How To Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Career in Brief
AGNPs hold responsibilities in between registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. They meet with patients independently and assess and diagnose illnesses and other conditions. AGNPs can either specialize in acute care or primary care. Acute care NPs attend to patients with chronic or critical conditions, while primary care NPs offer general healthcare services.
AGNP Responsibilities
- Carrying out physical examinations
- Interpreting diagnostic tests
- Diagnosing patients
- Prescribing medications — in some states independently, and in others, in collaboration with a physician
Career Traits
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to assess and diagnose patients
- Critical thinking skills
Where Do Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners Work?
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Compensation Report, the most common workplace settings for AGNPs included outpatient hospitals (14.4%), inpatient hospitals (13.3%), and private group practice (11.6%). In addition to home healthcare and Medicare home health programs, AGNPs also work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and correctional facilities, among other locations.
Hospitals Stabilize patients in critical care, perform procedures, assess and diagnose patients
Long-Term Care Facilities Assess patients, diagnose any illnesses or medical conditions, prescribe medication
Private Clinics Meet with patients through appointments, assess their conditions, diagnose and prescribe medication
Why Become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner?
Making a major career decision can seem difficult, which is why it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons. The lists below show some advantages and disadvantages of becoming an AGNP.
Advantages To Becoming an AGNP
Disadvantages To Becoming an AGNP
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care vs. Primary Care
AGNPs can specialize in primary or acute care. Duties and work settings differ between the two specializations.
| Trait | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care |
|---|---|---|
| Duties |
|
|
| Work Setting | Hospitals or inpatient settings | Community clinics; private practice; home healthcare; long-term care facilities |
| Salary | $118,000 | $112,000 |
How Much Do Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners Make?
BLS data shows that NPs earned a median salary of $129,21, regardless of specialization. For adult-gerontology NPs in particular, the AANP's compensation overview shows that:
- Adult-gerontology primary care NPs made a median base salary of $107,000, with a median total income reaching $112,000.
- Adult-gerontology acute care NPs earned a median base salary of $112,000 and a median total income of $118,000.
Additionally, BLS data shows the number of NPs could increase by 40% from 2024 to 2034, making it one of the fastest growing professions in the country. According to 2024 BLS data, the highest average salaries come from the following states:
- California: $173,190
- New York: $148,410
- Oregon: $148,030
Resources for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Gerontology Nursing
