Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

What Could You Learn in an Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) program?

For those who wish to pursue a career as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a master's degree is often necessary. Individuals also typically earn a license and meet other state requirements. A person working in this field may treat patients from age 13 through the senior years. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NPs may work to assess patients, diagnose health conditions, and manage both common acute and chronic health problems.

To do this type of work, students typically need to earn a master’s in the field. This type of degree program may incorporate hands on education as well as teach critical thinking skills. Students may engage in clinical work. They may also work to develop a high level of understanding of primary care and clinical reasoning skills. Students may take courses in areas as far reaching as topics like the aging process and mental health management at various points of life.

Those who earn their master's and meet other licensing requirements may be able to work in a range of areas. This may include internal medicine offices, long term care facilities, community clinics, ambulatory care centers, rehabilitation centers, and much more. They may provide emergency level care to patients as well as treat chronic conditions.

AGPCNP Courses May Include

Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

In this course students may receive an understanding of human responses to illness. An increased understanding of human anatomy and physiology may also be covered.

Introduction to Biostatistical Methods

In this course students may learn how to interpret and reach conclusions in regard to statistics. They may also cover topics such as how data gathering and extrapolation.

Advanced Interpersonal Intervention

In this course students may go over a variety of topics in regards to communication and how to intervene with each other and with patients. The development of relationships may also be covered.

Public Policy and Healthcare

This course may include a number of topics in setting agendas and ensuring procedures and practices are in line with corporate and public policy. Students may learn how to interact with the government in regard to dealing with health problems.

Advanced Health Assessment

This course may cover topics including performing an in depth patient assessment. Other topics could include gathering information and what courses of action to take based on the information gathered.

Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics

This course may be an introduction to how to prescribe and learn medications and their interactions with patients. Topics may include drug interactions as well as adverse reactions.

Find Funding for Nursing Programs

The cost of attending a graduate program in the U.S. in 2019 to 2020 was $19,792, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. For students who are looking for financial support to cover this cost, there may be several options available. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Below are some examples of potential funding sources for those who hope to enter into a graduate program of study. Not everyone qualifies for these options. Some may be able to find other options as well.

Nursing Scholarships

Scholarships typically do not require repayment. That makes them an option for those who are looking for a way to reduce what they need to pay for their education. Scholarships come with some restrictions and specific requirements. Students may compete with many others to earn the scholarship. Not everyone qualifies and may need to meet specific requirements to maintain that scholarship.

To learn about potential scholarships for nurse practitioners, consider checking out Unigo’s listed options. Here are a few of the potential options:

Is an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner a rewarding career?

A person working as an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner may provide general and primary care to individuals over the age of 13, often with a focus on senior populations. This may include diagnosing and treating episodic and chronic illness, supporting the prevention of illness, and conducting wellness care. AGPCNPs may perform, order, and interpret tests such as lab work or x-rays. They may prescribe medication.

Some of the tasks a nurse practitioner in this field may do include maintaining patient health care plans and records and developing treatment plans for them. These are based on scientific standards, professional practice guidelines, and standards of care.

Important skills for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners:

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to speakers, taking time to understand the points being made, asking appropriate questions, and not interrupting.
• Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing information to evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Additionally, they may provide patients with support in promoting health and reducing risk factors for disability or disease. They may analyze patient histories and symptoms to create treatment plans or to monitor health.

To do this type of work, individuals typically need to finish graduate education. They may also need to meet licensing requirements. Some may need to have experience in the field, though some on-the-job education may be offered.

2020 Median Annual Salary for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The following is the median annual salary for those working as nurse practitioners in 2020, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.