Case Western Reserve University offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGPCNP Major
- Post-Graduate Certificate – AGPCNP
The MSN-AGPCNP program is offered in a distance-friendly format requiring approximately eight trips to Cleveland, while the post-graduate certificate provides customized pathways for nurses with existing graduate nursing degrees.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGPCNP | $100,409 | 1.5 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate AGPCNP | $24,490–$100,409 (gap-analysis dependent) | varies by gap analysis and course plan |
Both programs prepare graduates to provide comprehensive care to patients from late adolescence through older adulthood, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and gerontological assessment across hospitals, primary care settings, community clinics, long-term care facilities, and private practice.
Master of Science in Nursing – AGPCNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-AGPCNP program is approximately $100,409 (based on 41 credit hours at $2,449 per credit hour) and takes 1.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The curriculum requires 41 credit hours completed over four semesters (18 months for full-time students).
NURS 405: Inquiry I – Theoretical Foundations (2 credits)
This course introduces conceptual and theoretical thinking in nursing. Students examine how nursing knowledge develops and how frameworks guide practice and research.
NURS 453: Advanced Pathophysiology (4 credits)
This course studies physiologic changes caused by injury and disease across the lifespan. Students connect pathophysiologic concepts to health, risk, and illness susceptibility.
NURS 459: Advanced Physical Assessment (3 credits)
This course develops advanced assessment skills for patients across the lifespan. Students practice communication, data interpretation, and diagnostic reasoning to support clinical decisions.
NUNP 410: Health Promotion Across the Life Span (2 credits)
This course covers health promotion, prevention, and function maintenance across the lifespan. Students use models, epidemiology, and risk appraisal to plan wellness strategies and address health disparities.
NURS 444A: Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice (1 credit)
This course strengthens ethical decision making in advanced practice. Students analyze ethical dilemmas in care systems and practice communication strategies with patients, families, and teams.
NURS 425: Inquiry II – Research Process (3 credits)
This course teaches the research process and scientific integrity in nursing inquiry. Students study design, sampling, data collection, analysis, and reporting of findings.
NURS 430: Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
This course applies advanced pharmacology and therapeutics to common conditions across the lifespan. Students use pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics to support safe prescribing that considers ethics, law, cost, and social factors.
NUNP 432: Common and Acute Health Problems of Older Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults (5 credits)
This course uses a problem-focused approach to common and acute adult health conditions. Students integrate assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pathophysiology, and pharmacology while addressing biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.
NURS 444B: Health Care Delivery and Finance in Advanced Practice (1 credit)
This course reviews financial and business drivers of health care delivery and outcomes. Students learn core concepts in business practices, coding, billing, and reimbursement.
NURS 451: Leadership for Quality Healthcare within Organizations and Systems (3 credits)
This course prepares students to lead quality improvement in organizations and health systems. Students examine change strategies and how structure, diversity, technology, and communication affect care outcomes.
NUNP 449: Advanced Practice Nursing Care of the Older Adult (4 credits)
This course applies health promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation principles to older adult care. Students assess function, nutrition, cognition, support systems, and caregiver stress while managing acute and chronic conditions and planning interventions to maintain function.
NURS 502: Inquiry III – Evidence-Based Practice (2 credits)
This course connects research and other evidence to clinical practice. Students learn how to appraise evidence and implement evidence-based changes in care.
NUNP 434: Advanced Management in Adult and Older Adult Primary Care (5 credits)
This course focuses on managing complex health problems in adults within family and community contexts. Students use advanced assessment and diagnostic strategies to build and evaluate care plans that integrate pathophysiology and pharmacology.
NURS 444C: Health Policy, Legislation, and Legal Issues in Advanced Practice (1 credit)
This course analyzes health policy and legal issues that shape advanced practice. Students examine methods for influencing policy and responding to legal challenges.
NURS 431: Psychosocial and Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice (2 credits)
This course builds skills for psychosocial and spiritual assessment and support. Students practice interviewing, counseling, and coaching, and apply screening for depression, distress, suicide risk, substance use, and spiritual concerns.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Clinical requirements total approximately 600 hours distributed across three clinical courses (NUNP 432, NUNP 449, and NUNP 434). Students complete clinical practicums in hospitals, urgent and primary care settings, community clinics, long-term care facilities, and private practice environments. Clinical courses must be taken in the specific semester and sequence outlined in the curriculum, with availability based on enrollment.
MSN Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all previously attended universities
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA required for progression
- APRN students must maintain minimum 2.5 GPA in APRN core courses (advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment) and clinical courses
- Three recommenders (names and email addresses) – preferably RNs in supervisory positions, professional colleagues with advanced nursing degrees, or nursing instructors familiar with clinical work
- Essay: Two paragraphs of approximately 250 words each addressing (1) career progress, goals, and reasons for applying to the program, and (2) information about yourself not apparent from application
- Resume or CV including employment history, military service, academic/professional fellowships, memberships, and publications
- Active RN license
- $75 application fee
- Priority application deadline: March 15 for fall semester
Post-Graduate Certificate – AGPCNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate AGPCNP Certificate varies based on individualized gap analysis and typically ranges from $24,490 to $100,409 depending on required coursework.
Certificate Curriculum
Certificate requirements are customized based on gap analysis completed upon admission. The gap analysis identifies required courses based on the MSN-AGPCNP major requirements, prior education, and existing certifications. Students follow an individualized program plan developed from their gap analysis results.
Required courses may include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
- Common and Acute Health Problems of the Adult and Older Adult
- Advanced Practice Nursing Care of the Older Adult
- Advanced Management in Adult and Older Adult Primary Care
- Professional development, scientific inquiry, and nursing practice core courses
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical hours are determined by the individualized gap analysis and program plan. Total clinical requirements align with MSN program standards, typically requiring approximately 600 hours across primary care, acute care, and geriatric settings.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
- Master’s degree in nursing or higher from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all previously attended universities
- Gap analysis completed upon admission to determine individualized coursework requirements
- Three recommenders (names and email addresses) – preferably RNs in supervisory positions, professional colleagues with advanced nursing degrees, or nursing instructors
- Essay: Two paragraphs of approximately 250 words each addressing career goals and personal background
- Resume or CV including employment history, fellowships, memberships, and publications
- Active RN license
- $75 application fee
- Priority application deadline: March 15 for fall semester
Tuition
Graduate tuition is $2,449 per credit hour for all students.
Additional fees include Nursing Activity Fee ($15 per semester for 4+ credits), Nursing ACEMAPP Fee ($55 fall semester), Clinical Placement Fee ($175 one-time for first-time entrants), Graduate Student Council Fee ($20 per semester), and RTA Transportation Fee ($70 per semester).
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University holds accreditation for its MSN and post-graduate certificate programs.
Several of the school’s advanced practice nursing programs—including gerontology, mental health, and family care—are recognized by U.S. News and World Report as among the top programs in the country.
Graduates are prepared to sit for national certification examinations as Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.
More Ohio ACNP Programs
- Kent State University - Kent
- Ohio State University - Columbus
- University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati
- Ursuline College - Pepper Pike