4 Best AGNP Programs in Virginia (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
The demand for adult gerontology nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 56 percent in the decade to come, which is one of the reasons why now is such a great time to enroll in one of the AGNP programs in Virginia! What are some of the other reasons? AGNPs in Virginia earn impressive salaries, averaging $125,290 annually. Adult gerontology nurse practitioners in the Old Dominion State also have a great deal of autonomy when it comes to caring for vulnerable adults and senior citizens. Find out more about this dynamic career track by reviewing the list below of the 4 best AGNP programs in Virginia.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 4 BEST AGNP PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online AGNP programs in Virginia.)
1. University of Virginia - Charlottesville
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist + Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree ready to pursue the highest level of clinical nursing as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, the University of Virginia has a program designed for you! Both pathways admit students in the fall each year.
You have the option of enrolling part-time or full-time, depending on your needs and goals. Part-time students take five to six years to complete the program based on their chosen pathway. Full-time students in the AGACNP program take 33 months to graduate, while students in the combined Adult Gerontology Acute Care CNS and NP program take 36 months.
The BSN-to-DNP program is one of the best AGNP programs in Virginia and features a hybrid learning format. Campus visits are minimal, usually once per month, with the remainder of didactic coursework online. The post-bachelor’s DNP AGACNP program features a 73-credit curriculum. Students in this pathway complete 1,064 clinical hours.
The dual Adult Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner program is designed for military students only. The specialty requires you to complete courses for both the AGACNP and AGCNS tracks. Some of the classes in the curriculum include Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Culturally sensitive Approaches to Improving Population Health, and Evidence-Based Practice. The dual AGACNS/AGACNP program includes 1,792 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Virginia, you need a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and must be licensed as a registered nurse in the U.S. with eligibility to practice in Virginia. Applicants are required to submit a completed application for review, as well as a resume or curriculum vitae and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 is required. However, candidates with a BSN grade point average of 3.25 or higher are most competitive. You may also be required to participate in an admissions interview.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Master’s-prepared RNs have the option of pursuing a Post-Master’s Certificate at the University of Virginia and seeking preparation as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP. The Post-Master’s Certificate program is a hybrid pathway that takes two years of full-time study to complete. Students are admitted to this program once each year in the fall semester and graduate in as few as three semesters.
In addition to online coursework, students attend campus once per month to complete hands-on learning activities. The Post-Master’s AGNP program requires the completion of at least 20 credits. You will complete more than 500 clinical hours. Clinical practicums are facilitated by nursing faculty who collaborate with you to ensure you have the best experiences with the most qualified preceptors.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: The AGACNP Post-Master’s Certificate program is available to advanced practice nurses who have already earned a master's degree in nursing and who are certified in a specialty other than AGNP. Candidates are required to submit a completed application and a resume or curriculum vitae and be prepared to participate in an interview with the program faculty. Additionally, you must provide proof of an active Virginia state or Compact RN license and APRN certification. Official transcripts will be reviewed and must reflect the completion of separate graduate-level courses in advanced health assessment, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Once you decide that pursuing an advanced degree or certificate is the right path, the next step is finding the best school to help you achieve your goals. As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to look for schools that have a proven track record of success in nursing education. Schools with high rankings from reputable sources are a great place to start. For example, the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report in several categories, including the Best Grad School: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Top Public Schools for Nursing, Best College: Nursing, and Top Graduate Nursing Programs in Virginia.• If you like the idea of being involved in nursing research, the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing is an excellent choice. Nursing students, including those enrolled in the AGNP program, have opportunities to work with nurse scientists as research interns, participate in group research projects, and conduct mentored Distinguished Majors Projects in research.
• Graduates of the AGNP program at the University of Virginia have outstanding job placement rates following completion of the program. According to post-graduation surveys, graduates report being employed in their chosen role within three to six months of completing the program and taking their national certification exams.
2. Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a BSN and you’re ready to pursue a doctorate in nursing and become an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Virginia Commonwealth University has a BSN-to-DNP option worth considering. This DNP AGNP program in Virginia is a part-time program that takes three and a half years to complete.
The program features a hybrid format and a 65-credit curriculum and requires the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project. As a student in this program, you will take classes, including Managing Physiologically Unstable Patients, Complex Clinical Decision-Making in Acute and Critical Care, Managing Complex Co-Morbid Conditions in the Adult-Gerontology Population, and Foundations for Systems-Based Care & Interprofessional Partnerships.
Clinical hours for the BSN-to-DNP program are structured into the curriculum via nurse practitioner practicum courses and DNP residency courses. As a DNP student, you will complete at least 1,000 hours of precepted clinicals. Clinicals allow interaction with patients, interprofessional collaboration, and experiences designed to allow you to experience the challenges and responsibilities of providing care at the AGNP level.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP at VCU are required to hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited nursing program and have a current unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Intent, three letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities they have attended. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Certificate Program Details: If you have previously earned a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and wish to leverage your experience and add an Adult Gerontology NP certification, the Post-Professional Certificate program at VCU is a great option! The program is designed in a hybrid format with a part-time, two-year schedule, making it an excellent choice for working nurses.
A minimum of 21 graduate credit hours is required to earn the Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. A GAP analysis is required to determine an individual plan of study. All NP certificate students are required to have completed advanced pharmacotherapeutics, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment. If you have not completed those courses, they will be added to your curriculum plan. A total of 600 clinical hours are incorporated into the program.
Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Certificate Program at Virginia Commonwealth University, candidates must complete the NursingCAS application. Applicants must have a master’s or doctoral degree and a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse. In addition to completing the application for admission, you are required to submit a Personal Statement, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the main things I encourage potential students to consider when searching for the right AGNP program is how well former program graduates perform on national certification exams. Schools whose graduates have a high pass rate are typically a good choice. For example, Virginia Commonwealth University reports graduates of its AGACNP program achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on certification exams!• At Virginia Commonwealth University, you will have the support of a dedicated Clinical Placement Team. The team matches students with experienced preceptors in some of the top healthcare settings, ensuring you have adequate clinical learning opportunities to prepare you for your future role as an Acute Care AGNP.
• If you want to earn your degree and become an AGNP but worry about the cost of going to school, Virginia Commonwealth University may be able to help! The School of Nursing awards more than $4 million in annual scholarships. According to the financial aid department, 84% of nursing students who apply for scholarships receive at least one award!
3. George Mason University - Fairfax
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: George Mason University is home to another of the best AGNP programs in Virginia. The program admits students twice each year, in the fall and spring. The hybrid learning format features online classes, campus-based intensives and simulations, and face-to-face clinical practicums.
The BSN-to-DNP program is a 72-credit pathway. The curriculum consists of core courses in theory, ethics, statistics, healthcare delivery systems, and advanced practice competency courses relevant to the AGNP concentration. The program also includes important doctoral-level courses in administration, informatics, policy, and evidence-based practice.
George Mason University’s College of Public Health is home to the first interdisciplinary Virtual Reality and Simulation Lab in Virginia. As a student in the DNP AGNP program, you will develop new skills through hands-on learning in this immersive environment. All students in the DNP program complete 1,000 precepted clinical hours and complete two Practice Inquiry Project courses, resulting in a DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited nursing program and have an active, unencumbered RN license in Virginia or a Compact State license and at least one year of documented work experience as a registered nurse. Applicants are required to complete a George Mason Application for Graduate Study. Additionally, you must submit a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, an Expanded Goals Statement, a copy of your current RN license, and any applicable certifications. An interview may be required before an offer of admission is extended.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• George Mason University is known for its high-quality nursing programs. For instance, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school as one of the best for Doctor of Nursing Practice in the country. U.S. News is a reputable source where you can find information about programs like the AGNP programs in Virginia featured in this article. When ranking schools, U.S. News assesses the school’s faculty resources, research activity, student success rates, and qualitative ratings from other experts.• George Mason University has a long history of nursing education. The School of Nursing at GMU was established in the early 1970s. In the more than 50 years since the school was established, more than 10,000 nurses have graduated from its programs!
• At George Mason University, your success both in the program and following graduation is important. The university offers a Career Advising Center where you can find information about internships, career advice, and job placement support.
4. James Madison University - Harrisonburg
Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: James Madison University offers another MSN pathway for individuals seeking an AGNP program in Virginia. The program is available part-time or full-time, which means you can choose a schedule that accommodates your needs and lifestyle. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years, while part-time students take three or four years to graduate. The program admits students in the summer and fall of each year.
The AGNP MSN program is presented in a hybrid format that combines on-campus and asynchronous online learning. The curriculum is designed to meet the competencies outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioners. The concentration requires the completion of 46 credits, including nursing graduate core courses and AGNP specialty courses. In this program, you will take classes such as Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology, Advanced Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, and Coordinated Care of the Elderly. The program also incorporates 780 clinical hours, ensuring you gain adequate experience to prepare you as an AGNP.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program, prospective students must complete an online application on NursingCAS and an application for The Graduate School. Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 grade point average and hold an unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. Additionally, candidates must provide two professional recommendations, a Personal and Goals Statement, and copies of transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: At James Madison University, RNs with a bachelor’s degree also have the option of earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specializing as a Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The BSN-to-DNP program admits students in January each year and takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. The pathway features a hybrid learning format that combines online and face-to-face classes.
In this post-bachelor’s DNP program, you will complete 72 credits. The curriculum consists of APRN and specialty courses. Some of the classes you will take in this program include Evidence-Based Practice: Clinical Prevention & Population Health Promotion, Epidemiology & Population Assessment, and Coordinated Care of the Elderly. All students in the DNP program are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Your clinical experiences will occur in a variety of primary care settings under the supervision of clinical faculty or approved preceptors.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited institution and have a current, unrestricted Virginia or Compact State RN license. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from each college or university previously attended and must have a minimum 3.2 cumulative undergraduate grade point average. Additionally, applicants must submit a Statement of Professional Goals, a current resume or curriculum vitae, complete health documentation, a copy of CPR certification, and two letters of recommendation. An interview with the program faculty may be required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Clinical training is an essential part of any nursing program, and as you prepare to become an AGNP, knowing you will have the right training is crucial. One of the things I like about James Madison University is that the Program Coordinator coordinates with you to assist in practicum placements, ensuring you have opportunities to work in diverse settings and that you have qualified preceptors.• At JMU, you will learn from exceptional faculty with diverse academic and clinical backgrounds. Their knowledge, skills, and insight will help guide you as you learn and prepare to transition to the role of an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.
• At James Madison University, you will have ongoing support from faculty and staff. The school offers several services and resources to enhance your learning experience. Academic and financial advisors, Veterans’ Resource advisors, counseling and psychological services, and graduate success coaches are all dedicated to your success!
HOW MUCH DO AGNP GRADUATES MAKE IN VIRGINIA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.32 |
| Weekly | $1,773 |
| Monthly | $7,680 |
| Annual | $92,180 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.32 | $1,773 | $7,680 | $92,180 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.14 | $2,006 | $8,690 | $104,300 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.19 | $2,368 | $10,260 | $123,120 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $65.92 | $2,637 | $11,430 | $137,110 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $78.77 | $3,151 | $13,650 | $163,850 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA?
| Hourly | $60.24 |
| Weekly | $2,409 |
| Monthly | $10,440 |
| Annual | $125,290 |
HOW MUCH DO AGNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF VIRGINIA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $58.46 | $2,338 | $10,130 | $121,590 |
| Charlottesville | $63.63 | $2,545 | $11,030 | $132,350 |
| Harrisonburg | $57.05 | $2,282 | $9,890 | $118,660 |
| Lynchburg | $56.70 | $2,268 | $9,830 | $117,940 |
| Richmond | $62.75 | $2,510 | $10,880 | $130,510 |
| Roanoke | $56.67 | $2,267 | $9,820 | $117,870 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro | $62.00 | $2,480 | $10,750 | $128,950 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News | $58.92 | $2,357 | $10,210 | $122,550 |
| Winchester | $57.87 | $2,315 | $10,030 | $120,370 |
AGNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. OTHER SALARIES
AGNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. AGNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Virginia AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $125,290 | $133,190 | -$7,900 | -5.93% |
AGNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. AGNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $167,450 | -$42,160 | -25.18% |
| Nevada | $154,110 | -$28,820 | -18.70% |
| Washington | $150,720 | -$25,430 | -16.87% |
| New Jersey | $150,340 | -$25,050 | -16.66% |
| Oregon | $150,250 | -$24,960 | -16.61% |
| Massachusetts | $149,280 | -$23,990 | -16.07% |
| New York | $148,050 | -$22,760 | -15.37% |
| Connecticut | $141,990 | -$16,700 | -11.76% |
| New Mexico | $141,770 | -$16,480 | -11.62% |
| Minnesota | $139,950 | -$14,660 | -10.48% |
| District of Columbia | $139,780 | -$14,490 | -10.37% |
| Rhode Island | $138,340 | -$13,050 | -9.43% |
| Hawaii | $137,460 | -$12,170 | -8.85% |
| Arizona | $137,410 | -$12,120 | -8.82% |
| Delaware | $135,910 | -$10,620 | -7.81% |
| Iowa | $135,610 | -$10,320 | -7.61% |
| New Hampshire | $135,520 | -$10,230 | -7.55% |
| Texas | $134,770 | -$9,480 | -7.03% |
| Wisconsin | $133,020 | -$7,730 | -5.81% |
| Maryland | $132,670 | -$7,380 | -5.56% |
| Utah | $132,500 | -$7,210 | -5.44% |
| North Dakota | $132,430 | -$7,140 | -5.39% |
| Pennsylvania | $132,110 | -$6,820 | -5.16% |
| Illinois | $131,540 | -$6,250 | -4.75% |
| Alaska | $130,790 | -$5,500 | -4.21% |
| Vermont | $130,710 | -$5,420 | -4.15% |
| Montana | $129,200 | -$3,910 | -3.03% |
| Idaho | $129,110 | -$3,820 | -2.96% |
| Oklahoma | $128,880 | -$3,590 | -2.79% |
| Wyoming | $128,080 | -$2,790 | -2.18% |
| Indiana | $127,830 | -$2,540 | -1.99% |
| Maine | $127,440 | -$2,150 | -1.69% |
| Ohio | $127,360 | -$2,070 | -1.63% |
| Colorado | $126,450 | -$1,160 | -0.92% |
| Nebraska | $126,130 | -$840 | -0.67% |
| North Carolina | $126,040 | -$750 | -0.60% |
| Georgia | $125,580 | -$290 | -0.23% |
| South Dakota | $125,410 | -$120 | -0.10% |
| Virginia | $125,290 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Michigan | $125,090 | +$200 | +0.16% |
| Florida | $124,090 | +$1,200 | +0.97% |
| Kansas | $123,630 | +$1,660 | +1.34% |
| Louisiana | $123,010 | +$2,280 | +1.85% |
| Mississippi | $121,790 | +$3,500 | +2.87% |
| South Carolina | $121,220 | +$4,070 | +3.36% |
| Missouri | $120,950 | +$4,340 | +3.59% |
| West Virginia | $117,600 | +$7,690 | +6.54% |
| Arkansas | $117,560 | +$7,730 | +6.58% |
| Kentucky | $114,410 | +$10,880 | +9.51% |
| Alabama | $114,040 | +$11,250 | +9.86% |
| Tennessee | $107,510 | +$17,780 | +16.54% |
AGNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN VIRGINIA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $232,250 | -$106,960 | -46.05% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $125,290 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $118,750 | +$6,540 | +5.51% |
| Registered Nurse | $88,350 | +$36,940 | +41.81% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,950 | +$45,340 | +56.71% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,810 | +$67,480 | +116.73% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,440 | +$87,850 | +234.64% |
AGNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN VIRGINIA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $187,950 | -$62,660 | -33.34% |
| Pharmacist | $138,390 | -$13,100 | -9.47% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $125,290 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $120,010 | +$5,280 | +4.40% |
| Veterinarian | $118,940 | +$6,350 | +5.34% |
| Occupational Therapist | $102,550 | +$22,740 | +22.17% |
| Physical Therapist | $99,850 | +$25,440 | +25.48% |
| Radiation Therapist | $99,710 | +$25,580 | +25.65% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $95,640 | +$29,650 | +31.00% |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,800 | +$33,490 | +36.48% |
| Audiologist | $78,970 | +$46,320 | +58.66% |
| Chiropractor | $75,570 | +$49,720 | +65.79% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits AGNP Programs In Virginia?
| 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 Virginia?
| 4 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Hour In Virginia?
| $60.24 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Week In Virginia?
| $2,409 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Month In Virginia?
| $10,440 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Year In Virginia?
| $125,290 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For AGNPs In Virginia?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +55.65% |
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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