After completing a nursing degree and becoming licensed as a registered nurse (RN), many nurses may wish to further their education. A common avenue is to become a nurse practitioner (NP), and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) are among the many specialties in this profession. AGPCNPs work closely with patients ranging from teenagers to older adults. They serve these populations in hospitals, health clinics, and nursing homes. 

Completing an advanced degree may open a world of possibilities for nurses. For some, this may lead to a higher salary, but importantly, NPs can also deepen their understanding of primary care. Another perk of becoming an AGPCNP is greater autonomy: nurse practitioners can diagnose illnesses, order lab tests, and prescribe medications in certain states, responsibilities typically reserved for physicians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks nurse practitioners among the 10 fastest-growing occupations in the country.

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Steps to Become an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 

There are a number of steps to take if you want to become an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. Find below a detailed overview of each step, including information on educational requirements and certification.

1. Become a registered nurse. 

The road to becoming an AGPCNP typically begins by becoming an RN through one of three means: a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Upon completing one of those programs, a prospective nurse must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) before applying for a nursing license in the state of their choice. 

2. Apply to an adult nurse practitioner program. 

Next, nurses can apply to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Most nurse practitioner programs require RNs to have at least 1 year of nursing experience. To learn skills specific to AGPCNPs, look for a program with a concentration in adult-gerontology primary care. MSN programs typically range from 2 to 3 years, but may take longer for students studying part-time or for those who do not have a BSN and need to complete additional coursework. For the latter group, a direct entry BSN-MSN program is an option.  

3. Gain work experience in the field. 

Complete a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours related to the adult nurse practitioner role and population. This requirement is for the ANCC Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) certification, which you’ll read more about below.

4. Obtain national certification. 

AGPCNPs must obtain a certification from a professional organization as a requirement for practice. There are two types of certifications for AGPCNPs: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (AGPCNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). You’ll be required to take an exam for both of these certifications.

5. Become licensed as a nurse practitioner in your state and maintain certification.

Once you become certified, you must apply for a state license. Each state grants nurse practitioners different authorities in a healthcare setting, so depending on your state, a physician might have to supervise your practice. While some states grant full practice, others grant reduced or restricted practice, so this could factor into where you decide to obtain your AGPCNP license.  

Your state certification must be renewed every five years. In addition to renewing certification through the certifying board, renewal through the state is required. You may need to complete additional continuing education contact hours to renew your state certification.

Like all nurse practitioners, aspiring AGPCNPs must become certified before applying for a state license to practice. The two certifications for this field are the AGPCNP-BC and the A-GNP. Each certification’s exam is unique, so it is recommended that you research and choose the one that aligns with your strengths and goals. Find below an overview of each certification exam and certification renewal terms.

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (AGPCNP-BC)

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (AGPCNP-BC) is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The exam takes up to 3.5 hours and consists of 175 questions about clinical content, nursing theory, and professional topics.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Hold an active RN license  
• Hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from an accredited adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program, including 500 clinical supervised hours 
• Complete 3 separate graduate-level courses in the following topics: advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
• Complete content in health promotion and/or maintenance AND differential diagnosis and disease management

Fee for Certification: 

• $395 for nonmembers 
• $290 for student members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• $295 for members of the American Nurses Association
• $340 for members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association

Renewal Information: 

• Renewal is required every five years
• Complete 75 continuing education contact hours, with 25 completed in pharmacology
• Complete at least 1 of the 8 professional development categories in its entirety
• Pay renewal fee ($375 for non-members; $275 for ANA members; $295 for AANP members; $320 for GAPNA members)

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification (A-GNP)

As stated earlier, the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) certification is offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The exam is multiple-choice and focuses solely on clinical content. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Hold an active RN license
• Hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from an accredited adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program 

Fee for Certification: 

• Online Applications: $315 for non-members; $240 for AANP members
• Paper Applications: $365 for non-members; $290 for AANP members

Renewal Information:

• Renewal is required every five years
• Option 1 – Practice hours & CE:
  • Complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours and 100 continuing education hours in a specialty (25 of these must be in pharmacology)
  • Option 1: $195 for non-members; $120 for AANP members
  • Paper Application Renewal – Option 1: $245 for non-members; $170 for AANP members
• Option 2 – recertify by examination
  • Online Application Renewal – Option 2: $315 for non-members; $240 for AANP members
  • Paper Application Renewal – Option 2: $365 for non-members; 290 for AANP members

Whether you’re a professional looking to network or a nursing student preparing for your future, there are resources online that may help you achieve your goals and guide you. Below is a list of organizations and resources dedicated to adult-gerontology primary care nursing: 

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the field of adult-gerontology primary care, including the daily responsibilities, job outlook, and estimated salaries.

An adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) is a nurse who specializes in the medical care of adults aged 13 and up. They care for patients, whether their ailments are episodic or chronic. AGPCNPs are advanced practice nurses, meaning they have advanced education through a master’s or doctoral degree program.

Within adult gerontology, there are two specialties: adult-gerontology acute care and adult-gerontology primary care. Unlike a primary care nurse practitioner, an acute care nurse practitioner works with patients with critical conditions. As the aging population continues to grow, nurses are becoming increasingly central to the U.S. healthcare system. Nurse practitioners are increasingly important because they have the authority and expertise to step in during physician shortages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 35 percent from 2024 to 2034.

Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners have a range of responsibilities that vary depending on the setting and geographic location in which they work. Their day-to-day may include performing routine examinations, administering immunizations, ordering lab tests, and educating patients about their health. AGPCNPs also focus on preventive care—they analyze patients’ potential risks for illnesses and health complications and provide guidance to help prevent the onset of certain conditions.

The adult-gerontology primary care scope of practice, or the responsibilities they are legally authorized to perform, varies by state. Nurse practitioners can prescribe certain medicines, but their prescribing authority may be limited or require supervision by a doctor, depending on their location. In certain states, NPs can even practice medicine independently within a private practice.

AGPCNPs can work in a variety of healthcare settings. Many work in hospitals and physicians’ offices, but others are employed by private practices, nursing homes, homebound individuals, universities, pharmacies, and health clinics. Work as an AGPCNP can be high-pressure, but also rewarding. Each of these environments offers a different experience, so it is important to research which is the best fit for you.

For instance, nurses in long-term care facilities work with elders who are nearing the ends of their lives. These nurse practitioners focus on patients with chronic conditions, adjusting their treatments and therapies as necessary. On the other hand, nurse practitioners who work at walk-in health clinics diagnose and treat the ailments of a high-volume of new patients each day. 

Nurse practitioners have numerous employment opportunities. The BLS reported that the median annual salary for nurse practitioners in 2024 was $129,210. Nursing salaries tend to vary by geographical location, too, so state-by-state nursing salary data can be a useful tool when determining where to practice.

Nursing salaries tend to vary by geographical location too, so state-by-state nursing salary data can be a useful tool when determining where to practice.

Information last updated in October 2025.