Northeastern University offers two Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MS in Nursing – (BSN entry)
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) – (MSN entry)
Both programs are delivered primarily online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework, local clinical rotations, and two on-campus weekend intensives at Northeastern’s Boston campus
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MS AGPCNP | $44,505 | 2–3 years |
| CAGS AGPCNP | $24,840 | ~1.5–2 years |
The discounted online tuition rate of $1,035/credit applies to all online students across both tracks. This program is best suited for working nurses who want a nationally recognized AGPCNP credential without leaving their current state or job.
MS in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The MS AGPCNP at Northeastern is estimated at approximately ~$44,505. That figure is based on 43 credits at the discounted online rate of $1,035/credit.
On a full-time basis, the program would take approximately 2 to 3 years to complete. Exact duration is not published on the official program page.
MSN Curriculum
The MS AGPCNP totals 43 semester credit hours, combining a professional core, clinical core, AGPCNP concentration courses, and one elective. The professional core covers research translation, evidence-based practice, epidemiology, population health, and healthcare systems.
The clinical core adds pathophysiology, health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. The AGPCNP concentration sequence then builds through health promotion, primary care of common adult/older adult problems, and complex patient management — each paired with practicum courses.
A minimum grade of B is required in all courses.
Professional Core:
- NRSG 7105 – Translating Research Evidence into Practice (3 cr.)
- NRSG 7110 – Evidence-Based Practice Research Application (2 cr.)
- NRSG 5121 – Epidemiology and Population Health (3 cr.)
- NRSG 5118 – Healthcare System and Professional Role Development (3 cr.)
Clinical Core:
- NRSG 5126 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice (3 cr.)
- NRSG 6115 – Health Assessment (3 cr.)
- NRSG 5117 – Advanced Pharmacology (2 cr.)
AGPCNP Concentration Courses:
NRSG 6115 – Health Assessment
3 credits
Focuses on advanced health assessment across the life span, including regional and comprehensive exams, interviewing, documentation, and diagnostic reasoning. Students synthesize knowledge from nursing and related sciences to distinguish normal from abnormal findings and consider cultural differences in assessment.
NRSG 6222 – Pharmacology of Adults and Older Adults
2 credits
Examines pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, medication management, polypharmacy, drug interactions, toxicity, and prescribing considerations for older adults. Also addresses over-the-counter use, adherence, and the influence of race and ethnicity on prescribing.
Required Core
NRSG 6249 – Health Promotion of Adult/Older Adult
Explores assessment, prevention, and health maintenance theories used in advanced practice nursing. The course addresses behavioral change, primary and secondary prevention, and the impact of political, psychological, social, and physiological factors on health across adult populations.
NRSG 6253 – Primary Care of Adult/Older Adult Health Problems
Builds skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing minor acute and stabilized chronic conditions in adults and older adults. Emphasizes collaborative care, consultation, and referral within primary care and long-term care settings.
NRSG 6254 – Primary Care of Adult/Older Adult Complex Patients
Focuses on the assessment and treatment of adults and older adults with complex multisystem conditions. Integrates pathophysiology, pharmacology, and psychosocial knowledge to support advanced practice care in diverse settings.
Practicum
NRSG 6449 – Health Promotion of Adult/Older Adult Practicum
Applies health promotion concepts in primary care settings through clinical experience with adult and older adult populations. Strengthens risk assessment and introduces the nurse practitioner role in prevention-focused care.
NRSG 6450 – Adult/Older Adult Practicum 1
Provides clinical experience in adult health assessment and care planning within a holistic framework. Emphasizes identification of risk, interpretation of abnormal findings, and development of health-promoting care plans.
NRSG 6451 – Adult/Older Adult Practicum 2
Continues supervised clinical experience with a focus on primary care delivery for adults and families, especially underserved populations. Students further develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, management, and prevention of acute and chronic conditions.
View more curriculum details in the course catalog.
MSN Clinicals
Clinical rotations are completed locally, within 100 miles of the student’s home. Northeastern partners with students to identify placements and requires approximately 6 months to expedite clinical affiliation contracts. Students are responsible for identifying and proposing a clinical preceptor, subject to program director review and approval.
- Clinical hours embedded in NRSG 6449, 6450, and 6451 practicum courses
- Total clinical hours not explicitly published — contact the program for specifics
- Settings include major teaching hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, specialty clinics, occupational health centers, hospice facilities, VA facilities, and community health centers
- Boston-area placements include Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Tufts-New England Medical Center
- Community placements include VNA Care Network, Boston Public Health Commission, and Boston Healthcare for the Homeless
- Two 2–3 day on-campus clinical intensives at Northeastern’s Boston campus are required — students cover travel and accommodation costs
- ⚠️ Students are responsible for identifying and proposing a clinical preceptor; Northeastern reviews and approves
- ⚠️ Allow at least 6 months for clinical affiliation contracts to be processed
MSN Admissions
Admission is competitive and requires at least one year of full-time nursing experience. Geographic eligibility applies — confirm your state is on the approved list before applying.
- BSN from an accredited nursing program (non-nursing bachelor’s considered at Program Director’s discretion)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA; grades of B or better required in all nursing courses
- Current U.S. RN license
- At least 1 year of active full-time nursing experience
- Statistics course (including probability theory and hypothesis testing) completed within 5 years of program entry
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of intent (minimum 500 words)
- Official transcripts from baccalaureate program and all college coursework — submitted via Northeastern University Application Portal
- GRE not required
- Fall deadline: August 1 | Spring deadline: November 17
Program currently accepts applicants from: AK, AR, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MA, MI, MS, MT, NJ, NM, NC, OH, RI, SC, TX, VT, VA, WV — confirm current eligibility before applying
CAGS – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The CAGS AGPCNP at Northeastern is estimated at approximately ~$24,840. That figure is based on 24 credits at the discounted online rate of $1,035/credit.
On a full-time basis, the program would take approximately 1.5 to 2 years to complete. Exact duration is not published on the official program page.
CAGS Curriculum
The CAGS totals 24 semester credit hours and is the AGPCNP specialty sequence only — the professional and research core from the MS program is not required for MSN-prepared nurses.
Three prerequisite courses must have been completed with equivalent graduate-level content before beginning: pathophysiology, health assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
The specialty sequence covers health promotion, primary care management of common and complex adult/older adult conditions, and two levels of practicum.
Prerequisites (not counted toward 24 credits — must have equivalent prior coursework):
- NRSG 5126 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice (or equivalent)
- NRSG 6115 – Health Assessment (or equivalent)
- NRSG 5117 – Advanced Pharmacology (or equivalent)
CAGS Required Courses (24 cr.):
- NRSG 6222 – Pharmacology of Adults and Older Adults (2 cr.)
- NRSG 6249 – Health Promotion of Adult/Older Adult (3 cr.)
- NRSG 6449 – Health Promotion of Adult/Older Adult Practicum (1 cr.)
- NRSG 6253 – Primary Care of Adult/Older Adult Problems (3 cr.)
- NRSG 6254 – Primary Care of Adult/Older Adult Complex Patients (3 cr.)
- NRSG 6450 – Adult/Older Adult Practicum I (5 cr.)
- NRSG 6451 – Adult/Older Adult Practicum II (5 cr.)
View more curriculum details in the course catalog.
CAGS Clinicals
Clinical requirements for the CAGS mirror the MS concentration sequence — rotations are completed locally within 100 miles of home, with the same two required on-campus weekend intensives in Boston.
- Clinical hours embedded in NRSG 6449, 6450, and 6451 practicum courses
- Total clinical hours not explicitly published — contact the program for specifics
- Local placements within 100 miles of home; students identify and propose clinical preceptors for program approval
- Two 2–3 day on-campus clinical intensives required at Northeastern’s Boston campus
- ⚠️ Allow at least 6 months for clinical affiliation contracts to be processed
CAGS Admissions
CAGS admission requires an MSN with a nurse practitioner specialty. All other requirements mirror the MS track. The same state eligibility restrictions apply.
- MS degree in Nursing with a nurse practitioner specialty required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA; grades of B or better required in all nursing courses
- Current U.S. RN license
- Prior graduate-level coursework in pathophysiology, health assessment, and advanced pharmacology (prerequisite equivalents)
- Statistics course (including probability theory and hypothesis testing) completed within 5 years of program entry
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of intent (minimum 500 words)
- Official transcripts — submitted via Northeastern University Application Portal
- GRE not required
- ⚠️ Same state eligibility restrictions apply as the MS track — confirm your state before applying
- Fall deadline: August 1 | Spring deadline: November 17
Tuition
Online nursing programs at Northeastern are offered at a discounted rate. Here is how the rates break down:
- MS Nursing (Online): $1,035/credit — applies to all students admitted to the online AGPCNP MS or CAGS program
- Standard graduate rate: $1,946/credit — does not apply to online nursing students
All students admitted to an online program take all courses online at the discounted rate. No resident or non-resident distinction is listed for online programs.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Northeastern University’s School of Nursing is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for its prelicensure programs. Graduates of both the MS and CAGS AGPCNP programs are eligible to sit for either available national certification exam — the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification.
Review More AGPCNP Programs in Mass
- MGH Institute of Health Professions - Boston
- Regis College - Weston
- UMass Chan - Worcester
- UMass Dartmouth - Dartmouth