Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP

Our Approach

You learn from faculty who are active practitioners at a top-tier academic medical center, RUSH University Medical Center.  

This means many program advisers and clinical faculty are practicing nurse practitioners who have clinical experience that will enrich your learning. 

We offer tracks for both bachelor’s and master’s-prepared (APRNs and non-APRNs) nurses. 

Program Length and Location

The program begins part-time but requires a full-time commitment in the last year of the program. This is due to clinical practica and residency hours. 

Coursework is completed online. 

Clinical practice sites are located in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Students who are from out of state can complete their practicum in their home state. 

Our program takes approximately 3 ½ years to complete for students who have a bachelor’s degree. 

If you have a master’s, your program completion time will vary depending on previous coursework completed. An individualized program of study is developed based on a gap analysis. 

Most students can continue to work full-time until management and clinical courses begin, which is about two-thirds into the program.  

You will need to set aside time for school and study. When you start your clinical practicum, reserve one to two days a week to complete the required hours.  

The residency clinical practicum requires three days a week. 

Campus visits

All students are required to be on campus for a minimum of five visits for the following activities: 

• Simulation experiences: three to four experiences, one time per term during clinical management courses. Usually lasts one day. 
• DNP project proposal: usually one to two days tied in with other on-campus days. 
• DNP project final presentation: usually one to two days tied in with other campus visits. 

Certification

The program is designed to provide the didactic and clinical experiences to prepare students with the AGPCNP competencies. 

Graduates are prepared to take the AGPCNP exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 

Program Tuition

At RUSH University, we know your education is a big investment.  

We want to make sure you have all the information to be able to make the best financial decisions for you and your family. 

Tuition for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program is $1,344 per credit hour.

Learn about student financial aid options.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Career Opportunities

Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners work independently and collaboratively with other adult and gerontological care providers. 

They deliver quality, evidence-based care to maximize patient outcomes and work in a variety of settings: 

• Ambulatory specialty clinics (e.g., cardiology, oncology, endocrinology) 
• Home care agencies 
• Hospital-based skilled nursing facilities 
• Internal Medicine 
• Post-acute care and long-term care settings 
• Primary care clinics 
• Retirement centers 
• University student health centers 

Employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 40% from 2021-31. This is much faster than the average for other professions.  

From 2014-30, the population of adults is expected to grow by 37% (65 years and older) and 9% (18-44 years old).