As the population ages, the demand for healthcare professionals who specialize in working with older adults is on the rise. AGNPs, or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, are critical in providing high-quality, patient-centered care to older adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From obtaining the necessary education and certification to gaining experience and staying current with the latest research, you need guidance through the process of becoming a respected and valued AGNP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Population Reference Bureau of America, the number of Americans aged 65 or higher is expected to reach 95 million by 2060. Therefore, the total population share of the older population will rise from 16% to 23%. That means there will be more demand for AGNPs in the upcoming times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you are a new nurse or an experienced healthcare professional looking to specialize, this article is a must-read for anyone interested in pursuing a career in adult gerontology nursing. This article explores five proven ways to become a specialized AGNP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pursuing a specialized Master’s degree in Gerontology is an important step toward becoming an AGNP. Many AGNP programs require a Master’s degree in nursing focusing on gerontology. This program will give you the advanced knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care to older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The curriculum typically includes coursework in geriatric pharmacology, health promotion and disease prevention, geriatric physical assessment, and ethics in gerontological care. Additionally, these programs often include clinical rotations in geriatric settings, providing hands-on experience working with older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to traditional on-campus Master’s degree programs in Gerontology, many universities now offer an online acute care nurse practitioner for older adults program<\/strong><\/a>. These programs are designed to provide advanced training for registered nurses who wish to become ACNPs and specialize in caring for older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The online format of these programs allows flexibility and convenience for nurses who are currently working and wish to further their education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Passing the certification exam and becoming certified is crucial to becoming a specialized AGNP. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) offer certification exams for AGNPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be eligible for the certification exam, you must have a Master’s degree in nursing focused on gerontology and have completed clinical hours in adult gerontology. The certification exam tests your knowledge of the nursing process and care provision to older adults and validates your expertise as an AGNP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once certified, you will need to renew your certification every few years by meeting continuing education requirements and maintaining a valid nursing license. Once you become a certified AGNP, you can get a job with handsome pay. According to Zippia, an AGNP can earn, on average, up to $111,870 annually, with <\/a>$173,500<\/a><\/strong> as the highest wage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Pass the Certification Exam and Become Certified<\/h3>\n\n\n\n