An adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in providing care to adults of any age, from teens to senior citizens. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in this specialty make, on average, about $100,000 a year, and research shows that about 15.1% of nurse practitioners are AGNPs, which translates to about 70,000 licensed AGNPs across the US. As the population ages and chronic disease becomes more common, AGNPs will play an even more important role in meeting care demands across the country.
AGNP vs NP
AGNPs are a type of nurse practitioner. They have specialized training that prepares them to focus on caring for adults, including adolescents and senior citizens.
NPs are APRNs who are trained to deliver advanced care to patients. They are qualified to assess patients, diagnose conditions, interpret test results, and manage treatment plans. NPs choose a speciality when beginning their education; other options include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Women’s Health NP, and Neonatal NP.
What Does an AGNP Do?
AGNPs provide comprehensive care for adults of all ages, meeting a wide range of medical needs, including conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis as well as deliver preventative care to help patients reduce risk factors and maintain long-term health.
In addition to supporting physical health, AGNPs can also help support patients with cognitive health, functional status, and concerns they may have about quality of life. They can work independently, having their own private practices in some states, or they can work in hospitals or other facilities as part of a care team.
AGNP Responsibilities
AGNPs provide various types of care across a number of healthcare settings; their responsibilities commonly include:
- Completing physical exams and health assessments
- Diagnosing and managing acute and chronic health conditions
- Prescribing medications and other treatments
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Providing preventive care and health screenings
- Managing care for patients with multiple comorbidities
- Educating patients on disease management and lifestyle changes
Scope of Practice
An AGNP’s scope of practice can vary significantly by state, with specifics being determined by each state’s board of nursing. In states with full practice authority, AGNPs can practice independently, evaluating patients, diagnosing conditions, and prescribing medications without being supervised by a physician. In reduced or restricted practice states, AGNPs require a little more supervision and generally have to maintain collaborative or supervisory agreements with physicians..
These differences can affect autonomy, prescribing authority, and employment opportunities. That said, regardless of state, AGNPs are trained to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care within their scope of practice.
Where Do Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioners Work?
AGNPs work in a wide variety of settings serving adult and aging populations. Many programs offer further specialization in acute or primary care, which influences where these APRNs are qualified to work.
- Hospitals, providing inpatient medical care, specialty consultations, and discharge planning for adult and geriatric patients.
- Physician Offices and Medical Clinics, delivering routine primary care, chronic disease management, and follow-up visits.
- Outpatient Care Centers, treating acute health issues, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventive services.
- Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities, managing ongoing medical needs of elderly and medically complex patients.
- Community Health Centers, serving underserved adult populations with accessible primary care services.
- Home Health and Hospice Organizations, providing care focused on comfort, function, and quality of life.
AGNP Salary & Career Outlook
The U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual salary for nurse practitioners, including Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, is approximately $120,000. Salaries vary based on geographic location, years of experience, and clinical setting. According to Salary.com, AGNPs specifically earn about $100,000 a year,
The BLS also reports that the career outlook for NPs in general is very strong. Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. This growth is driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic disease, physician shortages, and expanded access to healthcare services. AGNPs are expected to remain essential providers across healthcare systems nationwide.
How to Become an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
There are multiple steps for becoming an AGNP, including completing an RN program, gaining nursing experience, receiving an advanced nursing education and clinical training. All AGNPs must pass a national certification exam and meet the requirements for state licensure. Here are the basic steps to becoming an AGNP:
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The first step to becoming an AGNP is earning a nursing degree. A BSN provides foundational knowledge in general nursing practice, patient assessment, pharmacology, and patient care. AGNP options are also available for nurses who have a diploma or associate’s degree.
Gain Clinical Experience as a Registered Nurse
Many AGNP programs require one to two years of experience working as a nurse caring for adult patients. Nurses interested in working in primary care may need experience working in geriatric settings or medical-surgical units, while those wishing to work in acute care may need experience in intensive care units or emergency rooms.
Complete an Accredited AGNP Graduate Program
The next step is to complete a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in a program with a focus on caring for the adult-gerontological population. These programs have a strong focus on chronic disease management, diagnostics, and pharmacology, along with supervised clinical hours.
Pass the Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam
After completing an advanced AGNP program, graduates must pass a nationally recognized AGNP exam. There are several to choose from, including the AGPCNP-BC certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center; the AGNP certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, and the ACNPC-AG from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Obtain State Licensure and Maintain Certification
AGNPs must also apply for licensure in the state where they plan to practice. Every state has different requirements, and periodic recertification and continuing education credits are typically required.
FAQs about AGNP
Yes. AGNP is a highly in-demand career that offers job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities to care for adult and aging populations across many settings. NPs in this specialty can work in various facilities, including nursing homes, ICUs, primary care offices, and more, making it a field with a lot of possibilities.
No, AGNPs are one of the many types of NP with a focus specifically on adult and geriatric care.
The primary difference between physician’s assistants (PAs) and AGNPs is that PAs are trained using a medical model used to train medical doctors, while AGNPs are educated using the nursing model.
AGNPs provide high-quality, evidence-based care, but they do not have the same training, scope of practice, or authority as physicians. In many cases, AGNPs collaborate with doctors to ensure that patients get quality care.