For our 2017 Best Value Online Master’s in Nursing Adult Gerontology ranking, we have selected regionally accredited colleges and universities offering fully online and/or online/on-campus hybrid programs of study in gerontology and have ranked them according to our weighted methodology that aggregates the publicly available data of U.S. News scores, tuition rates, return on investment according to Payscale.com, graduation rates, and cohort default rates to produce an overall score of 1-100. From a pool of over 100 schools, we have chosen the top 25 scoring programs to be included in this ranking. We consider the programs chosen for this ranking to be the “Best Value” programs available, meaning they strike the best balance between a reputation for high quality education, a high return on investment, and low tuition rates.
Nurses who specialize in adult-geronology are equipped to facilitate the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic primary health problems in adult patients from adolescence through older adulthood. Nurse practitioners who specialize in adult-gerontology typically choose a focus in either primary care, or acute care. The scope of practice of either the primary care or acute care nurse practitioner is not setting specific, but is based on patient care needs. The particular expertise of the primary care practitioner emphasizes disease prevention, health promotion and the management of patients with acute episodic and chronic health problems. The patient population of the acute care practitioner includes care of patients with complex acute, critical and chronic illness, disability and/or injury. An online Master of Science in Nursing in these areas of practice will prepare already practicing nurses for advanced practice which will lead to increased pay grade and all around more fulfilling career opportunities. The online degree program allows a high degree of flexibility for nurses to pursue these advancements without interrupting their current work.
Most of the programs included here are advanced nursing degrees with a focus on adult-gerontology practice. However, we have also included several Master’s in Gerontology programs that are not specifically nursing degree yet are also “caring” degree programs that will equip graduates for careers in care for aging populations. For those prospective students seeking to become advanced practice nurses, choose an MSN with an Adult-Gerontology specialization, not a Master in Gerontology.
It should also be noted that in building our ranking we take both in and out-of-state tuition into consideration. However, it is always the case that attending college in your state of residency will always be more affordable and ultimately provide a better return on investment than attending an out-of-state school. Where applicable, any program on this list offered through a public college or university that is in your state of residency should be considered among those at the top of the list.
Note: Tuition rates listed are estimates and total tuition costs will vary from student to student and program to program based on a number of factors including the student’s prior academic background, and the particular nursing role/specialization being pursued.
#1. University of Texas Medical Branch
The University of Texas Medical Branch is a member of the public University of Texas System and is located in Galveston, Texas. UTMB’s primary missions are health sciences education, medical research, and health care services. Its Emergency Room at John Sealy Hospital is certified as a Level I Trauma Center and serves as the lead trauma facility for a nine-county region in Southeast Texas. U.S. News & World Report ranks UTMB #16 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.”
UTMB’s School of Nursing’s mission is to be the best in nursing education, research and practice in order to improve health for the people of Texas and around the world. The School offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with concentrations in Gerontology Acute Care and Gerontology Primary Care. The program is designed to prepare the graduate for practice in either acute care or primary care settings to provide patients from young adult through geriatrics. Graduates will be prepared to provide care to patients who are physiologically unstable, at high risk for complications, and who may be dependent on technology. Practice settings span the continuum of acute care services. All courses are offered online with only a few short visits to the Galveston campus required for clinical experiences and evaluations
Accreditation: The University of Texas Medical Branch is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition:
In-State: $9,310
Out-of-State: $32,193
#2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is the largest public university in New England. UMass is affiliated with the “Five College Interchange” which allows students enrolled through the university to also take courses at smaller liberal arts schools in the region. UMass offers its students a wide array of academic disciplines and nationally-known programs of study. UMass is a highly reputable institution and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report at #75 in “National Universities,” #29 in “Top Public Schools,” and #13 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.”
The College of Nursing at UMass is dedicated to providing an affordable and accessible education to enhance health and healing through nursing leadership in teaching scholarship, practice and service. While not specifically a Master of Science in Nursing, UMass’ online Management in Aging Services Master’s degree program offers students an advanced degree in the growing field of aging services and has much in common with nursing gerontology. The program will afford professionals in the aging network the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and develop skills in policy development and analysis, program management, administration, and finance with a focus on the aging population. The program is available entirely online.
Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $$20,700
#3. University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819 the University of Cincinnati is a public research university and part of the University System of Ohio. Enrolling over 43,600 students, UC is the second largest university in the state of Ohio. The University of Cincinnati offers a wide range of online degree options at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and mater’s levels including programs in education, criminal justice, human services, information technology, health sciences, engineering, nursing, and more. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Cincinnati #135 in “National Universities,” #71 in “Best Mechanical Engineering Programs,” and #5 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.”
The University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing aims to lead the transformation of health care in partnership informed by the people it serves and through the creative leveraging of technology and inclusive excellence. The Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology Primary Care is offered completely online and will prepare nurses for advanced practice to manage health care for patients with a greater level of authority than RNs. Nurses will be prepared to care for patients ages 13 and older for diagnosis and management of common and complex medical conditions. The program runs through an accelerated format and may be completed in as few as two years.
Accreditation: The University of Cincinnati is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $31,856
Out-of-State: $32,516
#4. Drexel University
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is a private institution known for its highly ranked College of Engineering. Drexel has been on the cutting edge of technology since its founding and is known as the first university to operate a fully wireless campus. Drexel focuses on experiential learning through cooperative partnerships with businesses and organizations worldwide in which students can earn credits through paid work. Drexel is ranked #96 in “National Universities,” #14 in “Most Innovative Schools,” and #35 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, a highly-respected, accredited online nursing and healthcare school, has a national reputation as a leader in nursing and healthcare education, drawing on its 150-year legacy of educating nurses and healthcare professionals for successful careers. The online Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology program is available with concentrations in acute care and primary care settings. The online format is through synchronous lectures that help to facilitate the actively engaged environment of a traditional classroom. While coursework is completed online, students are expected to participate in on-campus intensives three times throughout the program.
Accreditation: Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $52,041
#5. George Washington University
Founded in 1821 by the United States Congress, George Washington University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. The University’s location in the nation’s capital provides vast opportunities for student engagement in any number of academic interests with proximity to centers of research, policy, and action in every field of study. GWU is highly ranked by multiple national publications and is #56 in “National Universities,” and #26 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” according to U.S. News & World Report.
The George Washington University School of Nursing offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs that make it possible for our students to succeed in providing high-quality, compassionate health care. The school is committed to inspiring nurses to provide high-quality, compassionate health care and to transforming healthcare through innovative education, research, policy, and practice. The online Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology with options for focus in Acute Care or Primary Care program prepares graduates to lead the primary healthcare delivery for patients from adolescence through older adulthood with an equal balance of theoretical and practical foundations for registered nurses. With full-time and part-time enrollment options available, the online format allows professional nurses to continue working while accessing the university’s expert faculty and resources. Students should be able to commute to Washington, D.C. for on-campus experiences that total approximately 11 days of intensive work.
Accreditation: George Washington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $ $55,440
#6. University of Nebraska Lincoln
The University of Nebraska Lincoln is a public, land-grant research university and is a research intensive institution that focuses on practical research and community outreach. UNL is noted as being the birthplace of the discipline of ecology and its campus reflects that tradition with its rich botanical gardens and arboreta. U.S. News & World Report ranks UNL #103 in “National Universities,” #47 in “Top Public Schools,” and #61 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.”
University of Nebraska’s College of Nursing is dedicated in advancement of knowledge, in service to health, and in care for people and delivers premier nursing education, innovative research, the highest quality health care, and promotion of health equity. The Master of Science in Nursing program with specialty track in Adult Gerontology is offered through flexible distance/online learning with advanced web-based applications as well as synchronous and asynchronous classes. Graduates will increase their expertise, expand their skills and be equipped with new credentials to advance in health care careers in a variety of settings.
Accreditation: The University of Nebraska Lincoln is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $21,526
Out-of-State: $44,979
#7. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia. Established in 1930 as the College of William and Mary, the school acquired university status and its current name in 1969. ODU enrolls approximately 24,000 through on-campus and online programs, and is recognized as a national leader in distance learning. Online programs are offered in a wide variety of subject areas including business, communication, computer science, engineering, education, nursing and more. ODU is ranked #210 in “National Universities,” #118 in “Top Public Schools,” and #61 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings.
The School of Nursing at ODU works to transform healthcare by preparing exceptional nurses, extending nursing science, and partnering with the global community. ODU’s online Master’s program in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator is designed to train students to be expert clinicians who can apply evidence-based knowledge to nursing interventions, teaching, and research. Coursework will prepare students to serve as nurse educators, bur will equally apply to clinical roles in adult-gerontology. Coursework is conducted online, but students will be required to travel to main campus for scheduled training and/or testing at certain points in the program. Online coursework is a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes.
Accreditation: Old Dominion University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $22,320
Out-of-State: $24,210
#8. Michigan State University
Located in the town of East Lansing, Michigan State University is one of the top research universities in the world. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders. MSU is known for its large study abroad program, and as having one of the largest and best career placement services in the country. The school is also nationally recognized for its sustainability initiatives. MSU is a reputable university with rankings in U.S. News and World Report of #75 in “National Universities,” #29 in “Top Public Schools,” and #63 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.”
MSU’s College of Nursing is committed to the land grant philosophy and our relationship with the community. The College is busy working to achieve strategic priorities in the areas of teaching, research, practice, and community outreach. The College offers in Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist with Nurse Education Concentration in a completely online format with internship experiences close to home. The program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for the role of clinical nurse specialists and develop their competence as nurse educators. It is a unique program of adult gerontological nursing designed to prepare graduates to provide care for adults across the lifespan and possess the knowledge required to effectively educate others.
Accreditation: Michigan State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $30,492
Out-of-State: $59,934
#9. Clarkson College
Clarkson College is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning located in Omaha, Nebraska. Clarkson is a Health Sciences College offering degrees in nursing, health care business, health care services, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, medical imaging, imaging informatics, and professional development. The college aims to prepare students to provide professional, high quality, ethical, and compassionate health care services. U.S. News & World Report ranks Clarkson #39 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.”
Clarkson College began as a school of nursing and was the first in the state of Nebraska. Since then, the College has been dedicated to developing the utmost prepared nurses throughout the state, across the U.S., and beyond. The College offers a Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Primary Care entirely online. The program is designed to prepare graduates to facilitate the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic primary health problems in adult patients. Students will take courses in evidence-based practice, as well as nurse practitioner coursework in areas such as advanced nutrition, primary health care, advanced physical assessment, and more.
Accreditation: Clarkson College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $26,132
#10. Boise State University
Located in Boise, Idaho, Boise State University is a public institution of higher learning with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education as well as outstanding research and graduate programs. BSU is ranked #54 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
BSU’s School of nursing is dedicated to the preparation of nurses to provide caring, holistic, and quality nursing services to diverse populations while also facilitating the development of leadership and interprofessional skills. The School offers an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Master of Nursing degree with flexible online study. Students choose a specialization in either acute, or primary care and are prepared to serve adult patients from age 12 to end-of-life. While all coursework is conducted online, three on-campus summer intensives (7-10 days) are required as well as four clinical rotations.
Accreditation: Boise State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $37,500
#11. University of Texas Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is the second largest institution in the University of Texas System and is a research heavy institution with a commitment to life-enhancing discovery, exceptional instruction and robust community engagement. UTA nurtures minds within an environment that values innovation, diversity, excellence, access and student success. UTA has a well developed online division with nearly 40% of the universities total population enrolled exclusively in online courses. UTA is ranked #87 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation at UTA is a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence and encompasses one of the nation’s largest and most successful nursing schools and a renowned kinesiology program offering degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, athletic training and an undergraduate track in public health. The College is the largest producer of registered nurses in Texas and a leader in the use of online platforms and simulation technology to help more students achieve nursing degrees. The Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology Primary Care is currently only offered to Texas residents. The program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses as primary care providers to manage the health of individuals from adolescence through adulthood and the end of life. Coursework includes advanced health assessment, the role of the nurse in advanced practice, adult gerontology management across the continuum, primary care clinical practice, and an advanced clinical nursing practicum. Coursework is full online.
Accreditation: The University of Texas Arlington is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $26,814
#12. University of North Dakota
Located in the town of Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota was established by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883, six years before the establishment of the state of North Dakota. UND is known in particular for the quality of its programs in medicine, aerospace, nursing, engineering, business, the arts, and unmanned aerial systems and today remains true to its founding vision as a university with a strong liberal arts foundation surrounded by professional and specialized programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked UND among the top 100 public universities in the country. UND offers a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees online in subjects including: education, social work, nursing, occupational therapy, engineering, business, communication, aerospace sciences, and more. UND is ranked #202 in “National Universities, and #110 in “Top Public Schools,” by U.S. News & World Report.
UND’s College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines is dedicated to preparing future leaders; to advancing human well-being; and improving quality of life for diverse populations with an emphasis on rural communities in North Dakota, the region, and beyond. The College offers an online Master of Science degree in Gerontology Nurse Practitioner designed to prepare students to be advanced practice nurses who care for adults throughout their lifespans. Students will be required to make four 1-week on-campus visits throughout the program.
Accreditation: The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $20,800
#13. University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina in Columbia is a public university recognized as a top research and service institution. The university is the flagship campus of the eight-campus University of South Carolina System. USC is known for its innovative “USC Connect” program which integrates learning within and beyond the classroom to help prepare students for life after graduation. USC is ranked #107 in “National Universities,” and #9 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing is dedicated to its mission to integrate education, research, and service to develop competent and caring nurse leaders who will shape health and health care delivery with new knowledge, evidence-based practice, partnerships, and policy to facilitate optimal health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is offered online with some campus visits required. The MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care prepares nurses to provide health care services to acutely ill adults and gerontology patients with complex health problems. The program will provide eligibility to apply for national certification examinations.
Accreditation: The University of South Carolina is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $22,080
#14. University of Southern Indiana
Located in Evansville, Indiana, the University of Southern Indiana is a public institution of higher learning dedicated to advancing education and knowledge, enhancing civic and cultural awareness, and fostering partnerships through comprehensive outreach programs. U.S. News & World Report Ranks USI #21 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.”
USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions works to advance health and wellness through visionary leadership, dynamic learning, and strategic partnerships. The Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology is available in both Primary Care and Acute Care Specializations. The program is offered entirely online with no campus visits. The degree focuses on health promotion, health protections, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic illnesses for adult patients across the lifespan. The program is open to students living only in certain states and prospective students should check with admissions for availability.
Accreditation: The University of Southern Indiana is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $18,984
Out-of-State: $33,264
#15. Wilkes University
Located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Wilkes University is a small private university dedicated to the personal advancement of its students through individual attention and student/faculty mentorship relationships. Wilkes is ranked #97 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The Passion School of Nursing at Wilkes University offers a variety of programs for working nurses to support the development of professional practitioners of nursing that provide quality health care in multicultural environments, promote inter-professional collaboration, engage in lifelong learning, expand nursing science, and serve the community with intelligence, compassion, respect, and integrity. The Master of Science in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care is designed to equip nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive primary care as an advanced practice nurse to adult-gerontology patients.Coursework is completed online, but a brief on-campus residency may be required depending on courses taken.
Accreditation: Wilkes University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on higher Education.
Tuition: $25,920
#16. Lewis University
A private Catholic university located in Romeoville, Illinois, Lewis University is dedicated to the preparation of intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible leaders. Lewis is ranked #87 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report and is a highly ranked university by multiple other national publications.
Lewis University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions has been developing nurses at all levels for over 40 years. Lewis faculty work with students to develop a compassionate, holistic approach to patient care that addresses physical symptoms while caring for the heart, mind and soul. The Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology with specializations as either Clinical Nurse, or Primary Care Nurse is offered both online and on-campus. Students take coursework in biostatistics, healthcare organization, population health, health informatics, Epidemiology, and much more. A minimum of 46 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Lewis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $35,420
#17. Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin is a private liberal arts college located in Mequon that enrolls over 8,000 students. Concordia University is a Lutheran school committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world. Concordia provides a variety of educational opportunities for students who are preparing for vocations in the ministry of the church and for various professional and business careers in the community. Concordia is ranked #92 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
Concordia’s School of Nursing is dedicated to providing a rigorous Christ-centered education that develops and inspires highly skilled professionals who are prepared to serve by promoting health and health with excellence, integrity and compassion. The Master of Science in Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care is an online program designed for professional nurses who are dedicated to using their talents to help the elderly live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Graduates will possess the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for the diagnosis and management of health promotion and disease prevention concerns for individuals; the ability to assess individuals presenting health challenges; and insight into common needs and problems presented by clients in primary health-care settings, and the ability to utilize this knowledge to develop clinical intervention strategies for planning patient care.
Accreditation: Concordia University St. Paul is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $30,452
#18. Maryville University
Maryville University is a private institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. Maryville is consistently named among the best private schools in the country and is ranked #164 in “National Universities,” and #104 in “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing offers an Online Master of Science in Nursing program with Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specializations. The program is supported by expert faculty passionate about mentoring and helping students along their career paths. The curriculum is continually updated with input from business and professional leaders to keep pace with the needs of employers. The program is fully online with no campus visits required and practicum experiences completed in the students local area.
Accreditation: Maryville University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $35,926
#19. University of Mississippi Medical Center
Located in Oxford, Mississippi, the University of Mississippi is well known for its history as one of the first institutions of higher learning in the south to integrate. The school is included among a small group of universities nationally to be classified as a university with Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Ole Miss is ranked by U.S. News & World Report #71 in “Top Public Schools.”
The School of Nursing is committed to producing leaders who are capable of shaping the future of health and health care and offers a variety of programs that focus on education, practice, research, and service to provide unique and rich learning experiences for students. The Master of Science in Nursing Adult Gerontology Primary Care track emphasizes health promotion, illness prevention, and management of acute and chronic illnesses in adolescents, young-to-middle age adults, and adults age 65 years and older. Graduates are prepared to practice independently and collaboratively with other health-care professionals. The program is offered online with some on-campus intensives required.
Accreditation: The University of Mississippi Medical Center is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $19,061
#20. National University
National University is a private non-profit institution located in La Jolla, California. The university is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse student population. As a nonprofit institution, National University invests in its students by providing them with quality educational instruction and learning technologies, superior faculty, and exemplary student services.
National University’s College of Letters and Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Gerontology designed to foster the development of the conceptual and clinical foundations necessary to design and provide strengths-based services to our aging population, and to develop methods of inquiry and innovative practices to address the evolving needs of the growing numbers of aging persons in their communities. While not a nursing degree, this Master’s is care focused degree in gerontology that will serve mid-career professionals that work with and care for aging populations. The program is available fully online.
Accreditation: National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $22,738
#21. Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a public institution of higher learning founded 1863 and is one of the nation’s first land-grant institutions. The main campus is located in the city of Manhattan and is nationally recognized for its student-run “K-State Proud” organization which works to create financial awards for low-income students. The university is integrated into the local community such that students and community members often work together on initiatives to improve the community. U.S. News & World Report ranks K-State #146 in “National Universities,” and #77 in “Top Public Schools.”
Kansas State University’s College of Human Ecology and Center on Aging offers an online Master’s in Gerontology that is designed to prepare students who plan to work directly with older people or who will be involved in education or research related to aging issues. The program provides students with the core competencies identified by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. While not a nursing degree, this program will prepare individuals to work with and care for aging populations.
Accreditation: Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $19,872
#22. Saint Louis University
Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, Saint Louis University is a private Catholic Jesuit University open to students of any faith. Founded in 1818, SLU was the first institution of higher education west of the Mississippi River and is the second-oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Its mission is the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity. U.S. News & World Report ranks SLU #96 in “National Universities.”
SLU’s School of Nursing’s online Master of Science in Nursing program offers the flexibility and support that working RNs require and offers specialization in Adult/Gerontological Acute Care or Primary Care. Once accepted into the program, students meet with faculty advisers to create an individualized full or part-time curriculum plan suitable to individual personal and professional schedules. Students who plan to teach, may take three additional courses focusing on theory and practicum experience in nursing education. Two campus visits are required: one for orientation immediately before the program begins, and another during one of the clinical management courses.
Accreditation: Saint Louis University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $42,900
#23. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University in Chicago is a private institution and one of the largest Catholic Jesuit universities in the United States. Loyola focuses on the empowerment of students to develop knowledge and skills, find purpose, shape identity, and make a difference in their communities. Loyola is ranked #99 in “National Universities” by U.S. News & World Report.
Loyola’s Marcel Niehoff School of Nursing offers blended online/face-to-face Master of Science in Nursing nurse practitioner programs including an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care with Oncology Speciality. The programs are designed to equip nurse practitioners to provide care across the continuum of care from wellness to illness. Graduates will be equipped to provide patient-centered, quality care to the adult and older adult patient population.
Accreditation: Loyola University Chicago is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $52,944
#24. Seton Hall University
Located in South Orange, New Jersey, less than 15 miles from New York City, Seton Hall University is a private, Catholic School dedicated to the development of the whole student. Seton Hall University is currently ranked #118 in “National Universities,” by U.S. News & World Report.
Seton Hall’s College of Nursing provides a variety of undergraduate and nationally ranked graduate programs that have prepared students for leadership in the nursing industry since 1937, The College is a pioneer in evidence-based practice, servant leadership, and cutting-edge technology. Nurses seeking to provide a range of healthcare services to promote wellness and manage illness needs of adults across the lifespan, will find the College’s Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program a good fit. The program offers both Primary Care and Acute Care tracks online. While coursework is administered online, students will be expected to come to campus for at least two immersion experiences throughout the course of the program.
Accreditation: Seton Hall University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#25. Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University is a private Christian university affiliated with the Free methodist Church. The main campus is located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. SAU is committed to excellence in the liberal arts, professional, and graduate studies and integrates faith with experiential learning.
Spring Arbor’s online Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner program includes the Adult-Gerontology, Primary Care track designed for students to master the primary care knowledge and clinical reasoning skills needed to best care for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. The program includes an optional residency in Michigan.
Accreditation: SAU is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $35,139
