Could graduating from one of the AGNP programs in Iowa improve your employment options? It certainly could! Senior citizens comprise 19 percent of the Hawkeye State's population, and that number is growing! Within 10 years, the demand for adult gerontology nurse practitioners will rise by 53 percent. You'll be compensated well for the work you do, too: AGNPs in Iowa earn $135,610 annually. Perhaps most importantly, you'll make a tangible difference in the lives of the patients you care for. Interested in finding out more? Keep reading our list of the 4 best AGNP programs in Iowa for more information.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online AGNP programs in Iowa.)
Programs Offered: RN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate Certificate
RN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse interested in earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and becoming an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Allen College has some great options to consider! The RN-to-DNP program has part-time and full-time options available, depending on course availability each semester. This AGNP program in Iowa admits students twice each year in the fall and spring semesters.
Courses are delivered in a hybrid format with some classes having synchronous scheduling that require attendance. Students attend campus during specialty-specific courses to complete Objective Structured Clinical Exams and Residency.
The RN-to-DNP program is a 76-credit pathway. Students complete 26 credits from core courses before matriculating into the specialty track. The curriculum includes track-specific courses, DNP courses, and clinical practicum experiences. Some of the classes you will take include Mental Health Enrichment for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Physiology & Disease States, and Epidemiology & Biostatistics.
The program includes 1,050 clinical hours, which exceeds the recommended 1,000-hour minimum recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. The program has a dedicated Clinical Coordinator who is responsible for clinical placements. You may collaborate with the Coordinator regarding preceptor selection.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program offers baccalaureate-prepared RNs the opportunity to earn a DNP and specialize as an Acute Care AGNP. You can choose to enroll part-time or full-time depending on your goals and availability.
The BSN-to-DNP program features a 68-credit curriculum comprised of core courses, track-specific courses, and DNP courses. Each didactic clinical course is complemented by a clinical practicum experience. Additionally, you will complete a DNP Scholarship Intensive comprised of 400 clinical hours. In all, students in this program complete 1,050 clinical hours.
Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s degree and you wish to gain academic preparation to become certified as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Allen College’s Post-Graduate Certificate program is worth considering. The program admits students in the fall and spring of each academic year and can be completed in three to four semesters. Classes are presented in a hybrid format with campus visits required for Residency and Objective Structured Clinical Exams.
To earn the Post-Graduate AGNP Certificate, students must earn 26 credits. The curriculum features classes, including Advanced Physiology & Disease States, Advanced Health Assessment, and Psychopharmacology & Neuropathophysiology. The program includes a total of 600 lab and clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Allen College is known for producing well-prepared, highly qualified practitioners, which means graduates are sought-after by employers. Graduates of the AGNP program at Allen College have excellent job placement rates, with many receiving offers of employment before completing the program.Programs Offered: MSN and Post Graduate ARNP Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate ARNP Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Briar Cliff University offers one of the best master’s level AGNP programs in Iowa. The MSN program is formatted as a part-time, three-year program. New classes begin in the fall each year.
With the exception of summer courses in health assessments and advanced skills, didactic coursework is presented online. Students attend mandatory campus visits twice during the program. The program is a 53.5-credit pathway. You will study in classes, including Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nurses, Cultural Competence in Healthcare, The Care of the Frail Elder, Primary Care of the Adult/Geriatric Patient, and Evidence-Based Practice.
The MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP program includes a 750-hour clinical component. You will have opportunities to provide care to patients in underserved, multicultural, and rural areas. Program faculty work with you to identify clinical preceptors and sites as close to your home as possible.
Post Graduate ARNP Certificate Program Details: Do you already have a Master of Science in Nursing degree and want to advance your practice by obtaining certification as a Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner? If so, the Briar Cliff University Post-Graduate ARNP program could be the perfect program for you!
The program features convenient online courses and clinical practicums in your hometown. An individualized study plan is developed for each student based on a review of previous transcripts. All students in the Post-Graduate ARNP program complete 600 clinical hours, including experiences in rural, underserved settings.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Briar Cliff University, the AGNP program is taught by veteran faculty with many years of combined teaching and clinical experience. Each faculty member is dedicated to supporting you at every step of the program, making your success a top priority!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 and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Morningside University is home to another of the best AGNP programs in Iowa. Bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize as either a Primary Care or Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Both pathways offer the option to enroll part-time or full-time, depending on your goals and availability for study. Full-time students can complete the program in four semesters, while part-time students take six semesters to graduate.
The MSN AGNP programs at Morningside University require the completion of 49 credits. Each curriculum plan consists of 23 master’s core course credits and 26 specialty course credits. While coursework is delivered online, students must attend two on-campus residencies to complete Skills Practice Labs. Each pathway also includes 750 clinical practicum hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The Post-Master’s Certificate Program at Morningside University gives registered nurses with a master’s degree the opportunity to expand their scope of practice by specializing as an Acute or Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP. The program is designed for part-time study and takes four semesters to complete. The Post-Master’s Certificate program features an online learning format and includes two campus-based intensives and in-person clinicals.
Both the Acute Care and Primary Care AGNP Post-Master’s Certificate curriculums feature a 35-credit plan. However, a GAP analysis is performed for each student to develop an individualized course of study based on prior education and certifications. All students complete 750 clinical hours. Program faculty collaborate with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors, ensuring you have appropriate experiences to meet the program’s requirements.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I believe it is crucial for potential students to find a nursing program with good student support. Morningside University offers academic, financial, and career advisement and readiness coaching to its students. When you enroll as a student in one of the AGNP programs, you can feel confident that you will have support and resources designed to help you succeed.Programs Offered: DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DUAL Adult Gerontology Acute Care/Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DUAL Adult Gerontology Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DUAL Adult Gerontology Primary Care/Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and DUAL Family/Adult Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse seeking a Doctor of Nursing Practice AGNP program in Iowa, the University of Iowa has some excellent options! You can choose to specialize as an Acute or Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP, or you can pursue dual certification in both primary and acute care. Additionally, you can choose from other dual degree options, pairing your AGNP certification with preparation as a Psychiatric Mental Health or Family Nurse Practitioner.
The BSN-to-DNP AGNP programs admit students in the fall each year. The Primary Care and Acute Care AGNP pathways offer a three-year full-time option, or a part-time, four-year plan. Dual programs take four years to complete. Most courses are offered online. However, didactic nurse practitioner courses require on-campus attendance. Classes requiring campus attendance are typically scheduled only once per week. Clinical practicums are arranged by the College of Nursing Clinical Placement Team. When possible, clinicals will be scheduled close to your home region.
The AGNP pathways require between 75 and 102 credits, depending on the specialty you choose to pursue. Additionally, all DNP students complete at least 1,000 clinical hours. Dual degree pathways require additional clinical hours to accommodate training for both specialties. The following is a breakdown of the credit hour and clinical hour requirements for each AGNP option.
• Primary Care AGNP: 79 credits - 1,000 clinical hours
• Acute Care AGNP: 75 credits - 1,090 clinical hours
• Dual Acute and Primary Care AGNP: 98 credits - 1,550 clinical hours
• Dual Acute Care AGNP and Family NP: 102 credits - 1,450 clinical hours
• Dual Acute Care AGNP and Psychiatric Mental Health: NP 97 credits - 1,630 clinical hours
• Dual Primary Care AGNP and Psychiatric Mental Health NP: 98 credits - 1,540 clinical hours
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Registered nurses with a master’s degree who wish to earn a doctorate in nursing and specialize in adult and gerontology care can pursue the MSN-to-DNP program offered at the University of Iowa. The post-master’s DNP program is available with the option to specialize in Acute Care or Primary Care Adult Gerontology. New students are admitted in the fall of each year. Students may choose to enroll full-time and complete the program in two years or part-time and graduate in three years.
The MSN-to-DNP program features a hybrid learning format. While most coursework is delivered online, specialty courses require campus attendance. Additionally, campus attendance is required for orientation and laboratory simulations.
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP program is a 44-credit pathway. Students enrolled in the Primary Care AGNP program must complete a total of 45 credits. All DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Coursework and clinical hours requirements may be adjusted and an individualized study plan developed for each student based on a GAP analysis.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The University of Iowa supports the continuation of formal education for nurses with a previous graduate degree by offering a Post-Graduate Certificate program. The program admits new students in the summer. While the curriculum is designed to be completed in four semesters, some students may complete the program in less time, depending on the number of transferable credits from their previous degrees.
The Acute Care AGNP Post-Graduate Certificate program features a 21-credit curriculum, including 720 clinical hours. The Primary Care AGNP Post-Graduate Certificate program features a 22-credit curriculum and requires 630 clinical hours. A GAP analysis is conducted for all students entering the Post-Graduate Certificate program. Once the analysis is completed, a personalized study plan will be developed. Therefore, based on the GAP analysis, the number of credits you need to complete the program may change.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• There are several funding sources available for students pursuing their DNP at the University of Iowa. From competitive tuition rates, scholarships, and grants to assistantships, the school is dedicated to making graduate education affordable.| Hourly | $47.97 |
| Weekly | $1,919 |
| Monthly | $8,310 |
| Annual | $99,770 |
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $47.97 | $1,919 | $8,310 | $99,770 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.27 | $2,171 | $9,410 | $112,890 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.07 | $2,563 | $11,110 | $133,260 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $71.35 | $2,854 | $12,370 | $148,400 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $85.26 | $3,410 | $14,780 | $177,340 |
| Hourly | $65.20 |
| Weekly | $2,608 |
| Monthly | $11,300 |
| Annual | $135,610 |
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Ames | $66.00 | $2,640 | $11,440 | $137,290 |
| Cedar Rapids | $63.11 | $2,524 | $10,940 | $131,260 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $62.70 | $2,508 | $10,870 | $130,410 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $65.87 | $2,635 | $11,420 | $137,000 |
| Dubuque | $63.63 | $2,545 | $11,030 | $132,360 |
| Iowa City | $61.40 | $2,456 | $10,640 | $127,710 |
| Sioux City | $70.05 | $2,802 | $12,140 | $145,700 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $67.90 | $2,716 | $11,770 | $141,240 |
| Average Iowa AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $135,610 | $133,190 | +$2,420 | +1.82% |
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $167,450 | -$31,840 | -19.01% |
| Nevada | $154,110 | -$18,500 | -12.00% |
| Washington | $150,720 | -$15,110 | -10.03% |
| New Jersey | $150,340 | -$14,730 | -9.80% |
| Oregon | $150,250 | -$14,640 | -9.74% |
| Massachusetts | $149,280 | -$13,670 | -9.16% |
| New York | $148,050 | -$12,440 | -8.40% |
| Connecticut | $141,990 | -$6,380 | -4.49% |
| New Mexico | $141,770 | -$6,160 | -4.35% |
| Minnesota | $139,950 | -$4,340 | -3.10% |
| District of Columbia | $139,780 | -$4,170 | -2.98% |
| Rhode Island | $138,340 | -$2,730 | -1.97% |
| Hawaii | $137,460 | -$1,850 | -1.35% |
| Arizona | $137,410 | -$1,800 | -1.31% |
| Delaware | $135,910 | -$300 | -0.22% |
| Iowa | $135,610 | $0 | 0.00% |
| New Hampshire | $135,520 | +$90 | +0.07% |
| Texas | $134,770 | +$840 | +0.62% |
| Wisconsin | $133,020 | +$2,590 | +1.95% |
| Maryland | $132,670 | +$2,940 | +2.22% |
| Utah | $132,500 | +$3,110 | +2.35% |
| North Dakota | $132,430 | +$3,180 | +2.40% |
| Pennsylvania | $132,110 | +$3,500 | +2.65% |
| Illinois | $131,540 | +$4,070 | +3.09% |
| Alaska | $130,790 | +$4,820 | +3.69% |
| Vermont | $130,710 | +$4,900 | +3.75% |
| Montana | $129,200 | +$6,410 | +4.96% |
| Idaho | $129,110 | +$6,500 | +5.03% |
| Oklahoma | $128,880 | +$6,730 | +5.22% |
| Wyoming | $128,080 | +$7,530 | +5.88% |
| Indiana | $127,830 | +$7,780 | +6.09% |
| Maine | $127,440 | +$8,170 | +6.41% |
| Ohio | $127,360 | +$8,250 | +6.48% |
| Colorado | $126,450 | +$9,160 | +7.24% |
| Nebraska | $126,130 | +$9,480 | +7.52% |
| North Carolina | $126,040 | +$9,570 | +7.59% |
| Georgia | $125,580 | +$10,030 | +7.99% |
| South Dakota | $125,410 | +$10,200 | +8.13% |
| Virginia | $125,290 | +$10,320 | +8.24% |
| Michigan | $125,090 | +$10,520 | +8.41% |
| Florida | $124,090 | +$11,520 | +9.28% |
| Kansas | $123,630 | +$11,980 | +9.69% |
| Louisiana | $123,010 | +$12,600 | +10.24% |
| Mississippi | $121,790 | +$13,820 | +11.35% |
| South Carolina | $121,220 | +$14,390 | +11.87% |
| Missouri | $120,950 | +$14,660 | +12.12% |
| West Virginia | $117,600 | +$18,010 | +15.31% |
| Arkansas | $117,560 | +$18,050 | +15.35% |
| Kentucky | $114,410 | +$21,200 | +18.53% |
| Alabama | $114,040 | +$21,570 | +18.91% |
| Tennessee | $107,510 | +$28,100 | +26.14% |
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $227,710 | -$92,100 | -40.45% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $135,610 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $124,040 | +$11,570 | +9.33% |
| Registered Nurse | $74,610 | +$61,000 | +81.76% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $71,690 | +$63,920 | +89.16% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,870 | +$79,740 | +142.72% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,380 | +$97,230 | +253.34% |
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $186,420 | -$50,810 | -27.26% |
| Podiatrist | $163,700 | -$28,090 | -17.16% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $135,610 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,230 | +$6,380 | +4.94% |
| Pharmacist | $127,780 | +$7,830 | +6.13% |
| Optometrist | $122,970 | +$12,640 | +10.28% |
| Veterinarian | $106,040 | +$29,570 | +27.89% |
| Physical Therapist | $91,850 | +$43,760 | +47.64% |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,790 | +$49,820 | +58.07% |
| Audiologist | $83,620 | +$51,990 | +62.17% |
| Dental Hygienist | $83,220 | +$52,390 | +62.95% |
| Radiation Therapist | $82,310 | +$53,300 | +64.76% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $82,210 | +$53,400 | +64.96% |
| Chiropractor | $69,650 | +$65,960 | +94.70% |
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| 4 |
| $65.20 |
| $2,608 |
| $11,300 |
| $135,610 |
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +52.92% |




Darby Faubion BSN, RN