An adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) is an advanced practice nurse who caters to patients across the lifespan.
There are two specializations for AGNPs: primary care and acute care. AGPCNPs provide comprehensive primary care in the form of health assessments, diagnosis, medication prescription, and health education, to name a few.
AGACNPs, meanwhile, tend to patients with complex or chronic illnesses. They deliver emergency or urgent care by stabilizing the patient, ordering the necessary tests and treatments, etc.
Nurses in Florida, as well as any part of the US, can elevate their careers and become AGNPs with the help of these programs:
Florida AGNP Programs Quick Facts
- Universities Offering AGNP Programs in Florida: 13
- CCNE Accredited AGNP Programs in The State: 12
- ACEN Accredited AGNP Programs in the State: 1
- Average Tuition Costs: $26,000 to $42,000
AGPCNP vs. AGACNP in Florida: choosing your track
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs split into Primary Care (AGPCNP) and Acute Care (AGACNP) certifications. Florida offers both tracks, though most schools specialize in one. University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State, and University of South Florida run the largest AGNP programs in the state. Florida’s aging population (second-largest 65+ population in the country) drives strong demand for adult-gerontology primary and acute care providers across Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville markets.
Florida AGNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 10+ CCNE-accredited AGNP programs — Florida offers both AGPCNP and AGACNP tracks across public universities and private institutions.
- Second-largest 65+ population nationally — Florida’s aging demographics drive strong adult-gerontology NP demand.
- Autonomous Practice Registration — qualifying Florida AGNPs gain autonomous practice after 3,000+ hours of post-licensure practice.
- Top-ranked programs — University of Florida and University of Miami both place among top nursing graduate programs nationally.
- Major metro clinical access — Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville offer distinct clinical markets with different patient populations.
Florida RN to AGNP Programs
Nurses who have associate degrees can become AGNPs without having to enroll in multiple programs. With this RN to AGNP offering by Herzing University, they may get their BSN and MSN in one go:
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 64
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $755 per credit for 64 units – $48,320 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Herzing’s online RN-to-MSN-AGNP is one of the few Florida programs that offers both AGACNP (acute care) and AGPCNP (primary care) tracks under a single school, so students can choose whether they want to sit in hospital ICUs/step-downs or run outpatient adult/geriatric panels. Expect 64 credits and 540 clinical hours plus a 180-hour pre-hire immersion; coursework also articulates into the DNP for applicants planning doctoral completion. Herzing arranges placements rather than offloading that to the student, which is a meaningful factor in markets where preceptors are competitive.
Florida BSN to AGNP Programs
Nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing may pursue an AGNP specialization by taking an MSN or DNP pathway from any of the institutions below, many of which are ranked the best MSN/DNP programs by US News & World Report. Residents in search of affordable tuition fees have Florida International University as their best option, while those looking to obtain their degree quickly may do so at Herzing University.
Barry University
- Miami Shores, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 51
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,050 per credit for 51 credits – $53,500 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Barry’s BSN-to-MSN-AGNP leans toward acute-care adult management and is kept small on purpose, with direct faculty access a consistent theme in student feedback. The Miami Shores campus gives students high-acuity clinical access in South Florida’s hospital systems. It’s a fit for RNs who already know they want inpatient adult/geriatric acuity; applicants undecided between acute and primary care should look at schools offering both tracks.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus or Online
Credit Hours: 42
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $732 per credit for 42 credits – $30,744 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FAMU’s MSN-AGPCNP runs out of the School of Nursing in Tallahassee and focuses on primary-care adult-gerontology, with coursework that explicitly builds out cultural-competence training for underserved populations. In-state public tuition keeps cost lower than private Florida programs. It’s a fit for RNs in the Panhandle or Big Bend region who want a mission-driven primary-care program; applicants wanting acute-care AGNP will need to shop elsewhere.
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus or Online
Credit Hours: 52
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $371.82 per credit for 52 credits – $19,334.64 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,026.81 per credit for 52 credits – $53,394.12 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers the BSN-to-DNP-AGNP in Boca Raton, which pairs doctoral-level practice prep with South Florida clinical rotations. The program’s caring-science curriculum is unusual in the state and a draw for nurses who prioritize that framework. It’s a fit for RNs in Palm Beach and Broward counties who want the DNP credential without relocating; nurses looking for a shorter MSN-only pathway should compare FIU or Barry.
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 45 credits – $16,802.10 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 45 credits – $58,529.70 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FIU’s BSN-to-DNP-AGNP track sits inside the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing with access to Miami’s public-hospital systems (Jackson Health) and a diverse primary-care patient panel. Completing the DNP rather than a stand-alone MSN matters for applicants preparing under the AACN DNP-for-entry trajectory. FIU’s in-state public tuition makes it one of the more affordable DNP-AGNP options in Florida.
Florida Southern College
- Lakeland, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 47
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $650 per credit for 47 credits – $30,550 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Florida Southern’s online AGNP track (primary care) is CCNE-accredited and offers dual DNP credit, so students can sequence straight into the doctorate without re-applying. Didactic coursework is online with clinical placements completed in the student’s region. It’s a fit for RNs in Central Florida markets where in-person graduate programs aren’t reachable, especially those planning immediate DNP completion.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 71
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, waiver offered
Resident Tuition: $32,440
Non-resident Tuition: $78,475
Program Overview:
FSU’s College of Nursing offers the AGNP track with Tallahassee-area clinical rotations and public in-state tuition. The program is research-active and a good fit for RNs interested in eventual doctoral work at a flagship research university. Applicants should weigh FSU against UF and USF; FSU tends to draw RNs based in North Florida or the Panhandle where Gainesville/Tampa commutes are impractical.
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $755 per credit for 48 units – $36,240 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Herzing’s BSN-to-MSN-AGNP mirrors the RN-bridge version (AGACNP or AGPCNP tracks, 540 clinical hours, 180-hour immersion) but shortens for bachelor’s-prepared RNs who don’t need the BSN bridge coursework. The school’s published placement support is the strongest selling point for full-time-working nurses. Applicants in rural Florida or out-of-state should confirm with admissions that preceptors can be sourced in their region.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of 3.0 and below
Tuition: $720 per credit for 40 credits – $28,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Jacksonville University’s AGNP track runs through the Keigwin School of Nursing with the same small-cohort faculty-led placement model as its FNP. Students rotate through Northeast Florida health systems for the precepted clinical portion. It’s a fit for Jacksonville-area RNs who want named faculty mentorship; pricing is private-school level and should be compared against FSU and UNF.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + Face-to-face classes
Modality: Hybrid (Online and face-to-face classes)
Credit Hours: 51
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 51 credits – $42,585 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NSU’s BSN-to-AGNP sits inside the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing and offers MSN and DNP options, which lets students choose without locking in at application. Clinical rotations pull from South Florida’s large hospital networks. It’s a fit for applicants who want credential flexibility and are already based in Broward or Miami-Dade; expect to pay private-university tuition versus FIU or FAU.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 72-76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $369.65 per credit for 72-76 credits – $26,614.80 to $28,093.40 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,151.72 per credit for 72-76 credits – $82,923.84 to $87,530.72 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UCF’s BSN-to-DNP-AGNP specialization pairs doctoral-level coursework with Central Florida clinical networks (AdventHealth, Orlando Health, VA). The Graduate Program Clinical Coordinator handles placements, which is unusual relative to schools that leave that to the student. It’s a strong public pick for Orlando-area RNs who want the DNP credential; MSN-only applicants should look at private options like Jacksonville or NSU.
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $531 per credit for 76 credits – $40,356 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,255 per credit for 76 credits – $95,380 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UF’s BSN-to-DNP-AGNP runs through the state flagship with clinical exposure across UF Health’s Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses, including Shands as the academic medical center. The program’s ranking and in-state tuition make it the default best-value pick for Florida RNs who can commit to the longer DNP timeline. Applicants needing a faster MSN-only path should look at Barry or NSU.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 35-37
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $45,288
Program Overview:
Miami’s AGNP options include both MSN and DNP tracks through the School of Nursing and Health Studies in Coral Gables, with clinical placements in the UHealth system. Students in either track benefit from academic-medical-center referral-pattern exposure. It’s a fit for South Florida RNs who want UHealth-level patient acuity and are willing to pay private tuition.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 45-48
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $431.43 per credit for 45-48 credits – $19,414.35 to $20,708.64 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $877.17 per credit for 45-48 credits – $39,472.65 to $42,104.16 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USF’s College of Nursing offers the BSN-to-DNP-AGNP with Tampa Bay clinical rotations (USF Health, Tampa General, BayCare). In-state tuition is competitive with UF, and the choice between them tends to come down to geography. USF is a sensible default for Tampa-area RNs who want the DNP credential and an academic-medical-center setting.
Florida Online AGNP Programs
Florida’s online AGNP options are concentrated at a handful of schools. Herzing University runs a fully online RN-to-MSN-AGNP with AGACNP and AGPCNP tracks, 540 clinical hours, and school-coordinated placements. Florida Southern College offers the AGNP online with 585 clinical hours done in the student’s region and dual DNP credit.
FAMU, FAU, FIU, and FSU each run online post-master’s AGNP certificates for already-licensed APRNs adding adult-gerontology scope at public in-state rates. Applicants wanting acute-care AGNP (AGACNP) will have fewer online choices than primary-care (AGPCNP); Herzing is the main all-online AGACNP route.
Best AGNP Programs in Florida
University of South Florida‘s MSN-AGNP consistently ranks highest among Florida programs in U.S. News (top 25 nationally), with University of Miami and Florida International University close behind for MSN. At the DNP level, Florida State University leads the state, followed by University of Florida and University of Miami.
Rankings aside, fit matters more than prestige for most NP students. UCF offers 1,020 clinical hours with faculty-coordinated placements, which is unusual. Barry University and Jacksonville University are the strongest small-cohort private picks if you prefer named-faculty mentorship over research prestige.
MSN to AGNP Post-Graduate Certifications
Nurses who already have a Master’s degree may specialize in AGNP with the help of these post-graduate certification programs. Whether you prefer an on-campus or online option, these programs are flexible enough to be completed while you are working.
Barry University
- Miami Shores, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 15
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,050 per credit for 51 credits – $15,750 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Barry’s AGNP post-master’s certificate is for APRNs in other specialties (FNP, pediatrics, psych) wanting to add adult-gerontology scope. Curriculum plans are individualized around prior coursework, which can shorten the timeline meaningfully for nurses with relevant graduate credits already in hand. It’s a fit for South Florida APRNs expanding into adult acute-care or primary-care panels.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus or Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $732 per credit for 42 credits – $30,744 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FAMU’s AGNP post-graduate certificate extends the same primary-care-focused curriculum as its MSN track. It’s aimed at already-credentialed APRNs in the Panhandle and Big Bend region, with in-state tuition that keeps total cost below private alternatives. Applicants wanting acute-care AGNP will need to look at Barry or UF.
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus or Online
Credit Hours: minimum 10-13
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $371.82 per credit for 10-13 credits – $3,718.20 to $4,833.66 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,026.81 per credit for 10-13 credits – $10,268.10 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FAU’s AGNP post-master’s certificate lets APRNs add adult-gerontology scope through the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing’s caring-science framework. It’s a fit for South Florida APRNs who want Boca Raton-area clinical placements; applicants will need to verify whether their prior graduate pathophys/assessment/pharm coursework counts toward the certificate requirements.
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 32
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 32 credits – $11,948.16 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 32 credits – $41,621.12 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FIU’s AGNP post-master’s certificate runs through the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing with access to Miami’s public-hospital clinical sites. It’s priced at public in-state rates, which makes it one of the cheaper add-on options among Florida post-master’s programs. A sensible pick for Miami-area APRNs on a tighter budget.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 22
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, waiver offered
Resident Tuition: $3,449 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $11,538 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FSU’s AGNP post-graduate certificate is a practical pick for APRNs based in North Florida or the Panhandle who want to add adult-gerontology scope without a full MSN re-start. In-state tuition is a cost advantage. Out-of-region applicants should confirm that FSU can support preceptor placement in their home area.
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $755 per credit for 33 units – $24,915 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Herzing’s AGNP post-master’s certificate is fully online for didactic content, with 540 clinical hours placed by the school rather than the student, which is the program’s main differentiator. It’s a fit for full-time-working APRNs adding primary-care or acute-care adult scope who can’t afford to build their own clinical network.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 22-25
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of 3.0 and below
Tuition: $720 per credit for 22-25 credits – $15,840 to $18,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Jacksonville’s AGNP post-master’s certificate uses the Keigwin School’s small-cohort model and local preceptor networks in Northeast Florida. It’s best suited to APRNs already practicing in the Jacksonville metro; out-of-region applicants will need to work with admissions to confirm placement logistics.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus or Online
Credit Hours: 24
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 24 credits – $20,040 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NSU’s AGNP post-master’s certificate is delivered through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing and is aimed at APRNs in other specialties adding adult-gerontology scope. Clinical placements pull from NSU’s South Florida hospital partners. A reasonable pick for Broward/Miami-Dade APRNs willing to pay private-university tuition for the NSU brand and resources.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 18-23
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $369.65 per credit for 18-23 credits – $6,653.70 to $8,501.95 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,151.72 per credit for 18-23 credits – $20,730.96 to $26,489.56 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UCF’s AGNP post-master’s certificate sits inside the same DNP infrastructure as its MSN track, with faculty-coordinated placements across Central Florida’s health systems. It’s a fit for already-licensed APRNs who want to add adult-gerontology scope at a public research university without a full new degree.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 16-20
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,500 per credit for 16-20 credits – $24,000 to $30,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Miami’s AGNP post-master’s certificate runs out of the School of Nursing and Health Studies with practicum placements in UHealth. It’s aimed at MSN-prepared nurses (including APRNs in other specialties) wanting adult-gerontology scope at an academic medical center. Expect private-university tuition; the UHealth clinical exposure is the main draw.
Florida’s Most Affordable AGNP Programs
For Florida residents, Florida International University‘s BSN-to-DNP-AGNP at around $16,802 total is the cheapest published AGNP path (in-state). UCF and FAU are the next cheapest among publics. Jacksonville University‘s MSN is the most price-competitive among privates for out-of-state applicants, and FAMU‘s $732/credit public rate keeps its MSN-AGPCNP under $31,000 for residents.
Per the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Florida nurse practitioners earn a mean annual wage of approximately $115,000 statewide, with Adult-Gerontology specialists commanding the state median across most metros. Metro areas along the I-4 corridor (Orlando, Tampa) and the Miami/Fort Lauderdale MSA tend to pay above the statewide average.
AGNP Licensure Requirements in Florida
Degree level needed: at least a Master of Science in Nursing
Supervised hours total: 500 minimum
Required exams:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – AGPCNP, AGACNP
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) – AGPCNP
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) – AGACNP
Background check: Level 2 background screening, including fingerprinting, as initiated by the Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse
State licensing board: Florida Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Related Florida NP Program Guides
Looking at other NP specialties or the statewide view? See all Florida NP programs, or compare by specialty: Florida FNP programs · Florida DNP programs · Florida PNP programs.
Florida AGNP Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between AGPCNP and AGACNP?
AGPCNPs work in outpatient, ambulatory, and long-term care settings managing chronic and acute conditions for adolescents through older adults. AGACNPs work in hospitals, ICUs, and specialty services managing critically and acutely ill patients. The two require separate certifications with different scope of practice.
Which Florida schools offer AGNP tracks?
University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida International, and several other schools offer AGNP tracks at the MSN or DNP level. Specific AGPCNP vs. AGACNP offerings vary by school — verify with program directors for current cohort availability.
Does Florida grant full practice authority to AGNPs?
Florida grants Autonomous Practice Registration to qualifying AGNPs who complete at least 3,000 clinical practice hours over the preceding 5 years. AGNPs without autonomous registration practice under a written supervisory protocol per Florida Statutes Chapter 464.
What’s the demand for AGNPs in Florida?
Florida has the second-largest 65+ population in the country and one of the fastest-growing retirement metros. BLS projects 40% NP employment growth nationally from 2023 to 2033, with Florida’s adult-gerontology demand among the strongest in the Southeast.