‘True Leaders’: Duke School of Nursing at the Forefront of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Education
The online AGPCNP MSN program at Duke University School of Nursing prepares future nurse leaders to meet the rising demand in adult-gerontology primary care.
Primary care is evolving, and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPC) Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing program at Duke University School of Nursing is helping nurses evolve with it. Ranked the #1 program of its kind by U.S. News & World Report, Duke’s AGPCNP MSN empowers graduates to become leaders in compassionate, patient-centered care for adults and older adults across the lifespan.
The AGPCNP program attracts students who are ready to grow professionally and eager to advance primary care where it’s needed most, including rural and underserved areas.
“DUSON students exemplify dedication, determination, and an exceptional work ethic,” said Dr. Casey Brown, who recently joined DUSON as the new director of its AGPCNP MSN program. “They are outstanding critical thinkers, remarkable clinicians, and represent a diverse community. With ambitious visions for the future, they collaborate with esteemed faculty to turn their ideas into action.”
Duke’s AGPCNP graduates enter the workforce with the skills, support, and perspectives to serve in high-demand roles, improving access to care and building trusted relationships with patients and families.
An AGPCNP Curriculum Built for Primary Care Leadership
By 2030, more than 73 million Americans will be over 65 — and that number is projected to exceed 80 million by 2040. This demographic shift is fueling a critical need for nurse practitioners who can provide expert, continuous care for aging adults. The demand is especially high in outpatient and home-based settings, where older adults increasingly seek care that supports their independence and quality of life.
Duke University School of Nursing prepares adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners to meet this need with a curriculum that combines clinical rigor, leadership development, and flexible delivery. The distance-based format blends asynchronous online coursework with on-campus intensives, allowing students to continue working while earning their degrees.
Duke’s online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program also emphasizes health equity, preparing graduates to understand and address the complex social and systemic factors that influence adult health outcomes. In addition to building clinical expertise, the curriculum emphasizes leadership development, emotional intelligence, and mentorship from practicing faculty who support students at every stage of their academic and professional journey.
Brown, who began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked her way up to her current role, said her own experiences have profoundly shaped her approach to teaching. She encourages students to carry those foundations forward as they grow professionally.
“Every day, I am inspired by our exceptional and dedicated students, whose passion and commitment drive me to help them grow into the future leaders of healthcare,” Brown said. “Watching them thrive and engaging with them in conversations about their coursework, board preparation, and scholarly pursuits is incredibly fulfilling.”
Clinical Training That Prepares You for AGPCNP Certification
Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of Duke’s AGPC curriculum. Extensive clinical training in diverse primary care settings builds the clinical skills and confidence to enter practice immediately after graduation. These placements are tailored to students’ goals and can be completed at one of Duke’s 2,000+ partner sites, offering flexibility and relevance to their future careers.
“As part of a leading health system, DUSON offers students unparalleled clinical experience opportunities,” Brown said. “Additionally, students can enhance their skills through our cutting-edge simulation lab before entering real-world clinical settings.”
Duke’s AGPCNP program is unique in that it consists of 42 credits and 560 clinical hours dedicated to caring for adult and gerontologic patients in primary care settings.
“This not only meets the requirements for nationwide Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification but also allows students hands-on experience so they’re comfortable transitioning into the NP workforce immediately upon completion of the program,” Brown said.
In addition to real-world training, students benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities, working alongside physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and other care providers. This collaborative environment helps future AGPCNPs strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
While clinical hours are a formal part of certification preparation, they also serve a broader purpose: helping students understand the realities of primary care across the adult lifespan. Whether placed in rural clinics, long-term care facilities, or urban health systems, students are prepared to deliver patient-centered, relationship-driven care in the settings where it’s needed most.
Career Outlook and Versatility for AGPCNPs
The need for nurse practitioners specializing in adult and gerontologic care is growing steadily, driven by rising patient complexity and a shifting demographic landscape. Brown underscored the importance of preparing students to meet that demand:
“With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting nearly a 40% rise in nurse practitioner roles by 2033, and an increasing demand for NPs focused on adult and older adult care, my role — alongside my exceptional colleagues — is to prepare students to meet these growing healthcare needs and make a meaningful impact on the profession.” For AGPCNPs, that translates into expanding opportunities in outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, internal medicine practices, and other adult-focused settings where prevention, continuity, and chronic disease management are key.
Brown noted that most of Duke’s AGPC MSN graduates are employed as nurse practitioners within six months of graduation, reflecting both the strength of the program and the demand for providers trained to care for aging populations. However, she also emphasized that students don’t just graduate prepared for practice — they graduate as recognized leaders in the field.
“Being part of DUSON provides students with a prestigious reputation that is instantly recognizable wherever they go,” Brown said. “Graduates are sought after by professional organizations, academic institutions, and colleagues to share their expertise and experience.”
Brown noted that students benefit from leadership development, diversity, and rigorous academic training, preparing them to “influence nursing on local, state, national, and global levels.”
“DUSON graduates are instantly recognizable as true leaders in the nursing profession,” she said.
Become a Leader in Primary Care With Duke’s AGPCNP MSN
Duke’s online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program provides more than flexibility. It offers a mission-driven education designed to shape future leaders in adult-focused primary care. Through a distance-based format that blends online coursework with immersive, in-person experiences, students develop the clinical knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills they need to make an impact.
“From the moment they join DUSON to the day they graduate, students are empowered with a vision to transform healthcare,” Brown said.
Whether your goal is to expand your scope of practice, improve care access in underserved communities, or lead care for aging populations, Duke’s AGPC MSN gives you the tools and confidence to lead with purpose. You’ll be mentored by practicing clinicians, supported in your clinical placements, and prepared to serve with excellence.
Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Learn more about our Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP MSN program or register for an upcoming info session today.