Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MS in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Hybrid/online and on-ground evening courses — designed for working RNs
- Part-time format; approximately 3 years to complete
- 93% certification exam pass rate for WCSU nursing graduates
- Post-Master’s Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGPCNP | $26,793–$33,816 | ~3 years part-time |
| Certificate AGPCNP | varies by semester rate | Varies |
WCSU’s MS in Nursing is structured for part-time, working nurses with courses offered evenings in an online/hybrid and on-ground format — no full-time track is available.
The program is one of the most affordable AGPCNP pathways in Connecticut, with in-state tuition well below private university competitors.
Graduates have an 85% job placement rate in their new advanced practice role within the first year of graduation.
Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated tuition cost for the MS-AGPCNP program is approximately $26,793–$33,816 for CT/NY/NJ residents (based on ~$6,701–$7,735/semester × 4–6 semesters at full-time rate) and takes approximately 3 years to complete on a part-time basis; students have up to 6 years to finish.
Note: Per-credit graduate rates are not itemized in the provided tuition data — verify current per-credit cost at the tuition page.
MSN Curriculum
The 41-credit AGPCNP track is organized into a foundational core, role-specific advanced practice content, and clinical practicum courses. All students complete an evidence-based research project as part of NUR 504.
Foundational Core (All Tracks)
NUR 501 – Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
This course examines theories from nursing and related disciplines that support advanced nursing practice. Students analyze how theoretical frameworks guide clinical care, leadership, education, and research. Instruction emphasizes applying theory to improve nursing knowledge and professional practice.
NUR 507 – Diagnostics for Advanced Nursing Practice (2)
This course introduces diagnostic reasoning and testing used in advanced nursing practice. Students study clinical decision processes and interpretation of diagnostic results across the lifespan. Instruction focuses on integrating diagnostic tools into patient assessment and treatment planning.
NUR 504 – Evidence-Based Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
This course develops skills in evaluating and applying research evidence in clinical practice. Students examine research methods, analyze scholarly literature, and develop evidence-based care strategies. Instruction emphasizes translating research findings into effective clinical protocols.
NUR 511 – Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Care Policy and the Health Care System (3)
This course explores the role of advanced practice nurses within healthcare systems. Students study health policy, healthcare delivery models, and the APRN role in promoting health and managing illness. Instruction emphasizes the impact of policy on clinical practice and patient care.
Advanced Practice Core – AGPCNP Track
NUR 515 – Advanced Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
This course examines advanced physiologic and pathophysiologic processes affecting human health. Students study cellular changes, biochemical alterations, and disease mechanisms. Instruction connects these concepts to clinical evaluation and advanced nursing interventions.
NUR 570 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
This course focuses on pharmacologic therapy used in advanced clinical practice. Students study drug actions, therapeutic selection, and medication safety. Instruction emphasizes identifying adverse reactions and preventing drug interactions in patient care.
NUR 575 – Advanced Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
This course develops advanced assessment skills for adult and gerontological patients. Students learn to collect detailed health histories and perform comprehensive physical and psychosocial examinations. Instruction focuses on identifying symptoms related to pharmacologic, physiologic, and psychosocial conditions.
NUR 580 – Advanced Practice Nursing: Management of the Acutely Ill Adult-Gerontology Population (2)
This course examines diagnosis and treatment of acute health conditions in adult and older patients. Students study evidence-based strategies for managing multisystem illness. Instruction emphasizes clinical decision making and health promotion in acute care situations.
NUR 585 – Advanced Practice Nursing: Management of the Chronically Ill Adult-Gerontology Population (2)
This course focuses on the management of chronic health conditions in adult and gerontological populations. Students study treatment planning, disease management, and health promotion strategies. Instruction emphasizes coordinated care for patients with complex chronic illnesses.
Clinical Practice – AGPCNP
NUR 582 – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP: Management of Acutely Ill Adult Populations (5 | 180 Clinical Hours)
This clinical course focuses on primary care management of acute illness in adult and older patients. Students assess patients, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans under clinical supervision. Instruction emphasizes health promotion, clinical decision making, and management of complex conditions.
NUR 588 – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP: Management of Chronically Ill Populations (5 | 180 Clinical Hours)
This practicum develops advanced skills in managing chronic illness in adult and gerontological populations. Students provide supervised care that includes assessment, diagnosis, and long-term treatment planning. Instruction emphasizes patient-centered care and evidence-based management of chronic disease.
Role Course (all students)
- NUR 590 – Professional Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing (7 cr.)
More curriculum details available in the course catalog.
MSN Clinicals
The AGPCNP track requires a minimum of 540 total clinical practicum hours completed across two primary clinical courses (NUR 582 and 588, 180 hours each) plus NUR 590. Students must have at least 2 years of RN experience before beginning clinical coursework.
- 540 minimum supervised clinical hours across the practicum sequence
- 180 hours focused on management of acutely ill adult-gerontology populations (NUR 582)
- 180 hours focused on management of chronically ill adult-gerontology populations (NUR 588)
- Remaining hours completed through NUR 590 professional role practicum
- Clinical sites vary; flexibility in scheduling and location built into program design
- Students must maintain current CPR (healthcare provider level) certification throughout clinical courses
- Malpractice insurance required while in clinical courses
- Background check and drug screening may be required by clinical affiliating agencies
MSN Admissions
- BSN from an accredited program (or bridge option for RNs with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree)
- Current, unrestricted CT RN license
- Minimum 1 year of nursing experience at time of application
- Minimum 2 years nursing experience required before starting clinical practicum courses
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
- Current résumé
- One letter of recommendation
- One-page writing sample (max 500 words): “What motivational factors influenced your decision to pursue a degree as an advanced practice nurse?”
- Graduate application fee
- Required meeting with Advanced Practice Program Coordinator to develop a plan of study
- Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Health Assessment must be completed within 5 years of graduation
- Students transferring in Advanced Health Assessment credits must score 85% on WCSU’s health assessment exam
- Fall admission; applications currently being accepted
Post-Master’s Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP is a streamlined option for nurses who already hold an MS in Nursing with a significant clinical component and wish to gain AGPCNP certification eligibility.
Certificate Curriculum
- NUR 580 – Nursing Management of the Acutely Ill Adult (prerequisite or concurrent)
- NUR 582 – The Adult NP and the Acutely Ill Adult Practicum (5 cr.)
- NUR 585 – Nursing Management of the Chronically Ill Adult (prerequisite or concurrent)
- NUR 588 – The Adult NP and the Chronically Ill Adult Practicum (5 cr.)
- NUR 590 – Professional Role Enactment (7 cr.)
Certificate Admissions
- MS in Nursing with a significant clinical component
- NUR 515 Advanced Pathophysiology (or equivalent; can be completed at WCSU)
- NUR 570 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (or equivalent; completed within the last 5 years)
- NUR 575 Advanced Health Assessment (or equivalent; completed within the last 5 years)
- Must score 85% on WCSU health assessment exam if Advanced Health Assessment was completed elsewhere
Tuition
WCSU uses a full-time semester rate structure rather than a published per-credit graduate rate.
Full-time graduate tuition (9+ credits/semester) for CT, NY, and NJ residents ranges from approximately $3,499–$5,536/semester depending on credit load, with total semester costs (including fees) ranging from $6,701–$8,698.
Out-of-state (national rate) full-time tuition runs $5,249–$8,304/semester, with total semester costs of $8,451–$11,466.
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
The Baccalaureate, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs at Western Connecticut State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
More AGACNP Programs Nearby
- Post University - Waterbury
- Quinnipiac University - Hamden
- Yale University - New Haven