Best AGNP Programs in Arizona (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Nearly 20 percent of Arizona's population is over the age of 65, making the Grand Canyon State an excellent location for advanced practice RNs who specialize in the care of geriatric patients. Graduates of AGNP programs in Arizona are highly sought after by healthcare employers; in fact, the demand for the care they provide is expected to rise by an astounding 71 percent within the next decade. In return for the expert care they provide, adult gerontology nurse practitioners are compensated with salaries that average $137,410 annually. Whether you choose to specialize in primary or acute care, the need is strong! We've put together a guide to the best AGNP programs in Arizona that contains a lot more information.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST AGNP PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online AGNP programs in Arizona.)
1. Arizona State University - Phoenix
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with a passion for providing adult and geriatric care who is ready to take your career to the next level? Have you considered earning a doctorate in nursing and becoming an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner? If so, Arizona State University has a program that could be the perfect choice for you!
At ASU, registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree specializing as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in as little as three years. This program admits students once a year in the fall. This AGNP program in Arizona features a hybrid learning format that requires you to travel to campus for up to one week for orientation at the beginning of the program and two to three times per semester throughout the remainder of the program.
The BSN-to-DNP program features an 84-credit hour curriculum. The plan of study includes classes such as Applied Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan, Management of Common Health Problems in Adult-Gerontology Care, Principles of Evidence-Based Care in Advanced Practice, and Adult-Gerontology Health Promotion. The program also includes 1,125 practicum hours, which exceeds the minimum recommended by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Clinicals are arranged collaboratively with faculty to ensure appropriate placement and qualified preceptors. The program culminates with the completion of an evidence-based doctoral project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at ASU must meet admission criteria for both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally recognized and accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have an encumbered Arizona state or Compact State RN license where clinicals will be completed. Prospective students are required to submit a graduate admission application with an application fee, official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, three professional letters of recommendation, a résumé, a goal statement, an admissions essay, and proof of English proficiency, if applicable. Candidates with one year of clinical experience working within the chosen specialty are preferred but not required. Lastly, you will be asked to participate in an interview with the program faculty.
Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are an RN already certified in an advanced practice registered nurse specialty and wish to add the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialty, the Graduate Certificate program at Arizona State University is an excellent option. The program admits students in the fall annually.
The Graduate Certificate program is presented in a hybrid format consisting primarily of online courses. However, you must travel to campus for a one-week orientation and two to three times per semester thereafter. The program is a 22-credit pathway with three clinical courses, each with a corresponding practicum.
The program includes 585 clinical hours. If you reside in the Maricopa County region, the faculty arranges clinical experiences for you. Students outside this area are responsible for identifying clinical sites and preceptors and getting approval from the Program Director.
Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate program, you must have earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from a nationally recognized and regionally accredited nursing program. All candidates must submit a graduate admission application, three professional letters of recommendation, an admission essay, a professional resume, and proof of a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where clinicals will be completed. Additionally, you are required to provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. Transcripts should reflect a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in your master’s nursing program.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Arizona State University has earned an excellent reputation for providing high-quality nursing education. The school is ranked by U.S. News in its Best Doctor of Nursing Practice and Best Doctor of Nursing Practice-Gerontology Concentration categories.• Graduates of the Arizona State University AGNP program have outstanding success on national certification exams. According to school reports, nearly all graduates pass national exams on their first attempt. This is an excellent indication that the program is strong and prepares students for their intended roles.
• As a student at Arizona State University, you will have opportunities to participate in international healthcare experiences through the college's Global Health Collaboratory. The Collaboratory offers benefits from career development to study abroad programs, where you can explore diverse healthcare practices and cultural perspectives.
2. The University of Arizona - Tucson
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: In your search for the best AGNP programs in Arizona, the University of Arizona is definitely worth considering! At U-A, you will find a post-bachelor’s DNP program with the option to specialize as an Acute Care AGNP. Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available, making it easy for you to choose a schedule that works best to meet your needs. Part-time students complete the program in three and a half years, while full-time students can complete the program in as few as two and a half years.
The BSN-to-DNP program is a hybrid pathway featuring a mixture of online didactic coursework, campus-based intensives, and in-person clinical practicums. The curriculum requires the completion of 70 credit hours. In this program, you will take classes, including Diagnosis & Management of Chronic & Acute Illness, Adult-Gerontology Traumatic Injury & Emergent Illness, Cardiac Rhythm Analysis & Interventions, and Statistical Inference for Evidence-Based Practice.
RISE (Residential Intensive Summer Experience) is an intensive learning experience that occurs annually on campus. Additionally, you will participate in a Clinical Preparation Intensive under the supervision of a clinical preceptor before beginning clinical coursework. The program includes 720 clinical hours. Clinical placements are arranged collaboratively with program faculty to ensure appropriate sites and preceptors. Priority is given to arranging placements close to your geographical area whenever possible.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Arizona is competitive. Candidates must apply to the University of Arizona Graduate College via GradApp to be admitted as a graduate student and to the College of Nursing via NursingCAS. Applicants need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. All candidates are required to submit two professional references, a curriculum vitae, and a copy of all post-secondary transcripts. A minimum 3.0 GPA for the most recent nursing degree is required. Additionally, to be eligible for full-time enrollment, you must have completed a minimum of one year (1,800+) hours of work experience as a registered nurse before applying. Any candidate with less than one year of work experience may apply for part-time enrollment.
Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are an advanced practice registered nurse wanting to advance your career by becoming certified as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, the Graduate Certificate program at the University of Arizona is a great option. The program admits students once each year in the fall semester. It takes four semesters to complete this pathway.
The Graduate Certificate program features a 35-credit curriculum. However, if you previously completed the three P’s, you may request to have nine credits transferred toward the certificate. The program requires completion of 720 clinical hours.
Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate program, applicants must have an advanced practice nursing degree (master’s degree or higher), an unrestricted RN license within the United States, and a current APRN certification (NP, CNS, CRNA, or CNM). Candidates are required to complete a University of Arizona Graduate College application and a NursingCAS application. Additionally, you must provide a professional reference, a curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. Transcripts should demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA for all prior nursing coursework.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• In my experience as a nurse educator, I have found it is a good idea for potential students to look for schools that are highly ranked. In your quest to find the best AGNP programs in Arizona, look for schools that are ranked by reputable sources. For instance, every nursing program at the University of Arizona is ranked in the top 20 nursing programs, according to U.S. News & World Report!• At the University of Arizona, the AGNP program is led by faculty with decades of combined experience. Each faculty member brings their own experiences and insight to the program and is dedicated to helping you succeed as a student and independent Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.
• The University of Arizona’s AGNP program has excellent retention and graduation rates. Additionally, graduates have outstanding first-time national certification exam pass rates, and most report being employed within six months of passing their national exams. Each of these is an excellent indication of the strength of the program!
3. Grand Canyon University - Phoenix
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN, MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Program Details: Another school that offers an excellent AGNP program in Arizona is Grand Canyon University. One option the university offers is the RN-to-MSN pathway, which is designed for associate-level registered nurses who also hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The RN-to-MSN program is a bridge pathway that allows you to earn a Master of Science in Nursing while specializing as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an emphasis in Adult Gerontology care.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with new classes beginning each spring and fall semester. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, making it easier for working professionals to pursue a degree while maintaining their jobs. Two on-campus experiences are required as well as in-person clinicals.
The program begins with 24 credits of bridge coursework earned in classes, including Foundations of Professional Nursing, Pathophysiology, Quantitative & Qualitative Research, and Applied Statistics for Healthcare Professionals. After completing the prerequisite bridge pathway, you will complete 53 additional credits, which make up the MSN AGNP component of the curriculum. The program also includes 675 hours of preceptor-supervised clinicals at assigned healthcare facilities in your home area.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the RN-to-MSN program, you must have an associate degree in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, and a current, unencumbered RN license. All candidates are required to submit a Letter of Intent describing career goals, a current resume, and official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. A minimum college GPA of 3.0 is required.
MSN Program Details: If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and wish to advance your degree by earning an MSN and becoming an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, the MSN program could be the right path for you. The MSN program focuses on advanced theories and practices related to direct critical care of adult and geriatric patients.
The 53-credit curriculum features classes, including Translational Research & Population Health Management, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I, II, & III, Health Promotion & Maintenance, and Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology. Classes are delivered online. You will also attend two campus-based programs designed to promote experiential learning, and complete 675 supervised clinical hours are included in the program.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN program at GCU must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program and have an active, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. All candidates are asked to provide a Letter of Intent, a professional resume or CV, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools previously attended. A minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Grand Canyon University offers master’s-prepared nurses the opportunity to gain advanced specialization as Adult Gerontology NPs by pursuing the Post-Master’s Certificate program.
The program is offered in a hybrid format, blending online classes and hands-on patient care in collaborative care environments. The Post-Master’s Certificate program is a 37-credit pathway that includes 675 hours of directly supervised clinical practicum. You will attend two on-campus experiences, which include emphasis on skills, procedures, simulation experiences, and lectures to prepare for clinicals.
Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams in adult-gerontology acute care, such as those administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered eligible for the Post-Master's Certificate program, applicants must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program recognized by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a 3.0 nursing GPA, and a current license as a registered nurse. Candidates are required to have at least one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse. Applicants must provide a current curriculum vitae and a letter of intent of professional goals describing reasons for pursuing the AGACNP certificate.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Grand Canyon University offers financial aid, scholarships, and other resources to help create a financial plan that makes achieving your academic goals possible. The school has educated financial aid advisors available to help you through every step of the application process. Their goal is to help you find every resource possible to help relieve the financial burden that often comes with pursuing a graduate degree.• As a nurse educator, I place a lot of value in hands-on learning, and when I find nursing programs that integrate those opportunities, I tend to view them favorably. While your classes at GCU are online, the university utilizes hands-on skills labs and immersive simulations to help you develop direct care skills, which will be greatly beneficial for both you and your patients!
• If you are looking for a university where Christian values are at the core of education, Grand Canyon University is an excellent choice. GCU is dedicated to helping students channel their love of healthcare and passion for serving others and changing the world through the love of Christ.
HOW MUCH DO AGNP GRADUATES MAKE IN ARIZONA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.60 |
| Weekly | $1,944 |
| Monthly | $8,420 |
| Annual | $101,090 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.60 | $1,944 | $8,420 | $101,090 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $55.00 | $2,200 | $9,530 | $114,390 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.92 | $2,597 | $11,250 | $135,030 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $72.29 | $2,892 | $12,530 | $150,370 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $86.39 | $3,456 | $14,970 | $179,690 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGNP SALARY IN ARIZONA?
| Hourly | $66.06 |
| Weekly | $2,643 |
| Monthly | $11,450 |
| Annual | $137,410 |
HOW MUCH DO AGNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METRO AREAS OF ARIZONA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Flagstaff | $66.66 | $2,667 | $11,560 | $138,660 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman | $67.16 | $2,687 | $11,640 | $139,700 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale | $66.26 | $2,650 | $11,490 | $137,820 |
| Prescott | $66.90 | $2,676 | $11,600 | $139,160 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas | $63.75 | $2,550 | $11,050 | $132,610 |
| Tucson | $64.47 | $2,579 | $11,170 | $134,090 |
| Yuma | $68.36 | $2,734 | $11,850 | $142,190 |
AGNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. OTHER SALARIES
AGNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. AGNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Arizona AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $137,410 | $133,190 | +$4,220 | +3.17% |
AGNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. AGNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $167,450 | -$30,040 | -17.94% |
| Nevada | $154,110 | -$16,700 | -10.84% |
| Washington | $150,720 | -$13,310 | -8.83% |
| New Jersey | $150,340 | -$12,930 | -8.60% |
| Oregon | $150,250 | -$12,840 | -8.55% |
| Massachusetts | $149,280 | -$11,870 | -7.95% |
| New York | $148,050 | -$10,640 | -7.19% |
| Connecticut | $141,990 | -$4,580 | -3.23% |
| New Mexico | $141,770 | -$4,360 | -3.08% |
| Minnesota | $139,950 | -$2,540 | -1.81% |
| District of Columbia | $139,780 | -$2,370 | -1.70% |
| Rhode Island | $138,340 | -$930 | -0.67% |
| Hawaii | $137,460 | -$50 | -0.04% |
| Arizona | $137,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Delaware | $135,910 | +$1,500 | +1.10% |
| Iowa | $135,610 | +$1,800 | +1.33% |
| New Hampshire | $135,520 | +$1,890 | +1.39% |
| Texas | $134,770 | +$2,640 | +1.96% |
| Wisconsin | $133,020 | +$4,390 | +3.30% |
| Maryland | $132,670 | +$4,740 | +3.57% |
| Utah | $132,500 | +$4,910 | +3.71% |
| North Dakota | $132,430 | +$4,980 | +3.76% |
| Pennsylvania | $132,110 | +$5,300 | +4.01% |
| Illinois | $131,540 | +$5,870 | +4.46% |
| Alaska | $130,790 | +$6,620 | +5.06% |
| Vermont | $130,710 | +$6,700 | +5.13% |
| Montana | $129,200 | +$8,210 | +6.35% |
| Idaho | $129,110 | +$8,300 | +6.43% |
| Oklahoma | $128,880 | +$8,530 | +6.62% |
| Wyoming | $128,080 | +$9,330 | +7.28% |
| Indiana | $127,830 | +$9,580 | +7.49% |
| Maine | $127,440 | +$9,970 | +7.82% |
| Ohio | $127,360 | +$10,050 | +7.89% |
| Colorado | $126,450 | +$10,960 | +8.67% |
| Nebraska | $126,130 | +$11,280 | +8.94% |
| North Carolina | $126,040 | +$11,370 | +9.02% |
| Georgia | $125,580 | +$11,830 | +9.42% |
| South Dakota | $125,410 | +$12,000 | +9.57% |
| Virginia | $125,290 | +$12,120 | +9.67% |
| Michigan | $125,090 | +$12,320 | +9.85% |
| Florida | $124,090 | +$13,320 | +10.73% |
| Kansas | $123,630 | +$13,780 | +11.15% |
| Louisiana | $123,010 | +$14,400 | +11.71% |
| Mississippi | $121,790 | +$15,620 | +12.83% |
| South Carolina | $121,220 | +$16,190 | +13.36% |
| Missouri | $120,950 | +$16,460 | +13.61% |
| West Virginia | $117,600 | +$19,810 | +16.85% |
| Arkansas | $117,560 | +$19,850 | +16.88% |
| Kentucky | $114,410 | +$23,000 | +20.10% |
| Alabama | $114,040 | +$23,370 | +20.49% |
| Tennessee | $107,510 | +$29,900 | +27.81% |
AGNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ARIZONA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $137,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $119,190 | +$18,220 | +15.29% |
| Registered Nurse | $91,430 | +$45,980 | +50.29% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $80,710 | +$56,700 | +70.25% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $66,720 | +$70,690 | +105.95% |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,950 | +$96,460 | +235.56% |
AGNP SALARY IN ARIZONA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ARIZONA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $231,890 | -$94,480 | -40.74% |
| Veterinarian | $153,480 | -$16,070 | -10.47% |
| Optometrist | $150,690 | -$13,280 | -8.81% |
| Podiatrist | $144,310 | -$6,900 | -4.78% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $137,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $133,800 | +$3,610 | +2.70% |
| Physician Assistant | $132,210 | +$5,200 | +3.93% |
| Radiation Therapist | $101,750 | +$35,660 | +35.05% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,960 | +$38,450 | +38.85% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $97,510 | +$39,900 | +40.92% |
| Occupational Therapist | $93,600 | +$43,810 | +46.81% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,460 | +$44,950 | +48.62% |
| Audiologist | $92,220 | +$45,190 | +49.00% |
| Chiropractor | $78,260 | +$59,150 | +75.58% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits AGNP Programs In Arizona?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited AGNP Schools Are There In Arizona?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Hour In Arizona?
| $66.06 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Week In Arizona?
| $2,643 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Month In Arizona?
| $11,450 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Year In Arizona?
| $137,410 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For AGNPs In Arizona?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +71.25% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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