNP) Core Courses

42 Credits

The MSN Core Courses provide an in-depth exploration of clinical assessment and treatment, nursing theory and research, leadership, informatics, and clinical placement in a practice near you. You’ll also explore healthcare policy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

8 Certificate Core Courses

28 Credits

For those who have an MSN, the certificate core courses provide an in-depth introduction and overview to generalist adult and gerontology healthcare promotion. You’ll explore health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, primary care practice, and nursing leadership.

Master’s Degree Courses 

These foundational courses will introduce you to advanced nursing practice, blending theory with practical application. Areas you’ll explore include:

  • Organizational and systems leadership
  • Nursing Theory and Research
  • Health Care Policy 
  • Nursing Informatics

NUR-530: Health Care Policy: Advanced Prac Nurse

This course provides the student with a greater understanding of the health of the world population. The course begins with an overview of the political aspects of the healthcare delivery system, including the relevance of the political process in nursing, and information describing how one can become informed. Social, political, and economic considerations are discussed within the delivery of global healthcare. Health policy is studied in relation to relevant theories and principals of patient centered care. Research and theory are integrated as students consider potential strategies for change as leaders within the profession of nursing. Issues discussed include the controversy over the appropriate educational preparation for entry into practice. Information about the role of law and policy are explained in relation to legal issues in nursing practice. Leadership and management principles are further developed to give the Master's prepared nurse the tools needed to perform in an international leadership role.

NUR-550: Advanced Health Assessment

This course provides the adult learner with the opportunity to develop advanced health assessment skills. Using the nursing process, the adult learner will obtain and interpret health histories and conduct thorough physical examinations with diverse populations across the lifespan. Normal aging is compared to and contrasted with pathological history and examination findings. An introduction to the process of diagnostic reasoning is provided. Health promotion and risk reduction concepts are stressed throughout the course. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies are explored in light of the various predictors of health (i.e. genomics, socioeconomic situation, culture, and spiritual beliefs). The adult learner is expected to engage in experiential hands-on learning. The students have an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and evidence-based knowledge while practicing health assessment skills in assigned teams.

NUR-560: Advanced Pathophysiology

Using a systems approach, this course provides the adult learner with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and share knowledge related to the management of common pathophysiologic processes occurring within diverse populations across the lifespan. Systems to be explored include: cardiac, vascular, respiratory, and immune. Concepts of pharmacotherapy are presented including pharmaco-dynamics, pharmaco-kinetics, and pharmaco-genomics. In addition, non-pharmacologic, complementary, and/or alternative therapies are explored. Economic implications and their effects on the ethics of healthcare decision making are discussed and explored. Identification and management of co-morbidities will be addressed, with a strong emphasis on the importance of support from caregivers and/or family. Availability of community resources is explored. The adult learner is expected to engage in experiential hands-on learning. The adult learners have an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and evidence-based knowledge while practicing health promotion strategies in selected community settings.

Certificate Degree Courses

Courses for those who have an MSN focus on the assessment and application of clinical reasoning skills with an emphasis on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management of chronic and acute health conditions.

Using an evidence-based research model that integrates training, core, and specialty coursework will equip you to work for positive change as a leader within the profession. 

NUR-580: Eval of Adult/Ger Health for Adv Nurse

This course focuses on the assessment of adult health status and application of clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice in the management of health status deviations. Clinical reasoning using advanced health assessment skills and knowledge of advanced path-physiology and patho-pharmacology leads to the formulation of comprehensive differential diagnosis. Use of appropriate diagnostic tools and timely referral is explored. Formulation of treatment plan using best evidence and system resources is introduced. Emphasis on professional role socialization and functioning within the interdisciplinary health care team prepares the practitioner for the advanced practice role within the current health care system. Scope of practice and legal aspects of the advanced practice role are examined including New York State and federal laws related to prescriptions and record-keeping.

NUR-650: Primary Care for Adult/Gero Patient I

Building upon knowledge and clinical reasoning skills established in NUR-550, 560, 570 and 580, this course focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and/or management of chronic health conditions and acute exacerbations of illness. Using a systems approach, this course focuses on conditions effecting the eyes, ears, nose, and throat; cardiovascular pulmonary; hematological; and gastrointestinal systems. Opportunities to apply evidence-based knowledge and enhance clinical reasoning skills will be available to the student through unfolding case studies and clinical practicum experiences which include care of the adult and geriatric populations served in acute, chronic care and/or community-based settings. Opportunity to utilize relevant technology in determined areas of care will be incorporated.

NUR-660: Primary Care for Adult/Gero Patient II

Building upon knowledge and clinical reasoning skills established in NUR 550, 560, 570, 580, and 650, this course focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and/or management of chronic health conditions and acute exacerbations of illness. Using a systems approach, this course focuses on conditions effecting the musculoskeletal; neurological; endocrine; genitourinary; reproductive, and integument systems. Opportunities to apply evidence-based knowledge and enhance clinical reasoning skills will be available to the student through unfolding case studies and clinical practicum experiences which include care of the adult and geriatric populations served in acute, chronic care and/or community based settings. Opportunities to utilize relevant technology in determined areas of care will be incorporated.

Your clinical placement will be one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of becoming a nurse practitioner.

There are countless opportunities for convenient clinical placements at hospitals, schools, community organizations, rehabilitation centers, and many other facilities in and around the Finger Lakes, Rochester, and Syracuse. Our program staff will work with you to customize your field experience to reflect your educational goals, desired practice specialty, and scheduling requests to the fullest extent possible.

The clinical placement gives you the legally required 540 hours of real-world, hands-on clinical nursing practice. Your professors and your field supervisor will be there to help you each step of the way.

Keuka College has helped hundreds of students like you become primary care nurse practitioners affordably. 

Estimate Your Costs

Which of our NP programs interests you?

20 months

Program Length

56

Credits Needed

$475

Cost per Credit

$13,300

Estimated Total Cost Before Financial Aid

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Affording Your MSN AGPCNP

Becoming a nurse practitioner is an investment in your future and your family that has everlasting benefits. 

Financial Aid
Keuka College scholarships, state and federal grants, employer tuition remission, and military benefits are financial aid options that may be available to you. Our financial aid team is here to help you navigate the process and find as many opportunities as are available to you. 

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Transferring Credit
Earn your master’s degree in Nursing faster and save money by transferring in prior eligible credits from another accredited college or university, College-level testing programs, select international sources, or the U.S. military.

Find Transfer Information

Demand for primary care nurse practitioners will continue to grow because of a primary care physician shortage and a rapidly growing and aging population.

As a primary care nurse practitioner, you can work in a variety of different settings depending on your interests and preferences, including:

  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Director of Nursing
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Professor of Nursing
  • Telemedicine Nurse Practitioner

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average, thanks to an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for healthcare services from an aging population.

And according to the New York State Department of Labor, New York Nurses with an AGPCNP licensure earn a median salary of $115,000. Employment prospects in New York state are very favorable.

Experienced nurse practitioners can earn more than $122,000 per year in New York state.

What our Nurse Practitioner Graduates Say

Portrait of Sarah in her white coat in her hospital

I’m in a completely different role from nursing – I’m a provider in a primary care office with a great collaborating physician.

Instead of following doctor’s orders, you’re giving them.

Sarah Brimmer ’17

Your Nursing professors are accomplished academics and seasoned clinicians. They'll combine theoretical concepts and clinical expertise to give you the best Nursing education possible.

It stands for Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. A healthcare professional who uses this title is a nurse who has graduated from a program that has prepared them to act as a primary care provider. They serve patients who are aged 18 through adulthood to old age.  

An FNP is a Family Nurse Practitioner, and an AGPCNP is an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Both can be used to describe a nurse who has graduated from a rigorous graduate-level program like Keuka College’s. The difference between them is in the populations they treat. An FNP can treat patients from birth through adulthood. An AGPCNP provides care for those aged 18 and up. 

The short answer is: LOTS! An Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) works as a primary care provider for patients ages 18 to old age. They may work in a clinic with a physician or have a private practice of their own. They can also work in a variety of settings such as hospices, long-term care facilities, correctional institutes, and urgent care clinics. As a primary care provider, they are the first line of defense in helping the patient maintain their health. A typical day might see them diagnosing and treating illnesses, going on wellness visits, doing health assessments, giving immunizations, and providing health counseling. Nurse practitioners can also order diagnostic testing and prescribe medications.

According to the New York State Department of Labor, nurse practitioners in New York have an annual median income of $115,000. Experienced nurse practitioners earn around $122,000. 

Neither a Nurse Practitioner nor a Physician’s Assistant is higher than the other. Both professionals have worked hard to deepen their knowledge and increase their area of expertise in order to be able to serve patients in a more comprehensive way. Depending on state regulations governing their practice, an NP or a PA may work with a physician or be on their own. The main difference between them is in the way they approach patient care. A nurse practitioner uses the nursing model of care, and the PA uses the medical model. The nursing model takes a holistic approach to care, concentrating on the patient’s mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, as well as their physical needs. NPs focus on health promotion. The medical model focuses on disease pathology and curing the problem. The PA examines patients' anatomy and physiological systems in the diseased state versus a state of health. 

Yes! In fact, this is most often where you find an AGPCNP. Depending on their area of expertise, an NP may work in an urgent care clinic or with a physician, or even have a practice of their own. They diagnose patients, help manage chronic illness, prescribe medicine, and order diagnostic tests. 

There are a variety of types of nurse practitioners, and their specialties and acronyms describe the kind of work they do and sometimes the setting in which they work. Both Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners have graduated from a program in which they have deepened the scope of their medical knowledge. Consequently, they are equipped to care for patients from adolescents to the very old. However, an acute care nurse practitioner often works in a hospital or clinic where they are able to treat people who are experiencing some sort of health crisis. Perhaps they have broken a leg or are suffering from a gunshot wound. A primary care nurse practitioner treats patients in a clinic or practice and helps patients live healthy lives. They might see a patient for an annual physical, or help an elderly patient manage a condition such as osteoporosis.