How to Become an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
If you’ve ever cared for an older loved one or worked with aging patients, you know how rewarding — and sometimes challenging — it can be. Becoming an adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) opens the door to an impactful career path. From managing chronic illnesses to educating patients about preventative care, you’ll provide essential support in navigating the complexities of aging, all while building a meaningful career with competitive pay.
With the population of Americans aged 65 and older projected to reach 82 million by 2050 — a 47% increase — the demand for skilled AGNPs will reach new heights. This guide will outline the steps to begin your journey, including education, certification, and key insights into this vital role.
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Career Snapshot
- Mission: Provide comprehensive care for adults and aging populations.
- Responsibilities: Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, educate patients on preventative care, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
- Workplaces: Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private practices.
- Path: Nursing degree with clinical experience, followed by a master’s or doctoral degree in adult-gerontology nursing.
- Length of study: 6 to 8 years
What Is an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner?
An AGNP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in caring for adult and elderly patients. These professionals manage a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and dementia, while also providing preventative care and health education to promote healthy aging and prevent the onset of disease.
Curious about the patients you’ll encounter in this field? Some of the most common conditions affecting older adults in America include the following:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Ischemic or coronary heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
What Does an AGNP Do?
In this role, you can work in various settings. These include acute care, post-acute, and long-term care, with responsibilities depending on the type of setting you’re in.
If you choose to specialize as an adult -gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, your responsibilities will be focused on providing care to patients with critical conditions. Your day-to-day tasks might include:
- Managing life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and hip fractures.
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, such as lab work and imaging studies.
- Performing advanced procedures such as central line insertions, intubation, and chest tube placements.
- Developing comprehensive care plans that include pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, such as wound care and mobility exercises.
- Responding to emergencies, such as managing respiratory or cardiac arrests.
- Working closely with physicians, critical care nurses, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
If you want to become an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, your responsibilities will focus on providing preventative care and managing chronic conditions. Some tasks you’ll perform might include:
- Conducting routine physical exams and health screenings.
- Managing age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.
- Overseeing medication regimens and ensuring safe polypharmacy management for older adults.
- Educating patients and families on disease prevention and self-management of chronic conditions.
- Providing continuity of care through regular check-ups and referrals to specialists.
- Offering support for end-of-life decision-making when appropriate.
Where Can AGNPs Work?
AGNPs can work in a variety of acute or primary care settings. Here are some examples of where these specialists can find employment:
- Assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
- Community health centers
- Geriatric care centers
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Palliative care centers
- Primary care clinics
- Private practices
- Rehabilitation centers
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Schooling
The path to becoming an adult gerontology NP involves years of schooling, hands-on clinical practice, and passing several licensure exams. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to get started in this meaningful nursing specialty.
Step 1: Earn a Nursing Degree
The first step is to earn a nursing degree — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — from an accredited institution. While a BSN is usually required for admission to NP school, bridge programs like RN to MSN provide a great way for ADN-trained nurses to fast-track their path to an advanced degree.
Step 2: Obtain a Nursing Licensure
After you graduate from your ADN or BSN program, your next important milestone is to obtain your nursing license. This involves successfully passing the NCLEX-RN examination — the test that evaluates your readiness to practice nursing. Once you’ve passed, you’ll submit your paperwork to the state board of nursing, who will issue your license, officially giving you the green light to start working.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Next, spend some time working as an RN to build your skills. Many NP programs expect applicants to have at least a year of nursing experience before they can apply. Consider these specialties to gain valuable experience:
Step 4: Enroll in a Graduate Program
Your next step is to enroll in an accredited graduate nursing program that specializes in adult and gerontological care. You’ll need to earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, depending on your career aspirations.
While NP admission requirements differ by program, they typically include the following:
- A current and unrestricted RN license
- 1–2 years of specialty experience
- Nursing resume
- Motivational letter
- Personal philosophy of nursing
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications
- Recommendation letters from your employers or professors
Alternatively, you may choose to enroll in a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program and gain specialty experience in gerontology through clinical placements or a postgraduate program.
Step 5: Gain Your Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification
After earning your MSN or DNP, the next step is to become board-certified as an adult gerontology NP. You can choose from several certification options:
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC) and the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC).
- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) provides the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) certification.
- The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Adult-Gerontology (ACNPC-AG) certification.
After you pass your certification exam, apply for state licensure as an AGNP. You will likely need to submit proof of your certification, education, and clinical hours, along with a background check. After approval, you’ll receive your official license to practice as an NP.
How Much Do AGNPs Make?
A typical adult gerontology NP salary in the U.S. is about $109,000 per year. However, your paycheck can vary based on your experience, education, and the setting where you practice.
Location also plays a key role in determining your income. Here are the examples of states that offer high pay for NPs:
Becoming an AGNP: FAQs
Adult gerontology nurse practitioner vs. FNP: What’s the difference?
AGNPs specialize in adult and geriatric populations, while family NPs provide care for patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics, from infants to the elderly, and often work in family practice settings.
What is the adult gerontology nurse practitioner scope of practice?
The scope of practice for an AGNP varies by state. In states with full practice authority, AGNPs can work independently, diagnosing, treating, and prescribing medications without physician supervision. In states with reduced or restricted practice authority, AGNPs must work under the supervision of a physician.
What is the job outlook for AGNPs?
Nurse practitioners are in high demand, with job opportunities expected to grow by 46% over the next decade — far outpacing the average for all careers.
Do AGNPs only work with elderly patients?
No, AGNPs don’t exclusively work with elderly patients. They provide care for adults across the lifespan, from young adults to seniors.
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