13 Best Accelerated AGNP Programs For Non-Nurses (Online & Campus-Based)
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
There’s never been a better time to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner! An increasing number of Americans are 65 or older, so the demand for medical services among senior citizens is at an all-time high. AG nurse practitioners have abundant job opportunities that often include leadership positions. They also earn excellent salaries. The right accelerated AGNP program can make this career option available even if you’re not a registered nurse. Wondering what are the best accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses? We’ve made the search easy with the list below of the 13 best accelerated (campus-based and online) AGNP programs for non-nurses.
RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
What are the Best Accelerated (Campus-Based and Online) AGNP Programs fr Non-Nurses in the Nation?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 13 best accelerated AGNP programs for non-nurses. The following list includes both (Campus-Based and Online) programs. These programs are for students with a degree in a non-nursing field.)
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 8 Semesters
Program Details: The Master of Nursing Pathway to Master of Science in Nursing program at Emory University is one of the best accelerated AGNP programs for non-nurses in the U.S. The program follows a cohort model and admits students in the summer semester. The Master of Nursing component of the program requires on-site learning. The MSN portion of the program features distance learning classes with some on-campus intensives.
You will complete
60 credit hours, including 519 clinical hours, to earn the Master of Nursing degree. At that time, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination and obtain licensure to practice as a registered nurse. After obtaining your RN license, you will transition to the Master of Science in Nursing program with the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization. The MSN component requires an
additional 48 credits and approximately 780 clinical hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses at Emory University takes eight semesters to complete. The first four semesters consist of MN coursework, followed by the remainder of the program, earning your MSN and specializing as an AGNP.
Why Choose This Program
•
U.S. News ranks Emory University’s Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP program as one of the best in the nation!
• Emory University’s School of Nursing, in collaboration with the
Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition, announced a partnership leading to housing the Georgia Nursing Workforce Center at Emory School of Nursing. What this means for you is access to job placement opportunities and mentorship from professionals in the nursing workforce.
• The Emory University School of Nursing has several scholarship opportunities available to students. In 2023, the school awarded more than 750 scholarships to nursing students in graduate and undergraduate programs.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (7 Semesters) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (7 Semesters)
Program Details: Another of the nation's best accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses is available at Vanderbilt University. The school offers an Acute Care AGNP and a Primary Care AGNP option. The programs begin in the fall semester of each year and are formatted for continuous full-time study.
Both AGNP programs feature a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom learning, laboratory simulation experiences, and in-person clinical practicums. As a student with a non-nursing background, you are required to complete the didactic portion of your program on campus.
You will first complete 63 credits to earn the
Master of Nursing degree. After earning the MN, you will begin advanced studies to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and choose whether to pursue the Acute Care or Primary Care Adult-Gerontology concentration. The Acute Care AGNP pathway is a
40-credit program that includes 630 clinical hours. The Primary Care AGNP pathway also requires you to complete 40 credits but has a
560-hour clinical component.
Clinical rotations are a crucial part of the curriculum for the accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner program for non-nurses. The Clinical Placement office works collaboratively with program faculty and you to ensure you have appropriate placements and qualified preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses at Vanderbilt can be completed in seven semesters. The first four semesters involve Master of Nursing coursework and preparation for RN licensure. The final three semesters include advanced nursing coursework and clinicals relevant to your concentration.
Why Choose This Program
• Vanderbilt University has been honored by
U.S. News to be named as one of the Best Grad Schools for Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Adult/Gerontology Acute and Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Adult/Gerontology Primary!
• Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing reports graduates of the accelerated AGNP programs for non-nurses score well above the national average on national certification exams. High pass rates are a strong indication that you will be well-prepared for national certification and practice following graduation.
• At Vanderbilt University, you will learn from master’s and doctoral-prepared faculty and clinical instructors who participate in active practice, ensuring you learn about the most current trends in nursing and healthcare.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: At The Ohio State University, you will find another excellent accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses. The program admits students once per year in the summer semester. This fast-paced Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program is a Graduate Entry option that consists of four pillars: pre-licensure curriculum, graduate core curriculum, specialty courses, and clinical experiences.
The program features a hybrid mix of online and campus-based learning and requires full-time, year-round enrollment. Pre-licensure coursework is delivered in a classroom format on campus. Graduate core and specialty courses are available in a classroom-based or online format.
After completing the pre-licensure component of the program, you will take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses to obtain your RN license. At that time, some students choose to begin working as an RN. However, it is important to remember that the program continues on a full-time basis through completion, which could make full-time employment challenging.
The curriculum for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a
78-credit pathway. You will take classes, including Cultural Competence in Healthcare, Pathophysiology, Nursing Care of Children and Their Families, Psychiatric and Mental Health, and Nursing Care of Adults and Older Adults. The final year of the program is dedicated to clinical practicum experiences.
Desirable candidates for this program hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 for the last degree earned, and must meet all
admission criteria. The university looks for candidates with previous personal or professional experience working with adults or geriatric populations, a proven record of accomplishment of leadership, and a willingness to be a team player. Emotional intelligence and personal characteristics such as humility, compassion, and professionalism are also required.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The adult gerontology nurse practitioner program for non-nurses is a 3-year program.
Why Choose This Program
• The Ohio State University offers experiential opportunities through which you can engage with clinical partners worldwide through initiatives sponsored by the
Office of Global Innovations.
• As a student in the accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses at Ohio State University, you will have access to the
Helen Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare. The Institute is a national hub for forming, teaching, and disseminating best practices aimed at improving healthcare safety, quality, costs, and patient outcomes.
• The university’s Center for Healthcare Innovation and Leadership brings together leaders in healthcare innovation, education, practice, entrepreneurship, and research to collaborate on ways to improve health. When you pursue your degree through OSU, you will have access to the Center and have opportunities to collaborate with some of the brightest and most influential minds in nursing and healthcare.
Specialty Offered: Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: If you are researching accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses and hope to specialize in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Yale University has one of the Best programs available! The program admits students once each academic year in the fall semester. In addition to a hybrid mix of classroom and online learning, you will partake in intensive clinical skills labs and simulated experiences in the university’s state-of-the-art simulation laboratory.
You will enter this Graduate Entry program and pursue a pre-specialty year curriculum that balances a rich mixture of arts and sciences in the classroom and clinical settings. Your
pre-specialty year requires you to complete 45 credits, including 357 clinical hours. Upon completion of your pre-specialty year, you will continue with graduate studies and be admitted to the Adult-Gerontology specialty path. The MSN/Adult-Gerontology curriculum is a
50.5 credit hour plan that includes 660 clinical hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses at Yale University takes three years to complete. The pre-specialty year is three consecutive semesters, including summer. The second and third years of the program require attendance in the fall and spring but no summer classes.
Why Choose This Program
• Yale University’s School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top Master of Science in Nursing programs in the country!
• Because Yale University SON attracts students across the nation, you will have rich opportunities to learn about diverse cultures and develop relationships with peers with like-minded interests and goals.
• In the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses, you will learn from licensed and certified advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (3 Years) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (3 Years)
Program Details: The University of Rochester offers two more of the best accelerated AGNP programs for non-nurses. You may choose to specialize as an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner through the school’s program. The programs enroll students three times per year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Upon admission to the program, you will be admitted to both the Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing program (ABSN) and the Master's Nurse Practitioner program, declaring a specialty in acute or primary care adult-gerontology studies. You will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in the first 12 months through the ABSN program, after which you will sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your RN license and then continue on in the MSN program.
At the University of Rochester, you will follow a flexible, hybrid learning format that features online classes and on-site simulation experiences. The Primary Care AGNP pathway features a
45-credit curriculum. The Acute Care AGNP program requires you to
complete 47 credits. Both programs include a minimum of 672 clinical practicum hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Both specialties of the accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner program for non-nurses at the University of Rochester take three years to complete.
Why Choose This Program
• Graduates of the accelerated AGNP programs for non-nurses at Rochester University have excellent pass rates on national certification exams. Most students pass the exam on their first try!
• The university reports a low attrition rate for both the Acute Care and Primary Care AGNP programs, which indicates student satisfaction and success.
• At the University of Rochester, you will learn from highly skilled faculty. For example, some University of Rochester faculty members have been named
Distinguished Fellows of the National Academies of Practice.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3.5 years
Program Details: Boston College is home to an excellent accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses.The program is a post-baccalaureate program through which you will earn a Master of Science, Advanced Nursing Generalist, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.
The first five semesters of the program feature an intense, full-time schedule. This component of the program will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as a Registered Nurse. At the end of the first five semesters, a generalist Master of Science in Nursing degree is conferred. You will then transition to the final portion of the program, completing doctoral-level coursework and Adult-Gerontology NP specialty courses and participating in clinical fieldwork.
This accelerated Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program for non-nurses features a challenging and comprehensive curriculum designed to address current healthcare issues as well as ethics, leadership, and sciences. You will complete
107 credits and more than 1,000 clinical practice hours in the program.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program at Boston College is designed to be completed in three and a half years. To graduate in this amount of time, you must remain enrolled full-time and attend consecutive semesters, including summers.
Why Choose This Program
• Boston College is ranked by
U.S. News as one of the top colleges for nursing education. This recognition supports the school's claim that its program offers high-quality education that will prepare you for professional nursing practice.
• The College reports outstanding NCLEX-RN pass rates among first-time testers. This is a strong indication that the Graduate-Entry curriculum is sufficient to prepare you to become a registered nurse and advance to doctoral studies to become an AGNP.
• The Boston Collee School of Nursing boasts faculty who are distinguished scholars involved in promoting change to address some of the most pressing healthcare challenges today. You will learn from faculty whose clinical work informs and enhances your classroom and clinical experiences.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (8 Semesters) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (8 Semesters)
Program Details: Two more of the nation’s best accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses are offered at Northeastern University. The program admits students once per academic year in the fall semester.
You will first complete the RN pre-licensure portion of the program, which consists of a 64-credit curriculum and clinical practicums that prepare you to take the licensure exam to obtain your RN license. The pre-licensure component is 16 months, and after completion of this component, a BSN is conferred.
After completing the pre-licensure segment, you will enroll in one of the AGNP accelerated programs for non-nurses and complete 16 credits of core nursing coursework. In the core classes, you will study Healthcare System and Professional Role Development, Epidemiology and Population Health, and Translating Research into Practice. After completing the initial core classes, you will begin advanced studies in your specialty (acute or primary Adult-Gerontology care).
The AGNP pathways each feature a 43-credit hour curriculum. In the
Acute Care pathway, you will study topics such as Acute-Care Concepts in Nursing Practice and Nursing Management of Critical and Chronic Illness and Acute Episodic Illness. The
Primary Care pathway features classes, including Primary Care of Adult/Older Adult Complex Problems and Health Promotion of Adults and Older Adults. Both pathways have three clinical courses with corresponding practicums.
Northeastern University understands the importance of having high-quality experiential learning opportunities. You will complete at least 600 clinical practice hours with the supervision of faculty and expert preceptors. Your clinical advisor will work with you to ensure you have adequate clinical experiences in appropriate settings with qualified preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Both the Acute Care and Primary Care pathways of the accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner for non-nurses at Northeastern University can be completed in eight semesters.
Why Choose This Program
• Northeastern University’s School of Nursing has more than 40 years of experience educating nursing students, a true testament to its dedication to furthering nursing education.
• At Northeastern University, you will gain diverse experiences in clinicals, labs, and some of the nation’s top health institutions.
• Northeastern University is ranked by
U.S. News & World Report in several categories, including Best Nursing Schools: Master’s, Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Best Nursing Schools: Graduate Nursing Programs.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (3 Years) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (3 Years)
Program Details: At MGH Institute of Health Professions, you will find another excellent accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses. Adult-Gerontology NP students may choose to specialize in acute or primary care.
The first three semesters of the program are dedicated to prelicensure nursing courses, helping you develop the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to help you pass the NCLEX-RN exam. During the final three semesters, you will complete the requirements to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a specialty-focused curriculum.
The Primary Care AGNP pathway is a
94-credit pathway. The Acute Care AGNP pathway requires you to complete
91 credits. You will study in classes such as Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Nursing Process and Critical Thinking. Each pathway features three advanced practice practicum courses with corresponding hands-on clinical experiences.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The Acute and Primary Care pathways for the accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses at MGH Institute of Health Professions can be completed in three years.
Why Choose This Program
• MGH Institute of Health Professions has more than 600 clinical partner sites, ensuring you have excellent options for hands-on learning.
• The School of Nursing offers low faculty-to-student ratios in the classroom and clinicals. These low ratios mean you have more opportunities for individualized learning and mentoring.
• MGH Institute of Health Professions is ranked as one of the top programs in the
U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 category of Best Grad Schools for Nursing Master’s Degree.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: The University of Hawaii at Manoa is home to another excellent accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner program for non-nurses. The program admits students in the fall semester annually. The program follows a full-time cohort model that combines a hybrid blend of synchronous and asynchronous online and classroom learning as well as in-person clinical practicums.
The accelerated AGNP program is a
77-credit pathway. With classes such as Diagnosis and Management of Complex Care Across the Lifespan, applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology for Nurses in Advanced Practice, and Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice, you will be well-prepared to begin your career as a Primary Care Adult-Gerontology NP.
You will complete 765 supervised clinical hours and earn 270 supervised practicum hours for the completion of your DNP project. The combination of supervised clinical hours and DNP project hours will help you achieve the minimum 1,000 hours of required precepted clinical hours as determined by the
Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a 3-year or 8-semester program.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of Hawaii at Manoa is recognized by
U.S. News in several categories, including Best Undergraduate Nursing, Best Master's, and Best Doctor of Nursing Practice. This recognition speaks highly of the school and the quality of education you will receive as a student in the AGNP accelerated program for non-nurses.
• Graduates of the Graduate Entry accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses have outstanding NCLEX-RN pass rates! More than 90% of testers pass the exam on their first try!
• At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, you will have access to the
Translational Health Science Simulation Center where you can practice skills to help improve patient care quality, safety, and outcomes.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 4 Years
Program Details: The University of Vermont offers another option for an accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses. The program admits students in the fall semester of each academic year. Some classes are offered in a campus-based learning format, while others are in a hybrid format with synchronous and asynchronous online delivery.
Although the program is not an accelerated RN completion program and a BSN is not awarded, after completion of your direct-entry year, you will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). RN licensure is required to proceed in the nurse practitioner training program.
The rich,
106-credit curriculum includes classes such as Optimizing Health and Management of Community Health Issues, Fundamentals of Critical Inquiry, and Advanced Neuropharmacology. You will begin clinicals in the first semester of the program and continue with practicum experiences each semester through graduation. You will complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised direct and indirect clinical practicum hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner program for non-nurses is designed to be completed in 11 semesters or four years.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of Vermont’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences embraces cultural diversity and promotes
cultural competence in nursing, preparing you to see the world through diverse lenses, which is essential to be effective in the healthcare industry.
• The University has a
Clinical Simulation Laboratory where you will receive high-tech training in preparation for clinicals and independent practice.
• You will have opportunities to work at Appletree Bay Primary Care, a nurse practitioner-led practice in Burlington, which is staffed by University of Vermont faculty and students.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 4 Years
Program Details: If you are a college graduate with a non-nursing degree and a desire to pursue graduate studies and become an Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, you could be a great fit at Seattle University! The university offers an Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion option, which allows you to leverage your non-nursing bachelor's degree and enter the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, studying to become an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program is one of the nation's top accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses.
During the first five quarters of the program, you will complete pre-licensure coursework and prepare to take the NCLEX-RN. The
Pre-Licensure component of the program requires you to complete 67 credits, including 600 clinical hours.
The
final three years of the program are dedicated to full-time doctoral study, preparing you to take on the role of advanced practice nursing specializing as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. During these three years, you will complete an additional 99 credits, participate in clinical practicums and internships, and complete a DNP Project Internship and Project.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program is a full-time course study that takes four calendar years to complete.
Why Choose This Program
• The Seattle University College of Nursing offers state-of-the-art learning facilities and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare you for your career as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care nurse practitioner.
• As a student in the accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses, you can take advantage of opportunities for global learning. The university’s Global Learning Initiative promotes international and interdisciplinary collaboration, placing special emphasis on “transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions.”
• Seattle University’s College of Nursing has a dynamic team of faculty, staff, and advisors who are experts in the field of nursing. Their collective knowledge, experience, and expertise will guide you to success in the program and your career after graduation.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: Azusa Pacific University offers an Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses. New classes begin in the spring and fall semesters of each academic year. The program is formatted in a blended hybrid format, which consists of classroom and online learning as well as in-person, direct-care clinical practicums.
The program consists of a pre-licensure component that includes prelicensure theoretical and clinical courses, select graduate nursing courses and a clinical residency. After completing the
69-credit prelicensure component and passing the NCLEX-RN, you will continue with advanced nursing courses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. The specialty component of the accelerated adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program for non-nurses includes
48 additional credits.
As a student in the program offered at APU, you will learn about direct patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management. You will also learn to focus on client and family education, program planning, and client advocacy. The curriculum includes concepts from classes, including Psychosocial Primary Health Care of the Adult and Aging Family, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, and Spiritual Concept Analysis in Healthcare.
Program faculty arrange clinical sites and preceptors to ensure you have sufficient experiences to prepare you for independent practice. By the time you graduate, you will have more than 600 clinical practice hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner accelerated program for non-nurses at Azusa Pacific University in three years.
Why Choose This Program
• If you are searching for a
faith-based institution where you can earn your degree, Azusa Pacific University is a great place to be! The school has incorporated religious beliefs into every aspect of student life since its founding in 1899.
• Azusa Pacific boasts renowned faculty who are experts in the field of Adult-Gerontology nursing. Learning from these experienced nurse practitioners and researchers will help prepare you to pursue independent practice as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
• You will have a dedicated advisor who will mentor you from the time you are admitted to the program until you graduate. Your advisor will collaborate with you, the program faculty and clinical coordinators to ensure you have the best experience possible while earning your degree and preparing for practice.
Specialty Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 4 Years
Program Details: The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School offers a Graduate Entry Pathway for baccalaureate-prepared non-nurses to become either an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The programs, which admit students in the fall semester each year, feature campus-based learning located in the school’s state-of-the-art learning and simulation community and within top-ranked medical school campuses.
With a combination of pre-specialty classes such as Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology for Nursing, and Health Assessment and Skills and skills and clinical experiences, you will prepare for and take the NCLEX-RN to obtain RN licensure. The following three years of the program are dedicated to graduate studies and your choice of
acute or
primary adult-gerontology care.
Both pathways of the accelerated AGNP program for non-nurses feature a 118-credit hour curriculum and more than 1,000 clinical hours. When you transition to advanced coursework, you will take classes, including Principles of Epidemiology, Analytical Foundations of Practice Inquiry and Diagnostic Reasoning Complexities Associated with the Care of the Older Adult.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner program for non-nurses takes four years to complete. The first year of the program is the pre-specialty year, during which you will earn your RN license. The remaining three years are dedicated to the pursuit of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, specializing in acute or primary adult-gerontology care.
Why Choose This Program
• Students who enter the accelerated adult gerontology nurse practitioner for non-nurses at UMass Medical School have excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates. The school reports almost all students pass the licensing exam on their first attempt!
• UMass Medical School is ranked by
U.S. News as having one of the top programs for Doctor of Nursing Practice in the nation.
• Graduates of the program report high satisfaction with the school, program, and faculty.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.