A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing
Take your dedication to advancing healthcare outcomes in your community to the next level as you expand your scope of practice and clinical expertise. Capella Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) builds on previous graduate-level nursing education to help equip you for the comprehensive care of individuals aged 13 years and older. The certificate can also help prepare you for eligibility for the national certification exams administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Capella University has partnered with Optum® to support advancing care and practice and help prepare nurses for the future of healthcare. Through modern, competency-based curriculum and innovative simulations, we’ll help equip you to face the nursing challenges of today – and tomorrow.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- GuidedPath learning format
- 5 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- Practicum immersion course
- Support for practicum placement
- Practicum
Reduce your tuition by $8,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for an $8,000 Capella-Optum® Scholarship to help fund your certificate. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing – AGPCNP courses
Certificate requirements include completing five core courses, four specialization courses, practicum immersion course and practicum.
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NURS6201
Advanced Practice Nursing Role Development
4 quarter credits
Students investigate the role of the advanced practice nurse. Students analyze principles related to leadership, autonomy, scope of practice, and role development. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
NURS6202
Advanced Pathophysiology
4 quarter credits
Students analyze pathophysiologic processes and their effect on body systems across the lifespan. Students build on their foundation of anatomy and physiology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201. MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner students must have completed NHS6004, NHS6008, NURS6016, NURS6011.
4 quarter credits
NURS6203
Advanced Pharmacology
4 quarter credits
Students analyze advanced principles of pharmacology as they relate to the treatment and management of illnesses and conditions across the lifespan. Students build on their foundation of pharmacology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role to safely, legally, ethically, and therapeutically prescribe, administer, and counsel patients regarding medication therapy and regimes. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Special permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, NURS6202.
4 quarter credits
NURS6205
Advanced Health Assessment Skills Immersion
2 quarter credits
Students analyze advanced principles of health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and advanced practice skill acquisition across the lifespan. Students acquire knowledge and skills necessary to perform focused and comprehensive examinations, advanced primary care skills, and office procedures, and to interpret diagnostic testing in preparation for the nurse practitioner student's role in the clinical setting. Students build on prior knowledge to enhance clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning, in preparation for the advanced practice nursing role in primary care. Content is delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate students only. NURS6205 must be taken concurrently with NURS6204. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, NURS6202, NURS6203.
2 quarter credits
NURS6301
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care 1
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the theoretical basis for the competencies of the nurse practitioner and cultivate skills in comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of commonly occurring acute and chronic illnesses and conditions impacting individuals across the lifespan. Students build upon their knowledge of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment while learning the role of the nurse practitioner in primary care. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate students only. NURS6301 must be taken concurrently with NURS6302. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6206, NURS6207. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis.
4 quarter credits
What you’ll learn
- Integrate knowledge from nursing and related disciplines to design person-centered care to improve health outcomes
- Utilize evidence-based practice to design, manage and evaluate comprehensive person-centered care that is within the scope of practice
- Integrate interprofessional collaboration to develop person-centered care that respects diversity and the unique characteristics of individuals and populations
- Integrate appropriate technologies to improve clinical decision-making and healthcare outcomes
- Demonstrate leadership in practice, policy and personal growth to achieve optimal outcomes for patients across the lifespan
Practicum experience
Learn by doing. The practicum gives you hands-on experience, with the opportunity to practice what you learn within various clinical settings under the supervision of a preceptor. Learn more about the practicum.
How much does the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing – AGPCNP cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, scholarships and other factors. See the GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $595 per credit
- $200 resource kit
- 48 total quarter credits
- 32 max transfer credits
- $32 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
$28,560*
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 27 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor. As of Feb. 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state. Here are some resources to help you start your research.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing – AGPCNP program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Capella students who relocate to the following states may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state: CA, DC, LA, MD, NY, PA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
What are the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing – AGPCNP admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to this program must provide the following for admission:
- A master’s degree in nursing from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- One year of nursing experience within the past two years
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Verification of your current, unrestricted RN license to practice in the United States
- An APRN License Background Form
- A background check is required
Applicants to this program who are board-certified nurse practitioners must also provide the following for admission:
- Verification of Board Certification of the respective agency where you are currently board-certified
- Verification of your current, unrestricted APRN license to practice in the United States
- One year of advanced practice nursing experience within the past two years
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant. International applicants to the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing must have an unencumbered RN license, be current US residents and be able to work in the United States.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing – FNP from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Capella students who relocate to the following states may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state: CA, DC, LA, MD, NY, PA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a certificate student. We’ve built our programs in easy-to-manage phases, with a network of faculty, staff and online resources that can help you stay on track.
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