Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: What Is an AGNP, Salary, and How to Become One

AGNPs promote health and wellness in patients from early adulthood to the end of life.

by

Carly Elliott, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)

Updated Jul 31 Published Jul 11

The need for healthcare professionals trained to care for the complex needs of older adults is skyrocketing.

The Population Reference Bureau reports that the number of Americans over 65 is expected to nearly double from 2018 to 2060. This change means that 95 million seniors will need medical care from providers trained in caring for people across the spectrum of adulthood.

Nursing professionals interested in taking their education and career to the next level for the needs of an aging population might want to consider becoming an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP). These advanced practice nurses treat acute and chronic illnesses of people over 18 and into their older years. Because the U.S. population is aging, this nursing career path is in demand and growing.

What Is an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner?

AGNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide comprehensive healthcare to adult and older adult populations. They're highly trained and skilled in assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute and chronic health conditions in adult and geriatric patients.

The AGNP role combines the expertise of adult health and gerontology, allowing NPs to deliver holistic care to individuals across the adult lifespan. They work in various healthcare settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.

AGNPs can specialize even further by practicing in acute or primary care settings. Each specialty provides care in different settings and focuses on a specific area of the patient care continuum.

Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioners

Adult-gerontological primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs), sometimes referred to as family nurse practitioners (FNPs), focus on day-to-day healthcare for older adults. They manage chronic illnesses and promote overall wellness, with a specialized emphasis on the older adult population, unlike FNPs who provide care across all age groups.

AGPCNPs diagnose conditions, develop treatment and management plans, and provide health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management education for patients and their caregivers. They typically work in primary care settings, including:

Outpatient clinics
Community health centers
Private practices

The scope of practice for an AGPCNP varies by state, with some states allowing AGPCNPs to practice autonomously while others require supervision by a licensed physician. In some states, AGPCNPs hold prescriptive authority.

They are a crucial part of the healthcare delivery system. Research has found that AGPCNPs provide high-quality, cost-effective care, especially in rural areas where access to primary care providers may otherwise be limited.

Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioners

Adult-gerontological acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs) focus on providing short-term care for adult and geriatric patients with severe health conditions or injuries.

AGACNPs thoroughly understand the aging process and how it affects medical care. They usually work in tertiary and inpatient environments, such as hospitals and critical care units. AGACNPs may also work in long-term care facilities to provide acute care to residents.

AGACNPs monitor and diagnose acute illness and injury and develop treatment plans appropriate to the patient's age and condition. These professionals have a unique understanding of the aging process and the effects of age on health and well-being, which informs their clinical practice.

An advantage to becoming an AGACNP is that these practitioners have greater autonomy and responsibility and can independently meet with patients and assess them. AGNPs also treat patients from different age groups and work in various settings, allowing for multiple career opportunities and experiences.

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Role & Responsibilities

Common AGNP responsibilities include:

Conducting comprehensive health assessments: AGNPs perform detailed physical examinations, review medical histories, and gather relevant health information to assess the overall health status of adult and older adult patients.
Diagnosing and managing acute and chronic health conditions: AGNPs are trained to diagnose and manage various health conditions, including common acute illnesses, chronic diseases, and complex medical conditions often seen in adult and geriatric populations.
Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests: AGNPs have the authority to order and interpret various diagnostic tests such as laboratory tests, radiological imaging, and electrocardiograms to aid in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions.
Developing and implementing treatment plans: AGNPs develop comprehensive treatment plans that may involve prescribing medications, recommending therapies, providing referrals to specialists, and coordinating ongoing care to optimize patient outcomes.
Prescribing medications: Depending on state regulations and their scope of practice, AGNPs may be able to prescribe medications for their patients, including prescribing appropriate dosages, monitoring medication effectiveness, and managing medication-related side effects.
Providing health education and counseling: AGNPs educate patients about health conditions, treatment options, medication management, and preventive measures. They offer guidance on lifestyle modifications, diet, exercise, and self-care practices to promote optimal health and well-being.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams: AGNPs work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care.
Advocating for patient needs: AGNPs serve as patient advocates, ensuring that their patients' unique needs and preferences are considered in the healthcare decision-making process. They strive to empower patients to participate in their care actively.
Promoting health maintenance and disease prevention: AGNPs emphasize health promotion and disease prevention strategies, including regular screenings, vaccinations, health risk assessments, and lifestyle modifications to prevent the onset or progression of diseases.
Conducting research and participating in evidence-based practice: AGNPs may engage in research activities, contribute to scholarly publications, and incorporate evidence-based practices into their clinical decision-making to enhance the quality and effectiveness of patient care.

For prospective Adult Gerontological NPs, there are two pathways to choose from -- acute and/or primary care. Both acute care and primary care AGNPs are essential in managing the spectrum of adult patient needs.The responsibilities of an AGNP will differ based on the acute and primary care settings.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Responsibilities

Examining, diagnosing, and monitoring acutely ill patients
Developing treatment plans and appropriate interventions while overseeing and evaluating their implementation
Coordinating healthcare services for acutely ill patients in critical care
Facilitating transfers between different care environments and levels of care
Serving as an advocate for patients and families and supporting decision-making
Teaching and mentoring other healthcare professionals

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Responsibilities

Examining and diagnosing patients, including chronic illnesses, women's health exams, and acute illness
Managing acute and chronic conditions
Ordering, conducting, and interpreting diagnostic tests
Collaborating with other providers to coordinate patient care
Advocating for patients
Providing education to patients on health promotion, health maintenance, and disease management

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Salary

The earnings of an AGNP can differ significantly, influenced by factors such as the location, work experience, the type of industry one is in, education attained and certifications earned.

Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs earn a mean annual wage of $124,680 or $59.94 hourly.

The top-paying states for NPs are:

California: $158,130
New Jersey: $143,250
Massachusetts: $138,700
Oregon: $136,250
Nevada: $136,230

While the BLS doesn't provide a detailed breakdown for each NP specialty, ZipRecruiter fills this gap by reporting that the national annual salary for AGNPs stands at $242,952, equivalent to $117 per hour.

The top-paying states for AGNPs are:

New Jersey: $269,226
Wisconsin: $262,923
Alaska: $256,416
Massachusetts: $256,069
Oregon: $255,244

AGNP Career Outlook

The Nurse Practitioner profession is experiencing rapid growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 52% increase between 2019 and 2029, significantly outpacing the average for other occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing number of older adults and the healthcare industry's trend towards utilizing more NPs for primary care services.

For Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs), the demand is even more pronounced. The aging baby boomer generation and a looming shortage of healthcare providers are intensifying the need for AGNPs. As this generation transitions into retirement, the strain on healthcare resources will grow, compounded by the complex care requirements of a growing aging population. This demographic shift underscores the critical role AGNPs will play in addressing the healthcare needs of an expanding elderly cohort.

Steps to Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Becoming an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) involves several key steps and additional education beyond the basic nursing degree.

Step 1: Basic Nursing Education

Begin with obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and securing a registered nurse (RN) license by passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 2: Gain RN Experience

Acquire real-world nursing experience. The required amount of experience may vary depending on the graduate program, but typically ranges from one to five years.

Step 3: Advanced Nursing Education

Enroll in an accredited AGNP program, which offers specialized training in adult and gerontology care.

MSN AGNP Pathway: The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on adult gerontology typically takes 2-3 years. Programs may offer pathways such as BSN to MSN, RN to MSN, and bridge RN to MSN. The curriculum includes both coursework and clinical practicums.
DNP AGNP Pathway: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway, open to BSN or MSN holders, provides advanced clinical training over 3-4 years. This includes a capstone project emphasizing expertise in adult gerontology nursing.
Post-Graduate Certificate: For those already holding an MSN or DNP, a post-graduate certificate in adult gerontology can be completed in about a year, providing the specialized competencies needed for AGNP roles.

Each pathway requires completing at least 500 supervised clinical hours, though some programs will mandate more, like the doctoral poathways that require 1,000 clinical hours.

Step 4: National Certification

After completing the AGNP program, pass a national certification exam to practice as an AGNP. Adult-Gerontology NP certifications are available through:

AGACNP-BC or AGPCNP-BC is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
ACNPC-AG certification by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ACCN).
AGNP-PC certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).

Step 5: Obtain State Licensure

Apply for APRN licensure in the state where you plan to practice. Ensure your program meets the state board's requirements, and be aware of any state-specific practice restrictions.

Step 6: Continuing Education

Though you are already an AGNP at this point, staying current with continuing education credits in advanced practice nursing care, evidence-based care, and other specialized topics is essential to maintain your license and certification.

By following these steps, you will be well-prepared for a rewarding career as an AGNP, providing specialized care to adult and elderly populations.To learn more about Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs, curriculum, scope of practice, and more, consider checking out the following program articles.

About Carly Elliott, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Carly Elliott has 10 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Hospice Palliative Care and Home Health.

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