How to Become an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
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.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. The programs combine live classes, engaging coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences to help you advance your career as an NP. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown enables RNs to earn their MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University. Through a research-based curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences, the program prepares students to pursue certification in an APRN specialty area and provide specialized care for patients in their communities. BSN required.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
Master of Science in Nursing
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. The online pathway combines live classes, 600 hours of clinical rotations, and on-campus immersions to prepare you to pursue NP licensure in one of four specialties: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP.
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP 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 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
State Nursing Licensure Information
Select your state
- Alabama (AL)
- Alaska (AK)
- Arizona (AZ)
- Arkansas (AR)
- California (CA)
- Colorado (CO)
- Connecticut (CT)
- Delaware (DE)
- Florida (FL)
- Georgia (GA)
- Hawaii (HI)
- Idaho (ID)
- Illinois (IL)
- Indiana (IN)
- Iowa (IA)
- Kansas (KS)
- Kentucky (KY)
- Louisiana (LA)
- Maine (ME)
- Maryland (MD)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- Michigan (MI)
- Minnesota (MN)
- Mississippi (MS)
- Missouri (MO)
- Montana (MT)
- Nebraska (NE)
- Nevada (NV)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- New Mexico (NM)
- New York (NY)
- North Carolina (NC)
- North Dakota (ND)
- Ohio (OH)
- Oklahoma (OK)
- Oregon (OR)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- Rhode Island (RI)
- South Carolina (SC)
- South Dakota (SD)
- Tennessee (TN)
- Texas (TX)
- Utah (UT)
- Vermont (VT)
- Virginia (VA)
- Washington (WA)
- Washington, DC (DC)
- West Virginia (WV)
- Wisconsin (WI)
- Wyoming (WY)
AGPCNP Resources
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:
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is a dues-collecting professional organization that connects nurse practitioners with others in their area and publishes news from the nursing field.
- Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association – This organization offers continuing education conferences for gerontology nurse practitioners.
- American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nonprofit dedicated to educating healthcare professionals and funding research in geriatrics.
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers one of the board certifications (AGPCNP-BC) for adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners. On their site, you’ll find faculty resources, professional development tools, a current list of professional events, and more.
American Society on Aging – ASA is a membership organization of healthcare professionals who work with aging adults. They publish Aging Today, a bimonthly newspaper for professionals in the field. - Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) is an international nursing education program that is supported by NYU’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing and provides consultation to nurses working with the elderly.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Primary Care NP Competencies. This document, published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in 2016, outlines the unique role of the adult-gerontology NP.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Review, 2019. Authored by JoAnn Zerwekh, who holds a Doctor of Education and founded Nursing Education Consultants Inc., this exam study guide closely mirrors the AANP and ANCC test blueprints for adult-gerontology primary care NPs. The book contains more than 1,400 practice questions, some of which are illustration-based. You can purchase the paperback book on Elsevier and an electronic version on Amazon.
FAQs
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.
Information last updated: October 2025