University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill AGPCNP Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing offers four Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

• MSN – AGPCNP
• BSN-DNP – AGPCNP
• MSN-DNP – AGPCNP
• Post-Graduate Certificate – AGPCNP

All four programs are distance-based with one required on-campus immersion per semester. Faculty arrange clinical placements for students across North Carolina.

Program Tracks Overview

An optional Oncology Focus is available within the AGPCNP specialty, adding 4 credits of oncology coursework and opening eligibility for the Advanced Oncology Certified NP exam after completing additional post-graduation clinical hours.

An optional Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education (9 credits) is also available within the MSN and DNP tracks.

Program Tracks Overview

MSN – AGPCNP

The MSN AGPCNP at UNC Chapel Hill is estimated at approximately ~$44,348 for NC residents or ~$88,917 for non-residents.

Estimate based on 43 credits at $1,031.34/$2,067.84 per credit.

On a full-time basis, the program takes approximately 2 years to complete across 5 semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring).

One on-campus immersion is required per semester.

MSN Curriculum

The MSN AGPCNP totals 43 credit hours organized in three components:

• Professional Core (6 cr.): Population health and interprofessional management; health care policy and leadership.
• Research Core (6 cr.): Evidence-based practice and research; Master’s Paper (may require two semesters).
• Advanced Practice Courses (31 cr.): Builds through pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, advanced health and physical assessment, advanced diagnostic reasoning, primary care of adolescents and adults, care of adults with complex health problems, practicum in primary care management, advanced concepts in clinical care of older adults, and sexual and reproductive health.

Professional Core (6 cr.):

• NURS 790i – Population Health: Interprofessional Management in a Changing Healthcare System (3 cr.)
• NURS 746 – Health Care Policy and Leadership (3 cr.)

Research Core (6 cr.):

• NURS 740 – Evidence-Based Practice and Research (3 cr.)
• NURS 992 – Master’s Paper (3 cr. — may require 2 semesters; timing decided with Chair)

Advanced Practice Courses (31 cr.)

NURS 715 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
This course examines normal and altered physiologic processes across the lifespan. Students apply pathophysiologic concepts to support advanced clinical decision-making.

NURS 720 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
This course develops pharmacotherapy decision-making skills for advanced practice. Students apply drug selection, dosing, and monitoring principles to patients of all ages.

NURS 750 – Advanced Health and Physical Assessment (3 credits: 2 lecture, 1 lab)
This course strengthens comprehensive assessment skills across the lifespan. Students integrate developmental, biological, psychological, and cultural factors into clinical evaluation.

NURS 752 – Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning (2 credits)
This course refines diagnostic reasoning using lifespan-based frameworks. Students synthesize assessment findings to guide disease prevention and management.

NURS 810 – Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults (6 credits: 4 lecture, 2 clinical)
This course prepares students to assess, diagnose, and manage adolescents and adults in primary care. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based treatment and preventive care.

NURS 812 – Care of Adults with Complex Health Problems (6 credits: 2 lecture, 4 clinical)
This course focuses on managing adults with complex and chronic conditions. Students build clinical competence and transition into the advanced practice role within healthcare systems.

NURS 819 – Practicum in Primary Care Management of Adults (2 credits clinical)
This practicum provides ambulatory care experience for patients ages 13 through end of life. Students deliver comprehensive care to individuals and families.

NURS 824 – Advanced Concepts in Clinical Care of Older Adults (4 credits: 2 lecture, 2 clinical)
This course emphasizes interdisciplinary management of older adults. Students address physiologic, functional, and psychosocial changes associated with aging.

NURS 825 – Sexual and Reproductive Health for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 credits)
This course covers primary care management of reproductive and sexual health across the lifespan. Students apply concepts in community-based settings for women and men.

Advanced clinical courses must be taken in sequence. NURS 992 (Master’s Paper) may begin as early as enrollment in NURS 740.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

MSN Clinicals

MSN students complete approximately 600 total clinical hours embedded across four clinical courses. Faculty work to secure local clinical placements for students across North Carolina.

• NURS 810 – Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 819 – Practicum in Primary Care Management of Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 824 – Advanced Concepts in The Clinical Care of Older Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 812 – Care of Adults with Complex Health Problems (240 clinical hrs)
• Total: ~600 clinical hours
• Faculty arrange clinical placements for students across NC
• One on-campus immersion required per semester
• ⚠️ Personal vehicle access required — students are responsible for travel expenses to clinical sites
• Course-specific simulation fees: $150/applicable course (NURS 810, 812, 819); $150 + $91/applicable course (NURS 750, 824, 825)

MSN Admissions

Admission is competitive and selective. Applications are submitted through applynow.unc.edu. GRE is not required. Fall entry only. $95 application fee; $250 deposit upon acceptance.

• BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program (conferred by June 30 prior to fall matriculation)
• Minimum BSN GPA of 2.75; 3.0+ preferred (GPAs 2.75–2.99 must be addressed in professional statement)
• Active, unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or compact state by summer prior to matriculation
• Minimum 1 year paid clinical RN experience within 3 years of applying — AGPCNP applicants must have direct care experience in community, hospital, or ambulatory settings serving adult or geriatric patients
• Statistics course (grade C or better) within 10 years — full-credit (3–4 cr.), letter grade only; refresher courses not accepted
• Three current letters of recommendation: one from current immediate supervisor in a healthcare setting; two from individuals familiar with your academic achievement — one from a nursing faculty member preferred if within 5 years of graduation
• Professional statement (prompts provided in application)
• Work and volunteer experience entered directly into application (CV/resume not accepted in lieu of this)
• Upload of current RN license documentation
• Criminal history database check required after acceptance (student’s expense; covers 7-year history or since 16th birthday)
• Drug screening may be required by clinical sites (12-panel urine screen; student’s expense)
• GRE not required
• $95 application fee | $250 acceptance deposit
• Application deadline: fall entry only — check nursing@unc.edu for current cycle dates

BSN-DNP – AGPCNP

The BSN-DNP AGPCNP at UNC Chapel Hill is estimated at approximately ~$72,194 for NC residents or ~$144,749 for non-residents,

Estimate based on 70 credits at $1,031.34/$2,067.84 per credit.

The program takes 3 years full-time to complete. The BSN-DNP is offered on a full-time basis only — no part-time option is currently available. One on-campus immersion is required per semester.

BSN-DNP Curriculum

The BSN-DNP AGPCNP totals 70 credit hours organized across three components:

• Organizational Leadership (15 cr.): Leading organizational and systems change, informatics for safe and effective health care, public policy and advocacy, population health in a global context, and economics and financing of health care systems.
• Practice Inquiry (21+ cr.): Evidence-based practice and research, theoretical principles, critical appraisal of evidence, implementation and evaluation of EBP, clinical scholarship and professional communication, applied data analysis, and the DNP Project (NURS 994 — taken a minimum of twice).
• Advanced Practice Courses (33 cr.): Pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, advanced health and physical assessment, advanced diagnostic reasoning, sexual and reproductive health, primary care of adolescents and adults, care of adults with complex health problems, practicum in primary care management, and advanced concepts in clinical care of older adults.

Organizational Leadership (15 cr.):

• NURS 935 – Leading Organizational and Systems Change (3 cr.)
• NURS 936 – Informatics for Safe and Effective Health Care (3 cr.)
• NURS 938 – Public Policy and Advocacy in Health Care (3 cr.)
• NURS 945 – Population Health in a Global Context (3 cr.)
• NURS 967 – Economics and Financing of Health Care Systems (3 cr.)

Practice Inquiry (21+ cr.):

• NURS 740 – Evidence-Based Practice and Research (3 cr.)
• NURS 921 – Theoretical Principles of Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS 922 – Critical Appraisal of Evidence (3 cr.)
• NURS 923 – Implementation and Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS 934 – Clinical Scholarship and Professional Communication (3 cr.)
• NURS 969 – Applied Data Analysis (3 cr.)
• NURS 994 – DNP Project (3 cr. — must be taken a minimum of twice)

Advanced Practice Courses (33 cr.):

• NURS 715 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS 720 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS 750 – Advanced Health and Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. — 2 lecture + 1 lab)
• NURS 752 – Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning (2 cr.)
• NURS 799 – Sexual and Reproductive Health for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 cr.)
• NURS 810 – Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults (6 cr. — 4 lecture + 2 clinical / 120 hrs)
• NURS 819 – Practicum in Primary Care Management of Adults (2 cr. / 120 hrs)
• NURS 824 – Advanced Concepts in The Clinical Care of Older Adults (4 cr. — 2 lecture + 2 clinical / 120 hrs)
• NURS 812 – Care of Adults with Complex Health Problems (6 cr. — 2 lecture + 4 clinical / 240 hrs)

View more curriculum details on the official program page.

BSN-DNP Clinicals

BSN-DNP students complete a minimum of 1,000 total practice hours, including approximately 600 direct clinical hours embedded in clinical courses and additional hours completed through the DNP Project sequence. Faculty arrange clinical placements for students across North Carolina.

• NURS 810 – Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 819 – Practicum in Primary Care Management of Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 824 – Advanced Concepts in The Clinical Care of Older Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 812 – Care of Adults with Complex Health Problems (240 clinical hrs)
• Additional practice hours through DNP Project coursework to reach 1,000 total
• Faculty arrange clinical placements for students across NC
• One on-campus immersion required per semester

BSN-DNP Admissions

Admission requirements mirror the MSN track with a higher GPA standard and a stricter statistics course requirement. The BSN-DNP is full-time only — fall entry only.

• BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program (conferred by June 30 prior to fall matriculation)
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (applicants with 2.75–2.99 may apply with strong justifiable explanation)
• Active, unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or compact state
• Minimum 1 year paid clinical RN experience within 3 years of applying — AGPCNP applicants must have direct care experience in community, hospital, or ambulatory settings serving adult or geriatric patients
• Statistics course (grade B or better) within 5 years — full-credit (3–4 cr.), letter grade only; refresher courses not accepted
• Three current letters of recommendation (same requirements as MSN — see MSN Admissions)
• Professional statement
• Work and volunteer experience entered directly into application
• Upload of current RN license documentation
• Criminal history database check required after acceptance (student’s expense)
• Drug screening may be required by clinical sites (student’s expense)
• GRE not required
• $95 application fee | $250 acceptance deposit
• BSN-DNP is full-time only — no part-time option currently available
• Fall entry only — check nursing@unc.edu for current cycle dates

MSN-DNP – AGPCNP

The MSN-DNP AGPCNP at UNC Chapel Hill is estimated at approximately ~$38,160–$42,285 for NC residents or ~$76,510–$84,781 for non-residents.

Estimate based on 37–41 credits at $1,031.34/$2,067.84 per credit. The credit range depends on prior MSN coursework, clinical hours, and a gap analysis conducted at admission.

Full-time students complete the program in approximately 2 years. Part-time enrollment (6 credits/semester) is available.

The Graduate School permits a maximum of 5 years to complete degree requirements. One on-campus immersion is required per semester.

MSN-DNP Curriculum

The MSN-DNP totals 37–41 credit hours. The plan of study is individualized based on a gap analysis of prior MSN coursework and a review of previously completed clinical hours.

Students who hold a DNP Verification of Precepted Clinical Hours Form from their MSN institution may have prior hours credited toward the 1,000-hour DNP requirement.

The DNP curriculum focuses on organizational leadership, practice inquiry, and the DNP Project — typically without repeating advanced practice clinical courses already completed in the MSN.

Contact the program for an individualized plan of study once prior coursework is evaluated.

View more curriculum details on the official program page.

MSN-DNP Clinicals

A minimum of 1,000 total post-baccalaureate practice hours is required for DNP graduation. Prior MSN clinical hours are evaluated and credited toward this total via the DNP Verification of Precepted Clinical Hours Form. Additional hours are completed through DNP Project coursework and any remaining clinical requirements identified by the gap analysis.

• Prior MSN clinical hours credited toward 1,000-hour requirement via verification form
• Remaining hours completed through DNP Project coursework and gap analysis requirements
• Faculty arrange clinical placements for students across NC as needed

MSN-DNP Admissions

Admission requires an MSN or qualifying health-related master’s degree. A DNP Verification of Precepted Clinical Hours Form must be completed by a school official from the institution where the MSN was earned.

• MSN in an advanced nursing practice specialty from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program, OR health-related master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, MS in Management in Clinical Informatics, MSN in Clinical Leadership, MSN in CNL, MSN in Leadership and Management, MSW) from a regionally accredited institution
• Nurses with MSN in Education or Clinical Nurse Leader must apply to the BSN-DNP program instead
• Minimum 3.25 GPA in graduate coursework
• Active, unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or compact state; APRN certification if applicable
• Minimum 1 year paid clinical RN experience within 3 years of applying
• Statistics course (grade B or better) within 5 years (same requirements as BSN-DNP)
• Completed DNP Verification of Precepted Clinical Hours Form (submitted with application)
• Three letters of recommendation (same as MSN requirements)
• Professional statement
• Work and volunteer experience entered directly into application
• GRE not required
• $95 application fee | $250 acceptance deposit
• Full-time or part-time enrollment available; Graduate School maximum is 5 years to completion
• Unsure if your degree qualifies? Submit transcripts for an official eligibility evaluation via the program’s evaluation form
• Fall entry — check nursing@unc.edu for current cycle dates

Post-Graduate Certificate – AGPCNP

The Post-Graduate Certificate AGPCNP at UNC Chapel Hill is part-time, online, and completable in approximately 1 academic year (fall, spring, summer).

Current APRN certification is required for admission.

Estimated tuition based on core credits only (20 cr.) — gap analysis may add up to 11 prerequisite credits:

• NC residents (base): ~$20,627 (20 cr. × $1,031.34)
• NC residents (with all prereqs): up to ~$31,972 (31 cr. × $1,031.34)
• Non-residents (base): ~$41,357 (20 cr. × $2,067.84)

A gap analysis is conducted at admission to determine the final plan of study. Some students may not matriculate until spring depending on their individualized curriculum.

Certificate Curriculum

The Post-Graduate Certificate baseline totals 20 core credit hours. A gap analysis of prior graduate coursework determines whether prerequisite courses in pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, advanced health assessment, and advanced diagnostic reasoning are also required — adding up to 11 additional credits.

All plans of study are reviewed and approved by the Assistant Dean of the MSN and DNP Programs. Advanced clinical courses must be taken in sequence.

Possible Prerequisite Courses (up to 11 cr. — required if gap analysis determines need):

• NURS 715 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS 720 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS 750 – Advanced Health and Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
• NURS 752 – Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning (2 cr.)

Core Certificate Courses (20 cr.):

• NURS 810 – Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults (6 cr. — 4 lecture + 2 clinical / 120 hrs)
• NURS 819 – Practicum in Primary Care Management of Adults (2 cr. / 120 hrs)
• NURS 825 – Sexual and Reproductive Health for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 cr.)
• NURS 824 – Advanced Concepts in The Clinical Care of Older Adults (4 cr. — 2 lecture + 2 clinical / 120 hrs)
• NURS 812 – Care of Adults with Complex Health Problems (6 cr. — 2 lecture + 4 clinical / 240 hrs)

If admitted applicants have never practiced as an APRN, they must demonstrate completion of advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment within the past 3 years.

If they have not practiced as an APRN in more than 2 years, they are required at minimum to retake advanced pharmacology.

View more program details on the official certificate page.

Certificate Clinicals

Certificate students complete approximately 600 total clinical hours across four clinical courses, identical to the MSN clinical sequence. Faculty arrange clinical placements for students across North Carolina. The program is part-time and online.

• NURS 810 – Primary Care of Adolescents and Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 819 – Practicum in Primary Care Management of Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 824 – Advanced Concepts in The Clinical Care of Older Adults (120 clinical hrs)
• NURS 812 – Care of Adults with Complex Health Problems (240 clinical hrs)
• Total: ~600 clinical hours
• Faculty arrange clinical placements across NC

Certificate Admissions

Admission requires an MSN or DNP and current APRN certification. A lead faculty member reviews all prior graduate coursework to develop an individualized plan of study. Admission is offered in the fall. $95 application fee; $250 acceptance deposit.

• MSN or DNP from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program (conferred by June 30 prior to fall matriculation)
• Current APRN certification required — must hold active certification and be eligible for approval to practice in NC
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in MSN or DNP coursework
• Active, unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or compact state
• One letter of recommendation from current immediate supervisor supporting potential for success in the program
• Professional statement (four prompts: specialty choice, professional goals, evidence-based project involvement, and explanation of any unmet admission criteria) — submitted via application
• CV or resume (must include any employment gaps greater than 1 year)
• Upload of current RN license and APRN certification documentation
• All official transcripts from each institution attended submitted to transcripts@son.unc.edu
• Criminal history database check required after acceptance (student’s expense)
• Drug screening may be required by clinical sites (student’s expense)
• $95 application fee | $250 acceptance deposit
• Fall entry — check nursing@unc.edu for current cycle dates

Tuition

All UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing graduate nursing programs — MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate — share the same per-credit tuition rate for 2026–2027:

• NC residents: $1,031.34/credit, capped at $9,282/semester
• Non-residents: $2,067.84/credit, capped at $18,610.50/semester
• Distance Education fee: $30.03/credit (for distance program enrollments)

Campus-based mandatory fees are $1,068.50/semester for nursing students. Course-specific simulation fees also apply:

• NURS 810, 812, 819 and certain other clinical courses: $150/course simulation fee
• NURS 750, 824, 825 and certain other courses: $150/course simulation fee + $91/course practicum fee
• MSN & DNP Orientation/Graduation Fee: $10 (one-time)
• Clinical Compliance fee: $5.50 flat rate + $0.61/credit
• Drug screening: required by some clinical sites, at student’s expense

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing’s AGPCNP programs are ranked #6 (MSN) and #7 (DNP) nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Both AGPCNP tracks reported a 100% certification exam pass rate (AANP) for 2024 graduates. Graduates of all AGPCNP tracks are eligible to sit for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Specific CCNE or ACEN programmatic accreditation status is not explicitly confirmed in the available source materials — contact the School of Nursing directly at nursing@unc.edu to confirm current accreditation status before applying.

Review Other AGPCNP Programs in North Carolina

• Duke University - Durham
• East Carolina University - Greenville
• UNC Greensboro - Greensboro
• University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington