Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

agpcnp rankingDue to patient needs and a rapidly growing senior population in our country, there is a great need for primary care nurse practitioners. If you want opportunities to assess, diagnose and manage common acute and chronic health problems for patients from age 13 throughout the senior years, the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty is for you. You will deliver high quality, cost-effective care, emphasizing disease prevention and health promotion. A crucial part of your role will be teaching patients and their families about maintaining their health and preventing disease.

Our Strengths

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is ranked as the #6 graduate school of nursing for its MSN and #13 for its DNP, according to U.S. News & World Report. We are members of the National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence. We are also next door to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the nation’s top academic medical centers. But most importantly, we are committed to the success of our students. We offer a rigorous curriculum taught by doctorally prepared faculty who share their own, diverse, real-world experiences and provide clinical experiences in a variety of practice settings. Our students benefit from low faculty-to-student ratios and personalized attention. You will also benefit from your classmates who have diverse backgrounds and experiences that will enrich your learning experience.

Our Curriculum

Through a comprehensive curriculum that uses traditional classroom settings, simulated experiences and clinical training, you will develop deep primary care knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. You will take specific courses in the care of adolescents, adults and the elderly. You will learn about the aging process and gain knowledge in mental health throughout the lifespan.

Graduation from this MSN specialty prepares you to take the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner exams, offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and/or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Vanderbilt Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner students typically score above national rates on these exams.

Educational Formats

If you have a nursing background, this specialty is offered in a modified distance learning format that allows you to earn your degree without having to relocate or give up employment. If you do not have a prior nursing background, you must complete your first year within a daily commute of Nashville. When you progress to the specialty portion of your education, the curriculum format changes so that you will not have to live in the Nashville vicinity. More Info >

Career Opportunities

As an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, you can serve your patients in a variety of practice settings, such as:

  • Internal Medicine Offices
  • Ambulatory Care Centers
  • Community Clinics
  • Prisons, Jails
  • Long-term Care Facilities
  • Specialty Clinics
  • University Student Health Centers
  • Rehabilitation Centers

Meet the AGPCNP faculty


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