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Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate Online

nurse laughing with elderly man

Specialize in Adult Gerontology Primary Care with a Post-Graduate Certificate

Online Coursework

20-32 Months* 

37 Credit Hours

$925 Per Credit

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Provide Quality Primary Care

Become an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.  You will be prepared to deliver primary care to adolescence through the older adults, with a strong focus on health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management across the adult to older age spectrum.

This is a front – loaded, didactic – intensive program in which you will complete most of your course work, participate in an onsite clinical immersion experience and then progress to 765 hours of supervised practicum at designated clinical sites.

In just 32 months, you will graduate prepared to take the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam then begin clinical practice in a variety of settings including primary care, long term care facilities and more.

Certificate Details

  • Clinical placement support**
  • Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • 100% online coursework with on-site immersion opportunities
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Post-Graduate Curriculum

15 Courses

765 practicum hours

Through the coursework and practicum hours in the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner certification program at North Park, you’ll prepare to answer patients’ questions, create care plans that address adults’ unique needs as they age, and advance your nursing career. You’ll learn to provide care including palliative and end-of-life care.

Your advanced practice coursework includes:

  • Advanced Practice Nursing: Role Concepts and Transitions
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Adult Health Management and Course Practicum
  • Adult Health/Gerontology Residency

Complete your practicum hours during placement and in our state-of-the-art, on-campus simulation lab during the 3 day on-site.

Required Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Courses

This course addresses theories of adult growth and development, principles of health promotion and disease prevention, and introduces related national practice guidelines. Students acquire skills in conducting risk assessments, developing health promotion and risk reduction strategies, and evaluating health promotion activities.
This course is designed to facilitate student transition into the role of advanced practice nurse. It builds on concepts of role socialization and organizational structure. Professional issues such as credentialing and reimbursement for advanced practice nurses are explored. Health care policy and its impact on advanced practice nursing and primary care are examined.
This course expands on foundational concepts of pathophysiology, focusing on altered cell, organ, and system function. Recognition, evaluation, and management of common health deviations of individuals across the lifespan are also addressed.
This course expands on foundational concepts of pharmacology and provides a framework for understanding pharmacotherapeutics. The overall purpose of the course is to prepare advanced practice nurses for safe therapeutic drug selection and prescription for individuals across the lifespan.
This course examines the process of health history taking, physical assessment, diagnostic data interpretation, and health assessment recording for individuals across the lifespan. It consists of a 3 hour didactic portion and a 1 hour laboratory component. Students must have completed an undergraduate health assessment course or equivalent prior to registering for this course.
The student engages in primary care clinical experiences for the older adult. It builds upon the synthesis and applica-tion of knowledge gained in previous courses for health promotion, assess-ment, diagnosis and management of common acute episodic illnesses and chronic stable illnesses. Supervised clinical experiences (170 clock hours) are provided in the clinical setting.
The course examines the health care needs of adults across the lifespan as addressed by the advanced practice nurse in primary care settings. It builds on the concepts of health promotion and disease prevention and emphasizes assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common acute episodic illnesses, chronic stable illnesses and medical emergencies
The course, a continuation of NURS 5531, examines the health care needs of adults across the lifespan as addressed by the advanced practice nurse in primary care settings. It builds on the concepts of health promotion and disease prevention and emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common acute episodic illnesses, chronic stable illnesses, and medical emergencies.
The student engages in primary care clinical experiences that builds upon the synthesis and application of knowledge gained in previous courses for health promotion, assessment, diagnosis and management of common acute episodic illnesses, chronic stable illnesses and medical emergencies for adults across the lifespan. Supervised clinical experiences (255 clock hours) are provided in the clinical setting.
This course addresses the principles of health and aging and strategies for advanced assessment of older adults across cultural groups. Common geriatric issues and syndromes are discussed, with emphasis on wellness, prevention, maintenance, and early health care interventions in primary and long term care settings.
The course examines the health care needs of the older adult.  It builds on the concepts of health promotion and disease prevention and emphasizes assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common acute episodic illnesses, chronic stable illnesses, complex multi-morbidity, frailty and geriatric syndromes. 
The student engages in primary care clinical experiences for the older adult. It builds upon the synthesis and applica-tion of knowledge gained in previous courses for health promotion, assess-ment, diagnosis and management of common acute episodic illnesses and chronic stable illnesses. Supervised clinical experiences (170 clock hours) are provided in the clinical setting.
This is part 1 of a 2-part culminating course for the nurse practitioner student in the adult gerontology primary care track. Students engage in clinical experiences to synthesize knowledge and skills gained in previous practicum courses. They assume responsibility for management of individual adult clients from late adolescence through old age. Opportunities are also provided for advanced skill building with application to the clinical setting. Supervised clinical experiences (170 clock hours) are provided in the clinical setting.
This is part 2 of a 2-part culminating course for the nurse practitioner student in the adult gerontology primary care track. Students engage in clinical experiences to synthesize knowledge and skills gained in previous practicum courses. They assume responsibility for management of individual adult clients from late adolescence through old age. Opportunities are also provided for advanced skill building with application to the clinical setting. Supervised clinical experiences (170 clock hours) are provided in the clinical setting.
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop an evidence based practice project with potential for dissemination. The project will be presented in both written and oral formats.

Adult-Gerontology Certificate Outcomes

  • Integrate core scientific and ethical principles, advanced nursing knowledge, professional values, and clinical excellence in advanced nursing practice that reflects the Christian principles of the philosophy of the School of Nursing.
  • Apply leadership skills in the design, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of safe and high-quality patient care.
  • Plan quality improvement initiatives to improve health outcomes.
  • Apply evidence-based approaches to guide advanced nursing practice.
  • Use information systems and technology to support practice.
  • Advocate policies to improve the health of the public and the profession of nursing.
  • Demonstrate effective communication with interprofessional partners to improve the health of individuals and populations.
  • Plan, deliver, and evaluate effective, culturally responsive care to improve individual and population-based health outcomes with intentional emphasis on urban environments.
  • Design strategies for life-long learning that incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability for practice.

Apply to the AGPCNP Post-Graduate Certificate Program

Application Deadline 8/10/2026

Start Date 9/07/2026

Apply to the AGPCNP Post-Graduate Certificate program at North Park today. The application process is quick and easy, and you can save your progress as you work. A master’s degree is required to enroll in the post-graduate certificate. Those without a master’s degree can explore our MSN – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program.

Admissions Eligibility Requirements

  • Completed NursingCAS application.
  • Residency: Must be an Illinois resident
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • All candidates must have an undergraduate minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Candidates must hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited program (CCNE, ACEN, or NLNAC)
  • Official transcripts from all previous schools required, via NursingCAS.
  • Transcripts must show completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher: Nursing Research, Statistics, Health Assessment.
  • Graduate nursing students may transfer a maximum of 9 semester hours of equivalent coursework from an NLN or CCNE accredited Master of Science in Nursing program to North Park, with approval. Transferred courses must have a grade of “B” or higher and be no longer than five years old. The credentials examiner, in consultation with the academic standing committee of the graduate nursing faculty, will ascertain the transferability of a course.

Additional Requirements

  • Unencumbered RN license in the state of Illinois
  • 300-word essay that communicates your personal and professional nursing goals and how North Park and a graduate education will help you achieve those goals.
  • A professional resume
  • Two recommendations: enter the names and email addresses of two (2) individuals in a health professional role who can evaluate your performance as a professional RN – at least one recommendation needs to be from a current or recent nursing supervisor. They will receive a system-generated email with the recommendation request. Recommendations must come from individuals who have current knowledge (last 5 years) of your skills and abilities as an RN. Recommendations are not accepted by family members and/or friends.

Applicants may be invited to an interview. Before enrolling in the program, accepted students must have an academic advising appointment to complete interagency practicum agreement, submit proof of liability insurance, complete all required immunizations, health screenings, drug screenings, and background checks for clinical clearance.

Reach out to your enrollment counselor with any questions you encounter throughout the process.  

Admissions

Paying for Your Post-Graduate Certificate at North Park

$925 Cost per Credit

37 Total Credits

There are many options for paying for your certificate at North Park, and our team is ready to help you explore them. We know that investing in further education is a big step, and we strive to offer valuable education opportunities at affordable tuition rates. As you navigate financing options, reach out to an enrollment counselor with any questions.

Graduate certificate programs and endorsement-only programs are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Tuition & Aid

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Disclaimers

*20 months to completion applies to APRN-certified & licensed students following a gap analysis of the official transcript.

**Clinical education placements are a crucial part of your program, allowing you to apply advanced nursing skills in real-world settings. Placement is a shared responsibility among the University, faculty, and students, with all sites and preceptors requiring University approval.