Yale School of Nursing (YSN) offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Residential, on-campus program in New Haven, CT
- Full-time (2 years) or part-time options available
- Consistently ranked in the top 10 MSN programs in the U.S.
- Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Yale’s AGPCNP program is a residential, on-campus experience at the Yale School of Nursing — no online-only option is available for this specialty.
A standout feature is the program’s partnership with the Connecticut Older Adult Collaboration for Health (COACH) program, embedding the evidence-based 4M’s framework (Mentation, Medication, Mobility, Matters Most) throughout the curriculum. The Clinical Support Unit arranges all clinical placements, meaning students are not required to source their own preceptors.
Program Tracks Overview
Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated tuition cost for the MSN-AGPCNP program is approximately $109,763 (53 credits × $2,071/credit) and takes 2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The 53-credit, four-semester curriculum integrates advanced clinical science, geriatric-focused coursework, pharmacology, community health, and mental health management. The program uses team-based learning, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and standardized patient experiences to prepare students for clinical practice.
Year One Fall Term
NURS 6000 – Advanced Health Assessment (3)
This course prepares advanced practice nursing students to conduct comprehensive health histories and physical examinations. Students study advanced assessment techniques for all body systems and diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Instruction emphasizes holistic evaluation that includes physical, psychosocial, cultural, and behavioral health factors.
NURS 6010 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
This course examines advanced physiologic and pathophysiologic processes that influence health and disease. Students study cellular function, genetics, immune responses, and stress adaptation. Instruction uses research findings and case studies to connect disease mechanisms with advanced nursing practice.
NURS 6020 – Advanced Pharmacology (2)
This course reviews pharmacologic principles used in advanced nursing practice. Students study pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, medication classes, and adverse drug effects. Instruction also addresses clinical prescribing considerations and safe medication management.
NURS 7020 – Primary Care I A (1)
This seminar introduces primary care practice for nurse practitioner and midwifery students. Students explore patient-centered education and the roles of advanced practice providers within healthcare teams. Instruction emphasizes collaboration across primary care settings.
NURS 7030 – Primary Care I B (1)
This course continues foundational preparation for primary care practice. Students study health promotion, disease prevention, and differential diagnosis for common conditions. Instruction emphasizes evidence-based management of health concerns across the lifespan.
NURS 7100 – Critical Perspectives in the Care of the Older Adult (2)
This course introduces core gerontology concepts and aging theories. Students examine healthcare delivery systems, research trends, and policy issues affecting older adults. Instruction focuses on improving care and quality of life for aging populations.
NURS 7200 – Women’s Health I (1)
This course introduces core concepts in reproductive and gynecologic healthcare. Students study preventive care and health management for generally healthy patients. Instruction prepares students for advanced coursework in women’s health and midwifery practice.
Year One Spring Term
NURS 6040 – Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing (3)
This course develops skills for analyzing and applying research evidence in clinical practice. Students learn methods for evaluating research studies and interpreting statistical data. Instruction focuses on integrating evidence into nursing decision making.
NURS 7000 – Advanced Skills and Procedures for the Primary Care Provider (2)
This course prepares students to perform common procedures used in primary care settings. Laboratory training allows students to practice clinical skills and advanced assessment techniques. Instruction focuses on safe performance of procedures and accurate clinical evaluation.
NURS 7040 – Primary Care II (2)
This course builds advanced knowledge for primary care practice. Students study diagnosis, prevention, and management of common health conditions across diverse populations. Instruction emphasizes clinical reasoning and evidence-based treatment approaches.
NURS 7045 – Primary Care II Clinical Practice AGPCNP (5)
This clinical course provides supervised experience in adult-gerontology primary care practice. Students assess patients, develop diagnoses, and manage treatment plans. The practicum includes clinical seminars and 180 hours of patient care experience.
NURS 7110 – Advanced FNP/AGPCNP Pharmacology (1)
This course applies pharmacology principles to advanced clinical practice. Students learn to select medications and monitor therapeutic outcomes. Instruction also focuses on safe prescribing and medication management.
NURS 7230 – Women’s Health III (1)
This course expands clinical knowledge in reproductive and sexual health care. Students study complex gynecologic conditions from adolescence through menopause. Instruction emphasizes advanced reasoning and patient-centered care.
NURS 7440 – Primary Care of Adolescents (2)
This course examines health assessment and care for adolescent populations. Students study developmental changes, risk factors, and common adolescent health concerns. Instruction focuses on diagnosis and treatment in primary care settings.
Year Two Fall Term
NURS 7046 – Primary Care II Clinical Practice AGPCNP (5)
This clinical practicum expands experience in adult-gerontology primary care. Students manage patient care while participating in clinical seminars that examine case studies and professional issues. The course includes supervised patient care hours.
NURS 6050 – Transitions to Professional Practice (2)
This course prepares students for entry into advanced nursing roles. Students study leadership, policy, professional regulation, and ethical practice. Instruction also addresses healthcare systems, quality improvement, and career development.
NURS 6060 – Promoting Health in the Community (2)
This course focuses on public health principles and community-based care. Students examine strategies for disease prevention and health promotion across populations. Instruction emphasizes epidemiology, community engagement, and population health.
NURS 6070 – Mental Health Management for Advanced Practice Nurses (2)
This course prepares students to assess and manage common mental health conditions. Students study therapeutic communication, behavioral interventions, and pharmacologic treatment options. Instruction emphasizes collaborative care and referral to specialty resources.
NURS 7060 – Primary Care IIIA (1)
This course expands advanced primary care knowledge for nurse practitioners. Students examine complex patient care issues and management of multiple chronic conditions. Instruction emphasizes evidence-based treatment strategies.
NURS 7061 – Primary Care IIIB (1)
This course continues advanced preparation for primary care practice. Students refine diagnostic reasoning and management strategies for complex patient cases. Instruction supports advanced clinical decision making.
NURS 6210 – Advanced Primary Care and Community Health (1)
This interdisciplinary course provides clinical experience in community-based primary care. Students participate in patient care at a student-run clinic that serves underserved populations. Instruction includes collaboration with medical and physician assistant students.
Year Two Spring Term
NURS 7047 – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Practicum II (7)
This final clinical practicum allows students to apply advanced practice skills in primary care settings. Students manage patient care, refine diagnostic reasoning, and develop treatment plans. Instruction also covers professional role development, leadership, and practice management.
NURS 7104 – Advanced Primary Care of the Older Adult (2)
This course examines the management of geriatric syndromes in primary care. Students study assessment and treatment strategies using the age-friendly 4M framework. Instruction focuses on medication management, cognitive health, mobility, and patient-centered care.
NURS 6211 – Advanced Primary Care and Community Health (1)
This interdisciplinary course continues the clinical experience in community-based primary care. Students provide care to underserved populations while collaborating with healthcare trainees from other disciplines. Instruction emphasizes cultural awareness, community resources, and interprofessional teamwork.
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
MSN Clinicals
The program requires 780 total clinical hours across three clinical practicums spanning Year 1 Spring through Year 2 Spring. The Clinical Support Unit arranges all placements — students do not need to find their own preceptors, though the program welcomes student networks to expand preceptor pools.
- 780 total supervised clinical hours across 3 practicum courses
- Clinical sites include community health centers, internal medicine offices, specialty clinics, and hospital-based clinics
- Preceptors include nurse practitioners, physicians, and physician associates — many are YSN alumni
- Option to complete an out-of-state immersive clinical experience (summer between Year 1 and 2, or spring of Year 2)
- All placements arranged by YSN’s Clinical Support Unit; students not required to self-source
MSN Admissions
- Current résumé or CV
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted electronically via application system)
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
- Personal essay (prompt provided in application)
- Asynchronous video and timed writing assessment (Kira Talent Assessment, ~25–30 min)
- GRE scores required only if undergraduate cumulative GPA was below 3.0
- TOEFL or IELTS scores required for applicants whose first language is not English and who did not complete 4 years of undergraduate study in the U.S., Canada, or Great Britain
- TEC or WES credential evaluation required for coursework completed outside the U.S. or Canada
- Priority deadline: November 1 | Final deadline: March 1 (fall entry only)
- Nonrefundable application fee required
- Single specialty must be selected at time of application; no specialty changes permitted after enrollment
Tuition
Graduate tuition is $2,071 per credit hour (2025–26 rate). Additional first-year fees include an Equipment & Technology Fee ($2,246), Lab Fee ($510), and Student Activities Fee ($133), bringing the estimated new full-time MSN first-year total to approximately $54,637. Students enrolling in an optional concentration are charged an additional fee equal to four credits (~$8,284).
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing program at Yale School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The AGPCNP curriculum prepares graduates to sit for certification through either the ANCC or the AANP.
More AGACNP Programs Nearby
- Post University - Waterbury
- Quinnipiac University - Hamden
- Western Connecticut State University - Danbury