Adult-Gerontology Concentration in Nursing
An adult-gerontology concentration prepares nurses to provide specialized care to adult and elderly patients, either in primary care (AGPCNP) or acute care (AGACNP) settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual wages for nurse practitioners were $129,210 in May 2024, with 40.1% projected job growth through 2034.
Quick Answers
What is an adult-gerontology concentration in nursing?
An adult-gerontology concentration is a focused set of courses within an MSN program that prepares nurses to care for adult and older adult patients in primary or acute care settings.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework covers advanced assessment of adult patients, chronic disease management, geriatric syndromes, pharmacology for older adults, and clinical practicum hours in adult/geriatric settings.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online for didactic coursework, but clinical practicum hours must be completed in person at approved sites.
Back to Nursing Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Primary or acute care for adult and elderly patients
- Degree level: Master’s (MSN) or post-master’s certificate
- Career alignment: Nurse Practitioner ($129,210 median, BLS May 2024)
- Growth outlook: 40.1% projected growth 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Certification: AGPCNP-BC or AGACNP-BC through ANCC
- Clinical hours: Typically 600-1000+ supervised hours
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Nursing Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Advanced Health Assessment of Adults | Comprehensive assessment focused on adult and geriatric populations |
| Geriatric Syndromes | Falls, cognitive decline, polypharmacy, frailty management |
| Chronic Disease Management | Diabetes, heart failure, COPD, hypertension in adult patients |
| Advanced Pharmacology for Older Adults | Age-related drug metabolism, prescribing considerations |
| Acute Care Management | Critical care decision-making, rapid assessment (AGACNP track) |
| Palliative and End-of-Life Care | Symptom management, goals of care discussions, comfort measures |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- Does the program offer primary care (AGPCNP) or acute care (AGACNP) tracks, or both?
- How many clinical practicum hours are required?
- Does the program help arrange clinical placement sites in your area?
- What is the program’s board certification pass rate?
- Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN?
How nursing concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner | Primary care across lifespan | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Adult-Gerontology | Acute/primary care for adults and elderly | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health | Mental health assessment and treatment | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Nurse Educator | Teaching in academic and clinical settings | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Informatics | Health IT, data management, EHR systems | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Leadership | Healthcare administration and management | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.