America's Need for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners

America’s population is aging. And that’s why, more than ever, adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) are in demand. Is this nursing career path for you? Find out what an AGNP does and why this nursing role might be right for you.

What Does an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Do?

Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners meet with patients, conduct physical exams, assess the results of diagnostic tests, diagnose patients, develop treatment plans and prescribe medications (depending on state laws).¹ An AGNP may work with adolescents, adults and seniors, or they may primarily care for older adults. The type of care an AGNP provides depends on their specialization.

What Are the Types of AGNPs?

There are two types of AGNPs:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNPs) provide general healthcare. They often work with patients over the course of years or decades and build relationships with them. AGPCNPs focus on disease prevention and disease management. They may work in a long-term care facility or a primary care practice. Just 8.9% of nurse practitioners are certified in this specialty.²

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) work with a variety of patients who have critical, chronic or acute illnesses. Their work is fast-paced and their focus is to stabilize their patient’s condition. AGACNPs usually work in hospitals or inpatient facilities. Only 6.1% of nurse practitioners are certified as AGACNPs.²

Why Are AGNPs In Demand?

In 2020, more than one in six Americans were 65 or older. By 2040, it is estimated that more than 80 million Americans will be 65 or older. Further, by that same year, it is projected that over 14 million Americans will be 85 or older.³ As we age, we need more care, and this is one big reason the nurse practitioner field is experiencing huge employment growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job openings for nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners will grow a whopping 38% by 2032, compared to a total growth of 3% in all occupations.⁴

Given the employment growth for nurse practitioners and the aging American population, the need for adult-gerontology nurse practitioners has never been greater. This is a field with abundant job opportunities and long-term career stability. And with experience and additional education, a skilled AGNP could be offered a leadership position.

How Do I Become an AGNP?

In order to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Become a registered nurse (RN).
2. Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
3. Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialization. You’ll need to choose whether you focus on acute care or primary care.
4. Earn adult-gerontology licensure by passing a national certification exam.

It’s important to pick the best nursing school to help you earn your nursing degree. Chamberlain University is a respected, accredited nursing school that offers an online master’s in nursing program with two adult-gerontology nurse practitioner tracks. Classes start at six different times throughout the year, so you can get started on your degree quickly. Chamberlain’s curriculum is designed for nurses, by nurses. And nurses know how demanding a nurse’s schedule can be! At Chamberlain, you can access your coursework any time of the day or week, so that you can earn your AGNP degree while you work as a nurse. You can enroll with confidence, knowing that Chamberlain’s nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

It takes time and determination to become an AGNP. If you want to help adults live long, healthy lives and contribute to improving their quality of care, then becoming an AGNP could be a great nursing career choice. You can prepare for this fulfilling, in-demand career with one of Chamberlain’s online master’s in nursing adult-gerontology nurse practitioner tracks.

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).

Chamberlain University offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

¹Source: nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/

²Source: storage.aanp.org/www/documents/NPFacts.pdf

³Source: www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/02/14/aging-boomers-more-older-americans/

⁴Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6

By Chamberlain University