How to Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
An adult gerontology nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who cares for adults from adolescence through old age. They work with patients and their caregivers to manage chronic conditions, diseases, and other health conditions. If you’re considering becoming an AGNP, this guide will explain what they do, how to become one, and more.
What is an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner?
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) provide care and support to patients throughout their adult lives. They diagnose, examine, and treat their patients while offering routine checkups, assessments, counseling, and education.
AGNPs also continually educate their patients and caregivers. They aim to develop and implement healthy lifestyles and disease prevention plans for their patients.
AGNP Fast Facts
Popular Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding AL, CA, KS, LA, OR, TN, WA, WY
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Specialties
Adult-gerontology NPs can specialize in primary care or acute care. Choosing between these specialties is essential because it will determine which certification you pursue.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
AG-ACNPs treat illnesses, including stabilizing their condition and restoring them to health. They typically work in hospitals or inpatient settings.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP)
AG-PCNPs, on the other hand, focus on illness prevention and promoting the health of their patients. They often work in community clinics or private practice settings.
What Do Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners Do?
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners oversee the care of patients 13 years of age and older. While some might focus on the younger spectrum of patients, most will focus solely on the geriatric community.
Some duties you may perform as an AGNP include the following:
- Analyzing patients' health histories, symptoms, and tests to develop appropriate diagnoses
- Creating comprehensive treatment plans based on patient diagnoses
- Evaluating the effectiveness of care plans and changing them as necessary
- Ordering and interpreting the results of diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medication dosages, routes, and frequencies
- Educating patients on the risks and side effects associated with medication
- Educating patients and caregivers about self-management of acute or chronic illnesses and conditions
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners have specific duties depending on whether they specialize in primary or acute care, and they’ll vary depending on where they work.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) Duties
AG-ACNPs generally care for patients in a hospital setting. Their day-to-day duties include diagnosing patients and developing treatment plans, stabilizing patients in critical care areas, prescribing medications, and performing procedures.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) Duties
AG-PCNPs are primarily concerned with preventative care and disease prevention. As such, their duties include teaching patients and their families about health management and disease prevention. They also help patients manage long-term health issues.
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Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Salary
Adult gerontology nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $146,352, according to Glassdoor. This estimate exceeds the median annual income for all NPs, which is $126,260 or $60.70 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In addition to salary, you'll be eligible for benefits as part of your employer's total compensation package, which may include:
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Dependent Insurance Coverage
- CEU and Certification Reimbursement
- Nursing Conference Attendance
- Retirement Options
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Family Leave of Absence
- Maternity Leave
- Relocation Assistance
- Childcare
- Bereavement Leave
- Discounts on Extracurricular Activities
AGNP Salary by Years of Experience
Based on years of experience, Payscale reports that AGNPs can make the following:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
| 1 Year or Less | $89,566 | $50.00 |
| 1 to 4 Years | $106,197 | $56.53 |
| 5 to 9 Years | $121,838 | $51.68 |
| 10 to 19 Years | $95,501 | $43.20 |
| 20 Years or More | $82,200 | $50.00 |
How to Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
To become an Adult-Gerontology NP, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse
The first step to becoming an AGNP is earning your registered nurse (RN) license. To become an RN, you must attend an accredited two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. After graduating from the program, you'll need to pass the NCLEX examination and apply for RN licensure in your state.
Step 2: Gain Experience
In select cases, you may be able to enter a graduate nursing program directly after earning a BSN. However, most AGNP programs will require at least two years of relevant work experience. This experience will build your nursing skills and prepare you for the next step in your education.
Step 3: Attend an Accredited AGNP Program
Adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs culminate in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. MSN programs last 1-2 years, while DNP programs take 3-4. Though longer, a DNP may give you a competitive edge in the job market and leverage during salary negotiations.
Before entering the program, ADN-prepared nurses will complete an additional step: either completing their BSN degree or finding an accelerated RN-to-MSN program that allows them to earn their BSN and MSN simultaneously.
Step 4: Earn an AGNP Certification
After graduating from an accredited program, you'll be eligible to sit for several certification exams, depending on your career goals:
| Certification | Certifying Authority |
| Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC) | American Nurses Credentialing Center |
| Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) | American Nurses Credentialing Center |
| Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) | American Academy of Nurse Practitioners |
Popular Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding AL, CA, KS, LA, OR, TN, WA, WY
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
What is the Career Outlook for an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career outlook for NPs is excellent, with an expected 45% growth rate from 2022 to 2032. Although the entire NP career field can expect to expand, AGNPs may see even more growth due to the aging population. Currently, the highest concentrated need is in Florida and Arizona due to the large retired community.
Additionally, AGNPs may become even more vital as the primary care shortage continues. The National Center for Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) reported an estimated 68,020 primary care physician shortage by 2036. Adult gerontology nurse practitioners will help fill this void.
The prospects for AGNPs are bright, and the increasing demand for them means AGNP schools are among the easiest nurse practitioner programs to get into.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Continuing Education Requirements
The continuing education units (CEUs) required to maintain nursing licensure vary by state. Generally, NPs must have at least 75 contact hours of continuing education in their specialty area.
Additionally, even though they function in an APRN role, AGNPs must maintain their RN licensure. Although RN continuing education requirements also vary by state, in general, you must complete a certain number of CEUs, submit an application, and pay a nominal fee. You can learn more about your specific requirements by contacting your state's Board of Nursing or visiting its website.
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Where Can I Learn More about Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners?
- Best Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
Popular Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding AL, CA, KS, LA, OR, TN, WA, WY
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
Other Nurse Practitioner Specialties
- General Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner FAQs
