West Coast University offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) tracks:
- MSN – AGPCNP (Accelerated or Working Professional pace)
- RN to MSN – AGPCNP (Accelerated or Working Professional pace)
- Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP
All three tracks are delivered fully online through 8-week terms, allowing multiple start dates throughout the year.
Each track includes two required On-Site Intensive (OSI) weekends where students travel to campus to practice and demonstrate hands-on clinical competencies.
WCU’s Clinical Placements team assists students in finding approved preceptors and clinical sites within their community, removing a major barrier for working nurses.
Program Comparison
The table below summarizes estimated tuition and duration for each AGPCNP track.
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – AGPCNP | $38,370 | 20 months (Accelerated) / 32 months (Working Professional) |
| RN to MSN – AGPCNP | $45,795 | 24 months (Accelerated) / 44 months (Working Professional) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP | $21,980 | 16 months |
Totals reflect tuition only (prior to scheduled rate increases); additional fees — technology, clinical, and supply fees — add approximately $7,000–$8,000 to program cost.
Program Tracks Overview
Master of Science in Nursing – AGPCNP
The MSN – AGPCNP at West Coast University is a 49-credit program with an estimated tuition of $38,370 ($46,470 total with fees), completable in 20 months (Accelerated) or 32 months (Working Professional) on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The program totals 49 semester credits: 12 MSN Core credits and 37 AGPCNP specialty credits. Two On-Site Intensive (OSI) weekends are required to practice and demonstrate hands-on NP competencies.
MSN Core (12 credits)
- MSNC 500 – Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics & Finance (3 cr)
- MSNC 505 – Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
- MSNC 510 – Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care (3 cr)
- MSNC 515 – Principles of Teaching and Learning (3 cr)
AGPCNP Core (37 credits)
MSNR 550 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 Credits)
This course examines disease processes and physiologic changes that affect patient health across the lifespan. Students study mechanisms of illness, systemic responses to disease, and the pathologic basis of common conditions seen in clinical practice.
MSNR 555 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 Credits)
This course reviews pharmacologic therapies used to treat acute and chronic health conditions. Students study pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and medication management while considering legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines for prescriptive practice.
MSNG 560 – Advanced Health & Physical Assessment (3 Credits)
This course develops advanced assessment skills for patients across the lifespan. Students practice comprehensive health histories, physical examinations, and clinical reasoning to support accurate diagnosis and patient care planning.
MSNG 600 – Introduction to Advanced Practice (2 Credits)
This course introduces the advanced practice nursing role. Students examine professional responsibilities, healthcare systems, and the skills required for nurse practitioner practice in primary care settings.
MSNG 605 – Clinical Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis (3 Credits)
This course strengthens diagnostic reasoning skills used in nurse practitioner practice. Students analyze patient symptoms, develop differential diagnoses, and select appropriate diagnostic tests using evidence-based clinical decision-making.
MSNG 610 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health I (2 Credits)
This course introduces assessment and management of common health conditions affecting young, middle-aged, and older adults in primary care. Students focus on patient-centered strategies that support health promotion and disease management.
MSNG 610C – Practicum I (2 Credits)
This practicum provides supervised clinical experience in adult-gerontology primary care. Students conduct health assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and create treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions.
MSNG 620 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health II (2 Credits)
This course builds on prior clinical knowledge to manage more complex adult health conditions. Students apply evidence-based strategies to diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses across adult populations.
MSNG 620C – Practicum II (2 Credits)
This practicum expands clinical experience in adult-gerontology primary care. Students refine assessment and diagnostic skills while developing management plans for patients with diverse healthcare needs.
MSNG 630 – Women’s and Reproductive Health (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the assessment and management of women’s and reproductive health concerns in primary care. Students examine preventive care, reproductive health conditions, and gender-specific health needs using a patient-centered approach.
MSNG 630C – Complex Care Practicum III (2 Credits)
This practicum provides clinical experience managing women’s health and reproductive conditions. Students perform comprehensive assessments and develop treatment plans in collaboration with healthcare providers.
MSNG 650 – Intensive I (1 Credit)
This course supports preparation for the nurse practitioner clinical residency experience. Students review key concepts and clinical skills needed for entry-level primary care practice.
MSNG 650C – Residency I (2 Credits)
This clinical residency allows students to apply advanced knowledge in primary care settings. Students integrate evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration while managing patient care.
MSNG 660 – Intensive II (2 Credits)
This course further prepares students for advanced clinical practice during residency training. Students strengthen diagnostic, management, and professional practice skills needed for independent nurse practitioner roles.
MSNG 660C – Residency II (2 Credits)
This residency continues supervised clinical training in primary care. Students refine advanced practice skills while managing patients using evidence-based and collaborative care approaches.
MSNG 670C – Residency III (2 Credits)
This final residency course provides advanced clinical experience in nurse practitioner practice. Students integrate knowledge, clinical judgment, and evidence-based guidelines while managing patient care in primary care settings.
MSNG 680 – Transition to Advanced Practice (1 Credit)
This course prepares students for entry into professional nurse practitioner roles. Students explore role development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional responsibilities while participating in an on-site immersion experience.
See the course catalog for more curriculum details.
MSN Clinicals
The MSN – AGPCNP requires 540 precepted clinical hours completed in approved outpatient, long-term care, or specialty settings. WCU’s Clinical Placements team helps students identify and secure approved preceptors and clinical sites.
- 540 total precepted hours required
- Clinical sites must be in student’s state of residence (CA, TX, or FL)
- University executes a clinical affiliation agreement with the site
- Proof of health insurance required before clinical start
- 2 mandatory On-Site Intensive (OSI) weekends at WCU campus
MSN Admissions & Prerequisites
- BSN from ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program with a 3.0 GPA or better
- Active, unencumbered RN license in state of residence; maintained throughout program
- Minimum 1 year of direct patient care RN experience (verified prior to entering APRN core courses)
- Recommendation from Program Dean/Director and admissions committee
- Gap Analysis review upon admission
- Supplemental Application Form required
- Prerequisites: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health/Physical Assessment (3Ps) completed within the past 5 years with a grade of B or better
- Minimum 3.0 CGPA required for all 500- and 600-level courses to graduate
RN to MSN – AGPCNP
The RN to MSN – AGPCNP at West Coast University is a bridge program totaling 154 credits (64 required at WCU; remainder awarded for prior nursing education and RN licensure), with an estimated tuition of $45,795 (~$54,395 total with fees), completable in 24 months (Accelerated) or 44 months (Working Professional) on a full-time basis.
RN to MSN Curriculum
The program requires 64 credits at WCU across three tiers: BSN Core (15 cr), MSN Core (12 cr), and AGPCNP specialty courses (37 cr). Up to 90 transfer credits may be awarded for prior nursing education and an active RN license.
BSN Core (15 credits)
- BSNR 300 – Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations (3 cr)
- BSNR 305 – Pathophysiology (3 cr)
- BSNR 315 – Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr)
- BSNR 400C – Community & Public Health Nursing I (3 cr)
- BSNR 405C – Community & Public Health Nursing II (3 cr)
MSN Core (12 credits)
- MSNC 500 – Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics & Finance (3 cr)
- MSNC 505 – Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
- MSNC 510 – Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care (3 cr)
- MSNC 515 – Health Promotion & Disease Management (3 cr)
AGPCNP Core (37 credits)
- MSNR 550 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr)
- MSNR 555 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr)
- MSNR 560 – Advanced Health & Physical Assessment (3 cr)
- MSNG 600 – Introduction to Advanced Practice (2 cr)
- MSNG 605 – Clinical Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis (3 cr)
- MSNG 610 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health I (2 cr)
- MSNG 610C – Practicum I (2 cr)
- MSNG 620 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health II (2 cr)
- MSNG 620C – Practicum II (2 cr)
- MSNG 630 – Gender and Reproductive Health (3 cr)
- MSNG 630C – Gender and Reproductive Health Practicum (2 cr)
- MSNG 650 – Intensive I (1 cr)
- MSNG 650C – Residency I (2 cr)
- MSNG 660 – Intensive II (2 cr)
- MSNG 660C – Residency II (2 cr)
- MSNG 670C – Residency III (2 cr)
- MSNG 680 – Transition to Advanced Practice (1 cr)
See the course catalog for more curriculum details.
RN to MSN Clinicals
The RN to MSN – AGPCNP requires 675 precepted clinical hours — 135 more than the standard MSN track — reflecting the broader scope of bridge training. Clinical sites must be in an approved state (CA, TX, or FL) and backed by a university affiliation agreement.
- 675 total precepted hours required
- Active, unencumbered RN license required in clinical state before starting clinicals
- Clinical hours completed in student’s community; WCU assists with site sourcing
- Proof of health insurance required before clinical participation
- 2 mandatory On-Site Intensive (OSI) weekends at WCU campus
RN to MSN Admissions & Prerequisites
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution with a 3.0 CGPA or better
- Active, unencumbered RN license; maintained throughout program
- Minimum 1 year of direct patient care RN experience before entering APRN core courses
- Recommendation from Program Dean/Director and admissions committee
- Gap Analysis review upon admission; Supplemental Application Form required
- Up to 90 transfer credits may be awarded (51 cr for RN license/prior nursing education + 39 cr general education)
- Prerequisites: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health/Physical Assessment (3Ps) completed within the past 5 years with a B or better
- Students must accumulate 72 earned/transferred credits to be eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP
The Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP at West Coast University is a 28-credit program priced at $785/credit for an estimated tuition of $21,980 (~$29,580 total with fees), completable in 16 months on a full-time basis.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate consists entirely of 28 AGPCNP specialty credits — no additional MSN core courses are required since applicants already hold a master’s degree. Two OSI weekends are mandatory.
- MSNG 600 – Introduction to Advanced Practice (2 cr)
- MSNG 605 – Clinical Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis (3 cr)
- MSNG 610 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health I (2 cr)
- MSNG 610C – Practicum I (2 cr)
- MSNG 620 – Adult Gerontology Primary Care: Health II (2 cr)
- MSNG 620C – Practicum II (2 cr)
- MSNG 630 – Women’s and Reproductive Health (3 cr)
- MSNG 630C – Complex Care Practicum III (2 cr)
- MSNG 650 – Intensive I (1 cr)
- MSNG 650C – Residency I (2 cr)
- MSNG 660 – Intensive II (2 cr)
- MSNG 660C – Residency II (2 cr)
- MSNG 670C – Residency III (2 cr)
- MSNG 680 – Transition to Advanced Practice (1 cr)
See the course catalog for more curriculum details.
Certificate Clinicals
The Post-Master’s Certificate requires 540 precepted clinical hours completed locally in student-identified or WCU-assisted placements. All sites require a university affiliation agreement.
- 540 total precepted hours required
- Clinicals completed in student’s community (approved states)
- WCU Clinical Placements team available for preceptor sourcing support
- Health insurance required before clinical participation
- 2 mandatory On-Site Intensive (OSI) weekends
- California graduates may apply for BRN certification via Method One upon completion
Certificate Admissions & Prerequisites
- MSN degree from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program with a 3.0 GPA or better
- Active, unencumbered RN license; maintained throughout program
- Minimum 1 year of direct patient care RN experience before entering APRN core courses
- Formal transfer of credit gap analysis completed prior to admission
- Recommendation from Program Dean/Director and admissions committee
- Applicants dismissed from a previous WCU NP track are not eligible
- Prerequisites: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health/Physical Assessment (3Ps) completed within the past 5 years with a B or better
- If 3P courses are older than 5 years, they must be repeated — unless applicant holds an active NP certification
Tuition
West Coast University charges graduate tuition by credit tier. Current per-credit rates (prior to scheduled increases) are as follows:
- BSN Core (RN to MSN only): $495/credit
- MSN Core: $700/credit
- APRN Core (MSN & RN to MSN): $810/credit
- Post-Master’s Certificate: $785/credit
All programs carry additional program fees: Technology Fee ($2,000–$5,500 depending on program length), Program Supply Fee (~$2,300), and Clinical Program Fee (~$3,300). Financial aid — including scholarships, grants, and federal loans — is available. Military personnel and spouses may qualify for reduced tuition rates.
See official tuition page for more info
Accreditation
All AGPCNP tracks at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Upon completing any AGPCNP track, graduates are eligible to sit for national board certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). WCU provides board prep support including question banks, topic lectures, board review courses, and predictor exams.