Best institutions to study Geriatric Nurse/Nursing
A program that prepares registered nurses to provide health care to aging and elderly patients.
43 U.S. institutions graduated 680 Geriatric Nurse/Nursing students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.3821, a specialization of Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38), and leads most directly to the Registered Nurses occupation (BLS SOC 29-1141).
About Geriatric Nurse/Nursing programs
A program that prepares registered nurses to provide health care to aging and elderly patients. Includes instruction in geriatric primary care, geriatric diagnosis, mental health and aging, primary care management, geriatric acute and chronic illness, advanced nursing practices for geriatric patients, evidence-based nursing practice, advanced physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapeutics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Geriatric Nurse/Nursing program prepares registered nurses to deliver specialized health care to aging and elderly patients. This program focuses on geriatric primary care, diagnosis, and management of both acute and chronic illnesses, equipping nurses with the skills necessary to meet the unique needs of this population. It is ideal for those who are passionate about improving the health and well-being of older adults.
Students in this program will gain core competencies in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework covers essential topics such as advanced physiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based nursing practices tailored to geriatric patients, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of nursing in this field.
Credentials awarded
What Geriatric Nurse/Nursing graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree475 graduates / yr · 27 institutions70%
- Post-master's certificate166 graduates / yr · 18 institutions24%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice35 graduates / yr · 7 institutions5.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate4 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.6%
Graduates over time
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 136 |
| 2013 | 203 |
| 2014 | 295 |
| 2015 | 373 |
| 2016 | 347 |
| 2017 | 431 |
| 2018 | 358 |
| 2019 | 464 |
| 2020 | 664 |
| 2021 | 563 |
| 2022 | 618 |
| 2023 | 565 |
| 2024 | 640 |
| 2025 | 680 |
Top 43 institutions for Geriatric Nurse/Nursing, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicMaster's | 91 | 50% | — | $78,468 |
| 2 | West Coast University - Anaheim - Orange County Anaheim, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 87 | 60% | $36,879 | $95,859 |
| 3 | Walden University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitMaster's | 79 | — | — | $88,877 |
| 4 | CUNY Hunter College New York, NYPublicMaster's | 65 | 57% | — | $103,692 |
| 5 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 59 | 84% | $29,789 | $79,221 |
| 6 | Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 37 | 64% | $19,806 | $77,680 |
| 7 | Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 31 | 66% | $24,921 | $69,116 |
| 8 | MGH Institute of Health Professions Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 21 | — | — | $81,868 |
| 9 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 21 | 93% | — | $75,458 |
| 10 | Rhode Island College Providence, RIPublicMaster'sMaster's | 19 | 48% | — | $73,235 |
| 11 | Oakland University Rochester Hills, MIPublicMaster'sMaster's | 16 | 58% | — | $74,917 |
| 12 | Seattle University Seattle, WAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 15 | 76% | $31,900 | $81,021 |
| 13 | Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish, MEPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 13 | 66% | $31,045 | $74,114 |
| 14 | Husson University Bangor, MEPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 13 | 59% | $18,839 | $73,758 |
| 15 | Seton Hall University South Orange, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 12 | 69% | $27,376 | $91,908 |
| 16 | Herzing University - Madison Madison, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 12 | 28% | $20,965 | $75,774 |
| 17 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicMaster's | 10 | 54% | — | $68,136 |
| 18 | University of Southern Indiana Evansville, INPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 9 | 48% | — | $68,945 |
| 19 | Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 77% | $32,060 | $70,265 |
| 20 | Graceland University - Lamoni Lamoni, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 7 | 42% | $16,430 | $66,955 |
| 21 | University of Southern Maine Portland, MEPublicMaster's | 6 | 40% | — | $71,675 |
| 22 | Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, INPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 5 | 69% | $25,896 | $74,962 |
| 23 | West Coast University - Texas Richardson, TXPrivate for-profitMaster's | 5 | 31% | $51,992 | $95,859 |
| 24 | Keuka College Keuka Park, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 58% | $24,177 | $86,649 |
| 25 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OHPublicMaster's | 4 | 52% | — | $67,141 |
| 26 | Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 87% | $27,976 | $69,389 |
| 27 | Franklin University Columbus, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 11% | $22,280 | — |
| 28 | Malone University Canton, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 3 | 45% | $21,492 | $67,144 |
| 29 | Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 3 | 86% | $25,823 | $77,808 |
| 30 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LAPublicMaster's | 2 | 43% | — | $74,935 |
| 31 | Adelphi University Garden City, NYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 2 | 67% | $27,326 | $102,136 |
| 32 | Old Dominion University Norfolk, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 46% | — | $76,527 |
| 33 | Caribbean University - Bayamon Bayamon, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 43% | $6,392 | — |
| 34 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicMaster's | 1 | 68% | — | $78,180 |
| 35 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, ARPublicMaster's | 1 | 55% | — | $73,423 |
| 36 | Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 51% | $25,813 | $78,924 |
| 37 | Morningside University Sioux City, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 50% | $22,816 | $68,397 |
| 38 | University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MAPublicMaster's | 1 | 49% | — | $79,672 |
| 39 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 85% | — | $72,251 |
| 40 | York College of Pennsylvania York, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 64% | $18,682 | $77,469 |
| 41 | Norwich University Northfield, VTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 60% | $23,982 | $74,283 |
| 42 | Alverno College Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 49% | $17,221 | $72,005 |
| 43 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 34% | — | $77,955 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Registered Nursing field (CIP 51.38) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 24 states & territories
Where Geriatric Nurse/Nursing graduates come from. Each state links to all Registered Nursing programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1141, Registered Nurses, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Geriatric Nurse/Nursing program can pursue careers as Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, or Nursing Instructors. With an annual growth rate of 4.9% and approximately 189,100 job openings each year, the median wage for registered nurses in this specialty is $93,600. A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry into these roles.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.3821
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nursesprimary SOC 29-1141 | $97,550 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~189,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Nurse Practitioners SOC 29-1171 | $132,300 | +40.1% Much faster than average | ~29,500 | Master's degree |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1072 | $80,250 | +16.8% Much faster than average | ~8,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Geriatric Nurse/Nursing programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
Tools and technology used
Other Registered Nursing specializations
The 22 other 6-digit CIP codes under Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38).
- Registered Nursing/CIP 51.3801
Registered Nurse 263,325 graduates / yr2,067 institutions - Family Practice Nurse/CIP 51.3805
Nursing 14,703 graduates / yr293 institutions - Nursing PracticeCIP 51.38189,384 graduates / yr322 institutions
- Nursing AdministrationCIP 51.38027,804 graduates / yr198 institutions
- Psychiatric/CIP 51.3810
Mental Health Nurse/ Nursing 5,358 graduates / yr179 institutions - Nursing ScienceCIP 51.38084,605 graduates / yr148 institutions
- Registered NursingCIP 51.38993,940 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Nurse AnesthetistCIP 51.38042,183 graduates / yr72 institutions
- Adult Health Nurse/CIP 51.3803
Nursing 2,125 graduates / yr75 institutions - Public Health/CIP 51.3811
Community Nurse/ Nursing 934 graduates / yr21 institutions - Clinical Nurse LeaderCIP 51.3820588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Nurse Midwife/CIP 51.3807
Nursing Midwifery 530 graduates / yr22 institutions - Critical Care NursingCIP 51.3814505 graduates / yr39 institutions
- Pediatric Nurse/CIP 51.3809
Nursing 389 graduates / yr36 institutions - Women's Health Nurse/CIP 51.3822
Nursing 350 graduates / yr15 institutions - Perioperative/CIP 51.3812
Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/ Nursing 150 graduates / yr10 institutions - Maternal/CIP 51.3806
Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/ Nursing 149 graduates / yr14 institutions - Clinical Nurse SpecialistCIP 51.3813135 graduates / yr22 institutions
- Emergency Room/CIP 51.3816
Trauma Nursing partial data83 graduates / yr9 institutions - Forensic NursingCIP 51.3824partial data26 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Occupational and Environmental Health NursingCIP 51.3815partial data21 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Palliative Care NursingCIP 51.3819partial data19 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What degree do I need to become a Geriatric Nurse?+
A Bachelor's degree in Nursing is typically required.
What skills are important for Geriatric Nurses?+
Critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication are essential.
What is the job outlook for Geriatric Nurses?+
The job outlook shows a growth rate of 4.9% with about 189,100 annual openings.
What types of courses will I take in this program?+
Courses include geriatric primary care, pharmacology, and advanced nursing practices.
What is the CIP code for Geriatric Nurse/Nursing?+
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing is CIP 51.3821 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares registered nurses to provide health care to aging and elderly patients. Includes instruction in geriatric primary care, geriatric diagnosis, mental health and aging, primary care management, geriatric acute and chronic illness, advanced nursing practices for geriatric patients, evidence-based nursing practice, advanced physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapeutics.
How many institutions offer Geriatric Nurse/Nursing programs?+
43 U.S. institutions reported Geriatric Nurse/Nursing graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 24 states & territories, awarding 680 credentials in the year. That is 0.2% of all Registered Nursing graduates.
How much do Geriatric Nurse/Nursing graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Registered Nurses occupation, which Geriatric Nurse/Nursing most directly leads to, pays a median of $97,550 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Registered Nursing field report median earnings of $75,458 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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