In Massachusetts, nurse practitioners have full practice authority, which means they can practice independently without a collaborative agreement with a doctor. This ability provides a range of opportunities for NPs in the state to have control over their careers and make a difference in the lives of people in the state. An adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) is an exciting option in this field. In this role, the NP works with patients aged young adults to seniors, focusing on aging and how it affects the body.
If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, there are multiple AGNP programs to consider in Massachusetts.
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RN to AGNP Programs
RN to AGNP programs are designed for nurses with an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s in another field to pursue an AGNP degree. These programs do not require students to complete a BSN degree separately, making the process more streamlined.
Boston College
- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 112
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,804 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The RN to DNP AGNP in Primary Care is a unique opportunity for nurses with associate’s degrees to pursue a doctorate without completing a BSN or MSN program. This in-person program gives students significant hands-on experience learning in the university’s clinical and simulation labs. Students work with high-fidelity manikins and live actors to get experience assessing, diagnosing, and determining treatment plans for patients.
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Unspecified
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $995 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
This unique Regis College program awards a BSN to students as they complete classes and work through the program. There are two options: RN to BSN to AGNP Acute Care and RN to BSN to AGNP Primary Care. RNs must complete four bridge classes before entering the program, and some general education courses may be required, depending on previous educational experience.
BSN to AGNP Programs
These programs are for BSN-prepared nurses who want to pursue a career as an AGNP. Multiple options are available, including acute and primary care tracks and DNP programs.
Boston College
- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 112
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,804 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
For professionals interested in pursuing a DNP in primary care, Boston College’s programs cater to nurses at just about any stage of their careers. There are three options. There’s the BSN to DNP AGNP Primary Care for bachelor’s prepared nurses. For nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field, there’s the Direct Entry DNP AGNP Primary Care. Nurses with a master’s in another specialty can enroll in the MSN to DNP AGNP Primary Care. All courses are on campus, and students get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare them for their future careers.
College of Our Lady of the Elms
- Chicopee, Massachusetts
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,010 per credit + fees for DNP courses; $938 per credit + fees for core courses for those starting with a BSN
Program Overview:
The programs at Elms are designed for those wishing to work in acute care and pursue a terminal degree. The BSN/MSN to DNP AGNP Acute Care is for nurses with either a BSN or MSN degree. Those entering the program with a BSN will take 80 credits; those with a MSN in another field take 70 credits. Classes are hybrid, requiring some on-campus learning. College of Our Lady of the Elms also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate AGNP Acute Care.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1620 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MGH Institute of Health Professions has multiple options for those wishing to seek an AGMP degree. The two direct entry programs, Direct Entry AGNP Acute Care and Direct Entry AGNP Primary Care, are designed for nurses with bachelor’s degrees in other fields, and there is a BSN to AGNP Acute Care and a BSN to AGNP Primary Care for those who are BSN-prepared. MGH Institute of Health Professions also offers a unique BSN to AGNP/Women’s Health option that is ideal for anyone interested in women’s health and increasing their marketability and career potential.
Northeastern University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $975 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Northeastern University, students have multiple on-campus options, BSN to AGNP Acute Care and BSN to AGNP Primary Care, as well as Direct Entry AGNP Acute Care and Direct Entry AGNP Primary Care options for those with a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing. For those looking for an online option, Northeastern also offers a BSN to AGNP Primary Care Online program. Classes in this program are offered online, but students have to come to campus for two hands-on clinical weekends.
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Various
Clinical Hours: Various
Tuition: $995 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Regis College has multiple programs with options for those looking for an MSN, DNP, or online option. For BSN-prepared professionals, there are the BSN to AGNP Acute Care and BSN to AGNP Primary Care online options. There are online DNP options, too. BSN to DNP AGNP Acute Care and BSN to DNP AGNP Primary Care can be completed within 40 months. For those who already have an MSN and wish to pursue a DNP, there is an MSN to DNP AGNP Acute Care track and an MSN to DNP AGNP Primary Care track. Regis offers three post-graduate options: Post-Graduate Certificate AGNP Acute Care, Post-Graduate Certificate AGNP Primary Care, and Post-Graduate NP to AGNP, which prepares an NP in another specialty area to be certified as an AGNP.
Salem State University
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Hybrid + Campus + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $514.20 per credit + fees for residents; $609.30 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Salem State University’s BSN to AGNP Primary offers multiple entry points. It is designed for BSN-prepared nurses or RNs with either a diploma or associate degree and a bachelor’s in another field. Once accepted into the program, students will meet with a program coordinator to create a plan of study that incorporates their experience and education. Classes are hybrid and meet on the same evening every week.
University of Massachusetts Boston
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $806.92 per credit + fees for residents, $1,575.05 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Massachusetts Boston offers a BSN to AGNP Primary Care program comprising 27 MSN core credits and 21 AGNP specialty credits. For those who wish to earn a DNP, the BSN/MSN to DNP AGNP Primary Care is an option for students with either a BSN or DNP. Those starting the program with a BSN will complete 58 core credits, nine FNP credits, three nursing elective credits, and 1,065 clinical hours. Students will be awarded a master’s degree after completing 665 clinical hours and 48 credits of coursework. The MSN to DNP option is 21 core credits, seven internship credits, and three nursing elective credits with 400 clinical hours over the two-year program.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- Dartmouth, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $682.92 per credit + fees for residents; $1,232.42 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
For bachelor’s-prepared nurses wishing to pursue a DNP, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has a BSN to DNP AGNP Primary Care program that’s 63 credits and 1,008 practicum hours. All classes are online, with one on-campus day required every semester. This university also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate AGNP Primary Care with 24 credits and 500 practicum hours.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Lowell, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 750
Clinical Hours: 45
Tuition: $600 to $750 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to AGNP Primary Care program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a mix of online and on-campus requirements. This program can be completed in two years for full-time students and three to five years for part-time students. UMass Lowell’s program features unique Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) sessions where students work with highly trained actors playing the roles of patients to give students face-to-face, in-person experience assessing, diagnosing, and creating treatment plans for patients.
Online AGNP Programs
Due to the nature of the profession, all NP programs have in-person clinical requirements, and some have on-campus requirements. Sometimes, these on-campus requirements are classes one night a week, or they can be multiple-day residencies. Programs that have online components include those at College of Our Lady of the Elms, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Northeastern University, Regis College, Salem State University, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Best AGNP Programs in Massachusetts
Choosing the best AGNP programs in any state is difficult because it truly depends on what you’re looking for. Boston College has a unique program that allows RNs to complete a DNP, which is a good option for nurses with an associate’s who wish to pursue a doctorate. It also has a direct entry program for nurses with a bachelor’s in another area. MGH Institute of Health Professions has multiple options, including a one-of-a-kind program that allows students to pursue a dual role as an AGNP and a women’s health NP. Northeastern University also offers a lot of great programs, including a direct entry option.
Massachusetts Most Affordable AGNP Programs
Salem State University is the most affordable AGNP program in Massachusetts, with the University of Massachusetts Boston. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell are also more affordable. Note that this only includes the price per credit. Each program also has unique fees that may increase the price.