Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Career Overview
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) provide healthcare services to adults of all ages, from young adults to seniors. They play a vital role between registered nurses (RNs) and physicians, allowing them to meet with patients independently, assess their health, and diagnose illnesses and conditions.
AGNPs can specialize in acute care for critical patients or primary care for general healthcare, making them essential in patient care in geriatrics.
What It Takes to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner
Duration of Education: It typically takes 6-8 years to become an AGNP. This journey involves fulfilling the Nurse Practitioner education requirements necessary for certification.
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Job Outlook: The job growth for AGNPs is expected to be 52% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which highlights the increasing healthcare career opportunities in this field.
Median Annual Salary: AGNPs earn a median annual wage of $109,820.
A Quick Overview of an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner’s Career
AGNPs bridge the gap between RNs and doctors. They work independently with patients, assessing their health and diagnosing conditions. AGNPs can specialize in either Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner acute care or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner primary care, with distinct roles and responsibilities.
Education and Certification
To become an AGNP, you need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which is one of the key Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner certification requirements.
Responsibilities:
AGNPs perform:
- Physical examinations
- Interpret diagnostic tests
- Diagnose patients
- Prescribe medications, either independently or in collaboration with a physician
Traits Needed:
Key traits for success include:
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- The ability to assess and diagnose patients
- Critical thinking skills
Where Do Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners Work?
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2019 Compensation Report, AGNPs work in various settings, including outpatient hospitals, inpatient hospitals, private group practices, home healthcare, Medicare home health programs, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and correctional facilities.
- Hospitals: Stabilize critical patients and perform medical procedures.
- Long-Term Care Facilities: Assess patients, diagnose illnesses or conditions, and prescribe medications.
- Private Clinics: Meet with patients through appointments, assess their conditions, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medications.
Reasons to Pursue a Career as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Making a significant career decision can be challenging, so it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of becoming an AGNP.
Advantages:
- AGNPs have autonomy and can independently assess and meet with patients.
- The profession is projected to grow by 52% from 2019 to 2029, offering ample job opportunities.
- AGNPs earn a high median annual wage of $109,820.
Disadvantages:
- The educational path to becoming an AGNP can be challenging and lengthy.
- Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees can be costly and may lead to significant student debt.
- AGNPs often work long and demanding shifts.
How to Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
To become an AGNP, you’ll need to follow a specific educational and certification path:
- Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- ADN typically takes two years, while BSN can take four years. Both degrees prepare you to work as a registered nurse (RN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive RN licensure.
- The NCLEX-RN exam evaluates your nursing skills and knowledge.
- Earn an MSN.
- This two-year advanced nursing degree covers high-level topics like pharmacology, physiology/pathophysiology, and health assessment.
- Choose a certification focus.
- Graduates of AGNP programs can specialize as adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners or adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners.
- Pass the National Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board Exam.
- This exam determines your eligibility for adult-gerontology licensure and covers core competencies and clinical practice.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care vs. Primary Care
AGNPs specialize in both primary or acute care. The roles and duties differ for the two:
| Trait | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care |
|---|---|---|
| Duties | Focus on treating existing illnesses, diagnose, and develop treatment plans | Focus on preventative care, promote health education, assist in managing long-term health issues |
| Work Setting | Hospitals or inpatient settings | Community clinics; private practice; home healthcare; long-term care facilities |
| Salary | $118,000 | $112,000 |
How Much Do Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners Earn?
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn a median salary of $109,820, irrespective of their specialization. Specifically for adult-gerontology NPs, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in 2019 reported the following:
- Adult-gerontology primary care NPs had a median base salary of $107,000, with a median total income reaching $112,000.
- Adult-gerontology acute care NPs earned a median base salary of $112,000 and a median total income of $118,000.
Furthermore, BLS data indicates that the number of NPs could grow by 52% from 2019 to 2029, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country. Projections Central’s federal data predicts substantial NP job growth from 2018 to 2028 in states such as:
- Arizona (50.9%)
- Colorado (44.7%)
- Georgia (41.4%)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner?
The time to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner depends on the chosen educational path. A traditional bachelor’s degree usually takes four years, while a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program typically takes two years to complete. Following this path, aspiring AGNPs can obtain licensure within six years. Some students may choose to work part-time and may take longer to graduate. Many nursing professionals gain experience as registered nurses (RNs) between these two degrees. Some start with an associate degree, work as an RN, and then enroll in an RN-to-MSN bridge program, which can also affect the timeline.
Can adult-gerontology nurse practitioners prescribe medicine?
Yes, in some states, adult-gerontology NPs can independently prescribe medication. In other states, they need to establish a supervisory or collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe medication.
How much does an AGNP make in a year?
In 2019, a survey by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reported that adult-gerontology primary care NPs had a median base salary of $107,000, while adult-gerontology acute care NPs earned a median base salary of $112,000. However, salaries vary significantly based on experience, employer, location, and education level. NPs with doctoral degrees typically earn more than those with master’s degrees.
Where do AGNPs work?
AGNPs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, urgent care clinics, primary care practices and clinics, and correctional facilities.
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Resources for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners
- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): AANP’s mission is to empower nurse practitioners and advance quality healthcare. They provide educational and professional resources to all NPs, regardless of their specialization. AANP offers continuing education opportunities, conferences, and advocacy for NPs through legislative changes.
- Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA): GAPNA is a professional community for NPs specializing in adult healthcare. They publish scholarly journals and provide resources, including toolkits and an online library. Students can join and access the career center. GAPNA offers two conferences: an annual general conference and a pharmacology conference.
- American Nurses Association (ANA): Established in 1896, ANA represents millions of RNs in various positions. They advocate for nurses at both the state and federal legislative levels and are affiliated with the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which provides NP certification.
- National Black Nurse Practitioner Association (NBNPA): Based primarily in Houston, Texas, NBNPA fosters community and connections among Black NPs. They offer webinars and events for continued learning, job search through a career center, and scholarships for MSN students.
- American Geriatrics Society (AGS): AGS connects healthcare professionals, including NPs and physicians, who provide care to older individuals. They host programs, an annual scientific meeting, and initiatives to help people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Members can access educational tools, clinical resources, and industry news through the group’s newsletter.