5 Best AGNP Programs in North Carolina (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Why is enrolling in one of the AGNP programs in North Carolina the right move for you? Because the adult gerontology field offers high demand, comfortable salaries, and the opportunity to develop deep clinical expertise caring for one of North Carolina's most vulnerable populations, the elderly. As an adult gerontology nurse practitioner in the Tar Heel State, you can expect to earn $126,040 annually. Your employment opportunities will increase by 55 percent over the next 10 years. Adult gerontology nurse practitioner practice is a career with multiple advantages, and the guide below to the 5 best AGNP programs in North Carolina will fill you in on all of them.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 5 BEST AGNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 5 best campus-based and online AGNP programs in North Carolina.)
1. Duke University School of Nursing - Durham
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are searching for a top AGNP program in North Carolina, I suggest considering Duke University’s School of Nursing! At Duke University, registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize as an Acute Care or Primary Care AGNP. The MSN major was developed to accommodate full-time enrollment. The program admits students three times each year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
The MSN program features a flexible, distance-based learning format, making it an excellent choice for working nurses who need to maintain work-life balance. In addition to online courses, the program integrates on-campus intensives which provide opportunities for interaction with faculty and peers and hands-on learning activities in the school’s high-fidelity simulation labs.
The Primary Care AGNP pathway features a 42-credit curriculum. In this program, you will complete 560 clinical hours. The Acute Care AGNP program requires 48 credits and 728 clinical training hours. Both MSN AGNP curriculum plans include MSN core courses, AGNP specialty courses, and Nurse Practitioner Intensive courses. Additionally, all students must complete the “Four Ps.”
You will collaborate with program faculty to identify clinical sites and preceptors. Duke University’s SoN has clinical partnerships with more than 2,000 healthcare agencies worldwide, which means you are guaranteed valuable, real-world experience. Whenever possible, clinicals will be scheduled close to your home.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate Program at Duke University offers registered nurses who already have a master’s degree in nursing the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and training to specialize as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum features didactic and clinical courses combined with in-person clinical practicums.
Some didactic courses may be waived based on a formal GAP analysis of your previous graduate coursework. Once the analysis is complete, an individual plan of study will be prepared for you. All students in the AGNP Post-Graduate Certificate program complete a minimum of 500 precepted, direct patient care clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the things I love about nursing is that there is no limit to the things you can learn or the level to which you can extend your professional scope and practice. As a nurse educator, one thing I find appealing about Duke University’s School of Nursing is that students have the option of adding a specialty certificate to their degree plan. For example, when you enroll in one of the AGNP pathways, you may also choose to earn an MSN specialty certification in Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Palliative Care, HIV Care, Endocrinology, or Veterans Health Care.• At Duke University, the AGNP program faculty are internationally renowned. Each faculty member brings real-world experience as an active nurse practitioner to the classroom. They are dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to help you excel in the program and your career following graduation.
• Graduates of the AGNP programs at Duke University consistently have high first-time pass rates on national certification examinations.
2. The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers another of the best AGNP programs in North Carolina. The MSN Adult Gerontology NP program offers part-time and full-time enrollment options. The program admits new students in the fall semester. Full-time students can complete the program in five semesters. Part-time students typically take eight semesters or three years to graduate.
The AGNP Master of Science in Nursing program is designed to accommodate busy working professionals. The program features coursework that is primarily online. You will also participate in on-campus immersions once per semester. These immersion experiences involve opportunities to engage in practical learning activities to collaborate with faculty and network with your peers.
The MSN AGNP program is a Primary Care specialization. The curriculum requires the completion of 43 credits. You will study Healthcare Policy & Leadership, Pharmacotherapeutics, Primary Care of Adolescents & Adults, and Advanced Concepts in Clinical Care of Older Adults. The program includes 600 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: You can achieve the highest level of professional nursing practice through the University of North Carolina BSN-to-DNP program. With part-time and full-time study options, you can choose a schedule best suited to meet your needs. New classes begin each fall.
While most of this AGNP program is online, the DNP pathway emphasizes professional collaboration and hands-on learning by incorporating immersive campus-based intensives each semester. The post-bachelor’s DNP Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP program is a 70-credit pathway. The curriculum includes practice inquiry and organizational leadership courses, advanced practice nursing courses, and AGPCNP specialty courses.
To earn the DNP, all students must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Clinical hours in this BSN-to-DNP program are earned through direct patient care practicums and indirect care via the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of North Carolina is designed to provide MSN- and DNP-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with the opportunity to pursue education in a new population area. The Post-Graduate Certificate program offers the option to pursue certification as an Acute Care AGNP.
The program is part-time and takes one year to complete. The program requires a minimum of 18 credits. The curriculum integrates practical skills and theoretical knowledge through online coursework focused on acute adult and gerontological care. Coursework is complemented by three on-campus intensives where you will participate in high-fidelity simulations. Additionally, you will have diverse acute care experiences through 660 clinical hours. Clinical hours include 600 direct patient care hours and 60 simulation hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a research-intense, state-of-the-art facility. The university has top-ranked schools of public health, pharmacy, social work, dentistry, medicine, and nursing close to its renowned UNC Hospitals. As a student in the AGNP program, you will benefit by participating in world-class interprofessional learning, practice opportunities, and scientific inquiry designed to help you succeed!• The UNC School of Nursing is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in several categories. For example, the school is recognized in the Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Best Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Best Nursing Administration categories. School rankings are important to consider, and finding schools that are highly ranked by reputable sources like U.S. News can help you feel assured that the education you receive will be top quality.
• The AGNP programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are led by highly sought-after faculty with decades of combined experience. Faculty are experts in clinical practice and nursing education and are dedicated to your success in the program and beyond!
3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Charlotte
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are searching for an AGNP program in North Carolina where you can specialize in adult and gerontology acute care, the MSN program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a great option! The program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare you to provide evidence-based care to clients experiencing acute and complex health issues.
The MSN AGACNP program is campus-based. Lectures from expert faculty are combined with hands-on learning experiences in the school’s state-of-the-art simulation centers. The MSN curriculum requires the completion of 47 credits. Courses in the study plan include Advanced Primary Care & Health Promotion of Adults Across the Lifespan, Complex Healthcare Management of Adults, Advanced Care of Critically Ill Adults, and Health Policy & Planning in the United States.
The program includes 600 preceptor-supervised clinical hours. Clinical practicums are arranged by program faculty and occur in various settings, including local hospitals, community care centers, and clinics.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program at UNC-Charlotte provides master’s-prepared nurses with education and clinical experience to prepare for certification as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The program features on-campus learning, simulated lab experiences, and in-person clinical practicums. Students are admitted in the summer and take an Advanced Acute Care Skills Lab course, then complete the program in three additional semesters.
Students who pursue the Acute Care AGNP Post-Graduate APRN Certificate must complete a minimum of 20 graduate credit hours. The curriculum for this pathway includes three specialty-focused courses with corresponding clinical practicums. You will complete a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, the AGNP program is taught by faculty who are actively engaged in practice and research. Their commitment to nursing and nursing education is reflected in the classroom and clinical practicums, where they will guide you as you prepare to take on a new role as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.• As a nurse educator, I feel simulations play a vital role in developing the essential skills you need to succeed in nursing. They enhance your use of technology, create opportunities to engage in experiential learning, and provide routes through which faculty can incorporate evidence-based strategies in the curriculum. One of the things I like about the AGNP program at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte is that the School of Nursing employs several Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators, of which there are fewer than 1,200 in the U.S. These educators will guide you in the Learning Resource Center, which offers a broad array of complex learning resources and laboratories that allows replication of real-life clinical situations to prepare you for practice.
• The AGNP program at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte has excellent retention and graduation rates. This is a good indication that students thrive in and are happy with the program.
4. University of North Carolina - Greensboro
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree looking for the top AGNP programs in North Carolina where you can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice, I recommend considering the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The program can be completed in three years if you enroll full-time, or you may choose a part-time option and complete the program in four years.
The BSN-to-DNP program offers a mix of asynchronous online and hybrid (online or in-person) classes. All clinical courses are conducted face-to-face on campus through weekly sessions. This AGNP program features a 68-credit curriculum. You will study in classes, including Interventional Strategies to Promote Population Well-Being, Integrated Clinical Management for the Advanced Practice Nurse in Primary Care, Biostatistical Basis for Decision-Making, Primary Care Management for Aging or Frail Adults, and Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing.
The program includes a total of 1,140 clinical and scholarly hours. 840 hours involve direct patient care under the supervision of approved preceptors in various primary care settings. You will also complete 300 Scholarly/Immersion hours through the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Finding an AGNP program that prepares students for success is essential. One of the factors I encourage potential students to consider when searching for a program is how well graduates perform on national certification exams. This is important because you must pass your national certification exam to practice as an Adult Gerontology NP. According to the UNC School of Nursing, graduates of the AGNP program have had a remarkable 100% pass rate on the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner exam for the last five years in a row!• One of the most essential parts of any nursing program is clinical practicums. It is during these experiences that you develop, and hone vital skills needed to provide high-quality care for your patients. At the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, clinical preceptors and placements are arranged for you. While you may collaborate with clinical faculty in identifying clinical sites and preceptors, their guidance ensures you will have adequate and appropriate experiences.
• Earning a doctorate in nursing and specializing as an AGNP is a big commitment. UNC-G understands the dedication it takes and works to promote your success. One of the things I like about the program is that it ensures a low faculty-to-student ratio, which allows for individual attention.
5. East Carolina University - Greenville
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: East Carolina offers another post-bachelor’s DNP AGNP program in North Carolina. The program admits students in the fall semester each year. Part-time students typically take four years to earn the DNP, while full-time students can complete the program in three years.
The BSN-to-DNP Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP program consists of a 61-semester-hour curriculum. In this program, you will study in classes, including Advanced Practice Nursing with Families: Primary Care of Adults, Care of Older Adults with Acute & Chronic Illnesses, Translating Evidence into Advanced Interprofessional Practice, and Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice. The program encompasses 896 direct care clinical practice hours. Additionally, you will earn indirect care clinical hours by completing a DNP Scholarly Project.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Nurses with a master’s degree in nursing and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse can obtain a Post-Master’s Certificate with a focus as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Admission to this program occurs in the spring semester of each academic year.
The Post-Master’s Certificate Program combines didactic instruction with hands-on clinical learning experiences designed to equip you to provide care to acutely ill adults and geriatric patients in acute care settings. The program is a 20-semester-hour pathway. You will study Diagnostic Reasoning in the Acutely Ill Patient and take three clinical courses, each with a corresponding clinical practicum. The required clinical practice experiences are arranged in your home region.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you want to go to school and become an AGNP but are concerned about the cost of pursuing a degree or certification, East Carolina University has some great options! The College of Nursing awards several graduate scholarships each year. Additionally, nursing organizations like the NC Foundation for Nursing offer scholarship opportunities. Traineeships are often awarded, as well, which could help significantly reduce your costs.• East Carolina University reports that graduates of its AGNP program have excellent job placement rates. According to the school, nearly 100% of graduates are employed in the role of an Adult Gerontology NP within six months of completing the program and passing national certification exams.
• At ECU, you will have assistance from dedicated clinical site placement coordinators who will work with you to ensure appropriate clinical assignments that meet your program’s learning objectives.
HOW MUCH DO AGNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NORTH CAROLINA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.58 |
| Weekly | $1,783 |
| Monthly | $7,730 |
| Annual | $92,730 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.58 | $1,783 | $7,730 | $92,730 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.44 | $2,018 | $8,740 | $104,920 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.54 | $2,382 | $10,320 | $123,850 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $66.31 | $2,653 | $11,490 | $137,930 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $79.25 | $3,170 | $13,740 | $164,830 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA?
| Hourly | $60.60 |
| Weekly | $2,424 |
| Monthly | $10,500 |
| Annual | $126,040 |
HOW MUCH DO AGNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NORTH CAROLINA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Asheville | $57.46 | $2,298 | $9,960 | $119,510 |
| Burlington | $59.41 | $2,376 | $10,300 | $123,570 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $61.45 | $2,458 | $10,650 | $127,820 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $64.17 | $2,567 | $11,120 | $133,480 |
| Fayetteville | $55.83 | $2,233 | $9,680 | $116,120 |
| Goldsboro | $51.54 | $2,062 | $8,930 | $107,200 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $60.09 | $2,404 | $10,420 | $124,990 |
| Greenville | $56.95 | $2,278 | $9,870 | $118,450 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $58.21 | $2,328 | $10,090 | $121,070 |
| Jacksonville | $60.18 | $2,407 | $10,430 | $125,170 |
| New Bern | $53.95 | $2,158 | $9,350 | $112,220 |
| Raleigh | $60.78 | $2,431 | $10,540 | $126,420 |
| Rocky Mount | $54.80 | $2,192 | $9,500 | $113,990 |
| Wilmington | $57.00 | $2,280 | $9,880 | $118,570 |
| Winston-Salem | $66.07 | $2,643 | $11,450 | $137,420 |
AGNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER SALARIES
AGNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. AGNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average North Carolina AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $126,040 | $133,190 | -$7,150 | -5.37% |
AGNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. AGNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $167,450 | -$41,410 | -24.73% |
| Nevada | $154,110 | -$28,070 | -18.21% |
| Washington | $150,720 | -$24,680 | -16.37% |
| New Jersey | $150,340 | -$24,300 | -16.16% |
| Oregon | $150,250 | -$24,210 | -16.11% |
| Massachusetts | $149,280 | -$23,240 | -15.57% |
| New York | $148,050 | -$22,010 | -14.87% |
| Connecticut | $141,990 | -$15,950 | -11.23% |
| New Mexico | $141,770 | -$15,730 | -11.10% |
| Minnesota | $139,950 | -$13,910 | -9.94% |
| District of Columbia | $139,780 | -$13,740 | -9.83% |
| Rhode Island | $138,340 | -$12,300 | -8.89% |
| Hawaii | $137,460 | -$11,420 | -8.31% |
| Arizona | $137,410 | -$11,370 | -8.27% |
| Delaware | $135,910 | -$9,870 | -7.26% |
| Iowa | $135,610 | -$9,570 | -7.06% |
| New Hampshire | $135,520 | -$9,480 | -7.00% |
| Texas | $134,770 | -$8,730 | -6.48% |
| Wisconsin | $133,020 | -$6,980 | -5.25% |
| Maryland | $132,670 | -$6,630 | -5.00% |
| Utah | $132,500 | -$6,460 | -4.88% |
| North Dakota | $132,430 | -$6,390 | -4.83% |
| Pennsylvania | $132,110 | -$6,070 | -4.59% |
| Illinois | $131,540 | -$5,500 | -4.18% |
| Alaska | $130,790 | -$4,750 | -3.63% |
| Vermont | $130,710 | -$4,670 | -3.57% |
| Montana | $129,200 | -$3,160 | -2.45% |
| Idaho | $129,110 | -$3,070 | -2.38% |
| Oklahoma | $128,880 | -$2,840 | -2.20% |
| Wyoming | $128,080 | -$2,040 | -1.59% |
| Indiana | $127,830 | -$1,790 | -1.40% |
| Maine | $127,440 | -$1,400 | -1.10% |
| Ohio | $127,360 | -$1,320 | -1.04% |
| Colorado | $126,450 | -$410 | -0.32% |
| Nebraska | $126,130 | -$90 | -0.07% |
| North Carolina | $126,040 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Georgia | $125,580 | +$460 | +0.37% |
| South Dakota | $125,410 | +$630 | +0.50% |
| Virginia | $125,290 | +$750 | +0.60% |
| Michigan | $125,090 | +$950 | +0.76% |
| Florida | $124,090 | +$1,950 | +1.57% |
| Kansas | $123,630 | +$2,410 | +1.95% |
| Louisiana | $123,010 | +$3,030 | +2.46% |
| Mississippi | $121,790 | +$4,250 | +3.49% |
| South Carolina | $121,220 | +$4,820 | +3.98% |
| Missouri | $120,950 | +$5,090 | +4.21% |
| West Virginia | $117,600 | +$8,440 | +7.18% |
| Arkansas | $117,560 | +$8,480 | +7.21% |
| Kentucky | $114,410 | +$11,630 | +10.17% |
| Alabama | $114,040 | +$12,000 | +10.52% |
| Tennessee | $107,510 | +$18,530 | +17.24% |
AGNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $222,560 | -$96,520 | -43.37% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $126,040 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $118,660 | +$7,380 | +6.22% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,530 | +$43,510 | +52.72% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $76,970 | +$49,070 | +63.75% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,760 | +$68,280 | +118.21% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,340 | +$90,700 | +256.65% |
AGNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $207,300 | -$81,260 | -39.20% |
| Dentist | $204,980 | -$78,940 | -38.51% |
| Optometrist | $171,170 | -$45,130 | -26.37% |
| Pharmacist | $134,600 | -$8,560 | -6.36% |
| Veterinarian | $126,700 | -$660 | -0.52% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $126,040 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $123,860 | +$2,180 | +1.76% |
| Radiation Therapist | $104,100 | +$21,940 | +21.08% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,150 | +$30,890 | +32.46% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,510 | +$37,530 | +42.40% |
| Chiropractor | $85,320 | +$40,720 | +47.73% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,650 | +$41,390 | +48.90% |
| Audiologist | $83,920 | +$42,120 | +50.19% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,780 | +$43,260 | +52.26% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits AGNP Programs In North Carolina?
| 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 North Carolina?
| 5 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Hour In North Carolina?
| $60.60 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Week In North Carolina?
| $2,424 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Month In North Carolina?
| $10,500 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Year In North Carolina?
| $126,040 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For AGNPs In North Carolina?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +55.49% |
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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