FAMU AGPCNP Programs

Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Nursing offers three Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) tracks:

• Master of Science in Nursing – AGPCNP (BSN entry)
• Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP (APN pathway)
• Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP (Non-APN pathway)

All three tracks are available fully online or on-ground at FAMU’s Tallahassee campus, offering flexibility for working nurses across Florida and NLC compact states.

Program Tracks Overview

FAMU is one of the few historically Black universities (HBCUs) in the nation offering graduate AGPCNP preparation, with three start dates per year — a competitive advantage over many Florida programs.

A key requirement across all tracks: students must identify their own clinical preceptors prior to admission, which is an important planning consideration.

Master of Science in Nursing – AGPCNP

The MSN AGPCNP program has an estimated in-state tuition of approximately $18,255–$21,906 based on FAMU’s published graduate tuition rate of $7,302 per academic year (Fall + Spring) across 2.5–3 academic years, and would take approximately 5 semesters full-time or 7 semesters part-time to complete.

Out-of-state students can expect approximately $45,990–$55,188 based on the $18,396 out-of-state annual tuition rate.

MSN Curriculum

The MSN totals 42 credit hours organized across three core structures: a Graduate Core (18 cr.), an APRN Core (10 cr.), and a Population Foci/Role Core (14 cr.). All Graduate Core and APRN Core courses must be completed before progressing to the Population Foci/Role Core clinical sequence. The credit-to-clock-hour ratio is 1:1 for theory courses and 1:6 for clinical courses. A comprehensive APRN Synthesis Seminar capstone is required at the end of the program.

Graduate Core (18 cr.):

NGR 5110 – Theory Application & Advanced Role Development in Nursing (3 credits)
Examines philosophical and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. Students critique nursing and interdisciplinary theories while exploring their integration with research and clinical application. Helps students develop a personal conceptual framework for advanced practice.

NGR 5209 – Clinical Management of Older Adults (3 credits)
Builds clinical reasoning skills for managing older adult health. Focuses on distinguishing normal aging from disease processes in primary care settings. Prepares students for evidence-based assessment and intervention.

NGR 5742 – Role of APN in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (3 credits)
Explores advanced practice nursing strategies for health promotion and disease prevention across the adult lifespan. Addresses population-specific trends and preventive care interventions for diverse groups.

NGR 5810 – Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
Covers scientific inquiry processes, ethical considerations, and research proposal development. Emphasizes quantitative and qualitative methodologies for thesis preparation. Prerequisite: NGR 5110 and select courses.

NGR 5940L – Clinical Management of Older Adults: Practicum (1 credit)
Supervised clinical experience applying advanced practice skills in primary care for older adults. Focuses on health promotion, diagnosis, and management of acute/chronic conditions using evidence-based approaches. Corequisite: NGR 5209.

NGR 6291 – Special Issues Across Adult Life Span (3 credits)
Addresses mental health management and promotion throughout adulthood, with emphasis on adolescence through older adulthood. Equips advanced practice nurses with skills for common psychiatric challenges. Program approval required.

NGR 6891 – Health Policy and Nursing (3 credits)
Analyzes U.S. health policy evolution and its impact on nursing practice. Examines relationships between policy, healthcare economics, and health promotion for diverse populations. Critiques regulatory influences on advanced practice.

APRN Core (10 cr.):

• NGR 5172-DL – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)
• NGR 5003C-DL – Advanced Health Assessment Theory (3 cr.)
• NGR 5003L-DL – Advanced Health Assessment Practicum (1 cr.)
• NGR 6291-DL – Special Issues Across the Adult Life Span (3 cr.)

Population Foci / Role Core – AGPCNP (14 cr.):

• NGR 6201-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6201L-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span Practicum I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span II (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202L-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span Practicum II (4 cr.)
• NGR 6700-DL – APRN Synthesis Seminar (2 cr.)

See the official curriculum page for more details.

MSN Clinicals

Students complete 750 total supervised clinical hours (excluding advanced health assessment lab hours) distributed across the Population Foci practicum courses. FAMU does not arrange clinical placements — students must identify and secure their own qualified preceptor (certified NP, PA, or licensed physician in a primary care setting) prior to admission. Students may need to travel to work with preceptors in NLC compact states.

• NGR 5003L-DL – Advanced Health Assessment Practicum (1 cr.)
• NGR 6201L-DL – Primary Care Practicum I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202L-DL – Primary Care Practicum II (4 cr.)
• Total: 750 clinical clock hours (theory-to-clinical ratio 1:6)

MSN Admissions Requirements

• BSN from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 credit hours of baccalaureate work (or graduate GPA if applicable)
• Current, valid, unencumbered RN license in Florida, a multi-state compact state, or the state of permanent residence
• GRE recommended but not required; minimum score of 300 required only if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0
• Must identify a qualified clinical preceptor before admission (certified NP, PA, or licensed physician in primary care)
• Statement of professional goals specifying advanced practice specialty and career direction
• Documentation of current physical exam (CBC, urinalysis, TB test/chest X-ray)
• Immunization certificate (MMR, HBV, Varicella, DTaP/Td); titer required if immunization records unavailable
• Computer proficiency required
• TOEFL > 550 for foreign applicants
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three start dates per year (Fall, Spring, Summer)
• Up to 6 transfer credits accepted (non-APN); up to 22 credits for APN post-master’s applicants
• Post-admission: Level II background check, drug screen, NP student malpractice insurance, CPR certification (all maintained annually)

Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP (APN Pathway)

The Post-Master’s Certificate APN Pathway is designed for nurses already certified in another advanced practice specialty (FNP, CRNA, CNM, CNS, or other NP).

Up to 22 credits may be awarded from prior graduate work (grade of B or better, within the past 5 years), making the required FAMU coursework as low as 20 credits for qualifying applicants.

Estimated in-state tuition varies significantly based on gap analysis but starts at approximately $7,302–$14,604 for the mandatory Population Foci courses.

Certificate Curriculum (APN)

The 42-credit total curriculum is reduced by prior coursework credit. Two courses are automatically waived (NGR 5110, NGR 5810 — 6 credits), and up to 9 additional credits from the APRN core may be credited based on recency and grade. The Population Foci/Role Core courses must all be completed at FAMU regardless of prior credentials. Individual curriculum maps are developed upon acceptance.

Automatically Waived (6 cr.):

• NGR 5110 – Theory Application & Advanced Role Development in Nursing (3 cr.) — waived
• NGR 5810 – Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.) — waived

Potentially Credited from Prior MSN (up to 9 cr., grade B+ within 5 years):

• NGR 5141 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
• NGR 5742 – Role of APN in Health Promotion / Disease Prevention (3 cr.)
• NGR 6891 – Health Policy and Nursing (3 cr.)

APRN Core (potentially credited or required, per individual assessment — up to 7 cr.):

• NGR 5003C – Advanced Health Assessment Theory (3 cr.)*
• NGR 5003L – Advanced Health Assessment Practicum (1 cr.)*
• NGR 5172 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)*

*Individual assessment determines whether these are required or waived.

Population Foci Courses — Required at FAMU (20 cr.):

• NGR 5209-DL – Clinical Management of Older Adults (2 cr.)
• NGR 5940L-DL – Clinical Management of Older Adults Practicum (1 cr.)
• NGR 6201-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6201L-DL – Primary Care Practicum I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span II (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202L-DL – Primary Care Practicum II (3 cr.)
• NGR 6291-DL – Special Issues Across the Adult Life Span (3 cr.)
• NGR 6700-DL – APRN Synthesis Seminar (2 cr.)

See the official curriculum page for more details.

Certificate Clinicals (APN)

All Population Foci/Role Core courses must be completed at FAMU with a total of 750 clinical hours. As with the MSN track, students must independently secure a qualified preceptor — FAMU does not arrange placements. Travel to NLC compact states may be required.

• NGR 5940L-DL – Clinical Management of Older Adults Practicum (1 cr.)
• NGR 6201L-DL – Primary Care Practicum I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202L-DL – Primary Care Practicum II (3 cr.)
• Total: 750 supervised clinical hours (same as MSN track)

Certificate Admissions Requirements (APN Pathway)

• MSN from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program
• Evidence of current practice as APN (NP, CRNA, CNM, CNS) or maintained national certification
• Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
• Current, valid, unencumbered RN license (Florida, compact state, or state of practice)
• Must identify a qualified clinical preceptor before admission (NP, PA, or licensed physician in primary care)
• Statement of professional goals including discussion of advanced nursing practice role
• Documentation of current physical exam, TB test/chest X-ray, and full immunization record
• Computer proficiency; TOEFL > 550 for foreign applicants
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Up to 22 credits awarded from prior graduate work (grade B or better, within past 5 years)
• Post-admission: Level II background check, drug screen, malpractice insurance, CPR (all maintained annually)

Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP (Non-APN Pathway)

The Post-Master’s Certificate Non-APN Pathway is designed for nurses who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a non-NP nursing role — such as nursing education, nursing administration, nursing informatics, or nursing leadership — and wish to add the AGPCNP credential. Only 6 credits are automatically waived; 36 credits must be completed at FAMU.

Estimated in-state tuition runs approximately $14,604–$21,906 depending on academic year pacing.

Certificate Curriculum (Non-APN)

Non-APN applicants receive 6 automatic credit waivers (NGR 5110 and NGR 5810) and must complete 36 credits at FAMU. Additional prior coursework may be evaluated by the School of Nursing on a case-by-case basis. All Population Foci/Role Core courses must be taken at FAMU. Individual curriculum maps are developed upon acceptance.

Automatically Waived (6 cr.):

• NGR 5110 – Theory Application & Advanced Role Development (3 cr.)
• NGR 5810 – Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.)

Required Foundational Courses (6 cr. — may be evaluated for transfer):

• NGR 5742-DL – Role of APN in Health Promotion / Disease Prevention (3 cr.)
• NGR 6891-DL – Health Policy and Nursing (3 cr.)

APRN Core (10 cr.):

• NGR 5003C-DL – Advanced Health Assessment Theory (3 cr.)
• NGR 5003L-DL – Advanced Health Assessment Practicum (1 cr.)
• NGR 5141-DL – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
• NGR 5172-DL – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)

Population Foci Courses — Required at FAMU (20 cr.):

• NGR 5209-DL – Clinical Management of Older Adults (2 cr.)
• NGR 5940L-DL – Clinical Management of Older Adults Practicum (1 cr.)
• NGR 6201-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6201L-DL – Primary Care Practicum I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202-DL – Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span II (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202L-DL – Primary Care Practicum II (3 cr.)
• NGR 6291-DL – Special Issues Across the Adult Life Span (3 cr.)
• NGR 6700-DL – APRN Synthesis Seminar (2 cr.)

See the official curriculum page for more details.

Certificate Clinicals (Non-APN)

Non-APN applicants must complete all Population Foci/Role Core courses at FAMU with the full 750 clinical hours requirement. Self-identification of a qualified preceptor is required prior to admission and must be maintained throughout enrollment.

• NGR 5940L-DL – Clinical Management of Older Adults Practicum (1 cr.)
• NGR 6201L-DL – Primary Care Practicum I (3 cr.)
• NGR 6202L-DL – Primary Care Practicum II (3 cr.)
• Total: 750 supervised clinical hours

Certificate Admissions Requirements (Non-APN Pathway)

• MSN from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program (non-NP specialty such as nursing education, administration, informatics, or leadership)
• Evidence of current practice in a non-APN role or maintained national certification in a non-APN specialty
• Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
• Current, valid, unencumbered RN license (Florida, compact state, or state of practice)
• Must identify a qualified clinical preceptor before admission (NP, PA, or licensed physician in primary care)
• Statement of professional goals including discussion of advanced nursing practice role
• Documentation of current physical exam, TB test/chest X-ray, and full immunization record
• Computer proficiency; TOEFL > 550 for foreign applicants
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Only 6 credits automatically waived; up to 36 credits required at FAMU
• Post-admission: Level II background check, drug screen, malpractice insurance, CPR (all maintained annually)

Tuition

FAMU charges graduate tuition at a flat rate of $7,302 per academic year (Fall + Spring combined) for in-state students, and $18,396 per academic year for out-of-state students.

Required fees add approximately $140 (in-state) or $298 (out-of-state) per academic year.

Summer tuition rates are not separately itemized on the published cost of attendance page — prospective students should confirm summer per-credit rates directly with the FAMU Bursar’s Office. No program-specific nursing surcharge is listed for MSN or certificate programs.

More tuition details are aTallahasseevailable here.

Accreditation

Florida A&M University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

All FAMU School of Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) — distinct from CCNE, which accredits most competing Florida programs.

Graduates of all three AGPCNP tracks are eligible to sit for national board certification through the ANCC or AANPCB and may apply for Florida APRN licensure upon passing.

More AGPCNP Programs in Florida

• Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton
• Florida Southern College - Lakeland
• Palm Beach Atlantic University - Palm Beach
• University of Central Florida - Orlando
• University of Miami - Miami
• University of South Florida - Tampa

Compare all Florida Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP programs