If you’re a nurse who wants to do more for your older patients, you might consider enrolling in geriatric nurse practitioner programs.
You could gain advanced nursing skills for working with adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. By earning this degree, you’ll complete one of the key qualifications for becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
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You might become a nurse practitioner who delivers essential healthcare services in doctor’s offices, hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, or other settings.
Online Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
What does it mean to be a geriatric nurse practitioner? There are two key components to that job title, and each is essential to your understanding of this role.
The first part is “geriatric.” That means that your nursing specialty will be working with older patients. You could be a trusted source of information on the aging process and health conditions that affect the elderly. Most of a geriatric NP’s patients will probably be at least 65 years old. Another name for this specialty is “gerontology.”
The second key term is “nurse practitioner.” Also known as an NP, a nurse practitioner is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Nurse practitioners are given more responsibilities than standard registered nurses (RN). The regulations vary in different states, but many NPs are allowed to make diagnoses and prescribe medicine. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, you can specialize in primary care or acute care nursing.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
Regardless of the specialty you select, you will still receive a strong foundation in geriatric nurse practitioner and related courses.
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Primary care providers are the ones who patients see regularly. They may depend on their primary care nurse practitioners for routine checkups and medicine refills.
Primary care providers also diagnose and treat illnesses. They may offer some care for simple chronic conditions, too. If you choose primary care as your specialty, you may be known as an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP). You’d be prepared to work with adults of all ages. That typically includes anyone 13 years and older.
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In addition to lessons on general adult care, AGPCNP programs also provide in-depth coverage of specific health issues that aging adults face. Gerontology nurse practitioners might work in a primary care doctor’s office. Some NPs are supervised by physicians, and others can practice independently.
Other potential employers include nursing homes, senior-living communities, home health agencies, and community clinics.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
While primary care nursing deals with everyday health needs, acute care deals with the out-of-the-ordinary ones. That includes emergency medicine, surgical care, and hospitalization. Acute care nurses may not have as many opportunities to build long-term relationships with patients, but their role is just as important.
The official title for this type of degree program and specialty is adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP). As with primary care gerontology NPs, you’d probably be trained to work with all adults ages 13 and up. Plus, in classes that cover older adult nursing, you’d receive focused instruction on working with geriatric populations. There might also be clinical experiences in senior care facilities.
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Acute care nurses have a variety of work settings to consider. Examples include emergency rooms and urgent care facilities. Their skills would be useful in hospitals’ intensive care units or medical-surgical floors. Acute care nurses may also provide hospice services or palliative care.
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Careers & Salaries
If you’re currently working as a registered nurse (RN), getting your gerontology NP degree could help you qualify for an advanced nursing certification as a nurse practitioner. Today, a growing number of universities offer online geriatric nurse practitioner certification programs, which are helpful for professionals already working in nursing practice.
Jobs for NPs are available in both acute and primary care, and doctor’s offices, nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies are potential employers. In addition to working as a nurse practitioner, there are a variety of other jobs you might be able to pursue as well. Your experience as a healthcare provider may have prepared you to work as a leader among nurses.
Medical and health services managers oversee medical personnel or coordinate care for patients. This job category also includes nursing home administrators, a role for which geriatric nursing experience is helpful.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career paths, along with their median salaries, that are related to studies in advanced nursing practice.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Nurse Practitioners | $120,680 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Medical Scientists | $95,310 |
| Technical Writers | $78,060 |
| Registered Nurses | $77,600 |
| Nursing Instructors and Postsecondary Teachers | $77,440 |
| Social and Community Services Managers | $74,000 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| Social Workers | $50,390 |
| Community Health Workers | $46,590 |
There may also be spots for you in various community agencies as a health worker or a health educator. These professionals might teach seniors about healthy living, collect data about their health patterns, or connect them to wellness services. These types of community agencies also hire managers.
Some social workers specialize in healthcare matters for the geriatric population. A social work background plus advanced nursing training could prepare you to play a unique role in that area. As a highly trained nurse, you might qualify to teach nursing practice to others. Some nursing instructors work in colleges or other nursing schools.
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Being a nursing scientist could be another option. That’s especially possible if you’ve chosen the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) route to becoming a nurse practitioner. Medical scientists often need terminal degrees. Finally, if you have strong communication skills, you could consider a career as a medical writer. That might entail writing for industry publications or the general public.
MSN in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
For RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, acute care nurse practitioner programs usually require earning 40 to 50 credit hours.
The coursework may include:
- Advanced Nursing Roles: This course may cover the responsibilities of today’s nurse practitioners and explore ways that NPs can be leaders and effective caregivers.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: You’ll learn to gather patient information and run tests to determine what conditions your adult patients have.
- Biostatistics: You’ll learn to understand health data and rely on statistical evidence for making healthcare decisions.
- Chronic Disease: This class will focus on treatments and supportive measures for patients who have complex medical histories or chronic conditions.
- Geriatric Nursing: There may be at least one class that focuses on health concerns that specifically affect older adults and that equips you with strategies for working with this demographic.
- Health Promotion: You might have a course on supporting community health at the population level and helping individual patients make healthy choices.
- Leadership in Nursing: Because APRNs often hold leadership positions, it will be beneficial for you to cultivate your leadership potential and explore what it means to be a nursing leader.
- Lifespan Pathophysiology: This course will focus on the ways the body changes—all the way down to the cellular level—over the lifespan and how those changes influence disease and treatment.
- Pharmacology for Nursing: If your state allows NPs to write prescriptions, then it will be necessary for you to increase your knowledge about pharmaceuticals.
- Policy in Healthcare: You’ll discuss government regulations and other factors that influence healthcare practice and leadership.
Adult gerontology nurse practitioner programs online also require you to earn in-person clinical hours. These can usually be arranged with a clinical site near where you live.
How to Know If an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Program Is Right for You
Gerontology nursing is an in-demand specialty, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you. You can take a look at the following factors and characteristics to help you decide whether you’d be a good fit for this field of study:
- Age. If working with kids isn’t your specialty, then you might prefer this type of nursing. Your patients will be at least 13 years old, and you might focus exclusively on senior citizens.
- Death. When working with elderly patients, death may be a topic you deal with regularly. It’s helpful to consider whether you’re comfortable with that idea before pursuing geriatrics.
- Nursing practice. The curriculum for this program will focus on advanced clinical skills. It won’t emphasize leadership as heavily as some other graduate nursing programs do.
- Online study. It’s common to find adult geriatric NP programs in online or hybrid formats, so this can be a strategic field of study for people interested in flexible schooling.
- Salary. This can be a lucrative career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most nurse practitioners earn between $79,470 and $163,350 per year.
To learn more about the pros and cons of this field, you may want to talk to someone who already works in adult-geriatric nursing.
Choosing an Online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program
There are quite a few colleges with online adult gerontology MSN programs. As you compare programs, it can be helpful to check out these characteristics:
- Education requirements. Most programs are for those who already have a BSN. If you chose a different path into the nursing field, you can look for schools that offer bridging opportunities.
- Experience requirements. An active RN license is a common admission requirement. You may also need to have worked in nursing for a year or more. Some programs might ask for experience in a specific type of healthcare, such as critical care.
- Preceptor resources. Online programs might handle the clinical process in different ways. Some may have you arrange your own local site, and others might set that up for you.
- Specialization. In general, primary care nurse practitioner is a more common program than acute care, so there may be more schools to choose from.
In addition, it’s beneficial to pay attention to whether the online format fits with your schedule, such as whether the courses require live attendance or offer 24/7 access.
Admissions Requirements
To be admitted to an MSN program, you may be required to hold an active RN license. Other application requirements might include:
- Scores from the GRE (not required by all colleges)
- Reference letters
- Resume that includes nursing experience
- Transcripts from all colleges you’ve attended—including proof of your BSN
- Written statement of your goals
If you don’t have your BSN, you may be able to find fast track RN to BSN online programs or a bridge program that includes both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Adult Nurse Practitioner Programs Accreditation
It’s essential for your MSN college to hold regional accreditation. Being a nurse practitioner is a job that requires licensure and certification, and most licensing and certification boards only accept degrees from accredited schools.
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Colleges highly value regional accreditation, too. Switching your credits to another college or getting into a Doctor of Nursing Practice program usually depends on having been to an accredited school. The US Department of Education maintains lists of accredited institutions and official accrediting agencies.
Adult Gerontology NP Licensure and Certifications
If you want to be a nurse practitioner, you’ll first earn a graduate degree—either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
After graduation, you can take an exam and apply for national board certification. In this field, that will be the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) certificate or the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certificate. Both certifications are administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Once you’re certified, you can apply for state licensure. Finally, it’s necessary to maintain your certification and your license with occasional renewals.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Educational costs can add up, but there are financial assistance programs that can help you achieve your goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
First of all, you can turn in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate nursing students often qualify for state and federal loans. You may also be able to get grants, but they’re less common, especially at the graduate level. Your nursing program may offer partial scholarships to select students, and it might even be possible to get a full ride.
Other organizations provide scholarship opportunities as well. You often have to apply for the award and be selected as a recipient, so it’s strategic to seek out several potential scholarship funds. If you’re currently working, your employer might contribute to your tuition expenses. If you become a nurse practitioner, you may be able to take a greater leadership role in your organization.
What Is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?
An acute care nurse practitioner is a type of advanced practice registered nurse. Acute NPs are care providers who support the health of their patients during critical situations.
That doesn’t always involve emergency treatment. While acute NPs may work in emergency rooms, they can also play roles in surgical settings and hospice care. The basic idea is that acute care typically addresses short-term needs.
Acute care nurse practitioner programs help prepare you for this role through classroom lessons and clinical experiences. Through both approaches, you could gain essential skills for diagnosis, treatment, and other aspects of acute caregiving.
What Can You Do with a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Degree?
After graduating with an adult gerontology MSN, most graduates pursue certification as an adult geriatric nurse practitioner.
Common employers include physician practices, hospitals, and nursing facilities. There may also be job opportunities in public health departments, prisons, schools and universities, assisted living homes, and surgical centers.
Your experience may even help prepare you for a job as a nursing home administrator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that role requires additional licensure, but it may be worth it if supporting the elderly is important to you. If you want to share your knowledge with others, training new nurses could be another option.
What Does a Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Do?
A gerontology nurse practitioner provides healthcare services to older patients. Often, their patients are at least 65 years old. Aging presents new health challenges for many patients, and geriatric NPs have the specialized skill set to help with those needs.
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Geriatric NPs may work in primary or acute care. Primary care nurse practitioners may work in doctor’s offices or nursing homes. Acute care nurse practitioners are more likely to work in hospitals or for hospice agencies. Nurse practitioners’ responsibilities vary from state to state. They are often allowed to provide diagnoses and manage care plans. Some states permit them to write prescriptions.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MSN in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Degree Online?
Depending on the program, it’s possible to earn your MSN online in 1 and a half to 2 years with full-time study. Different colleges structure their programs in different ways, which makes a difference in the overall length. Colleges with traditional semesters often take a bit longer than online schools that offer accelerated year-round terms.
For an MSN, coursework is only part of the experience. You’ll also be required to earn hundreds of clinical hours at an approved worksite. While you may be able to speed up the classroom portion of your studies, finishing your clinicals will often take at least several months.
What’s the Difference Between FNP vs. AGNP Programs?
When you’re looking for adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) programs, you’ll probably also come across the idea of becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP). Before you decide, let’s look at how these two career options stack up.
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | Family Nurse Practitioner |
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In general, there are more FNPs than AGNPs.
Is an Online Nurse Practitioner Master’s in Adult Gerontology Worth It?
Yes, an online nurse practitioner master’s in adult gerontology is worth it for many students. Geriatric nurse practitioners fill a key need in the healthcare system and help people age well. Whether you choose primary or acute care, you’d have the opportunity to make a real difference for people.
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Another perk of this career path is that it’s highly in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 52% rate of growth for nurse practitioner jobs over the next ten years. Much of the increased need for healthcare workers will be fueled by the aging population.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Degree 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.
Adelphi University offers a Master’s for Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. The degree is intended for nurses pursuing roles in settings like clinics, long-term care facilities, home health, or physician offices. This program boasts an exceptional faculty and numerous partnerships with renowned clinical facilities in the area. Students must complete a minimum of 45 credits to graduate.
Adelphi is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Briar Cliff University offers a Master of Science in Nursing. Students can choose between three nurse practitioner tracks: Family, Psychiatric Mental Health, or Adult and Gerontology Primary Care. Most students can complete this program in just 3 years utilizing a flexible, part-time schedule. The program can be completed entirely online.
Briar Cliff University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University—Wisconsin offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Primary Care. All classes are offered online. Potential courses include Healthcare Policy and Issues, Evidenced-Based Practice, Evaluation in Nursing Education, and Advanced Health Assessment. In addition to the 41 required credit hours, students must also complete 750 clinical hours in the field.
Concordia University – Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitionership. This program may be an ideal fit for individuals passionate about promoting health in geriatric populations. This program requires the completion of 52 credits. While classes are held primarily online, students must attend simulation and practicum experiences in-person.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program. It offers the following concentrations: Family, Psychiatric and Mental Health, Nurse Educator, Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Nurse Administrator, and Nurse Information Specialist. All classes meet 100% online. The total clinical hours required and the time it takes to complete the program depend on the student’s chosen concentration.
Fairleigh Dickinson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Franklin University’s Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Nurse Practitioner concentration in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. The program seeks to graduate competent and compassionate nurses who plan to work with adult and elderly populations. This 41 credit program can be completed entirely online. On average, students can complete their studies in 27 months of full-time attendance.
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Georgetown University offers a Master of Science in Nursing Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. This may be an excellent fit for individuals passionate about working with older adults in acute care settings. The program combines the flexibility of online classes with hands-on experience through on-campus intensives and clinical hours. Most students can complete their requirements in 23 months.
Georgetown University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Master of Science in Nursing program at Grand Canyon University offers a specialization in Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners. The program is designed to provide students with in-depth, hands-on experience in providing medical care to older adults. Courses cover topics like pharmacology, health promotion, evidence-based practice, and pathophysiology. All classes can be attended online.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kent State University offers an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Master’s in Nursing. Graduates often pursue nurse practitioner roles in settings such as community clinics, emergency rooms, occupational health, or private practices. The program offers part-time and full-time tracks that begin for new admits twice each year. Many classes are offered in an online format.
Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Long Island University offers a Master’s in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The program aims to develop students’ expertise in treating chronic illnesses in adolescent, adult, and elderly patients. The program requires the completion of 40 credits in six semesters. Students are required to complete 500 clinical hours in addition to their coursework.
Long Island University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Maryville University offers a Master of Science in Nursing. The program offers five Nurse Practitioner concentrations: Family, Pediatric, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Adult-Gerontology Acute or Primary Care. Students can complete their coursework from the comfort of home and their required practicum hours at approved clinical sites in their local area.
Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northern Kentucky University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program emphasizes skills in diagnostics, advanced technologies, health promotion, and clinical decision-making. On average, students attending full-time can complete the program’s 46 required credits and 500 required clinical hours in 22 months. All classes can be completed online.
Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Norwich University, the Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Nurse Practitioner concentration in Adult Gerontology Acute Care. The program uses a fully online learning format. Throughout the 45 credit curriculum, students study advanced nursing concepts like health policy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, geriatric care, and health assessment.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Ohio University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Nursing. Students can choose from Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health, or Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks. All concentrations utilize the same core curriculum. Studies in pharmacology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, health appraisal, and theory form a foundation that is complemented by specialty courses.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regis College’s Master’s in Nursing program offers an Adult Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track. This concentration may be an ideal next step for nurses who want to advance their careers in providing medical care to older adults. The program is 100% online. Potential careers for graduates include roles in hospital, community clinic, private practice, home care, assisted living, and palliative care settings.
Regis College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Rockhurst University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Practitioner specialization in Adult Gerontology Acute Care. Students attending full-time can typically complete the program in 6 semesters, while part-time students usually finish in 8. Classes meet online, though students must attend one immersion experience and their clinical hours in-person.
Rockhurst University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
At South College, the Master of Science in Nursing program offers a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. The program emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, lifelong learning, communication, and collaboration. Classes are housed entirely online and cover topics like healthcare informatics, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and research methods.
South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Louisiana—Monroe offers a fully online program for a Master of Science in Nursing. The program offers Gerontologic Clinical Nurse Leader, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks. The program requires the completion of 38 to 40 credit hours, dependent upon the chosen concentration. Required clinical hours also vary based on the concentration students choose.
The University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Missouri offers a Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration. The program is designed to teach students how to manage clinical efforts, serve as leaders, and uphold evidence-based practices. The program requires the completion of 45 credits. In addition to classwork, students must complete 660 clinical hours at minimum.
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
West Coast University offers a Master of Science in Nursing. Specialties available to students include Family or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator or Leader, Nursing Informatics, or Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Acute or Primary Care. Students can attend classes entirely online. Curricular requirements can typically be completed in 24 months.
West Coast University is accredited by the WASC Senior College of University Commission.
Getting Your MSN in Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Online
If you want to position yourself as a leader in adult nursing, you could choose to earn your Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in adult gerontology nursing.
You could pursue certification as an acute or primary care nurse practitioner for adolescents, adults, and seniors. Much like with online masters in gerontology programs, this type of degree program is also available through online coursework. You could take classes online and complete your clinical experiences at a local preceptor site. Earning a graduate degree from an accredited college is a key step toward becoming a certified and licensed nurse practitioner.
The sooner you start exploring available AGNP masters programs, the sooner you can begin the next step in your educational and professional journey.
