Misericordia University offers 3 Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MSN – AGPCNP
- BSN to DNP – AGPCNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate
All programs are delivered online through a progressive learning environment with small class sizes for personalized instruction.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGPCNP | $38,280 (+ fees) | 3 years (part-time) |
| BSN-DNP AGPCNP | $60,900 (+ fees) | 3.5 years (part-time) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate AGPCNP | $18,270 (+ fees) | Not stated (based on gap analysis) |
The programs feature no entrance exams or application fees, tuition discounts for select healthcare partners, and clinical workshops with advanced simulations.
Master of Science in Nursing – AGPCNP
The estimated cost for the MSN – AGPCNP program is approximately $38,280 ($870 per credit × 44 credits) plus general fees, and takes approximately 3 years to complete on a part-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The program requires 44 credits focused on advanced practice nursing competencies for adult and gerontology populations. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, ethical principles, health policy advocacy, and social determinants of health.
Year One Courses:
- NSG 527 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NSG 528 – Advanced Physical Exam and Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credits)
- DNP 800 – Evidence-Based Practice Theory and Role (3 credits)
- NSG 526 – Advanced Pharmacology for Primary Care (3 credits)
- DNP 802 – Advanced Biomedical Ethics & Healthcare Policy (3 credits)
- NSG 690 – Primary Care OCI I (1 credit)
- NSG 529 – Introduction to Clinical Management of Health Promotion & Disease Prevention in Advanced Practice Nursing (4 credits)
Year Two Courses:
- NSG 613 – Acute Episodic Health Needs of Adults and Older Adults (3 credits)
- NSG 614 – Chronic Health Needs of Adults and Older Adults (3 credits)
- NSG 615 – Clinical Management of Acute and Chronic Health Needs of Adults and Older Adults (4 credits)
- NSG 616 – Evidenced-Based Research Utilization for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits)
- NSG 691 – Primary Care OCI II (1 credit)
- NSG 617 – Women’s Health (3 credits)
- NSG 618 – Clinical Management of Women’s Health (2 credits)
Year Three Courses:
- NSG 612A – Advanced Practice Nursing Clinical Synthesis (3 credits)
- NSG 622 – Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis 3 for APRN (Capstone) (6 credits)
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete a minimum of 750 supervised clinical hours under qualified preceptors in primary care settings. Clinical experiences progress through three years, integrating theory-based learning with real-world application in treating acute episodic illnesses, chronic health conditions, and women’s health needs across the adult lifespan.
- 750 total clinical hours required
- Clinical experiences span primary care settings
- Supervised practice under qualified nurse practitioners and physician preceptors
- Progressive clinical integration from Year One through Year Three
- Clinical workshops and advanced simulations included
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from accredited institution
- Undergraduate/graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher for full admission
- GPA of 2.75-2.99 eligible for provisional admission (requires B or higher in three specific courses)
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Two letters of reference (one from current/recent employer, one from former faculty)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- 500-word typed statement of personal and professional goals
- Official transcripts from all previous college work
- No entrance exams or application fees required
- TOEFL minimum score of 22 in all sections for non-native English speakers
BSN to DNP – AGPCNP
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP – AGPCNP program is approximately $60,900 ($870 per credit × 70 credits) plus general fees, and takes approximately 3.5 years to complete on a part-time basis.
BSN to DNP Curriculum
The program requires 70 credits combining MSN-level coursework with doctoral-level leadership and practice competencies. Students earn their MSN after the eighth semester (becoming board eligible) before completing two additional DNP semesters. The curriculum integrates AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Fall Semester I:
- NSG 540 – Advanced Pathophysiology for the APRN (3 credits)
- DNP 700 – Navigating Graduate Studies in Nursing (1 credit)
- DNP 701 – Fundamental Knowledge and Role Concepts for the APRN (3 credits)
Spring Semester I:
- NSG 541 – Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for the APRN (3 credits)
- NSG 542 – Advanced Pharmacology for the APRN (3 credits)
Summer Semester I:
- NSG 543 – Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across Diverse Populations (2 credits)
- NSG 623 – Chronic Disease Management of Adults and Older Adults (3 credits)
- DNP 703 – Perspectives on Leadership and Advanced Role Concepts for the DNP (3 credits)
Fall Semester II:
- NSG 624 – Managing Acute Episodic Illnesses of Adults and Older Adults (3 credits)
- NSG 625 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Clinical I (2 credits)
- DNP 704 – Scientific Methods and Statistics for EBP (3 credits)
Spring Semester II:
- NSG 629 – Management of Medically Complex Adults and Older Adults (3 credits)
- DNP 702 – Ethical, Legal, and Policy Considerations for the APRN (3 credits)
- DNP 705 – Epidemiology and Population Health for Diversified Communities (3 credits)
Summer Semester II:
- NSG 630 – Clinical Care of Medically Complex Adults and Older Adults (2 credits)
- NSG 631 – Nursing Theory and Evidence-Based Practice Utilization for the APRN (3 credits)
- DNP 706 – Quality Improvement and Financial Management for the DNP (3 credits)
Fall Semester III:
- NSG 626 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Clinical II (2 credits)
- DNP 707 – Organizational Management and Systems Thinking for the DNP (3 credits)
- DNP 830 – DNP Project Development and Planning (3 credits)
Spring Semester III:
- NSG 633 – Clinical Immersion for the Primary Care NP (4 credits)
- NSG 634 – NP Certification Review Course (1 credit)
MSN Awarded at this point
Summer Semester III:
- DNP 709 – DNP Leadership Practicum (2 credits)
- DNP 831 – DNP Project Implementation (3 credits)
Fall Semester IV:
- DNP 708 – Essential Information Systems and Technology for the DNP (3 credits)
- DNP 832 – DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination (3 credits)
BSN to DNP Clinicals
Students complete 750 clinical hours plus 250 DNP practice hours (1,000 total practice hours). Clinical experiences include direct patient care in primary care settings and DNP practicum experiences focused on leadership, organizational change, and evidence-based practice projects.
- 750 clinical hours for MSN component
- 250 DNP practice hours
- 1,000 total practice hours required for graduation
- Progressive clinical experiences from basic assessments to clinical immersion
- DNP practicum focuses on leadership and organizational systems
- Supervised practice under qualified preceptors
- Evidence-based practice capstone project implementation
BSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 from BSN program for full admission
- GPA of 3.00-3.24 eligible for MSN track admission instead
- GPA of 2.75-2.99 eligible for provisional MSN admission
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Two letters of reference (one from current/recent employer, one from former faculty)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- 500-word typed statement of personal and professional goals
- Official transcripts from all college work
- No entrance exams or application fees
- TOEFL minimum score of 22 in all sections for non-native English speakers
Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP
Note: This program is not currently accepting new applicants.
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP program would be approximately $18,270 ($870 per credit × 21 credits) plus general fees, based on a gap analysis determining required coursework.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum
The certificate program typically requires completion of specialty coursework gaps identified through individualized gap analysis. The curriculum focuses on adult-gerontology primary care competencies for MSN-prepared nurses seeking additional specialization.
- Gap analysis determines specific required courses
- Coursework based on comparison of prior education with AGPCNP competencies
- Focuses on clinical specialization for adult and gerontology populations
- Builds on existing MSN foundation
Post-Master’s Certificate Clinicals
Students complete a minimum of 540 direct clinical practice hours under supervision of qualified nurse practitioner and physician preceptors. Clinical experiences focus on primary care management of adolescents (over age 16), adults, and older adults.
- 540 clinical hours minimum required
- Supervised by qualified NP and physician preceptors
- Primary care settings focused on adult and gerontology populations
- Clinical workshops and advanced simulations included
Post-Master’s Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Completed Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
- Advanced clinical master’s degree focus (CNM, CRNP, CNS, or CRNA)
- Meet all MSN program admission requirements
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Gap analysis conducted to determine program plan
- Prior course syllabi required for gap analysis review
- Two letters of reference
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- 500-word statement of personal and professional goals
- Official transcripts from all previous college work
- No entrance exams or application fees
Tuition
Graduate nursing (MSN) tuition is $870 per credit with a $40 general fee per credit. Program and course fees apply each semester.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The MSN and DNP programs at Misericordia University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Misericordia University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates of the MSN and BSN to DNP AGPCNP programs are eligible to sit for the adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner certification examination offered by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Post-Master’s Certificate graduates are also eligible for AGNP certification through nationally recognized certifying organizations.
More Pennsylvania ACNP Programs
- Drexel University - Philadelphia
- La Salle University - Philadelphia
- Moravian University - Bethlehem
- University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
- York College - York