UTMB AGPCNP Programs

The University of Texas Medical Branch offers an MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track.

Key highlights:

  • 100% online coursework with 2–3 required campus days per semester
  • Part-time only format — all graduate programs at UTMB are part-time
  • Small class sizes with individual faculty attention
  • Fall admission only — one cohort per year

The program is delivered online through UTMB’s dedicated technical team and is well suited for working Texas-based nurses seeking a clinically rigorous MSN with minimal campus disruption.

The Houston/Galveston clinical placement network supports local students; out-of-area students may arrange approved clinical sites in their own geographic location.

Program Track Overview

MSN AGPCNP

The estimated cost for the MSN AGPCNP at the University of Texas Medical Branch is approximately $56K for Texas residents and approximately $105K for non-residents, and the program takes approximately 3.5 years to complete across 7 part-time semesters.

MSN Curriculum

The MSN AGPCNP requires 49 total semester credit hours including both graduate core courses and AGPCNP specialty courses.

The specialty sequence totals 28 credit hours and is structured around four progressive AGNP clinical management courses — moving from healthy adults through acute, chronic, and complex health problems — plus a geriatric syndromes course, a diagnostic reasoning and procedures course, and a professional role and business principles course.

The remaining 21 credits are drawn from graduate core courses shared with other MSN tracks.

The program spans 14 courses over 7 semesters.

AGPCNP Specialty Courses (28 credits):

GNRS 5298 – Geriatric Syndromes (2 credits)
Examines age-related syndromes like falls, dementia, and depression within developmental, cultural, and family contexts.

GNRS 5634 – AGNP I: Healthy Adults (6 credits)
Focuses on health promotion, minor illness management, and evidence-based care for adults from adolescence through elderly.

GNRS 5635 – AGNP II: Acute Health Problems of Adults (6 credits)
Develops clinical decision-making for acute health problems in adolescents and adults through interprofessional collaboration.

GNRS 5613 – AGNP III: Chronic & Complex Health Problems of Adults (6 credits)
Refines assessment and management of chronic conditions in adults and older adults using family-centered approaches.

GNRS 5554 – AGNP Concepts IV: Clinical Role Practicum (3 credits)
Synthesizes advanced practice nursing theory and clinical skills for comprehensive adult-gerontology care.

GNRS 5217 – NP Diagnostic Reasoning and Procedures (2 credits)
Builds diagnostic reasoning and primary care clinical skills to meet national NP competencies.

GNRS 5350 – Nurse Practitioner: Professional Role
Analyzes NP scope of practice, business aspects, legal responsibilities, and transition to advanced practice.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

MSN Clinicals

The MSN AGPCNP requires 780 total clinical hours. UTMB’s course faculty and Clinical Placement Coordinator work collaboratively with Houston/Galveston-area students to arrange clinical experiences; students outside the area must identify their own clinical location and preceptor, both of which require UTMB approval and an executed affiliation agreement.

  • 780 total clinical hours required
  • Houston/Galveston-area students: Clinical Placement Coordinator arranges sites and vets preceptors; students participate in the process
  • Out-of-area students: responsible for identifying a clinical location and preceptor; both must be approved by UTMB SON and an affiliation agreement must be executed
  • UTMB School of Nursing is responsible for vetting all preceptors and securing required affiliation agreements regardless of location
  • Population focus: adolescents through geriatric patients in primary care settings
  • Students required to come to the Galveston campus 2–3 days per semester
  • Clinical experiences utilize students’ acquired skills in their geographic location where possible
  • Out-of-state students may need a Texas RN license or compact state license — contact the Texas Board of Nursing before applying

MSN Admissions

Applicants need a BSN from an accredited nursing program, a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of upper-division coursework, one year of recent RN experience, and three professional references. UTMB takes a holistic review approach, with the personal statement carrying significant weight.

  • BSN from an NLNAC-, CCNE-, or nationally recognized accredited nursing program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for all upper-division nursing courses (last 60 hours)
  • Minimum one year of recent RN experience
  • Active, valid, unencumbered RN license in the state(s) where clinical experiences will take place
  • All applications submitted through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NCAS)
  • UTMB supplemental application sent to applicants after NCAS application is verified
  • Personal statement (700 words maximum) addressing rationale for degree choice, work and health-related experience, leadership experience, volunteer activities, strengths and weaknesses, and any interruptions in education or employment
  • Three professional references required (at least one from current clinical manager or authority who can speak to clinical commitment and professional dedication)
  • Resume required
  • Official transcripts from all college-level institutions attended (submitted to NCAS)
  • Non-refundable $200 enrollment deposit applied to first semester tuition upon acceptance
  • Personal interview with faculty may be required
  • TOEFL minimum computer score 83, or IELTS 6.5, required if native language is not English
  • Early notification review application window: September 15 – March 15 (decisions issued by April 15); applications continue on a space-available basis after March 15
  • Fall admission only — one cohort per year
  • Up to 12 graduate credit hours may transfer from a nationally accredited MSN program (grade of B or better, completed within the last 5 years)
  • Pre-enrollment requirements include AHA BLS certification, immunizations, TB screening, RN license verification, background check, and drug screen clearance via CastleBranch

Tuition

UTMB charges tuition on a per-semester basis with distinct rates for Texas residents and non-residents.

Texas residents pay approximately $8,029 per semester in tuition and mandatory fees, which includes resident tuition ($750), designated tuition ($4,290), a differential ($840), and mandatory fees.

Non-residents pay approximately $14,944 per semester — driven by non-resident tuition of $6,825 and designated tuition of $5,970.

Based on the program’s average load of 7 credits per semester, the implied tuition rate is approximately $840 per credit for Texas residents and approximately $1,828 per credit for non-residents.

The remaining ~$2,149 per semester consists of flat fees assessed regardless of credit load.

Over 7 semesters, estimated totals run approximately $56K for Texas residents and approximately $105K for non-residents. The $1,020 distance education fee is assessed each semester for online courses and is included in the above totals.

Additional costs not included in these estimates: student health insurance, course and lab fees (which vary by course), a one-time $145 new student orientation fee, a $141 graduation fee, and a $50 commencement fee in the final term.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The graduate programs at UTMB School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. UTMB is institutionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

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