6 Best AGNP Programs in Wisconsin (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Do you have what it takes to be an adult gerontology nurse practitioner in Wisconsin? In the Badger State, AGNPs play an essential role in delivering healthcare to adults over 18 throughout their lifetimes. AGNPs who pursue an acute care specialty typically work with critically ill or injured patients in high-pressure settings like hospital emergency departments and intensive care units. AGNPs trained in primary care diagnose and manage everyday health complaints in a variety of medical and community environments. The need for graduates of AGNP programs in Wisconsin will be 51 percent higher 10 years from now, and AGNPs in the Badger State make $132,020 a year. Learn more in this guide to the 6 best AGNP programs in Wisconsin.



FOLLOWING ARE THE 6 BEST AGNP PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 6 best campus-based and online AGNP programs in Wisconsin.)


1. Marquette University - Milwaukee


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s 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-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse who wants to become an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner? Do you want to earn a master’s degree in nursing? If so, Marquette University is home to one of the best AGNP programs in Wisconsin with an MSN option.

When you choose the MSN AGNP program, you may opt to specialize as an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP. Coursework is presented in a blended learning format combining online, on-campus, and hybrid courses. The program offers a 42-credit curriculum comprising core courses, foundational courses, and specialty courses. Additionally, students complete three clinical courses and practicums totaling 750 clinical hours.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Registered nurses who want to earn a clinical doctorate and specialize as an Acute or Primary Care AGNP can accomplish that goal through the BSN-to-DNP program at Marquette. The program admits new students in the fall. Full-time and part-time plans make it easy for you to manage school and other responsibilities by allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for you. Coursework is delivered with a combination of hybrid, campus-based, and online coursework.

Students in the post-bachelor’s DNP program complete 69 credits. The rich curriculum plan includes classes such as Concepts & Interventions for Health Problems Across the Lifespan, Pathophysiological Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Research & Evidence as a Foundation for Nursing. After completing the required core courses, you will begin specialty-related coursework and clinicals. All students in the DNP program also complete a DNP Scholarly Project, which is the culminating event of the program. As recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, students are required to complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice.


Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The Post-Master’s Certificate program is an excellent option for registered nurses who have already earned a master’s degree in nursing and wish to expand their scope of practice by becoming an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits new classes each fall.

A minimum of 12 credits is required to complete the Post-Master’s Certificate pathway and earn the certificate. The curriculum includes 750 clinical hours. However, an individualized study plan is designed based on coursework documented on each student’s master’s degree transcript. Therefore, study plans vary from one student to the next.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• At Marquette University, student support is a priority. From the time you are admitted to the AGNP program until you graduate, you will have an advisor who works closely with you. Additionally, career development coaches will work with you to help with resume building and mock interviews as you prepare to graduate and pursue a job in your new role.
• The AGNP program at Marquette University is led by doctorally prepared faculty who remain actively engaged in clinical practice. As a student at Marquette, you can feel confident that you are learning from experienced, dedicated professionals.
• Marquette University recognizes that having the right clinical experiences is crucial for nursing students at all levels. Students enrolled in the AGNP programs have assistance with clinical site placement and preceptor vetting. Clinical placement assistance helps ensure you have adequate clinical experiences with highly-qualified preceptors to help prepare you for your new role as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner!


2. University of Wisconsin - Madison


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a post-baccalaureate program for registered nurses seeking a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specialized training to become an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. With this AGNP program in Wisconsin, you can choose to focus your studies as an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP. The program is designed to be completed in three years of full-time study or four years of part-time study.

The BSN-to-DNP program features a hybrid format, with some coursework completed through asynchronous online learning and other portions of the program requiring campus attendance. On average, students should plan to be on campus one or two days per month.

To earn the DNP, you must complete a 68-credit plan of study, as well as complete a three-credit graduate statistics course (required for admission). The curriculum includes classes such as Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurses, Nursing & Health Informatics, Leadership & Organizational Decision-Making in Healthcare, and Advanced Pathophysiology. Additionally, all students must complete a three-credit graduate statistics course to be considered for admission, which means you will earn a total of 71 credits.

Students in the BSN-to-DNP program complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical practicum hours. Program faculty arrange and oversee practicum experiences. Clinicals are held in major health care systems and independent practices across Wisconsin. Therefore, all students must have a Wisconsin state or Nurse Licensure Compact RN license.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Wisconsin-Madison boasts a 100% pass rate on national certification exams for graduates of its AGNP program. Finding a program that has a history of graduate success on this type of exam is essential, as passing certification examinations is required to practice.
• The University of Wisconsin is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best schools in the nation for Doctor of Nursing Practice!
• One of the appealing aspects of the AGNP program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is its low student-to-faculty ratio. Smaller class sizes facilitate easier communication with faculty and peers, as well as more opportunities for collaboration, which is essential to effective nursing practice.


3. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire is home to another of our featured AGNP programs in Wisconsin. The program is designed to help baccalaureate-prepared RNs enhance their prior education and skills by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice, specializing as Primary Care Adult Gerontology NPs. You can choose a three-, four-, or five-year plan of study, depending on the amount of time you can commit to the program and how quickly you want to graduate. New classes begin in the fall each year.

The BSN-to-DNP Adult Gerontology NP program features a hybrid learning format. Most classes are remote and may have a synchronous or asynchronous schedule, at your instructor's discretion. Some campus meetings are required.

The program is a 74-credit pathway. You will take classes, including Human Responses in Health & Illness: Adults & Older Adults, Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults & Older Adults, Advanced Epidemiology & Biostatistics for Population Health, and Organizational Leadership & Health Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice.

More than 1,200 clinical hours are included in the program. 825 practicum hours are earned through direct patient care. The remaining clinical hours are indirect care and gained through the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire has an excellent reputation for providing high-quality nursing education. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school in its Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice category.
• As a student in the AGNP program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, you will have access to several research opportunities. Additionally, your time on campus will involve providing care to clients in the on-campus clinical facilities and collaborating with renowned healthcare organizations and providers.
• Graduates of the AGNP program at UW-EC have outstanding job placement rates. According to the school, graduates report being employed within three months of completing the program and passing their national certification exam. In fact, many students receive employment offers before graduating (contingent upon graduation and passing certification).


4. Viterbo University - Lacrosse


Programs Offered: DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Viterbo University’s BSN-to-DNP program provides a pathway for baccalaureate-prepared nurses to earn the highest clinical nursing degree, specializing in adult and gerontology care. The program is available for students interested in either acute or primary care. Students who pursue the Primary Care AGNP pathway may enroll full-time and graduate in three years or opt for a part-time plan, completing the program in four years. The Acute Care AGNP program is completed in three and a half years. New classes are admitted in the summer semester each year.

The BSN-to-DNP program features a blended learning modality with online classes as well as campus-based learning. The Primary Care AGNP program is a 62-credit pathway (1,020 clinical hours), and the Acute Care AGNP pathway requires 74 credits (1,080). Students study in classes, including Epidemiology & Population Health, Advanced Practice Pharmacotherapeutics, Management of Health Problems in Adults and Geriatrics, and Advanced Pathophysiology. The program also includes 1,020 hours of clinical experience. You will complete at least 780 hours of direct patient care practicum and 240 hours of DNP project work.


MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a master’s-prepared nurse who wants to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specialize as an Adult Gerontology NP, you can accomplish your goals through Viterbo’s MSN-to-DNP program. This top AGNP program in Wisconsin can be completed in just two years if you enroll as a full-time student. While some classes are offered exclusively online, others require attendance on campus for face-to-face instruction.

The Primary Care and Acute Care post-master’s DNP pathways require 59 and 71 credits, respectively. All DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. A GAP analysis of your master’s nursing transcripts will determine how many credits and clinical hours can be transferred to the program, and a personalized plan of study will be developed for you to outline the total number of credits and clinical hours you need to complete the DNP.


Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Viterbo University also offers an opportunity for nurses with a previous graduate degree to expand their practice by earning a Post-Graduate Certificate. The Post-Graduate Certificate program admits students in the summer and is completed over five semesters. The program features a 21-credit curriculum and includes 540 hours of clinical practicum.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• If you have ever thought of getting involved in a medical mission, Viterbo University could be the right school for you! Since 2007, the university has worked with Refuge International to provide medical care to the indigenous communities of San Raymundo, Guatemala. As an AGNP student, you can participate in the program, providing assessments, primary care, and education to patients on an international level!
• The Viterbo University School of Nursing operates as part of the Mayo Clinic Health System campus. What this means for you is that, as a student in the AGNP program, you will have outstanding opportunities for clinical learning experiences!
• Faculty at Viterbo University bring a broad array of clinical expertise to the AGNP program. They have decades of combined experience in patient care and nursing education. Their dedication to improving patient outcomes, advancing the nursing profession, and preparing highly qualified nurses is unparalleled.


5. Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon


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: At Concordia University Wisconsin, bachelor’s-prepared RNs who want to earn a graduate degree in nursing and become an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner can choose from two pathways, one of which is the Master of Science in Nursing AGNP program. The MSN program admits new students annually in the fall semester. It takes three to four years to complete the program, based on the number of credits you pursue each semester.

Campus attendance is required for orientation at the beginning of the program. Additionally, students participate in a two- to three-day interactive campus experience during the Advanced Health Assessment course. All other classes are online in either an eight- or 16-week format.

The MSN program features a 41-credit curriculum consisting of core courses, specialty courses, and electives. Some of the classes included in this pathway include Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Roles & Interprofessional Collaboration, Genetics, Immunology, & Microbiology for Advanced Nursing, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Advanced Health Assessment.

The program requires the completion of 750 clinical hours within a primary care setting. While you are responsible for identifying your own preceptors, the university offers guidance and assistance.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and want to become an Acute Care NP with a doctoral degree in nursing, the BSN-to-DNP program at Concordia University Wisconsin is an excellent option. The program is designed to be completed in three years if you enroll full-time or four years if you enroll part-time.

The BSN-to-DNP program consists of a 70-credit curriculum. All coursework is completed online. However, some components of the program require occasional visits to campus. The program includes 1,008 clinical hours, including 750 practicum hours in a direct patient care setting and 258 in a leadership setting.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• If you have done much research at all, you know that earning a graduate nursing degree can be expensive. At Concordia University Wisconsin, graduate students, like those in the AGNP program, have access to exclusive scholarships. Financial aid advisors can work with you to see if you qualify for these scholarships or other types of financial aid, which could help reduce the cost of pursuing your degree.
• Graduates of the AGNP program at Concordia University Wisconsin consistently perform above the national average on national certification exams among first-time testers. According to the school, graduates have a 100% pass rate on the exams!
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, one thing I encourage prospective students to consider when choosing a program is student satisfaction ratings. Schools with high student satisfaction ratings are typically associated with higher student success rates. At Concordia University, student satisfaction surveys indicate students are highly satisfied with the AGNP program. Some factors students rate on surveys include program quality, faculty availability, student support services, and clinical opportunities.


6. Edgewood College - Madison


Programs Offered: ADN-to-MSN, MSN, and Post-Graduate Certificate

ADN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


ADN-to-MSN Program Details: While many AGNP programs in Wisconsin (and elsewhere) are designed for students with a bachelor’s degree or higher, Edgewood College has a program option that makes it easier for RNs with an associate degree in nursing to earn their MSN and specialize as an Adult Gerontology NP. The program is designed to enable students to complete a BSN in as little as 21 months, followed by continued enrollment to earn an MSN and take specialty-relevant AGNP coursework, preparing them for certification as a Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Part-time and full-time options are available, allowing you to select a schedule that best suits your needs. New students are admitted each fall.

While completing coursework for the BSN component of the program, you can earn 12 credits toward your MSN. After completing the BSN component of this program, you will complete additional credits to complete the MSN AGNP program. All courses are delivered in a fully online format. A minimum of 750 clinical hours is required for this pathway.


MSN Program Details: The MSN program at Edgewood College accepts new students annually in the fall. The program features asynchronous online coursework and in-person clinicals. Clinicals may be arranged near your home region if appropriate sites and preceptors are available.

The MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP program requires the completion of 48 credits. In this program, you will take classes, including Equity & Management of Diverse Populations for the Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Pathophysiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Caring for the Adult & Older Adult. The program also includes three clinical courses that provide a total of 750 clinical hours.


Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: As a master’s-prepared nurse, you can expand your scope of practice, focusing on the primary care of patients from adolescents to geriatrics through the AGPCNP Post-Graduate Certificate program. The program features virtual classes with clinical practicums scheduled near your home.

The PGC program is a 15-27-credit pathway. The curriculum is designed to encompass 750 hours. However, a GAP analysis is performed upon admission to determine a personalized study plan for each student, which may reduce the number of credits and clinical hours required to earn the certificate.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• School rankings are a crucial factor to consider when selecting a college or university to earn your degree. I encourage you to find reputable sources and consult their opinions on a school or program to help you decide which one is best for you. For instance, Edgewood College is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in several categories, including Best National Universities, Nursing: Master of Science in Nursing, and Top Performers on Social Mobility.
• Edgewood College believes that everyone should have access to education without the added stress of financial concerns. Financial aid advisors at the school work closely with students to determine the type of aid for which they qualify, making the process of receiving funds easier. They work with students to manage tuition reimbursement plans, find scholarships and grants, and assist veterans in maximizing available financial aid.
• The AGNP programs at Edgewood College have high retention and completion rates. This is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a school, as it reflects student satisfaction and academic success.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO AGNP GRADUATES MAKE IN WISCONSIN?


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN EXPECT?


Hourly$47.05
Weekly$1,882
Monthly$8,160
Annual$97,860


HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level$47.05$1,882$8,160$97,860
1-4 Years of Experience$53.24$2,129$9,230$110,730
5-9 Years of Experience$62.84$2,514$10,890$130,710
10-19 Years of Experience$69.99$2,799$12,130$145,570
20 Years or More Experience$83.63$3,345$14,500$173,950


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN?


Hourly$63.95
Weekly$2,558
Monthly$11,090
Annual$133,020


HOW MUCH DO AGNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF WISCONSIN?


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Appleton$64.58$2,583$11,190$134,320
Eau Claire$64.35$2,574$11,150$133,840
Green Bay$61.35$2,454$10,630$127,610
Janesville-Beloit$65.04$2,602$11,270$135,290
Madison$66.88$2,675$11,590$139,100
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis$62.64$2,506$10,860$130,290
Oshkosh-Neenah$64.57$2,583$11,190$134,300
Racine$60.89$2,436$10,550$126,650
Sheboygan$62.29$2,492$10,800$129,570
Wausau$63.23$2,529$10,960$131,520



AGNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. OTHER SALARIES


AGNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. AGNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Wisconsin
AGNP Annual Salary
Average National
AGNP Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
$133,020$133,190-$170-0.13%


AGNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. AGNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


StateAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
California$167,450-$34,430-20.56%
Nevada$154,110-$21,090-13.69%
Washington$150,720-$17,700-11.74%
New Jersey$150,340-$17,320-11.52%
Oregon$150,250-$17,230-11.47%
Massachusetts$149,280-$16,260-10.89%
New York$148,050-$15,030-10.15%
Connecticut$141,990-$8,970-6.32%
New Mexico$141,770-$8,750-6.17%
Minnesota$139,950-$6,930-4.95%
District of Columbia$139,780-$6,760-4.84%
Rhode Island$138,340-$5,320-3.85%
Hawaii$137,460-$4,440-3.23%
Arizona$137,410-$4,390-3.19%
Delaware$135,910-$2,890-2.13%
Iowa$135,610-$2,590-1.91%
New Hampshire$135,520-$2,500-1.84%
Texas$134,770-$1,750-1.30%
Wisconsin$133,020$00.00%
Maryland$132,670+$350+0.26%
Utah$132,500+$520+0.39%
North Dakota$132,430+$590+0.45%
Pennsylvania$132,110+$910+0.69%
Illinois$131,540+$1,480+1.13%
Alaska$130,790+$2,230+1.71%
Vermont$130,710+$2,310+1.77%
Montana$129,200+$3,820+2.96%
Idaho$129,110+$3,910+3.03%
Oklahoma$128,880+$4,140+3.21%
Wyoming$128,080+$4,940+3.86%
Indiana$127,830+$5,190+4.06%
Maine$127,440+$5,580+4.38%
Ohio+$127,360+$5,660+4.44%
Colorado$126,450+$6,570+5.20%
Nebraska$126,130+$6,890+5.46%
North Carolina$126,040+$6,980+5.54%
Georgia$125,580+$7,440+5.92%
South Dakota$125,410+$7,610+6.07%
Virginia$125,290+$7,730+6.17%
Michigan$125,090+$7,930+6.34%
Florida$124,090+$8,930+7.20%
Kansas$123,630+$9,390+7.60%
Louisiana$123,010+$10,010+8.14%
Mississippi$121,790+$11,230+9.22%
South Carolina$121,220+$11,800+9.73%
Missouri$120,950+$12,070+9.98%
West Virginia$117,600+$15,420+13.11%
Arkansas$117,560+$15,460+13.15%
Kentucky$114,410+$18,610+16.27%
Alabama$114,040+$18,980+16.64%
Tennessee$107,510+$25,510+23.73%


AGNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN WISCONSIN


Type of NurseAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Nurse Anesthetist$247,160-$114,140-46.18%
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner$133,020$00.00%
Nurse Midwife$128,550+$4,470+3.48%
Registered Nurse$87,220+$45,800+52.51%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary$78,810+$54,210+68.79%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse$57,190+$75,830+132.59%
Nursing Assistant$40,600+$92,420+227.64%


AGNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN WISCONSIN


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Dentist$179,260-$46,240-25.79%
Veterinarian$150,910-$17,890-11.85%
Optometrist$143,750-$10,730-7.46%
Pharmacist$139,980-$6,960-4.97%
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner$133,020$00.00%
Physician Assistant$127,770+$5,250+4.11%
Physical Therapist$95,180+$37,840+39.76%
Chiropractor$91,180+$41,840+45.89%
Audiologist$89,540+$43,480+48.56%
Radiation Therapist$86,540+$46,480+53.71%
Occupational Therapist$85,030+$47,990+56.44%
Speech-Language Pathologist$83,820+$49,200+58.70%
Dental Hygienist$80,450+$52,570+65.34%



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits AGNP Programs In Wisconsin?


S.No.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)


2. How Many Accredited AGNP Schools Are There In Wisconsin?


6


3. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Hour In Wisconsin?


$63.95


4. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Week In Wisconsin?


$2,558


5. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Month In Wisconsin?


$11,090


6. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Year In Wisconsin?


$133,020


7. What Is The Job Outlook For AGNPs In Wisconsin?


10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)
+51.11%


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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