AG-PCNP Career Overview

  • What You Will Do: Evaluate patients, diagnose illnesses, provide education, prescribe medication, perform minor surgical procedures, and more
  • Where Will You Work: Hospitals, occupational health clinics, community health centers, private practices, home care, colleges, prisons
  • Employment Projections: There is a growth of 31 percent anticipated for NP roles between 2016 and 2026.
  • How Much Will I Earn: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-PCNPs) have a broad salary range that goes from $75,000 to $115,000.
  • Number of Programs: In the U.S. there are 160 AG-PCNP programs.
  • How Long Does It Take to Become an AG-PCNP: Becoming an AG-PCNP will take between 2 and 3 years of schooling.
  • Requirements to Become One: An RN and NP license is required after you get a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in nursing.

Eight Steps to Become AG-PCNP

  1. Earn Your RN – First you must earn your RN or BSN through an ACEN or CCNE accredited university. Our BSN guide can help you navigate the process!
  2. Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam – The NCLEX-RN exam is daunting but with our NCLEX-RN guide and practice exams you can pass it on the first try!
  3. Earn Your MSN – Your classes will include advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing theory courses and more.
  4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours – Finishing 500 supervised clinical hours as a part of your AG-PCNP program is required.
  5. Become Board Certified – To become a certified AG-PCNP you have to pass the AG-PCNP exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
  6. Obtain Licensure – You must get licensed through your state as an NP.
  7. Obtain a DEA Number – You will need DEA registration in order to prescribe medication.
  8. Maintain Active Certification and Licensure – ANCC requires 100 continuing education (CE) hours and 1,000 hours of clinical practice for you to stay certified. Your BLS, DEA, and RN licenses must also stay active.

Campus and Online Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Programs

University Offered asCity/State
University of Central Arkansas – Conway Campus, OnlineConway, AR
Florida National University-Miami Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMiami, FL
Northern Illinois University Campus, HybridDekalb, IL
Northwestern State University of Louisiana Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNatchitoches, LA
Wayne State University Campus, HybridDetroit, MI
Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies Campus, HybridWest Long Branch, NJ
University at Buffalo Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBuffalo, NY
La Salle University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePhiladelphia, PA
University of Vermont Campus, HybridBurlington, VT
South University-Montgomery CampusMontgomery, AL
Azusa Pacific University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAzusa, CA
Florida Southern College CampusLakeland, FL
Saint Anthony College of Nursing Campus, HybridRockford, IL
University of Southern Maine Campus, HybridPortland, ME
University of Minnesota Campus, HybridMinneapolis, MN
St Peter’s University (St Peter’s College) Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJersey City, NJ
Stony Brook University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineStony Brook, NY
Pennsylvania State University Campus, HybridUniversity Park, PA
George Mason University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFairfax, VA
University of California-Los Angeles CampusLos Angeles, CA
California State University-Long Beach CampusLong Beach, CA
University of Florida – Gainesville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGainesville, FL
Oak Point University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOak Brook, IL
Johns Hopkins University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBaltimore, MD
The College of Saint Scholastica Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDuluth, MN
Seton Hall University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSouth Orange, NJ
Upstate Medical University Campus, HybridSyracuse, NY
University of Pittsburgh Campus, OnlinePittsburgh, PA
James Madison University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHarrisonburg, VA
University of Maryland-Baltimore Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBaltimore, MD
California State University-Los Angeles CampusLos Angeles, CA
University of Miami Campus, HybridCoral Gables, FL
Ball State University Campus, OnlineMuncie, IN
Boston College CampusChestnut Hill, MA
St Catherine University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Paul, MN
Stockton University Campus, HybridGalloway, NJ
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChapel Hill, NC
Robert Morris University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMoon Township, PA
Virginia Commonwealth University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRichmond, VA
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNorth Dartmouth, MA
Loma Linda University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLoma Linda, CA
University of South Florida College of Nursing Campus, HybridTampa, FL
Purdue University-Fort Wayne Campus, OnlineFort Wayne, IN
University of Massachusetts-Lowell Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLowell, MA
Winona State University Campus, HybridWinona, MN
The College of New Jersey Campus, HybridEwing, NJ
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Campus, HybridGreensboro, NC
Temple University Campus, HybridPhiladelphia, PA
Gonzaga University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSpokane, WA
Spring Arbor University Campus, HybridSpring Arbor, MI
Walden University Campus, OnlineMinneapolis, MN
The University of Tampa CampusTampa, FL
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineIndianapolis, IN
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Campus, OnlineAmherst, MA
University of Mississippi Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJackson, MS
William Paterson University of New Jersey Campus, HybridWayne, NJ
University of North Dakota Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGrand Forks, ND
Villanova University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineVillanova, PA
Seattle Pacific University CampusSeattle, WA
Saint Louis University Campus, Hybrid, Online, MO
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – Traditional Campus, OnlineColorado Springs, CO
South University-Savannah Campus, OnlineSavannah, GA
University of Indianapolis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineIndianapolis, IN
University of Massachusetts-Boston Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoston, MA
University of Southern Mississippi Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHattiesburg, MS
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLas Cruces, NM
University of Akron Main Campus Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAkron, OH
Wilkes University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWilkes-Barre, PA
Seattle University Campus, HybridSeattle, WA
Rutgers University-Camden Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCamden, NJ
University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus Campus, HybridStorrs, CT
Emory University Campus, HybridAtlanta, GA
University of Southern Indiana Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEvansville, IN
Northeastern University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoston, MA
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Louis, MO
Columbia University in the City of New York Campus, HybridNew York, NY
Case Western Reserve University Campus, HybridCleveland, OH
York College Pennsylvania CampusYork, PA
University of Washington CampusSeattle, WA
Rutgers University SON Newark Campus, HybridNewark, NJ
Quinnipiac University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHamden, CT
Georgia State University Campus, HybridAtlanta, GA
Saint Mary’s College Campus, OnlineNotre Dame, IN
Salem State University Campus, HybridSalem, MA
Maryville University of Saint Louis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Louis, MO
CUNY Hunter College Campus, HybridNew York, NY
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Campus, HybridCincinnati, OH
Clemson University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineClemson, SC
Concordia University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMequon, WI
College of Staten Island CUNY Campus, Hybrid, NY
Western Connecticut State University Campus, HybridDanbury, CT
Valdosta State University Campus, HybridValdosta, GA
Allen College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWaterloo, IA
Eastern Michigan University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineYpsilanti, MI
University of Missouri-Kansas City Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKansas City, MO
Daemen College Campus, HybridAmherst, NY
Kent State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKent, OH
East Tennessee State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJohnson City, TN
Marian University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFond Du Lac, WI
Duke University Campus, HybridDurham, NC
University of Delaware Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNewark, DE
Boise State University Campus, OnlineBoise, ID
Briar Cliff University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSioux City, IA
Grand Valley State University Campus, HybridAllendale, MI
University of Missouri-St Louis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Louis, MO
Keuka College Campus, HybridKeuka Park, NY
The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus) Campus, Hybrid, OnlineColumbus, OH
Union University Campus, HybridJackson, TN
Marquette University Campus, HybridMilwaukee, WI
East Carolina University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGreenville, NC
The Catholic University of America Campus, HybridWashington, DC
DePaul University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChicago, IL
Morningside College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSioux City, IA
Madonna University Campus, HybridLivonia, MI
Research College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKansas City, MO
Molloy College CampusRockville Centre, NY
Ursuline College Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePepper Pike, OH
The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing Campus, OnlineGalveston, TX
Viterbo College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLa Crosse, WI
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOklahoma City, OK
George Washington University Campus, OnlineWashington, DC
University of Illinois at Chicago Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChicago, IL
University of Kansas Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLawrence, KS
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Campus, HybridAnn Arbor, MI
Creighton University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOmaha, NE
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing Campus, HybridNew York, NY
DeSales University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCenter Valley, PA
The University of Texas at Arlington Campus, Hybrid, OnlineArlington, TX
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEau Claire, WI
Gwynedd Mercy College Campus, Hybrid, Online, PA
University of Alabama at Birmingham Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBirmingham, AL
University of Central Florida Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOrlando, FL
Lewis University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRomeoville, IL
Washburn University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineTopeka, KS
Michigan State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEast Lansing, MI
University of Nebraska Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOmaha, NE
University of Rochester School of Nursing Campus, HybridRochester, NY
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Campus, HybridBloomsburg, PA
Texas Woman’s University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDenton, TX
University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMadison, WI
Moravian College Campus, HybridBethlehem, PA
University of South Alabama Campus, OnlineMobile, AL
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Campus, OnlineTallahassee, FL
Loyola University – Chicago Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChicago, IL
University of Louisville-Louisville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLouisville, KY
University of Michigan-Flint Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFlint, MI
University of Nevada-Reno Campus, HybridReno, NV
Russell Sage College Campus, HybridTroy, NY
Drexel University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePhiladelphia, PA
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHouston, TX
Purdue University Campus, HybridWest Lafayette, IN
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix Campus, HybridPhoenix, AZ
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock Campus, HybridLittle Rock, AR
Florida Atlantic University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoca Raton, FL
North Park University CampusChicago, IL
Northern Kentucky University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHighland Heights, KY
Oakland University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRochester Hills, MI
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Campus, HybridTeaneck, NJ
Binghamton University Campus, OnlineVestal, NY
Duquesne University Campus, OnlinePittsburgh, PA
University of Utah College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSalt Lake City, UT
Brandman University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineIrvine, CA

What is an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP?

An AG-PCNP is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who provides preventative and chronic care for adult patients. As an AG-PCNP you will collect patient histories, perform clinical exams, prescribe medication, refer patients and more. As a primary care provider you will have the opportunity to continue to see your patients throughout their lifespan and form lasting bonds. Find our guide to the related Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – AG-ACNP career. See Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant guide.

How Do I Become an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP?

Becoming an AG-PCNP requires obtaining first a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in nursing. There are also other options for you to become an AG-PCNP if you are not an RN and/or do not have a BSN.

  • BSN to MSN: With a BSN degree you will spend 2 years earning a master’s in nursing.
  • Bachelors to MSN: Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing programs enable non-nurses who have bachelor’s degrees to become NPs. There are pre-requisite courses that you will need to complete for entry into a Direct Entry program. These courses will likely include chemistry, anatomy and physiology, developmental psychology, and more. Depending on the program you will spend 2 to 3 years earning your master’s.
  • BSN to DNP: You will earn both an MSN and doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) when you complete a DNP degree. These programs take about 4 years. DNP programs prepare APRNs to use research in their clinical practice.
  • MSN to DNP: If you have an MSN you will spend about 2 to 3 years completing a DNP program.

Certification and Licensure: Obtaining certification through the ANCC confirms that you meet the qualifications to provide care for the adult gerontology population. The ANCC requires that all NPs renew certification every 5 years. To do this you will need to meet the 1,000 clinical hours and 100 CE hours requirements. After you are certified you can apply for licensure through your state board of nursing (BON). Then you will be legally able to practice in your state. Submitting transcripts, proof of RN licensure and national certification as well as a fee is required for licensure.

Where Do AG-PCNPs Typically Work?

AG-PCNPs have a broad practice setting. You can work in private practices, occupational health clinics, community health clinics, colleges, assisted living facilities, shelters, and home care. This means that you will have a lot of variety and flexibility to change your work environment if you choose to.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics NPs in any population foci make an median of $104,610  per year. The overall salary range for AG-PCNPs can vary from $75,000 to $115,000 annually depending on what city, state, and setting you practice in. If you work in medically underserved areas you may get paid less than what you would make in a private practice, however, there are other financial benefits that should not be discounted. You can get loan forgiveness through certain programs if you work in medically underserved areas. These include the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. If you have a Perkins Loan you may be eligible to get that forgiven as well.

Online AG-PCNP Programs

The internet has made education much more accessible for the busy adult. Online AG-PCNP programs allow you to pursue a career path as an NP while still keeping up with your other life commitments. Online programs allow you to complete your coursework from the comfort of your home and do your clinical hours in a convenient location. Most programs only require that you be on campus a couple times a year at most. There are 13 fully online AG-PCNP programs in the U.S. and a number of hybrid courses that offer a mix of online and in classroom courses.

What is a Typical AG-PCNP Curriculum?

Curriculums vary by university. Vanderbilt University has a good example of a typical AG-PCNP curriculum:

  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Conceptual Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing

The Role of the AG-PCNP in the Mental Healthcare Provider Shortage

The U.S. currently has a shortage in primary care providers, and with the Affordable Care Act, this gap is growing. Since AG-PCNPs provide primary care to the adult population, they are in a unique position to fill this demand and increase access to care for newly ensured Americans. AG-PCNPs are a cost effective way to increase primary and preventative care in the U.S.

Number of AG-PCNP Programs in the United States

There are 13 fully online AG-PCNP programs in the U.S. These include the following:

  • University of South Alabama
  • University of Central Arkansas
  • University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  • George Washington University
  • Florida A&M University
  • South University
  • Boise State University
  • Ball State University
  • Indiana University-Purdue University (Fort Wayne)
  • Walden University
  • Felician University
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • University of Texas Medical Branch

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Resources

Denisco, S. M., Barker, A. M., (2016). Advanced practice nursing: Essential knowledge for the profession. Burlington, MA: Jones and Barlett Learning.

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