Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Education, Licensure & Salary
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“Some people might associate ‘geriatrics’ primarily with nursing home care. This is a common misconception, but in reality, it encompasses much more. I can and do manage intense and complex care in skilled nursing facilities; however, in my practice, I take care of all adults, starting from teenage years and continuing through senior years.”
Marie D. Grosh, DNP, Assistant Professor, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western University
As people age, they may need specialized care from practitioners with training and experience in aging. Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) care for patients across their adult lifespan, from young adulthood through old age. AGNPs specialize in the unique needs of each stage of life, allowing them to provide comprehensive, individualized care.
In addition to primary care services, AGNPs often provide case management, care coordination, and health promotion and disease prevention guidance. With their advanced knowledge and skills, AGNPs are essential to the healthcare team, providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
Nurse practitioners in adult-gerontology care will specialize in primary or acute care. Acute care AGNPs typically work in hospital settings, providing care for patients with short-term illnesses or injuries. Primary care AGNPs, on the other hand, work in outpatient settings such as clinics and private practices, where they provide preventive care and treatment for chronic conditions. Both types of AGNPs must have extensive knowledge of normal aging processes and common age-related health problems.
Use the guide below to learn the steps necessary to become an AGNP and the required licensing and certification.
Featured Online Adult-Gerontology NP Programs
Meet the Expert: Marie D. Grosh, DNP, RN, APRN-CNP, LNHA, APRN-BC
Dr. Marie D. Grosh is an assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and an instructor in the School of Dental Medicine at Case Western University. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she donned personal protective equipment to visit patients confined to their homes.
A nurse practitioner by profession, Dr. Grosh has spent the past six years establishing her own practice as a mobile primary care provider. In June 2021, when Ohio sanctioned home delivery of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, she began scheduling appointments with her patients. Many of Dr. Grosh’s patients had qualified for the vaccine during the first phase of the rollout but were physically unable to attend vaccination clinics.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from an AGNP program enhanced your career?
Dr. Grosh: One of the most significant benefits of this training program was the ability to dedicate 100 percent of my graduate training and clinical time to providing primary care to adults and geriatric patients. Unlike many other programs that require a broad focus across various populations and settings, this program allowed me to avoid spending time in, for example, pediatrics, ICU care, and other areas that were not directly relevant to my career goals.
This focused approach enabled me to take a deep dive into adult and geriatric care, allowing for a robust and comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by these populations. I could immerse myself fully in learning and applying the best practices in primary care for adults, which has significantly enhanced the quality of care I provide to my patients.
Moreover, by not having to spread my attention across a wide array of populations and settings, I was able to develop a more profound expertise in my chosen field. Many programs cover such a broad spectrum that you can only skim the surface of each area. In contrast, my training allowed me to build a solid foundation and specialize deeply, which has been incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally.
NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective AGNP nursing student?
Dr. Grosh: Some people might associate “geriatrics” primarily with nursing home care. This is a common misconception, but in reality, it encompasses much more. I can and do manage intense and complex care in skilled nursing facilities; however, in my practice, I take care of all adults, starting from teenage years and continuing through senior years. The vast majority of my patients live independently in the community.
What the program is really about is expanding beyond basic primary care; it was about managing complex comorbidities that are often seen in adult and geriatric populations. This means dealing with multiple chronic conditions, understanding the interactions between different medications, and providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Meet the Expert: Nicholas Carte, PhD, AGNP, APRN, CPPS, PSQ, C-DBT
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Nicholas Carte is deeply committed to higher education and lifelong learning. Hailing from a small former coal mining town near Beckley, West Virginia, he earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Virginia University.
After graduating, Dr. Carte relocated to North Carolina and embarked on a career as a travel and critical care nurse, working in states such as Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Hawaii. In 2006, he resumed his academic pursuits, obtaining a master’s degree in nursing education, followed by a PhD in nursing in 2014. That same year, he also completed a post-master’s certificate as an adult-gerontological nurse practitioner.
Currently, Dr. Carte balances his professional life between graduate nursing education and practicing as a nurse practitioner in Wilmington, North Carolina. He has been integral to Southern New Hampshire University’s nursing program faculty and team leadership since 2014. He is a recognized expert in the role of nurse practitioners in healthcare, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from an AGNP program enhanced your career?
Dr. Carte: The opportunity to graduate from an AGNP program has enhanced my career in several ways including expanding my scope of practice, improving my critical thinking skills, enhancing my career goals, and increasing earning potential. As an AGNP, I’m able to perform many tasks traditionally done by physicians, such as ordering diagnostic tests, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications.
I’ve expanded my nursing role from taking orders from the provider to becoming the provider. My AGNP program has equipped me with advanced knowledge in adult and gerontological health assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex health conditions specific to this population. With my AGNP certification and graduate education, I’ve been able to enhance my career opportunities in primary care settings. I’ve been able to work in various specialties like cardiology, pulmonology, or geriatrics.
There’s also a growing demand for AGNPs in underserved and rural areas. Each of these have offered the ability to increase my earning potentials as a AGNP working in primary care.
NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective AGNP nursing student?
Dr. Carte: For anyone considering pursuing a graduate degree specializing as an AGNP, I would recommend the student to see this degree as your career path to higher responsibilities. NPs must make critical thinking decisions about someone’s health. Often the AGNP serves as a primary care provider who makes critical decisions in caring for a diverse population. So, see this responsibility as your opportunity to add your skills to the ever-growing primary care needs in healthcare. You are the future of healthcare providers.
How to Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
The process of becoming an AGNP starts with completing a general education nursing program. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing is necessary to become an AGNP because it provides the necessary foundation in nursing knowledge and skills. The curriculum for these degrees typically includes courses in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and sociology. In addition, nurses must have a strong understanding of the principles of nursing care and be able to administer safe and effective treatments.
Upon completing the program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam. This test must be completed in five hours and consists of 75 to 145 questions. Topics covered include physiological integrity, safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, and psychosocial integrity.
Once a candidate passes the NCLEX-RN exam, they can apply to become a licensed registered nurse (RN) through their state’s nursing board. Beyond completing a general education nursing program and passing the exam, candidates may be required to provide proof of right to work in the US and pass both a drug screening and background check.
After a year of entry-level work, registered nurses can apply to a master’s of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice degree program specializing in adult-gerontology. These programs vary in length from 18 months to three years. Alternatively, if a nurse already has a master’s degree in another field, they can complete a post-master’s certificate in adult-gerontology.
With a graduate degree program in adult-gerontology completed, registered nurses will next need to pass a certification exam offered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) to earn their AGNP credential. They also must apply for state licensure as a nurse practitioner.
What Does an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Do?
AGNPs often work in hospital settings, such as emergency departments or intensive care units. They may also work in outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, or home health agencies. Job duties will vary based on place of employment, but typical day-to-day tasks can include:
- Providing information on treatment and medications to patients and their families.
- Monitoring treatments and keeping detailed records of patient care.
- Supervising other nurses and hospital staff
- Providing supervision for safety standards, care quality, and patient rights.
- Teaching patients and their caregivers how to manage an illness,
- Collaborating with physicians and healthcare teams to provide comprehensive care to patients
- Prescribing medication
- Conducting research
- Participating in educational activities to maintain certification
How Much Do Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNP) Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023) classifies AGNPs as nurse practitioners. On average, nurse practitioners earn $128,490 per year. According to the BLS, the percentiles for wages for AGNPs are:
- 10th percentile: $94,530
- 25th percentile: $106,960
- 50th percentile (median): $126,260
- 75th percentile: $140,610
- 90th percentile: $168,030
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Licensure and Certification Requirements
AGNP Licensing
All AGNPs must be licensed to practice in the state where they provide care. Requirements will vary by state, but most AGNPs are licensed as nurse practitioners (NP) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). The most common requirements to be licensed as an NP or APRN include:
- A current, active, and unencumbered registered nursing license
- Complete an accredited master’s, doctorate, or post-master’s program in the chosen specialization
- Pass a background check and drug screening
- Hold an approved national certification
- Submit a completed application with the appropriate application and license fees
AGNP Certifications and Eligibility
National certification as a nurse practitioner is required to obtain a state license. The four primary national certifications AGNPs can obtain are:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG) through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
To be eligible for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), applicants must:
- Have a current, unencumbered, and active registered nursing license
- Complete a master’s, post-graduate certificate, or doctor of nursing practice from an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the National League for Nursing (NLN) Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)
- The program completed must include 500 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Complete three classes in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
- Provide proof of completed content in health promotion and/or maintenance as well as differential diagnosis and disease management
The requirements to be eligible for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) are:
- Have a current, unencumbered, and active registered nursing license
- Complete a master’s, post-graduate certificate, or doctor of nursing practice from an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the National League for Nursing (NLN) Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)
- The program completed must include 500 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Complete three classes in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
- Provide proof of completed content in health promotion and/or maintenance as well as differential diagnosis and disease management
To earn the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), applicants must:
- Have a current, unencumbered, and active registered nursing license
- Complete a graduate-level nurse practitioner program in adult-gerontology primary care that includes 500 hours of clinical practice and coursework in advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) eligibility requirements for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG) certification are:
- Have a current, unencumbered, and active registered nursing or advanced practice registered nurse license
- Complete a graduate-level degree program in adult-gerontology for acute care nurse practitioners that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) that meets curriculum and clinical experiences requirements
- Pass the AACN ACNPC-AG exam
AGNP Certification Renewal
Both the AGPCNP-BC and AGACNP-BC certifications from the ANCC must be renewed every five years. To be eligible for renewal, certification holders must have a current RN license, current ANCC certification, 75 hours of continuing education, of which 25 must be in pharmacology, and complete one of the eight ANCC certification professional development categories in its entirety.
The AANP AGNP certification is valid for five years. To renew, candidates must have worked 1,000 hours of clinical practice as an adult-gerontology practitioner within a five-year period and provide proof with their renewal application. They must also have 100 hours of continuing education, of which 25 must be in pharmacology, and a current RN or APRN license. Instead of these requirements, candidates may recertify by retaking the AGNP exam.
ACNP-AG certification from the AACN must be renewed every three years. For renewal, certificate holders must have either 1,000 practice hours and 150 continuing education points, 1,000 practice hours along with 25 pharmacology continuing education hours and retake the exam, or 150 continuing education hours and retake the exam.
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.