What Is Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP)?

Are you a registered nurse or planning to become one? Do you enjoy working specifically with older adults? A career as an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) may be the role for you.

AGPCNPs provide patient care to a variety of people ranging from adolescents to those at the end of life. They commonly work with older adults, helping them manage physical and psychological effects of aging.

What Is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner?

There are two types of adult gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs): those who work in acute care (AGACNP) and those who work in primary care (AGPCNP). For the purpose of this article, we will focus on primary care nurse practitioners.

What Does an AGPCNP Do?

AGPCNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) known primarily for working with older adult patients. They are specifically trained, licensed, and certified to provide health management and disease treatment and prevention services to these individuals.

AGPCNPs may work in a variety of care settings such as private practices, long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and outpatient clinics.

These APRNs commonly work with geriatric patients, helping them manage long-term health conditions and live healthy lifestyles. Common job duties include:

• diagnosing medical conditions
• prescribing medications
• performing various medical procedures
• providing personalized treatment plans for patients
• leading healthcare teams
• providing referrals and ordering diagnostic tests when necessary
• analyzing and interpreting test results
• educating patients on healthy choices and preventing disease

AGPCNPs must possess a range of medical and interpersonal skills to succeed in this role. They must be excellent communicators and compassionate caregivers. They should have strong decision-making and problem-solving skills. They should be comfortable leading a team and good at managing stress to avoid burnout.

AGPCNP Educational Requirements

Most AGPCNPs have many years of experience as an RN and have completed several levels of training. Let's take a look at some of the educational requirements you may have to fulfill to become an AGPCNP.

Bachelor's Degree

Any aspiring nurse practitioner must first complete an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program and obtain an RN license by completing the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). This usually takes about four years.

Master's Degree

Becoming a nurse practitioner of any kind requires at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Many advanced nursing programs will allow students to specialize in adult gerontology acute care or primary care depending on their career goals. These degrees typically take one to three years to complete.

Doctoral Degree

Some students may opt to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in addition to (or instead of) an MSN. This terminal degree provides advanced, specialized training in your chosen specialization. DNPs can take anywhere from one and a half to four years to complete.

Residencies and Fellowships

Though not always required, you may have opportunities to work clinical residencies or fellowships as an entry-level AGPCNP. These will allow you to gain additional clinical experience as you transition into your new role.

Continuing Education

Before you can practice as an AGPCNP, you will be required to obtain professional certification in the field. To maintain this certification, you will need to complete 75 hours of approved continuing education courses every five years throughout your career.

FAQs About Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners

Still have questions about becoming an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner? Read on for answers.

What Is the Difference Between an FNP and an AGPCNP?

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and AGPCNPs hold very similar roles in that they provide primary care for people of various age groups. The main difference between these two types of nurse practitioners is that AGPCNPs specialize in adolescent through older adult populations, while FNPs also provide care for babies and children.

Is It Worth It To Become an AGPCNP?

There is an ever-increasing demand for AGPCNPs, as the number of aging adults is expected to rise exponentially over the next several decades. AGPCNPs can expect a high level of job security and a generous salary; therefore, if they also enjoy working with aging adults, it is definitely worth the time and money required to become an AGPCNP.

What Are Other Common Specializations for Nurse Practitioners?

There are many different kinds of nurse practitioners specializing in different areas of healthcare. In addition to AGPCNPs, AGACNPs, and FNPs, some other common specializations include:

• pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
• neonatal nurse practitioner
• women's health nurse practitioner