An adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who focuses on the primary care of adolescent and adult patients.
Depending on state regulations, an AGPCNP can provide direct care services to patients, including diagnostic and treatment of illnesses, medical assessments, disease prevention, and more.
Primary Care Vs. Acute Care Practitioners?
When deciding on a career in adult gerontology, it is important to consider the different educational and certification paths available. Two of the most common routes include certification as a primary care nurse practitioner and acute care nurse practitioner. While both primary and acute care practitioners work directly with patients, there are differences between the two.
Acute care nurse practitioners focus on addressing the short-term health needs of patients, primarily those within a hospital setting. Acute care AGNPs work in hospital locations to address severe injuries like broken bones, serious medical conditions such as heart attacks or strokes, and advanced monitoring of patients in recovery following surgical procedures.
Primary care nurse practitioners focus on preventative healthcare and long-term approaches to managing health throughout the patient’s lifespan. Often located in private practices or clinics, AGPCNPs work closely with patients from adolescence through adulthood to create specific care plans that address their health needs and promote a healthier life. For nurse practitioners interested in pursuing care of a particular population, specialties such as pediatric, family, adult, and geriatric care are available for primary care nurse practitioners.
Whether a registered nurse chooses acute or primary care will affect the day-to-day tasks of the practitioner, the workplace setting, and available specializations and populations.
What Does An AGPCNP Do?
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners generally work with specific patient populations. Typically, AGPCNPs work with those in adolescence (as young as 13) through adulthood and into the geriatric age. In addition certifications, and education paths also exist for different AGPCNP focuses. Certificates are available for working as an AGPCNP in psychiatric health, neonatal care, women’s health, gastroenterology, and more.
- Assessing a patient’s general health
- Performing diagnostics on sick patients
- Charting care plans for specific health diagnoses
- Working with patients on identifying and implementing preventative care measures
- Connect patients with healthcare specialists if required.
Getting Started As A Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Becoming a primary care nurse practitioner requires currently practicing registered nurses to receive a graduate-level degree in nursing and additional AGPCNP licensure following graduation. Those interested in becoming an AGPCNP should consider the following educational steps:
- Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse.
- Gain experience working as a registered nurse.
- Choose a Master of Science in Nursing program specializing in AGPCNP
- Secure licensure through a state-certifying board
Certification & Licensure
Graduates of a Master of Science in Nursing with an AGPCNP concentration must obtain certification to practice within their state and discipline. Graduates can choose between two different certifying organizations to pursue – the American Nursing Credential Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Graduates must pass one of these exams to become a primary care nurse practitioner and receive licensure.
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration at UP
The University of Providence offers a Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration, and Post-Masters Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration Certificate. Both the concentration and concentration-certificate prepare licensed nursing professionals to pursue a career as a primary care nurse practitioner by building on the skills and knowledge students hold as registered nurses or advanced practice nursing professionals. Students apply evidence-based practices through online, asynchronous courses and in-person practicums – offering unique skills in delivering quality, professional care.
