DNP Specialty Clarification

[chaplngrillsgt]

I am a bit confused on how the specialties for DNPs work and was hoping for some answers. I am currently in a Master's entry program and want to pursue a DNP with a focus in Adult-Gero Acute Care. Do I have to go to a specific DNP/AGAC program? Or can I complete any DNP program and then take the AGAC certification exam?

[sailornurse]

You can not attend just any DNP program, you must take the Adutl Gero Acute Care NP courses.

There is a large variety of DNP programs, I know someone who has a DNP in Nursing Informatics.

I am surprised that as a Master's entry nurse this has not been explained. What is the focus of your Master's?

Here is the ANCC certification requirements:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Eligibility Criteria

Credential Awarded: AGPCNP-BC

Eligibility Criteria

Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or hold the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country. International Applicants: Learn about additional requirements for candidates outside the US.

Hold a master's, postgraduate, or doctoral degree* from an adult–gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (formerly NLNAC | National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission). A minimum of 500 faculty–supervised clinical hours must be included in the adult–gerontology primary care nurse practitioner role and population.

Three separate, comprehensive graduate-level courses in:

• Advanced physiology/pathophysiology, including general principles that apply across the life span
  
• Advanced health assessment, which includes assessment of all human systems, advanced assessment techniques, concepts, and approaches
  
• Advanced pharmacology, which includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics of all broad categories of agents
  

Content in:

• Health promotion and/or maintenance
  
• Differential diagnosis and disease management, including the use and prescription of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions
  

*Candidates may be authorized to sit for the examination after all coursework for the degree is complete, prior to degree conferral, provided that all other eligibility requirements are met. Please note, Validation of Education form and transcript showing that coursework is completed are required before authorization to test will be issued. ANCC will retain the candidate's exam result and will issue certification on the date the requested documents are received, all eligibility requirements are met, and a passing result is on file.