Rush University AGPCNP Programs

Rush University College of Nursing • Chicago, IL • Mostly Online

Rush University offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks, all at the DNP level:

  • BSN-to-DNP
  • MSN-to-DNP (for current APRNs)
  • MSN-to-DNP (for non-APRN MSN-prepared nurses)

All coursework is completed online with mandatory on-campus visits for simulation, DNP project proposal, and final presentation — typically bundled to minimize travel.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP$102K~3.5 years
MSN-to-DNP AGPCNP (APRN)$55K~3.5 years
MSN-to-DNP AGPCNP (non-APRN)$85K~3.5 years

The three-entry-point structure makes Rush one of the more flexible DNP-only AGPCNP programs in the country, accommodating nurses at every post-BSN stage while holding all students to the same terminal degree standard.

BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP

The estimated cost for the BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP at Rush University is approximately $102K (71 credits × $1,436/credit), and the program takes approximately 3.5 years to complete.

DNP Curriculum

The 71-credit BSN-to-DNP is structured across four course blocks: a 12-credit graduate nursing core, an 18-credit advanced practice nursing core, a 14-credit DNP core, 15 credits of AGPCNP population/role cognates, and 12 credits of DNP practica and project work.

The graduate core addresses antiracism in organizational leadership, applied epidemiology, research for evidence-based practice, and health promotion.

The advanced practice core covers physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostics, health assessment with lab, and APRN role transition. The AGPCNP cognate courses add primary care pharmacotherapeutics, two adult/gerontology management courses, major psychopathological disorders, and quality and safety for aging adults.

Clinical courses concentrate in the final year alongside a DNP project sequence.

NSG 531 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
Covers pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as the foundation for safe pharmacotherapeutics in advanced practice.

NSG 532 – Advanced Physiology (3 credits)
Explores advanced cell biology and systems physiology related to cellular homeostasis and human viability across the lifespan.

NSG 533 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
Examines disease mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and critical thinking for advanced clinical practice and certification readiness.

NSG 535 – Diagnostics for the APRN (3 credits)
Develops skills in interpreting laboratory and diagnostic testing to support clinical decision-making across the lifespan.

NSG 537 – Transition to the APRN Role (3 credits)
Focuses on APRN practice models, ethics, regulation, quality outcomes, reimbursement, and first-position preparation.

NSG 625 – Advanced Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Life Span (2 credits)
Builds advanced history, physical exam, and differential diagnosis skills through case-based learning across the lifespan.

NSG 625L – Advanced Health Assessment Lab Across the Life Span (1 credit)
Provides hands-on practice in comprehensive assessment, documentation, and systematic analysis of findings across the lifespan.

DNP Core

NSG 600 – Leadership in Evolving Health Care Environments (3 credits)
Examines leadership styles, competencies, and strategic planning for guiding change in modern healthcare settings.

NSG 602 – Health Care Economics, Policy and Finance (3 credits)
Analyzes healthcare policy, economics, and financing trends, including organizational costs and care delivery impacts.

NSG 608 – Program Evaluation (3 credits)
Provides tools to assess practice change initiatives and evaluate outcomes in healthcare environments.

NSG 610 – DNP Project Planning and Implementation (3 credits)
Focuses on implementation science and project planning to improve quality and patient safety in complex systems.

NSG 615 – DNP Project Proposal Seminar (2 credits)
Supports development and approval of the DNP project proposal, including IRB preparation and presentation.

Population/Role Cognates

NSG 534 – Major Psychopathological Disorders (3 credits)
Studies the epidemiology, causes, symptoms, treatment, and cultural factors of selected mental disorders across the lifespan.

NSG 570B – Pharmacotherapeutics Primary Care (3 credits)
Applies pharmacotherapeutic principles to common acute and chronic conditions within the student’s specialty area.

NSG 571A – Management: Adult/Gerontology I (3 credits)
Covers prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of common adult-gerontology conditions, with emphasis on cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, and women’s health.

NSG 571B – Management: Adult/Gerontology II (3 credits)
Continues adult-gerontology management with focus on neurological, musculoskeletal, dermatological, psychiatric, oncological, and related concerns.

NSG 572 – Quality and Safety for the Aging Adult (3 credits)
Prepares nurse leaders to improve quality and patient safety for older adults through interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based models.

DNP Practica and Project (12 credits):
  • NSG 606 – DNP Specialty Practicum (5 credits / 420 clock hours)
  • NSG 607 – DNP Immersion Residency (4 credits / 336 clock hours)
  • NSG 609A – DNP Project Practicum A (1 credit / 84 clock hours)
  • NSG 609B – DNP Project Practicum B (1 credit / 84 clock hours)
  • NSG 609C – DNP Project Practicum C (1 credit / 84 clock hours)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

DNP Clinicals

The BSN-to-DNP requires 1,008 total clock hours across specialty practicum, immersion residency, and DNP project practicum courses. Clinical sites are located in Chicago and surrounding suburbs; out-of-state students may complete practicum hours in their home states. The residency requires three days per week of commitment.

  • 1,008 total clock hours: NSG 606 (420 hrs), NSG 607 (336 hrs), NSG 609A/B/C (84 hrs each)
  • Three semesters of clinical rotation: one rotation in primary care/internal medicine is expected; two rotations matched to student clinical interests via survey
  • Clinical residency (NSG 607) available in specialty areas such as cardiology for students with specific post-graduation goals
  • Out-of-state students may complete practicum in their home states
  • Residency phase requires three days per week; specialty practicum requires one to two days per week
  • Population focus: adolescents through older adults in primary care and ambulatory settings
  • Minimum five required on-campus visits: three to four simulation experiences (one per term during clinical management courses), DNP project proposal, and DNP project final presentation
  • HRSA grant stipends available for qualifying students in primary care clinical rotations

DNP Admissions

All applicants apply through NursingCAS and must complete a Rush supplemental application. A personal interview with faculty is required. Residents of Louisiana, Tennessee, and New York (for advanced practice specialty online programs) are not eligible to enroll.

  • Minimum BSN from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (both cumulative and prelicensure nursing GPA evaluated)
  • Active RN licensure in the United States (recent BSN graduates may submit upon matriculation)
  • Preference given to applicants with recent RN experience or current RN employment
  • NursingCAS application plus Rush supplemental application ($40 fee)
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (submitted via NursingCAS)
  • Three professional letters of recommendation from individuals in leadership positions who can evaluate clinical abilities (letter from current manager strongly preferred; up to one academic faculty member if coursework completed within past two years)
  • Resume or CV including work experience, community service, leadership and professional organization activities, and scholarly activities
  • Personal essay questions within NursingCAS application
  • Faculty interview required
  • TOEFL scores if required
  • Application deadline: May 4, 2026 for Fall 2026
  • Residents of Louisiana, Tennessee, and New York (APRN specialty online) are not eligible to enroll

MSN-to-DNP AGPCNP (APRN Entry)

The estimated cost for the MSN-to-DNP AGPCNP (APRN) at Rush University is approximately $55K (38 credits × $1,436/credit), and the program takes approximately 3.5 years to complete based on the individualized part-time structure.

DNP Curriculum

The 38-credit MSN-to-DNP for APRNs omits the graduate nursing core and advanced practice nursing core entirely — these are waived based on prior APRN preparation. The curriculum consists of the 14-credit DNP core, 15 credits of AGPCNP population/role cognates, and 9 credits of DNP practica and project.

A gap analysis is performed upon admission to develop an individualized plan of study; prior master’s coursework in advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, APRN role transition, research, and biostatistics is expected.

Previous clinical hours combined with DNP specialty practicum and immersion hours must total at least 1,000 clock hours.

DNP Core (14 credits):

  • NSG 600 – Leadership in Evolving Health Care Environments (3 credits)
  • NSG 602 – Health Care Economics, Policy and Finance (3 credits)
  • NSG 608 – Program Evaluation (3 credits)
  • NSG 610 – DNP Project Planning and Implementation (3 credits)
  • NSG 615 – DNP Project Proposal Seminar (2 credits)

Population/Role Cognates (15 credits):

  • NSG 534 – Major Psychopathological Disorders (3 credits)
  • NSG 570B – Pharmacotherapeutics Primary Care (3 credits)
  • NSG 571A – Management: Adult/Gerontology I (3 credits)
  • NSG 571B – Management: Adult/Gerontology II (3 credits)
  • NSG 572 – Quality and Safety for the Aging Adult (3 credits)

DNP Practica and Project (9 credits):

  • NSG 606 – DNP Specialty Practicum (2 credits / 168 clock hours)
  • NSG 607 – DNP Immersion Residency (4 credits / 336 clock hours)
  • NSG 609A – DNP Project Practicum A (1 credit / 84 clock hours)
  • NSG 609B – DNP Project Practicum B (1 credit / 84 clock hours)
  • NSG 609C – DNP Project Practicum C (1 credit / 84 clock hours)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

DNP Clinicals

The MSN-to-DNP APRN track requires 756 new clinical hours through DNP practicum and immersion courses; prior master’s clinical hours are counted toward the 1,000-hour total requirement.

  • 756 new clock hours: NSG 606 (168 hrs), NSG 607 (336 hrs), NSG 609A/B/C (84 hrs each)
  • Prior master’s clinical hours + new DNP hours must total at least 1,000 clock hours
  • Same clinical site structure as the BSN-to-DNP: Chicago area sites with out-of-state option
  • Minimum five on-campus visits for simulation, DNP project proposal, and final presentation
  • Population focus: adolescents through older adults in primary care settings

DNP Admissions

Admissions requirements are the same as the BSN-to-DNP with the addition of an MSN degree and existing APRN certification.

  • MSN from a regionally accredited institution
  • Current APRN certification and licensure
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Gap analysis completed upon admission to determine individualized plan of study
  • Prior coursework expected: Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, APRN Role Transition, Research, Biostatistics/Epidemiology
  • Active U.S. RN licensure
  • NursingCAS application plus Rush supplemental application ($40 fee)
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Three professional letters of recommendation (current manager strongly preferred)
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal essay questions
  • Faculty interview required
  • Application deadline: May 4, 2026 for Fall 2026
  • Residents of Louisiana, Tennessee, and New York (APRN specialty online) are not eligible

MSN-to-DNP AGPCNP (Non-APRN Entry)

The estimated cost for the MSN-to-DNP AGPCNP (non-APRN) at Rush University is approximately $85K (59 credits × $1,436/credit), and the program takes approximately 3.5 years to complete.

DNP Curriculum

The 59-credit non-APRN MSN-to-DNP is designed for nurses who hold a master’s degree in nursing but do not yet have advanced practice certification. It omits the graduate nursing core (epidemiology, research, health promotion) since those are assumed from prior MSN coursework, but includes the full 18-credit advanced practice nursing core, the 14-credit DNP core, 15 AGPCNP cognate credits, and 12 credits of practica and project.

Prior completion of equivalent Research and Biostatistics/Epidemiology coursework is required before admission or must be added to the plan of study.

Advanced Practice Nursing Core (18 credits):

  • NSG 531 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • NSG 532 – Advanced Physiology (3 credits)
  • NSG 533 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NSG 535 – Diagnostics for the APRN (3 credits)
  • NSG 537 – Transition to the APRN Role (3 credits)
  • NSG 625 – Advanced Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Life Span (2 credits)
  • NSG 625L – Advanced Health Assessment Lab (1 credit)

DNP Core (14 credits):

  • NSG 600 – Leadership in Evolving Health Care Environments (3 credits)
  • NSG 602 – Health Care Economics, Policy and Finance (3 credits)
  • NSG 608 – Program Evaluation (3 credits)
  • NSG 610 – DNP Project Planning and Implementation (3 credits)
  • NSG 615 – DNP Project Proposal Seminar (2 credits)

Population/Role Cognates (15 credits):

  • NSG 534 – Major Psychopathological Disorders (3 credits)
  • NSG 570B – Pharmacotherapeutics Primary Care (3 credits)
  • NSG 571A – Management: Adult/Gerontology I (3 credits)
  • NSG 571B – Management: Adult/Gerontology II (3 credits)
  • NSG 572 – Quality and Safety for the Aging Adult (3 credits)

DNP Practica and Project (12 credits):

  • NSG 606 – DNP Specialty Practicum (5 credits / 420 clock hours)
  • NSG 607 – DNP Immersion Residency (4 credits / 336 clock hours)
  • NSG 609A – DNP Project Practicum A (1 credit / 84 clock hours)
  • NSG 609B – DNP Project Practicum B (1 credit / 84 clock hours)
  • NSG 609C – DNP Project Practicum C (1 credit / 84 clock hours)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

DNP Clinicals

The non-APRN MSN-to-DNP requires 1,008 total clock hours across specialty practicum, immersion residency, and DNP project practicums — identical to the BSN-to-DNP clinical structure.

  • 1,008 total clock hours: NSG 606 (420 hrs), NSG 607 (336 hrs), NSG 609A/B/C (84 hrs each)
  • Same clinical rotation structure as BSN-to-DNP: one primary care/internal medicine rotation plus two interest-matched rotations
  • Out-of-state students may complete practicum in their home states
  • Residency requires three days per week; specialty practicum requires one to two days per week
  • Minimum five on-campus visits for simulation, DNP project proposal, and final presentation
  • Population focus: adolescents through older adults in primary care settings

DNP Admissions

Admissions requirements mirror the BSN-to-DNP with the addition of an MSN degree. Prior completion of Research and Biostatistics/Epidemiology equivalent coursework is required.

  • MSN from a regionally accredited institution
  • Prior equivalent coursework in Research and Biostatistics/Epidemiology required before admission or added to plan of study
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Active U.S. RN licensure
  • NursingCAS application plus Rush supplemental application ($40 fee)
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Three professional letters of recommendation (current manager strongly preferred)
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal essay questions
  • Faculty interview required
  • Application deadline: May 4, 2026 for Fall 2026
  • Residents of Louisiana, Tennessee, and New York (APRN specialty online) are not eligible

Tuition

Rush University charges $1,436 per credit hour for all three AGPCNP DNP tracks.

There is no distinction between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Based on published credit totals, estimated tuition is approximately $102K for the BSN-to-DNP (71 credits), $85K for the MSN-to-DNP non-APRN track (59 credits), and $55K for the MSN-to-DNP APRN track (38 credits).

Additional living expenses, books, and supplies are estimated separately by the university.

Graduate nursing book and supply allowances run approximately $1,116 per year for the first two years. HRSA grant stipends are available for qualifying students during primary care clinical rotations in the final year.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

Accreditation details for Rush University’s College of Nursing are not explicitly stated in the available source material. The program is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Prospective students should confirm current CCNE or other nursing accreditation status directly with Rush University’s College of Nursing.

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