More About the Adult-Gerontology Track

This program, launched in Summer 2021, is designed for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science (BSN) or a master's degree in nursing seeking the DNP degree and preparation as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). AGPCNPs provide acute, chronic, and preventative health services to patients from adolescence through old age. Students in the DNP-AGPCNP program receive advanced training in geriatric and palliative care.

Addressing a Critical Need

There is a critical need for primary care providers with expertise in geriatrics and palliative care due to a shortage across the nation, but especially in the Pacific Northwest region.

Estimates from the Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the West Region of the U.S. show that there is higher demand for geriatric primary care nurse practitioners than supply currently meets. In Oregon, only 3% of nurse practitioners currently hold their certification in adult/geriatric primary care (HRSA, 2017). Our DNP-AGPCNP program will serve an important role in addressing the nationwide, regional, and local shortages.

Program Information

• 3-year, 9-semester, 76-credit program of study
• Hybrid program: online learning and on-campus weekend learning immersions once per month
• Prepares graduates to sit for the national AGPCNP certification exam through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center
• Graduates have the option to sit for the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse exam if they wish to be distinguished as a palliative care expert
  • Students work closely with the AGPCNP chair to ensure clinical hours and experiences meet the requirements for this certification

Program Highlights

• 1,000 hours of clinical experience
• Intentionally small cohorts that allow for personalized attention from faculty
• Only program of its kind in the state of Oregon
• Advanced training in geriatrics
• Focus on palliative care
• Option to add a focus on integrative health (4 credits)
• Practice independently in a variety of adult-gerontology primary care health environments
• Translate best evidence into practice
• Demonstrate leadership in macro and micro health care systems
• Proactively strive for social justice
  • Actively address health disparities
  • Function with cultural humility as practitioners who relate effectively with diverse and underserved individuals, families and populations

Admission Information

• The application to begin the DNP-AGPCNP program in summer (May) 2023 is available.
• No library, technology, application or distance learning fees.
• Inquire about our Providence Employee tuition discount.
• Applications for summer 2023 are open and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the following deadline:
  • April 1, 2023

The DNP-AGPCNP prepares students to become AGPCNPs at the doctoral level. Students in this track receive advanced training in geriatric and palliative care.

The University of Portland’s DNP-AGPCNP program meets the state educational requirements for AGPCNP licensure in Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Hawaii, Georgia, New York, Texas, Utah, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The University of Portland has not determined whether the program meets the AGPCNP licensure requirements for other states, but can do so on a case by case basis. Please contact Stacey Boatright at boatrigh@up.edu if you have questions about a state not listed above.