If you’re a registered nurse with an MSN, then a post master certificate in adult geriatric NP can help you further specialize in the field and qualify for geriatric nurse practitioner certification.
Earning adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) certification can help you demonstrate professional knowledge, skill, and experience in managing the complex care of adults.
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Job prospects in this field are broad, as AGNPs are qualified to treat individuals from adolescence to old age in a variety of settings.
Online Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Certification Programs
A post-masters NP certificate is ideal for advanced practice RNs who want to change specialties. A post master’s certificate in adult geriatric nurse practitioner programs online or on campus can help you expand your clinical range and qualify for adult geriatric NP certification.
Unlike fast RN to BSN online or on campus programs, which provide basic education in nursing care, earning an AGNP certification can qualify you to diagnose and treat adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. Because the patient population you will be treating is so diverse, you may have a broad clinical focus. Adult geriatric nurse practitioners often assume the role of a primary care provider. They might start their own practice or join a professional team at a healthcare institution.
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In addition to providing preventive care, many AGNPs are also responsible for developing long-term healthcare plans for adults who are at risk of arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Some of the core courses you may study as part of your AGNP certificate program could include:
- Major healthcare issues in adult population
- Advanced pharmacology
- Advanced physiology
- Advanced health assessment
- Clinical decision making
Many certificate programs offer an acute care specialization and a primary care specialization. Primary care NPs tend to provide holistic, ongoing care, while acute care NPs focus on patients who require institutionalized care.
Most certificate programs also include clinical hours. This can help you work toward completing the field requirements for AGNP certification.
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Careers & Salaries
AGNP certification can open up a world of career opportunities. A majority of adult gerontology nurse practitioners work in hospitals, home care settings, and nursing homes.
Other fields where your services may be of great value include government agencies, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient care centers, medical supply companies, and military facilities. Some adult geriatric NPs choose to be entrepreneurs and start their own practice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries for potential careers related to the study of adult gerontology NP.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Nurse Practitioners — Outpatient Care Centers | $127,230 |
| Nurse Practitioners — Hospitals | $124,200 |
| Nurse Practitioners — Home Health Care Services | $115,730 |
| Nurse Practitioners — Offices of Physicians | $103,850 |
| Nurse Practitioners — Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $102,380 |
| Nurse Practitioners — Educational Services | $101,840 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Nurse Practitioners — Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $99,670 |
| Registered Nurses | $77,600 |
| Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers | $77,440 |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nurse practitioners are expected to see 52% job growth over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
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The aging of the baby boomer population has also led to high demand for more nurse practitioners with adult gerontology certification.
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum
Online geriatric NP certificate programs can differ from school to school, but they may include courses similar to the following:
- Pharmacology: This course is designed to advance your knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapeutics, and pharmacodynamics in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
- Health Assessment: This course will help you examine the process of holistic health valuation of patients.
- Health Promotion: You’ll evaluate an array of clinical case studies that will enable you to assess and intervene in healthcare issues.
- Pathophysiology: In this class, you’ll examine concepts of pathophysiology that are crucial to diagnosing and managing common diseases.
- Nurse’s Role: In this course, you’ll examine all the roles of a practicing nurse in different primary settings.
- Adult-Gerontology: You’ll learn about the theories and practices related to health promotion, disease prevention, diagnoses, and health management of adolescents, adults, and senior citizens.
- Clinical Decision-Making: This course will examine the models used and the processes applied in clinical decision-making.
- Mental Health Nursing: This is a clinical course that focuses on the application of theories. It will also teach you how to implement evidence-based care for patients with mental health issues.
- Women’s Health: This class focuses on women’s healthcare issues and the role of the family in women’s health.
- Professional Nursing Practice: You’ll learn how to critically analyze skills and knowledge you’ve learned in your AGNP certificate program and how to apply them in a clinical environment.
In addition to your coursework, you’ll likely be required to complete clinical hours.
Admissions Requirements
Post master certificate in adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs have varying admission requirements, but here are some common criteria:
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Current and active RN license
- Statement of intent
- Professional recommendations
- Up-to-date resume or CV
In addition to the above requirements, some programs may require applicants to have APRN certification. You can also expect to submit official transcripts of colleges and universities you’ve attended.
Accreditation
There are many nursing programs out there, but you can determine the credibility of an educational program based on the accreditation status of the school that offers it.
Attending a regionally accredited program is an important consideration. It can influence the quality of your education as well as your ability to transfer credits and receive financial aid assistance. Receiving an education from a regionally accredited school is also a common requirement for licensure or certification.
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If you would like to learn more about whether or not a school is accredited, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financing your nursing education doesn’t have to be an obstacle. There are various resources available to students who qualify.
For starters, the federal and state governments offer financial aid to qualifying nursing students. You might qualify for student loans, grants, or work-study programs. To see if you qualify for need-based aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
There are also private and public organizations that offer scholarships. There may even be scholarship programs specifically for nursing students. Your prospective school may have scholarship and financial aid opportunities as well.
If you’re currently working, you can also check whether your employer offers professional development or tuition reimbursement opportunities.
What Is a Post Master’s Certificate in Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Program?
A post master’s certificate in geriatric nurse practitioner program is for registered nurses who have already earned their master’s degree and want to acquire more specialized knowledge. This certificate program helps you pursue adult gerontology NP certification. AGNP certification, in turn, could afford you more opportunities and career growth in the nursing field.
Coursework in a geriatric nurse practitioner program covers care for adolescents, adults, and senior adults. Depending on your specialty, you’ll focus on primary care or acute care. You’ll also study advanced pharmacology, advanced physiology, and advanced health assessment. To further prepare you for AGNP certification, most programs also require you to complete clinical practicum hours.
What Can You Do with a Gerontological Nursing Certification?
A post-masters certificate program in adult gerontology NP can help you qualify for AGNP certification. There are numerous specializations open to nurse practitioners, and certification in adult gerontology allows you to focus on the adult population, including adolescents through senior citizens.
An adult geriatric NP practitioner may diagnose and treat their patients, manage chronic illnesses, and become an advocate for older patients. AGNPs can also work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, home healthcare agencies, and assisted living facilities. Geriatric care is on the rise due to the growing baby boomer population, and nurse practitioners overall are in very high demand.
What Does a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Do?
An adult gerontology nurse practitioner can work with adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. Those who specialize in the geriatric aspect of the field focus on providing comprehensive medical care for the elderly. They may also create treatment plans, provide psychosocial care, and educate patients and their families about their conditions.
Gerontology nurse practitioners remain dedicated to the long-term health care needs of their patients. They often work in close collaboration with other healthcare staff—such as physicians and social workers—in order to provide their patients with specialized care.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Post Master’s AGPCNP Certificate Online
The amount of time it will take you to complete your AGNP certification will depend on your chosen program, your previous academic experience, and your enrollment status.
Normally, an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) certificate program can take between 1 to 2 years to complete. Part-time studies often extend your completion time. Some certificate programs are static, so the requirements are the same for all students. Other programs are tailored around each student’s nursing knowledge and experience.
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For instance, a number of certificate programs allow students to transfer some of their MSN credits if they overlap with the curriculum.
What’s the Difference Between a Geriatric Nurse Certification vs. Certificate?
Below are some key differences between geriatric nursing certification and a geriatric nursing certificate:
- Academic certificate: An AGNP certificate program is an academic, non-degree program that provides specialized study to help nurses develop their skills and prepare for AGNP certification.
- Professional certification: Adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) certification is a professional credential that signifies you have completed the necessary educational and field requirements to work in this role.
Often, geriatric nurses will need to first become registered nurses before they can pursue further specialization. In the same way, prospective geriatric nurse practitioners must first complete RN licensure, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and specialized AGNP coursework before pursuing AGNP certification.
Is a Post Master Certificate in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Worth It?
Yes, a post master certificate in adult gerontology nurse practitioner is worth it for many students. Most nurses who complete an AGNP certificate program go on to become certified as adult gerontology nurse practitioners.
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There is a high demand for nurses and even more demand for nurse practitioners. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 52% job growth for NPs over the next ten years. Adult gerontology NPs can work with a broad range of patients, and they may find work in a variety of work environments as well, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities.
Universities Offering Online Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Post Masters Certificate Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Drexel University offers an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Certificate for post-master’s nurse practitioners. The program consists of 34 credits. While most classes are held online, there are two intensive simulation sessions that require campus visits in summer and winter quarters. Students must also complete supervised clinical hours at primary care and assisted living facilities in their communities.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Duquesne University offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate. NPs wanting to deepen their expertise working with geriatric patients in acute care settings may find this an excellent fit. It is possible for students to complete their requirements in just 2.5 years. The program admits new students three times each year.
Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
At George Washington University, students can obtain a Nurse Practitioner Certificate specializing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. This interdisciplinary program is intended for practicing master’s prepared nurses. Students can attend all class sessions in a convenient online setting. Additionally, students must complete 625 practicum hours at clinical sites in their area.
George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Grand Canyon University offers a Post-Master’s Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Adult-Gerontology. The curriculum is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge on diagnosing and treating common issues for older adults. Classes are attended online, and each one is 16 weeks long. Students in the program must also complete two on-campus intensives and 675 practicum hours at local clinical facilities.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Gwynedd Mercy University offers a fully online Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. Students can select specialties in Adult-Gerontology, Primary Care, or Pediatric Primary Care. The curriculum covers topics like health assessment, clinical decision making, and pathophysiology. Students can typically complete their requirements in just 1 year.
Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Herzing University offers an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate. This program is designed for students who already have nurse practitioner master’s degrees and specialty-specific certifications in the nursing field. In addition to online class meetings, students must complete 540 practicum hours in the field. All clinical placements are guaranteed by the program.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Husson University offers a Nurse Practitioner Certificate intended for post-master’s nurses. Students planning to work with geriatric patients in medical-surgical settings can select the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialization. The program requires students to complete 18 to 48 credits depending on the courses they’ve already completed in their master’s programs. All classes in the curriculum are attended 100% online.
Husson University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Maryville University offers a Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certification. Students can choose between five concentrations: Family Health, Adult-Gerontology, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, or Psychiatric Mental Health. No campus visits are required to help provide flexibility for working professionals. Courses are attended online or at clinical sites in students’ local areas.
Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
At Norwich University, students admitted to the Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate program can select the Adult Gerontology Acute Care specialty. The courses in this specialty offer advanced coverage of theory, assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutics in adult and elderly populations. The program requires the completion of 18 credit hours of online instruction. Applications for prospective students are reviewed four times yearly.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Regis College offers a Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary and Acute Care. The program aims to expand students’ scope of practice and prepare them for professional NP certification. Students can potentially complete their requirements in 12 to 20 months, depending on their previous work and education experience. The program is held 100% online.
Regis College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Rockhurst University offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate. Virtual and on-campus intensives complement the program’s flexible online learning format. It admits new students three times each year. The curriculum covers the treatment of diverse acute and complex conditions affecting adult and geriatric patients, including cardiatric, oncological, and endocrinological ailments.
Rockhurst University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Thomas Jefferson University offers a Post-Master’s Adult Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate.
Graduates often pursue nurse practitioner roles in outpatient, hospital, private practice, home-based, and community clinic facilities. The program requires the completion of 18 credit hours. Its courses cover topics like advanced pharmacotherapeutics, pathophysiology, health assessment, and diagnostic reasoning.
Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Arkansas offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate. The curriculum offers studies in the advanced treatment of chronic health problems and critical illnesses in adult and geriatric patients. The program requires the completion of 21 credits. All classes can be attended online, while clinical hours may be completed at approved, local facilities.
The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Vanderbilt University offers a Post-master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. Students passionate about working with adult and elderly patients may select the Adult Gerontology Acute or Primary Care specialties. The program has a clinical placement team to assist students in securing approved preceptors and practicum sites. All other coursework can be completed fully online.
Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University’s Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate program offers a specialty in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care.
The curriculum for this specialty is designed to help students develop the skills needed to provide impeccable care to older adult patients. Classes are attended online, while practicum hours can often be completed at clinical sites near students’ local communities. The program requires the completion of 38 credit hours.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Post Master’s Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate Online
You may consider earning your adult gerontology NP certification if you are passionate about taking care of adolescents, adults, or senior citizens.
If you’re currently a nurse who has an MSN, then a post-masters certificate program in AGNP can help you develop specialized skills and prepare for professional certification. As a gerontology nurse practitioner, you can do much more than provide patients with physical care. You can also be part of a team that assesses each patient, identifies problems, creates treatment plans, and provides social support.
If you’re ready to advance your qualifications in this lucrative, growing field, you can start by exploring online AGNP certificate programs from accredited institutions.
