The population of the United States is rapidly aging — in the 2020 census, the percentage of the population over 65 has increased 38.6% in the last decade alone.
As the population ages and the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) will become even more important in addressing the complex healthcare needs of aging adults.
With an increasing focus on holistic patient care, AGNPs are positioned to meet the challenges presented by a rapidly aging population and physician shortages, particularly in underserved areas. AGNPs can treat people of any age, but AGNPs are specifically trained on many aspects of aging — including the physical and mental health challenges associated with the aging process.
Responsibilities of Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners
AGNPs can either specialize in acute care, caring for patients who have chronic or critical health conditions, or primary care, providing preventative healthcare and education to elderly people.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is a vital aspect of working as an AGNP. AGNPs work closely with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive support network for aging people. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of patient care but also facilitates well-rounded treatment plans. AGNPs play a key leadership role in coordinating the collaborative care teams, ensuring that all team members are aligned in their goals for the patient’s health outcomes.
AGNPs positively affect the quality of healthcare. In addition to positive clinical outcomes, such as control of chronic illness, AGNPs also benefit patient satisfaction, decrease waiting times in clinics and hospitals, and are a cost-effective choice.
Their emphasis on preventive care and patient education leads to better adherence to treatment plans and healthier lifestyle choices among patients. By filling gaps in care and providing life-long support, AGNPs enhance the quality of patient care, reducing the burden on the healthcare system of a rapidly aging population.
Specializations within Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners
There are several different specializations AGNPs can choose for their career paths. Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (ACANGPs) focus on managing complex, acute, and critical illnesses. They work in hospitals, trauma units, and ICUs, where they work with physicians, physician’s assistants, and other nurses to stabilize patients in critical care. However, ACAGNPs often have a notable level of independence and are trained to be excellent under pressure and make decisions quickly for their patient’s life-threatening conditions. ACAGNPs have a lot of responsibility in these settings. In high-pressure environments like the ICU or emergency departments, ACAGNPs are instrumental in diagnosing conditions, ordering tests, and establishing initial treatment. ACANGPs expertise in acute care not only saves lives but also improves recovery times and overall patient satisfaction.
Instead of emergency care, Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (PCAGNPs) focus on preventing illness in their patients by fostering long-term relationships within their clinics. They typically work in outpatient clinics, private practices, and rural healthcare settings. Their focus is on managing chronic diseases, conducting routine check-ups, and providing health counseling to promote education of healthy lifestyles and habits.
PCAGNPs provide many health care services for their communities, including health screenings, education, and chronic disease management. Because they often have long-term patient relationships, PCAGNPs are better suited to observe health changes and adjust treatment plans as needed. These relationships are so important in underserved areas where patients may find it difficult or too costly to access other forms of healthcare.
Education and Certification Requirements
Because AGNPs are highly-skilled, advanced nurses, the education process is lengthy. First, students must certify as an RN with either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) and then pass the NCLEX-RN exam. As RNs, students then must get their MSN degree. After students decide on their certification focus, either ACAGNP or PCAGNP, they then must pass the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Board Exam.
While the minimum degree requirement is an MSN, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) is becoming the preferred terminal degree for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Thanks to , a bill passed in California in 2023, advanced practice nurses including DNP AGNPs will have more autonomy in their own practices and will be able to practice more independently. In addition to the autonomy to practice independently, DNPs also have higher salaries and more leadership positions within professional and academic settings.
Nurses need many clinical hours to complete their MSN and AGNP certification and even more experience to complete their Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). MSN programs for AGNP certification typically require 500-600 hours of clinical experience and DNP programs will require around 1,000 hours of clinical experience.
There are several national certifications for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners:
- The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Board for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care is the entry-level examination required for all students.
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center provides certification options for both Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.
- The American Association for Critical Care Nurses provides a specific certification for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
Practice Autonomy
In California, Adult Gerontology nurse Practitioners currently have limited practice autonomy, requiring a supervisory agreement with a physician to practice independently. However, Assembly Bill 890 has created a process for advanced practice nurses, such as AGNPs, to gain more autonomy and eventually practice independently. This is vital as AGNPs are a resource for the burdened healthcare system. Nationwide, practice autonomy varies state by state, with some states allowing full practice status, enabling AGNPs to operate independently without physician oversight.
- States with full practice allow AGNPs to evaluate, diagnose, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans independently.
- States with reduced practice require advanced practice nurses have a supervisory agreement with a physician but allows them more independence than states requiring full collaboration.
- States with restricted practice mandate that AGNPs must practice under the supervision of a physician, limiting their scope of practice.
As the percentage of the population over 65 grows in the next decade, it will become even more important for states to pass laws such as Assembly Bill 890, that allows AGNPs more autonomy, especially in underserved areas where it is difficult and expensive to find healthcare from physicians.
Salary Expectations
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner’s salaries are high and rising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of nurse practitioners to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033, making it one of the fastest growing professions in the country. That means more job opportunities for aspiring NPs, particularly for those who specialize in a field like Adult-Gerontology nursing practice. Salaries can vary significantly based on practice settings and ownership status. Salaries can vary significantly based on practice settings and ownership status. In hospital settings, ACAGNPs generally earn higher salaries due to the demands of acute care. In private practice, salaries may be lower but can increase substantially with ownership and patient volume. Community health centers and non-profit organizations offer competitive salaries, often with benefits that enhance overall compensation.
In California, the average AGNP salary for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACAGNPs) ranges from $120,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on experience and practice setting. For Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (PCAGNPs), the average salary falls between $110,000 and $130,000 annually.
The earning potential of AGNPs can be further influenced by educational credentials. Holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can result in a salary increase compared to those with a master’s degree. DNP programs prepare AGNPs for leadership roles and advanced clinical practice to reflect the evolving needs of the healthcare system.
AGNPs play a vital role in California’s healthcare system, bridging gaps in services in both primary and acute care settings. Their extensive training and certifications ensure they are well-equipped to manage complex health issues throughout the lifespan of their patients.
Looking ahead, the future of AGNP education and practice appears promising ongoing healthcare challenges. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting growth in the entire Nurse Practitioner field in the next decade, AGNPs will continue to be essential to meet the increased demand for healthcare services. Their contributions will be critical in enhancing access to quality care, particularly in underserved populations and rural areas.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2024.