Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

AGPCNP working in outpatient care with an adolescent.
Next Application Deadline:
March 1, 2026
Credit hours: 53
Next Term Start Date:
August 25, 2026

Ohio State's online MS in Nursing is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report

Apply by March 1, 2026 to start the program this Autumn.

Apply now

Overview

The online MS in Nursing Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track prepares nurses to provide direct patient care in various settings, focusing on promoting health and well-being, diagnosing and treating common conditions in adolescents, adults, and older adults. This specialty is part of Ohio State’s online MS in Nursing program ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

The robust curriculum, approved by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, integrates evidence-based coursework, diagnostic reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration. It includes three clinical practicum experiences (Clinical Practicum I–III) conducted near each student’s home. During these practicums, students work under experienced preceptors to develop the skills necessary for diagnosing, managing, and evaluating both acute and chronic conditions, as well as promoting wellness and disease prevention.

Graduates of the program are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program faculty, led by track director Dr. Courtney Shihabuddin, guide students in mastering advanced practice strategies and preparing for impactful careers in various settings such as primary care clinics, home health, hospitals, businesses, and governmental agencies, while also contributing to education, research, and healthcare policy.

Official Recognition & Accreditation

USNWR ranks Ohio State's MSN program #1 in 2026

#1 program

The Ohio State University’s MS in Nursing program is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Ohio State's programs are accredited by the CCNE.

Accreditation

Ohio State’s MS in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Frequently Asked Questions

Ohio State's online MS in Nursing is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report

Apply by March 1, 2026 to start the program this Autumn.

Apply now

Academic Calendar

Ohio State’s online MS in Nursing program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.

Academic Calendar

Ohio State’s online MS in Nursing program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.

Ohio State's online MS in Nursing is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report

Apply by March 1, 2026 to start the program this Autumn.

Apply now

Admission Criteria

Students must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution to be eligible to apply. Applicants must also have an active RN license and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned relevant to the program of study.

Who We Are Looking For

Your application will receive a holistic review, meaning all aspects of who you are as an applicant will be considered including your academic preparedness, professional background, formative life experiences, and your unique strengths and attributes. The following list of applicant attributes and experiences is not all encompassing but is meant to help guide you in highlighting your strengths as you prepare your written application materials and recorded online interview.

  • Understanding of the advanced practice nurse role
  • Experience with your chosen population – Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
  • Community engagement
  • Diversity of thought and experiences
  • Resilience, growth, critical thinking
  • Emotional intelligence, communication skills
  • Personal attributes like humility, professionalism, compassion
  • Commitment to the nursing profession

How to Apply

NC-SARA Participating Institution logo

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).

SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.

California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.

The Application Process

Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.

Career Outlook

The Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner at Ohio State positions graduates for a promising career outlook. As the aging population continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals who can provide comprehensive care to older adults. Graduates are equipped to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of health conditions, making them highly sought after in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The advanced training and specialized knowledge gained from the program enhance job prospects, offering opportunities for leadership roles and competitive salaries. Additionally, the program’s strong connections with healthcare organizations and its robust alumni network provide valuable resources and support for career advancement.

For the third consecutive year, nurse practitioner earned the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Healthcare Jobs rankings, reflecting strong and growing national demand for the career.

Top Occupations by Median Income

National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.

Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.

Curriculum

Ohio State’s AGPCNP program curriculum and clinical experience allow students to provide quality health care to adults in a variety of settings. As a student, your coursework, clinical experience, inter-professional collaboration and evidence-based practice learning in this top-ranked program will help you to acquire the knowledge, values and skills necessary for advanced practice nursing roles.

Below is a sample curriculum plan for part time students of the MS in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology NP specialization. Most students complete the program part time in eight semesters, while full-time students finish in about five. Although the part-time plan offers flexibility for working nurses, it does include several semesters of full-time coursework to maintain progression. Depending on course and clinical sequencing, credit loads may vary from 2 to approximately 10 per term.

On-campus requirements: Online students are required to attend one on-campus visit during each of the final three semesters of their program for in-person learning and evaluation of clinical skills. These required experiential learning days will be pre-scheduled so students can make travel plans in advance.

Required clinical hours: Students are required to complete a total of 600 clinical hours during the program.

Autumn, Year 1

Spring, Year 1

Summer, Year 1

Autumn, Year 2

Spring, Year 2

Summer, Year 2

Autumn, Year 3

Spring, Year 3

Pam Kibbe DNP, APRN-CNP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Headshot of Pam Kibbe, BSN-DNP faculty

Kristel Aoun DNP, MBA, APRN-CNP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice Columbus Free Clinic Nurse Practitioner
Headshot of Kristel Aoun, BSN-DNP faculty

Testimonials

Learn how online learning has helped Ohio State students exceed in their personal and professional lives.

Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester. 

Get Started

Connect with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 80 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State. They are here to help you on your education journey.

Contact an Enrollment Advisor
Lady smiling typing at a laptop on a desk.