5 Best AGNP Programs in Connecticut (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
FOLLOWING ARE THE 5 BEST AGNP PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 5 best campus-based and online AGNP programs in Connecticut.)
1. Yale University - West Haven
Programs Offered: MSN and Post Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Throughout my career as a nurse, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring nursing students who were preparing to step into some of the most impactful roles in patient care. One of my favorite subjects to teach was gerontology. There are many career pathways for nurses who enjoy working with adult and gerontology patient populations. For instance, if you are considering earning a master’s degree, you could become an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.
Yale University offers one of the best AGNP programs in Connecticut, with options to specialize in either the Acute or Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP concentration. The program, which is open to baccalaureate-prepared RNs with a current RN license, admits students once each year in the fall semester. Part-time and full-time study options are available, allowing you to complete the program in two or three years.
Yale’s program uses a hybrid learning model that combines online coursework with required on-campus intensives. This structure allows working nurses to balance their professional and personal lives while still gaining the hands-on, high-fidelity training for which Yale is known. Campus-based intensives focus on simulation-based learning with advanced technology, including critical care scenarios for acute care AGNP students and complex chronic care management simulations for primary care AGNP students.
The Acute Care AGNP pathway features a 52.6 credit curriculum and includes 968 clinical hours. The Primary Care AGNP pathway requires the completion of 53 credits and 780 clinical hours. Both AGNP pathways begin with core MSN courses followed by specialty didactic and clinical courses focused on Acute or Primary Adult Gerontology patient care.
Post Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse with a master’s degree and you want to add a specialty certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Yale University is a great pathway. Most students complete the program in just two years. However, you can work directly with program faculty to design a plan of study that best fits24 your current lifestyle, goals, and needs.
All classes for the Post-Master’s Certificate program are in person at the Yale campus, which means you have one-on-one interaction with faculty and peers. The plan of study includes all required courses currently offered in the Adult Gerontology ACNP specialty. However, a review of your previous academic transcripts and verification of previous clinical hours will be conducted to determine if additional courses or clinical hours are needed to satisfy the requirements to sit for national certification.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I look for nursing programs where students have diverse clinical experiences. One of the great things about the ACNP program at Yale University is that students participate in multiple supervised practicums in diverse settings. AGNP students in the acute care program rotate through intensive care units, emergency departments, trauma centers, and hospitalist teams. Students in the Primary Care AGNP program train in primary care clinics, specialty practices, community health centers, and integrated health systems. Yale’s clinical partnerships are extensive, and as a student in the ACNP program, you will benefit from placements in nationally recognized academic medical centers.• At Yale University, you will learn from world-class faculty who are nationally recognized clinicians, researchers, and leaders in their specialties. As a student, you will be mentored by experts who shape national healthcare guidelines, publish influential research, and practice at top-tier institutions. The faculty and student relationships are meant to be supportive, personal, and deeply invested in your success.
• Yale University’s name is known everywhere- from academic medical centers to community clinics to national leadership roles. When you graduate with a nursing degree from Yale, it signals to prospective employers that you have completed one of the most rigorous, respected nursing programs in the country. This reputation opens doors, strengthens your competitiveness, and gives you career mobility across advanced practice, leadership, policy, and academia.
2. University of Connecticut - Storrs
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Caring for adult and geriatric patients is one of the most demanding yet rewarding jobs a nurse can have. If you are a nurse interested in caring for this patient population and seeking greater autonomy, becoming an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner is an excellent option. At the University of Connecticut, several program options are available for nurses like you. For example, the MSN program offers a pathway for baccalaureate-prepared nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration.
The MSN Acute Care AGNP program can be completed in five semesters of full-time study or seven semesters of part-time study. The program admits students each fall. The 45-credit curriculum features classes, including Complex & Comorbid Health Problems in AGNP Acute Care Practice: Population Specific AGACNP, Common & Chronic Health Problems in Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Diagnostics, and Advanced Pharmacodynamics & Implications for Nursing Actions in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Populations. Students in the MSN Acute Care AGNP pathway also complete 720 preceptor-supervised clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Connecticut is designed for nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and wish to pursue a terminal nursing degree and specialize in Adult Gerontology Acute Care. The program allows you to work to obtain a master’s degree in the AGACNP specialty and then progress toward completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
The BSN-to-DNP program features online didactic coursework. Campus-based intensives are also scheduled each semester, which provide learning opportunities in the school’s high-fidelity simulation lab and learning facilities. After completing the 45-credit MSN curriculum plan, you will transition to the DNP component of the curriculum plan and complete an additional 32 credits. All DNP students must complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours to meet AACN requirements.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a graduate degree in nursing, that does not mean you have to stop learning. There are endless opportunities to broaden your knowledge and skills and expand your scope of practice. At the University of Connecticut, the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program is one way to accomplish this goal.
The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program features online coursework, two on-campus intensives, and 500 hours of face-to-face clinical patient care. The curriculum plan for each student is variable and based on a GAP analysis of previous coursework. After completing a review of your graduate-level transcripts and verifying your previous clinical hours, an individualized study plan will be developed for you that aligns with AACN criteria for eligibility for national certification.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are a busy professional or have other responsibilities like caring for family or loved ones, the AGNP programs at the University of Connecticut are excellent options. They combine online coursework with one campus-based intensive each semester, making it the perfect opportunity for students who need flexibility while earning their degrees.• Finding a nursing program with a reputation for delivering high-quality standards in nursing education is essential for your success. The University of Connecticut’s School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation. It is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the Best Online Programs for Graduate Nursing Schools 2025. The school is also recognized as a Carnegie R1 research institution, which means it offers a level of scholarly depth, evidence-based training, and innovation that sets graduates apart in competitive roles in acute care.
• The University of Connecticut School of Nursing offers exceptional simulation and acute care skills development. The school’s simulation labs are among some of the most advanced in New England. When you attend campus-based intensive sessions, you will train with high-fidelity adult and geriatric simulators, ventilators, and advanced airway equipment, hemodynamic monitoring systems, and critical care procedural trainers.
3. Quinnipiac University - Hamden
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Another of the top AGNP programs in Connecticut can be found at Quinnipiac University. The program offers two pathways: Adult Gerontology Acute Care and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The program is an excellent option for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who wish to earn a master’s degree and specialize in either acute or primary care of adults and geriatric patients.
Both the Acute Care and Primary Care AGNP pathways feature coursework entirely online. Didactic coursework is complemented by one-week campus immersions. Students in the Acute Care pathway participate in four immersions, while those in the Primary Care pathway participate in three. The Acute Care and Primary Care AGNP programs feature a 51-credit and 50-credit curriculum, respectively. Both pathways require the completion of at least 780 clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I advocate strongly for nurses to be steadfast in their quest to gain new knowledge and learn new skills. The fact that there is always something new to learn in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare is one of the things I love so much about nursing. One of the things I like about the program at Quinnipiac University is that it also encourages continuous growth and learning. For example, within two years of completing the MSN program, you can seamlessly transition into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program without losing any previously earned credits or duplicating any coursework.• Quinnipiac University has an excellent reputation for providing excellent nursing education. The school is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Graduate Online Nursing Programs category. This recognition is a true testament to the program's high quality.
• Graduates of both the Acute Care and Primary Care AGNP programs at Quinnipiac University have outstanding success rates on national certification exams. According to the school, 100% of 2025 graduates passed their exams on their first attempt.
4. Post University - Waterbury
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are a nurse with a passion for providing care to adults and older adults and you enjoy working in primary care settings, the role of a Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner could be a good fit for you. Post University offers an AGNP program in Connecticut, where you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing with the option to specialize in primary care. The program is open to candidates who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse.
The program offers monthly start dates, making it easy to begin your studies at a time that suits you. It takes an average of 28 months to complete the MSN degree. Flexible, online coursework makes this program a good option for working professionals.
The MSN AGNP program emphasizes key areas of adult and gerontologic primary care, including assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and management of acute and chronic health conditions. In this program, you will complete 42 to 45 credits. The curriculum includes classes such as Complex Concepts of Aging, Advanced Practice Nursing Integration, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Diagnostic Reasoning. Additionally, the program includes a minimum of 600 precepted clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse and nurse educator, I can empathize from the viewpoint of both nursing students and nursing faculty. One thing I encourage prospective nursing students to do when searching for a school or program is to find out which student support services are available. This is especially important when you pursue a graduate degree, such as the MSN AGNP program at Post University, because many of these programs consist of distance-accessible coursework, which means face-to-face interaction with faculty is limited. At Post University, students consistently highlight how approachable instructors are and how invested they feel faculty are in their success. This is just one of the reasons I believe Post University is an excellent choice for nurses seeking an AGNP program in Connecticut.• One of the biggest barriers for nurse practitioner students is securing clinical sites. Post University helps take the worry out of clinical placement by offering clinical placement assistance. Program faculty provide clinical placement guidance and assistance by identifying appropriate clinical sites and qualified preceptors. This type of support is a major advantage compared to other programs that often leave students to find placements and preceptors entirely on their own.
• The Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program at Post University features a curriculum that is intentionally structured to build clinical reasoning step-by-step, preparing you for national certification and confident practice in primary patient care in areas such as outpatient, community, and specialty practice settings.
5. Western Connecticut State University - Danbury
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Study
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Study Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: The MSN program at Western Connecticut State University is designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing seeking preparation as an advanced practice nurse and who wish to specialize as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program is designed for part-time study and takes approximately four years to complete. Although some coursework may be completed online, most courses are delivered on campus during evening classes.
These Master of Science in Nursing Acute Care and Primary Care AGNP programs in Connecticut each feature a 41-credit curriculum. The study plan includes foundational courses and specialty-relevant courses, including Advanced Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, The Advanced Nursing Management of the Acutely Ill Adult-Gerontology Populations, Advanced Nursing Management of the Chronically Ill Adult Gerontology Patient, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing.
Post-Master’s Study Program Details: The Post-Master’s Study program at Western Connecticut State University offers a pathway for master’s-prepared RNs to advance their education and expand their scope of practice by taking specialized courses focused on the Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialty.
The program requires a minimum of 21 credits and 540 clinical hours. However, a GAP analysis is conducted for all students upon admission to determine if additional courses or clinical hours are needed to meet minimum requirements to sit for national certification. If the GAP analysis indicates that additional credits or clinical hours are needed, your academic advisor will develop a personalized plan for you.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I believe having a close-knit learning environment is paramount to student success. At Western Connecticut State University, cohorts are intentionally small, allowing instructors to get to know you personally. With low faculty-to-student ratios, instructors can tailor feedback and support individual learning needs. In this type of learning environment, you’re not just a number; you’re a developing clinician whose growth and success are prioritized.• Western Connecticut State University maintains clinical relationships with hospitals, long-term care facilities, specialty practices, and community health organizations across the region. Because of these strong clinical partnerships, you will have access to diverse clinical environments, including chronic disease management, primary care, geriatrics, and specialty adult medicine. WCSU’s AGNP students secure high-quality clinical placements without competing against large cohorts from other universities.
• WCSU offers one of the most affordable graduate nursing programs in Connecticut. Additionally, from grants to over 100 academic, merit, and university scholarships, there are options for every student. The school also offers student employment opportunities. The office of Student Financial Services can work with you to determine the type of aid for which you may be eligible and help you apply for assistance.
HOW MUCH DO AGNP GRADUATES MAKE IN CONNECTICUT?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT EXPECT?
| Hourly | $52.36 |
| Weekly | $2,094 |
| Monthly | $9,080 |
| Annual | $108,910 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $52.36 | $2,094 | $9,080 | $108,910 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $60.96 | $2,438 | $10,570 | $126,800 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $68.36 | $2,734 | $11,850 | $142,180 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $80.96 | $3,238 | $14,030 | $168,400 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $90.12 | $3,605 | $15,620 | $187,440 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT?
| Hourly | $70.94 |
| Weekly | $2,838 |
| Monthly | $12,300 |
| Annual | $147,550 |
HOW MUCH DO AGNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF CONNECTICUT?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury | $72.54 | $2,902 | $12,570 | $150,880 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | $69.43 | $2,777 | $12,030 | $144,410 |
| New Haven | $72.42 | $2,897 | $12,550 | $150,640 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic | $69.21 | $2,768 | $12,000 | $143,960 |
| Waterbury-Shelton | $71.56 | $2,862 | $12,400 | $148,840 |
AGNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. OTHER SALARIES
AGNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. AGNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Connecticut AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $147,550 | $142,330 | +$5,220 | +3.67% |
AGNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. AGNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $183,240 | -$35,690 | -19.48% |
| Oregon | $161,490 | -$13,940 | -8.63% |
| New Jersey | $161,460 | -$13,910 | -8.62% |
| New York | $159,540 | -$11,990 | -7.52% |
| Massachusetts | $157,900 | -$10,350 | -6.55% |
| Washington | $157,760 | -$10,210 | -6.47% |
| Alaska | $154,580 | -$7,030 | -4.55% |
| District of Columbia | $151,840 | -$4,290 | -2.83% |
| New Mexico | $148,770 | -$1,220 | -0.82% |
| Rhode Island | $148,390 | -$840 | -0.57% |
| Hawaii | $148,150 | -$600 | -0.40% |
| Connecticut | $147,550 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Arizona | $145,750 | +$1,800 | +1.23% |
| Vermont | $144,510 | +$3,040 | +2.10% |
| New Hampshire | $143,130 | +$4,420 | +3.09% |
| Nevada | $142,440 | +$5,110 | +3.59% |
| Utah | $142,080 | +$5,470 | +3.85% |
| Iowa | $141,960 | +$5,590 | +3.94% |
| Minnesota | $140,870 | +$6,680 | +4.74% |
| Montana | $140,250 | +$7,300 | +5.20% |
| Wisconsin | $140,110 | +$7,440 | +5.31% |
| Maine | $139,130 | +$8,420 | +6.05% |
| Oklahoma | $139,120 | +$8,430 | +6.06% |
| Idaho | $138,310 | +$9,240 | +6.68% |
| Maryland | $138,250 | +$9,300 | +6.73% |
| Delaware | $137,770 | +$9,780 | +7.10% |
| Michigan | $137,650 | +$9,900 | +7.19% |
| Wyoming | $137,540 | +$10,010 | +7.28% |
| Colorado | $137,400 | +$10,150 | +7.39% |
| Pennsylvania | $136,910 | +$10,640 | +7.77% |
| Nebraska | $136,540 | +$11,010 | +8.06% |
| Texas | $136,230 | +$11,320 | +8.31% |
| Missouri | $135,770 | +$11,780 | +8.68% |
| Illinois | $135,740 | +$11,810 | +8.70% |
| North Carolina | $135,660 | +$11,890 | +8.76% |
| Florida | $135,190 | +$12,360 | +9.14% |
| Arkansas | $135,030 | +$12,520 | +9.27% |
| Virginia | $133,790 | +$13,760 | +10.28% |
| Georgia | $133,520 | +$14,030 | +10.51% |
| Kansas | $132,630 | +$14,920 | +11.25% |
| West Virginia | $131,420 | +$16,130 | +12.27% |
| Louisiana | $131,270 | +$16,280 | +12.40% |
| Indiana | $131,240 | +$16,310 | +12.43% |
| North Dakota | $131,000 | +$16,550 | +12.63% |
| Mississippi | $129,930 | +$17,620 | +13.56% |
| South Dakota | $129,750 | +$17,800 | +13.72% |
| Kentucky | $129,590 | +$17,960 | +13.86% |
| South Carolina | $128,720 | +$18,830 | +14.63% |
| Ohio | $127,410 | +$20,140 | +15.81% |
| Tennessee | $119,740 | +$27,810 | +23.23% |
| Alabama | $115,040 | +$32,510 | +28.26% |
AGNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN CONNECTICUT
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $225,810 | -$78,260 | -34.66% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $147,550 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $105,250 | +$42,300 | +40.19% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $94,470 | +$53,080 | +56.19% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $72,580 | +$74,970 | +103.29% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,440 | +$102,110 | +224.71% |
AGNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN CONNECTICUT
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | 202,920 | -$55,370 | -27.29% |
| Dentist | 183,990 | -$36,440 | -19.81% |
| Optometrist | 147,820 | -$270 | -0.18% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $147,550 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | 146,930 | +$620 | +0.42% |
| Veterinarian | 139,290 | +$8,260 | +5.93% |
| Pharmacist | 139,150 | +$8,400 | +6.04% |
| Radiation Therapist | 116,830 | +$30,720 | +26.29% |
| Physical Therapist | 105,460 | +$42,090 | +39.91% |
| Occupational Therapist | 102,140 | +$45,410 | +44.46% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 101,340 | +$46,210 | +45.60% |
| Audiologist | 100,930 | +$46,620 | +46.19% |
| Dental Hygienist | 98,720 | +$48,830 | +49.46% |
| Chiropractor | 85,900 | +$61,650 | +71.77% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits AGNP Programs In Connecticut?
| 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 Connecticut?
| 5 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Hour In Connecticut?
| $70.94 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Week In Connecticut?
| $2,838 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Month In Connecticut?
| $12,300 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Year In Connecticut?
| $147,550 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For AGNPs In Connecticut?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +44.76% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
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