Are you a Kentucky-based RN looking for an advanced practice specialization that will give you a good salary, job security, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives? Think about enrolling in one of the AGNP programs in Kentucky. Adult gerontology nurse practitioners in the Bluegrass State can choose to specialize in acute or primary care. Both specialties command paychecks that average $114,410 annually, and both are in such high demand that job opportunities in their field are expected to jump by 45 percent in the next decade. Sound intriguing? Reading through the list below of the best AGNP programs in Kentucky will help you make up your mind.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online AGNP programs in Kentucky.)
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate APRN Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate APRN Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: The MSN program at the University of Louisville offers pathways to becoming certified as either an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The program admits students three times per year in the fall, spring, and summer. Courses are taught in a hybrid format combining on-campus and online learning. Didactic instruction is complemented by clinical practicums relevant to your specific concentration.
The curriculum for both MSN AGNP specialties includes core courses and specialty-focused courses. Students in both pathways complete 34 credits of core coursework. The Acute Care and Primary Care programs also include 15 and 14 credits of specialty-specific coursework, respectively. You will begin the program with core courses, including Health Promotion & Disease Prevention in Culturally Diverse Populations, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing. You will then begin specialty courses, which may include Diagnoses & Management in Acute Care, and Procedures & Diagnostics for the Acute Care NP or Diagnosis & Management of Women’s Health in Primary Care and Diagnosis & Management of Mental Health in Primary Care. A minimum of 672 patient care clinical hours is required for each program option.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: For registered nurses who want to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and become an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Louisville is worth considering.
The BSN-to-DNP program requires a minimum of three years of full-time study. The first year of the DNP program features online learning, while the remainder of the program is delivered in a hybrid format, requiring four to six campus visits per semester. The last two years of the program consist of clinical, professional, and project hours.
When you choose this AGNP program in Kentucky, you will complete 75 or 76 credits, depending on whether you choose the Acute Care or Primary Care pathway. The curriculum includes 61 credits of BSN-to-DNP coursework, after which you will complete your specialty courses and clinicals. All students pursuing the DNP must complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. The program culminates with the completion of a DNP project.
Post Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program offers an opportunity for registered nurses with a graduate degree to add a new specialty as an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP. The program utilizes rolling admission on a monthly basis until a specialty is full. New classes are admitted to both Post-Graduate APRN AGNP pathways each fall, spring, and summer semester. The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program utilizes a structured hybrid format. You are required to attend class on campus four to six times each semester. The remaining class content is delivered online.
The Acute Care AGNP Post-Graduate Certificate pathway features a 29-credit curriculum, and the Primary Care pathway features a 28-credit curriculum. All students must take three prerequisite courses, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment (The 3 P's), to earn the certificate. If you did not complete these classes in your previous nursing program, they will be added to your plan of study to meet program requirements.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses seeking an additional specialty complete a minimum of 504 specialty-specific clinical hours. All other Post-Graduate APRN Certificate students are required to complete at least 672 patient care clinical hours and four professional role practicum hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I believe simulation is an excellent tool to foster learning and develop skills. At the University of Louisville School of Nursing, you will experience learning opportunities in the outstanding Simulation Center. The University of Louisville is one of only 250 nursing simulation centers accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare worldwide!Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate APRN Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate APRN Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Kentucky College of Nursing offers three options for registered nurses searching for an AGNP program in Kentucky. If you are an RN with a bachelor’s degree, the BSN-to-DNP pathway could be a great choice. This program is designed to provide a pathway to transition to the highest level of clinical practice by earning a DNP while taking specialized courses to prepare for certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
The post-bachelor’s DNP program admits students once each year in the fall semester. The program is available in a part-time (5-year) plan and a modified (full-time) 4-year plan. DNP nursing courses are delivered in an online format. Core courses require one hour of campus attendance at the beginning of each semester. DNP specialty courses require attendance on campus from one to six days during each semester.
The BSN-to-DNP pathway requires you to complete 74 credits. The curriculum features classes, including Application of Biostatistics & Epidemiology for Strategic Decision Making, Applications of Advanced Health Assessment, Population Health Assessment, Planning, & Policy, and Evaluating Evidence for Research & Evidence-Based Practice. A total of 1,020 clinical hours is included in the program. You will complete at least 780 direct patient care clinical hours. The remaining clinical hours are earned through the completion of a DNP Project.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Master’s-prepared RNs also have the option to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specialize as an Acute Care AGNP. The MSN-to-DNP program admits students in the fall semester each year and can be completed in as few as two years full-time, or you can enroll part-time and graduate in three years.
This AGNP program in Kentucky features a 51-credit curriculum. However, students who have not completed the “3 Ps” will be required to take those courses before beginning NP specialty courses. A GAP analysis is conducted for all students to determine whether prior courses may be transferred for credit. All DNP students are required to accomplish at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The MSN-to-DNP pathway incorporates 1,020 clinical hours into the curriculum. The GAP analysis will determine if you may receive credit for any of the clinical hours from your master’s program.
Post Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program is designed for nurses who already hold an advanced practice graduate degree in nursing and wish to specialize in the Acute Adult Gerontology population and obtain certification. New students are accepted to the fall and spring semesters each year.
The curriculum includes didactic and clinical courses specific to the Acute Care Adult Gerontology NP role. In this pathway, you will complete 23-32 credits, based on whether you previously took Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology for APN, and Applications of Advanced Health Assessment. The program includes 780 hours of direct patient care clinicals.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Kentucky is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top 9% of DNP programs in the nation. Recognition from reputable sources like U.S. News is something I encourage you to look for when searching for a nursing program. Reputable sources are known for using high-quality standards to rank programs and can give you an idea of whether the program you are considering is worthwhile.Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you’re looking for an AGNP program in Kentucky that offers flexibility, consider Northern Kentucky University! At NKU, you can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP concentration. The program can be completed in as little as 24 months and offers multiple start times each year, allowing you to begin your studies when you are ready.
The MSN Acute Care AGNP program is a 47-credit hour pathway. The curriculum consists of core courses, specialty courses, and clinical residency courses. Some classes you will take include Human Pathophysiology, Healthcare Policy & Economics in Population Health, Advanced Technologies for Acute Care & Diagnostic Reasoning, and Differential Diagnosis & Disease Management in Acute Care. Additionally, you will complete a total of 750 clinical hours and a Capstone Course.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: As a master’s-prepared RN, you can build on your existing clinical practice and professional experience and become an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner through the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Northern Kentucky University. The program can be completed in as few as 20 months.
The certificate program offers the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and relevant competencies to provide care to patients from adolescence through old age, experiencing chronic, acute, and complex health conditions. The program requires the completion of a total of 35 credit hours, including core courses and supervised clinical residencies, which have a total of 750 clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Northern Kentucky University, you will learn from faculty with decades of combined experience. They are committed to promoting excellence in education, providing leadership you can be inspired and learn from, and dedicated to your lifelong success!| Hourly | $40.47 |
| Weekly | $1,619 |
| Monthly | $7,010 |
| Annual | $84,170 |
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $40.47 | $1,619 | $7,010 | $84,170 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $45.79 | $1,832 | $7,940 | $95,240 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $54.05 | $2,162 | $9,370 | $112,420 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $60.19 | $2,408 | $10,430 | $125,200 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $71.93 | $2,877 | $12,470 | $149,620 |
| Hourly | $55.00 |
| Weekly | $2,200 |
| Monthly | $9,530 |
| Annual | $114,410 |
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bowling Green | $53.18 | $2,127 | $9,220 | $110,620 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox | $56.24 | $2,249 | $9,750 | $116,970 |
| Lexington-Fayette | $57.42 | $2,297 | $9,950 | $119,430 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $57.40 | $2,296 | $9,950 | $119,390 |
| Owensboro | $56.37 | $2,255 | $9,770 | $117,240 |
| Average Kentucky AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $114,410 | $133,190 | -$18,780 | -14.10% |
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $167,450 | -$53,040 | -31.68% |
| Nevada | $154,110 | -$39,700 | -25.76% |
| Washington | $150,720 | -$36,310 | -24.09% |
| New Jersey | $150,340 | -$35,930 | -23.90% |
| Oregon | $150,250 | -$35,840 | -23.85% |
| Massachusetts | $149,280 | -$34,870 | -23.36% |
| New York | $148,050 | -$33,640 | -22.72% |
| Connecticut | $141,990 | -$27,580 | -19.42% |
| New Mexico | $141,770 | -$27,360 | -19.30% |
| Minnesota | $139,950 | -$25,540 | -18.25% |
| District of Columbia | $139,780 | -$25,370 | -18.15% |
| Rhode Island | $138,340 | -$23,930 | -17.30% |
| Hawaii | $137,460 | -$23,050 | -16.77% |
| Arizona | $137,410 | -$23,000 | -16.74% |
| Delaware | $135,910 | -$21,500 | -15.82% |
| Iowa | $135,610 | -$21,200 | -15.63% |
| New Hampshire | $135,520 | -$21,110 | -15.58% |
| Texas | $134,770 | -$20,360 | -15.11% |
| Wisconsin | $133,020 | -$18,610 | -13.99% |
| Maryland | $132,670 | -$18,260 | -13.76% |
| Utah | $132,500 | -$18,090 | -13.65% |
| North Dakota | $132,430 | -$18,020 | -13.61% |
| Pennsylvania | $132,110 | -$17,700 | -13.40% |
| Illinois | $131,540 | -$17,130 | -13.02% |
| Alaska | $130,790 | -$16,380 | -12.52% |
| Vermont | $130,710 | -$16,300 | -12.47% |
| Montana | $129,200 | -$14,790 | -11.45% |
| Idaho | $129,110 | -$14,700 | -11.39% |
| Oklahoma | $128,880 | -$14,470 | -11.23% |
| Wyoming | $128,080 | -$13,670 | -10.67% |
| Indiana | $127,830 | -$13,420 | -10.50% |
| Maine | $127,440 | -$13,030 | -10.22% |
| Ohio | $127,360 | -$12,950 | -10.17% |
| Colorado | $126,450 | -$12,040 | -9.52% |
| Nebraska | $126,130 | -$11,720 | -9.29% |
| North Carolina | $126,040 | -$11,630 | -9.23% |
| Georgia | $125,580 | -$11,170 | -8.89% |
| South Dakota | $125,410 | -$11,000 | -8.77% |
| Virginia | $125,290 | -$10,880 | -8.68% |
| Michigan | $125,090 | -$10,680 | -8.54% |
| Florida | $124,090 | -$9,680 | -7.80% |
| Kansas | $123,630 | -$9,220 | -7.46% |
| Louisiana | $123,010 | -$8,600 | -6.99% |
| Mississippi | $121,790 | -$7,380 | -6.06% |
| South Carolina | $121,220 | -$6,810 | -5.62% |
| Missouri | $120,950 | -$6,540 | -5.41% |
| West Virginia | $117,600 | -$3,190 | -2.71% |
| Arkansas | $117,560 | -$3,150 | -2.68% |
| Kentucky | $114,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Alabama | $114,040 | +$370 | +0.32% |
| Tennessee | $107,510 | +$6,900 | +6.42% |
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $185,630 | -$71,220 | -38.37% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $114,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,770 | +$32,640 | +39.92% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,370 | +$35,040 | +44.15% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,100 | +$59,310 | +107.64% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,980 | +$78,430 | +217.98% |
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $186,480 | -$72,070 | -38.65% |
| Optometrist | $161,300 | -$46,890 | -29.07% |
| Pharmacist | $131,020 | -$16,610 | -12.68% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $114,410 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $104,380 | +$10,030 | +9.61% |
| Physician Assistant | $99,290 | +$15,120 | +15.23% |
| Radiation Therapist | $95,720 | +$18,690 | +19.53% |
| Physical Therapist | $87,480 | +$26,930 | +30.78% |
| Occupational Therapist | $86,860 | +$27,550 | +31.72% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,310 | +$31,100 | +37.33% |
| Chiropractor | $82,040 | +$32,370 | +39.46% |
| Audiologist | $76,370 | +$38,040 | +49.81% |
| Dental Hygienist | $73,850 | +$40,560 | +54.92% |
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| 3 |
| $55.00 |
| $2,200 |
| $9,530 |
| $114,410 |
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +45.24% |



Darby Faubion BSN, RN