Georgia State University AGPCNP Programs

Georgia State University offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • MSN AGPCNP
  • Post-Master’s Certificate AGPCNP

Both programs are delivered online with select required in-person components, making them accessible to working nurses across the country at the same tuition rate.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN AGPCNP~$22K2–3 years (FT) / 3–4 years (PT)
Post-Master’s Certificate AGPCNPVaries by coursework requiredNot clearly stated

GSU is the only nursing college in Georgia offering the full spectrum of nursing education from associate through doctoral level, and its downtown Atlanta location provides access to a broad healthcare network for clinical placements.

MSN AGPCNP

The estimated cost for the MSN AGPCNP at Georgia State University is approximately $22K (48 credits × $450/credit), and the program takes about 2 to 3 years to complete full-time or 3 to 4 years part-time.

MSN Curriculum

The 48-credit MSN is structured around 22 credits of required core courses and 26 credits of AGPCNP specialty coursework, plus a 3-credit elective. The core covers pathophysiology, diagnostic reasoning, health assessment, pharmacology, healthcare culture, professional practice issues, research methods, and interprofessional collaboration.

The specialty sequence addresses common adult health problems, ambulatory care of women, gerontological nursing, and a senior practicum. The three specialty clinical courses carry a combined minimum of 500 direct-care clinical hours.

Required Core Courses (22 credits):

NURS 7310 – Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts Across the Lifespan in Nursing 1 (3 credits)
Introduces advanced physiology and pathophysiology for adults and children, covering genetics, cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, fluid and electrolyte, and neurological systems.

NURS 7320 – Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts Across the Lifespan in Nursing 2 (3 credits)
Continues advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan, focusing on hematology, immunology, endocrinology, digestive, cancer, and renal systems.

NURS 7500 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
Develops advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and holistic evaluation from infancy through geriatrics, including lab and clinical practice.

NURS 7550 – Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 credits)
Covers pharmacologic agents, mechanisms, indications, and dosing for children, adolescents, and adults in advanced practice.

NURS 7600 – The Culture of Healthcare (2 credits)
Introduces advanced practice nursing within diverse health systems and populations.

NURS 7940 – Advanced Professional Nurse Practice Issues (2 credits)
Explores sociopolitical, bioethical, and legal issues affecting advanced practice nursing.

NURS 7950 – Theoretical Foundations and Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits)
Examines nursing theory, research methods, and the relationship among theory, practice, and evidence in advanced practice.

CNHP 7800 – Interprofessional Collaboration for Advanced Practice (1 credit)
Builds teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills for interprofessional care of patients with chronic conditions.

NURS 7010 – Gerontological Nursing (3 credits)
Covers aging, end-of-life issues, ethics, and common geriatric health concerns.

AGPCNP Specialty Courses (23 credits):

NURS 7340 – Common Health Problems of Adults (5 credits)
Manages adult acute and chronic conditions through assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and collaborative treatment.

NURS 7080 – Ambulatory Care of Women (6 credits)
Focuses on women’s health across the lifespan, combining clinical and theoretical preparation in ambulatory care.

NURS 7360 – Advanced Practicum (4 credits)
Final clinical practicum integrating advanced practice skills in a selected primary care setting.

Elective: 3 credits

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

MSN Clinicals

The MSN AGPCNP requires a minimum of 500 clinical hours distributed across three specialty courses. Students will also attend required in-person on-campus experiences; specific scheduling details are announced by the program.

  • 500 total clinical hours minimum: NURS 7340 (180 hrs), NURS 7080 (140 hrs), NURS 7360 (180 hrs)
  • Required in-person on-campus experiences for certain courses — dates announced in advance
  • Population focus: adults and older adults across ambulatory, primary care, and specialty settings
  • Post-certification practice settings include rural areas, community health centers, college campuses, employee health, and governmental agencies
  • Prior to clinical courses: immunization health form, AHA BLS certification, student liability insurance, active RN license, criminal background check, and drug screen required

MSN Admissions

Applicants need a BSN from an accredited nursing program, at least 1–2 years of RN clinical experience, and a 2.75 cumulative GPA. RNs with an associate or diploma rather than a BSN may apply through the RN-to-MS bridge option with additional prerequisite coursework.

  • BSN from an accredited nursing program (or RN with associate/diploma degree — see RN-to-MS bridge requirements)
  • Active RN license in Georgia or another U.S. state with evidence of Georgia Board of Nursing application
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale across all undergraduate college-level coursework
  • 1–2 years of clinical RN experience (experience in the specialty area is preferred for clinical tracks)
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with academic and/or professional abilities (applicants out of nursing school less than 5 years must include one letter from a former faculty member)
  • Current resume including education, work experience, professional development, and community activities
  • Statement of purpose addressing educational and career goals
  • Writing sample: two-page APA-format position paper on a social or health issue
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Application deadlines: May 15 for Fall; November 1 for Spring (program does not admit in Summer)

RN-to-MS bridge applicants (associate or diploma RNs) must also complete:

  • NURS 6910 – Caring for Families and Communities (5 credits) — clinical site must be arranged one semester before enrollment
  • NURS 6930 – Leadership and Management in Nursing (3 credits)
  • Undergraduate health assessment course if not previously completed
  • Georgia State core undergraduate requirements (English Composition, College Algebra, Sciences, Statistics, and additional coursework)

Post-Master’s Certificate AGPCNP

The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate AGPCNP at Georgia State University is $450 per credit hour; the total cost varies by student based on a core course equivalency review.

Duration is not clearly stated and depends on which courses are waived and whether the student enrolls full- or part-time.

Certificate Curriculum

The certificate requires completion of four specialty courses (23 credits, 500 clinical hours) plus up to six core courses, depending on prior MSN coursework. GSU evaluates each applicant’s previous graduate coursework for equivalency to required core courses — courses deemed equivalent may be waived. The specialty sequence (NURS 7340, NURS 7080, NURS 7360, NURS 7010) is required for all students regardless of prior education. Students attend a required week-long on-campus experience at the start of the program, plus required in-person skills testing throughout.

Core Courses (may be waived based on equivalency review):

  • NURS 7315 – Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
  • NURS 7330 – Diagnostic Reasoning and Procedures (2 credits)
  • NURS 7500 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
  • NURS 7550 – Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 credits)
  • NURS 7940 – Advanced Professional Nurse Practice Issues (2 credits)
  • CNHP 7800 – Interprofessional Collaboration for Advanced Practice (3 credits)

Required Specialty Courses (23 credits — not waivable):

  • NURS 7340 – Common Health Problems of Adults (10 credits / 180 clinical hours)
  • NURS 7080 – Ambulatory Care of Women for Advanced Practice Nurses (6 credits / 140 clinical hours)
  • NURS 7360 – Senior Practicum for the Advanced Practice Nurse (4 credits / 180 clinical hours)
  • NURS 7010 – Gerontological Nursing (3 credits)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

Certificate Clinicals

The certificate carries the same 500-hour minimum clinical requirement as the MSN, distributed across the three specialty clinical courses. All clinical experiences are completed in real-world primary care and ambulatory settings.

  • 500 total clinical hours minimum: NURS 7340 (180 hrs), NURS 7080 (140 hrs), NURS 7360 (180 hrs)
  • Required week-long in-person on-campus experience at program start
  • Required in-person skills testing at multiple points throughout the program
  • Population focus: adults and older adults in primary and ambulatory care settings
  • Prior to clinical: immunizations, AHA BLS certification, active RN license, background check, and drug screen required

Certificate Admissions

Applicants must hold an MSN and an active Georgia RN license. The entrance exam is waived for post-master’s certificate applicants.

  • Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
  • Active Georgia RN license
  • 1–2 years of clinical RN experience (experience related to the specialty area preferred)
  • Two letters of recommendation (one from a former faculty member if out of nursing school less than 5 years)
  • Current resume
  • Statement of purpose addressing educational and career goals
  • Writing sample: two-page APA-format position paper on a social or health issue
  • Official transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate institutions attended
  • $50 application fee (due by application deadline)
  • Entrance exam waived for post-master’s certificate applicants
  • Application deadlines: May 15 for Fall; November 1 for Spring (does not admit in Summer)

Tuition

Georgia State uses a residency-neutral flat rate for its online nursing programs — all students pay $450 per credit hour regardless of geographic location. An online learning fee of $660 per semester applies when enrolled in 6 or more credit hours.

The MSN AGPCNP totals approximately $22K in tuition across 48 credits.

The post-master’s certificate cost varies based on how many core courses are waived through the equivalency review; the specialty courses alone (23 credits) would total approximately $10,350.

No separate in-state or out-of-state rate applies to these programs.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Nursing program and the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Georgia State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

More AGPCNP Programs in Georgia