Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in 3 Steps

Nurse Types / Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

An adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse who provides essential care to individuals from later adulthood through the end of life.

The American population is going through a demographic shift, and the percentage of people older than 65 is growing. In 2019, 16% of Americans were over age 65. The number is projected to grow to over 25% by 2060.

In order to care for an aging population, there is a great need for skilled healthcare providers who understand the challenges and unique health concerns of this population.

This article will explain how to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, including:

• What is an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner?
• What do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners do?
• Where do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners work?
• What are specific types of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?
• How do you become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?
• FAQs

What is an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner?

Gerontology is the study of the aging process. Someone who works in gerontology supports patients with age-related changes and disease processes, like:

• Stiffening of the arteries
• Reductions in bone density
• Loss of muscle strength and flexibility
• Changes in lung strength and capacity
• Hearing and vision changes
• Changes in cognition and memory

Learn more about the types of nursing careers.

Qualities of a successful adult-gerontology nurse practitioner

A successful AGNP has deep knowledge of the aging process and conditions that may occur more frequently in older adults.

In addition to providing exceptional healthcare, an excellent AGNP also:

• Provides comprehensive, holistic care that takes into account psychological and physical health needs
• Empowers patients to find fulfillment and enjoyment in the later years of life
• Teaches patients how to stay safe and live independently as long as they would like

What do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners do?

On a typical day, an AGNP may:

• Provide information to patients to help prevent injury and infection
• Assess older adults 
• Interpret lab results
• Diagnose diseases and conditions 
• Formulate a plan of care
• Perform procedures like suturing or conduct diagnostic tests
• Refer patients to specialists as needed
• Educate patients on their health and treatment plans
• Collaborate with other providers, from nursing assistants, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and specialists

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AGNPs also play an important role in helping older adults improve their quality of life by encouraging healthy behaviors that can prevent, minimize, or accommodate age-related changes.

This might include teaching patients about:

• Safe exercise programs
• Appropriate diet
• Medication usage
• Safety measures like removing loose area rugs or installing grab bars in the shower

Common conditions treated by adult-gerontology nurse practitioners

An AGNP may work with adults in an outpatient setting who require preventive and well-patient care. They may also care for patients with chronic conditions or acute injuries related to the aging process.

Approximately 92% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, and 77% are diagnosed with two or more. The most common chronic conditions among older adults are:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Diabetes

Other common conditions that affect older adults include:

• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Skin tears or skin breakdown
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Kidney disease
• Hypertension

AGNPs should also be well-versed in psychological conditions that may affect older adults. For example, one in four older adults is reported to suffer from mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or dementia. In addition, the highest rate of suicide occurs in adults over age 85.

Where do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners work?

An AGNP may provide both preventative and acute care. As such, they can work in a diverse range of settings, such as:

• Primary care offices
• Hospitals and urgent care clinics
• Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
• Correctional facilities
• Hospice centers

What are specific types of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?

There are two main types of AGNPs:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) focuses on acute illnesses and conditions, like pneumonia or a bad fall. They are more likely to work in a hospital or acute-care setting.
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) specializes in preventative care and overall wellness. They most often work in outpatient settings.

Closely related fields

There are many different specialties for nurse practitioners to pursue. The most closely related field is Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS).

The difference between an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist is subtle. An AGNP provides direct patient care. An AG-CNS may be more involved in administrative, research, and consulting roles than bedside care. For example, an AG-CNS could manage patient care and larger health programs, research and implement overall nursing best practices, and mentor and support other nurses. 

An AG-CNS who wants to stay at the bedside may also specialize further to diagnose and treat very sick patients within this population, like an oncology NP (AG-CNS-Oncology) or critical care and trauma NP (AG-CNS-CCT). 

Other related fields include:

• Family Nurse Practitioners also provide preventative and acute care to patients across the lifespan.
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioners specifically treats acute conditions and may work with both children and adults.
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system.
• Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners provide programs and services that support a healthy and safe work environment. They may also work directly with employees who have suffered a workplace injury.

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How do you become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner in 3 steps?

All prospective AGNPs must follow the same steps to pursue this career: 

• Become a registered nurse
• Pass the NCLEX and get your nursing license
• Work as a nurse for 1-2 years minimum
• Complete master’s or doctorate level coursework in adult-gerontology nursing
• Pass national boards

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

Earn a BSN and MSN degree 

The first step to becoming an AGNP is to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Some roles may also require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Most, if not all, master’s programs require BSN-prepared nurses. If you already have an Associate Degree in Nursing, an RN-to-BSN program can help you quickly bridge the gap. 

Accelerated BSN programs are an option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Nurses may also complete a BSN-to-MSN or a BSN-to-DNP program.

Pass the NCLEX exam

All registered nurses must also pass the NCLEX exam. Passing this exam certifies that you have the minimum knowledge necessary to practice safely as a nurse. After you pass the NCLEX, you can apply for a license to become a registered nurse.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

The best preparation for a future as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner is hands-on clinical experience with older adults. 

As a registered nurse, it is helpful to target jobs that allow you to:

• Assess older adults
• Implement plans of care for aging populations
• Administer medications that treat chronic and acute conditions 
• Provide patient education to older adults about their care plans and wellness goals
• Collaborate with other care providers who work directly with this population

This work will allow you to develop a solid foundation in the most common conditions and health concerns among adults. 

Changing specialty to adult-gerontology nurse practitioner 

Many AGNPs come from other specialties. You can increase your chances of acceptance in an AGNP program by demonstrating clinical experience with aging populations either in acute or primary care. 

Clinical experience

Most nurses work for a few years before continuing to master’s or doctorate-level work. While every program is different, many experienced NPs recommend several years of clinical nursing experience to help prepare for advanced coursework and patient care.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

In order to practice as an AG-NP, you must be certified by either the American Nurse Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 

Both exams require that you complete all coursework from an accredited nurse practitioner program in gerontology nursing, including required clinical hours. Nurse practitioners may choose whichever exam best suits their objectives.

Both certifications must be renewed every five years and require completion of continuing education units (CEUs).

What are additional requirements of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners? 

AGNPs are skilled healthcare providers who provide compassionate, holistic care to older adults. Depending on their role and where they work, they must also be prepared to work with varying degrees of independence and autonomy.

A nurse practitioner’s scope of practice varies on the state. Some NPs work autonomously and independently, while others are limited in their ability to diagnose or prescribe without physician oversight. It’s important to check the scope of practice in the state where you wish to work.

What are the salary and career outlooks for adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?

AGNPs and other nurse practitioners earn one of the highest salaries in nursing. The average salary for AGNPs is $100,381. In comparison, the average salary for a registered nurse is $82,750 per year according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Years of experience, education level, and location also affect pay. For example, some of the highest-paid AGNPs are found in:

• California ($111,510)
• New Jersey ( $110,372)
• New York ($107,117)

Learn more about the highest salaries for registered nurses by city and state. Curious what you could earn in your city? Check out our free salary estimator to learn more.

Overall, the job outlook for both registered nurses and advanced practice nurses is strong. The BLS predicts the growth rate of nurse practitioners will be 40% from 2021 to 2031. There are many high-quality jobs for AGNPs around the country due to a number of factors, like:

• A growing shortage of physicians
• Healthcare legislation that is widening the NP scope of practice
• An aging population
• A growing emphasis on preventative care

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Job satisfaction

Working as an AGNP provides the opportunity to play a vital role in disease prevention and recovery among a growing population.

Many AGNPs value this career because it allows:

• Increased autonomy and independence compared to bedside nursing
• Lots of hands-on patient interaction
• Increased salary potential
• Professional growth
• The opportunity to directly impact patient health and well-being

Next steps

Working as an AGNP is a rewarding and fulfilling career with good income potential. If you have questions about the AGNP career path, share them on the Incredible Health forum. You’ll receive answers from nurse practitioners who personally understand the ins and outs of this career.

If you’re ready to start your job search, our career resources can help you prepare.  Start by creating a free profile with Incredible Health to connect with employers looking to hire qualified AGNPs in your area.

FAQs

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