Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

Improve outcomes for acutely and critically ill adult geriatric patients

Why Specialize as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties describes AG-ACNPs as providers who care for “patients with unstable chronic, complex acute and critical conditions.” This broad definition means that the AG-ACNP role isn’t limited to the hospital but is defined by patient needs. An M.S. in Adult-Gerontology from Molloy University will position you to make a lasting impact on your future patients, from adults to geriatric clients.

 AGACNPs meet the needs of their patients by providing them with a spectrum of care, from disease prevention to acute care management. The primary role of the AGACNP is to care for patients with complex, acute conditions—many AGACNPs practice in intensive care, trauma, or critical care units. While most AGACNPs report practicing in tertiary care practice settings, AGACNPs can now also work in specialty clinics and long-term care facilities. AGACNPs provide complex monitoring and develop multifaceted treatment plans for adults and gerontology patients. They focus on preventing future complications while improving the health of the patient. The AGACNP role extends beyond clinical practice to include administrative, teaching, and research components.

Why Earn Your Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Degree From Molloy University?

• Flexible and fast-track program options for various learning needs
• Prestigious Clinical Simulation Lab endorsement
• Comprehensive and personalized approach to nursing education
• Learning hands-on procedures such as sutures, US-guided line insertions, mechanical ventilation manipulation, and other diagnostic modalities

At Molloy University, our programs prepare students for real-world situations as professional students and offer extensive clinical practice and role preparation for advanced practice. Students will also develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, health promotion, and chronic disease management competencies.

Additionally, 2023 first-time Masters Candidates within the AGACNP program achieved a pass rate of nearly 100% (The American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC] and The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses [AACN] combined).

Clinical Simulation Lab Endorsement

Molloy University has earned a prestigious endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). This recognition highlights our commitment to providing students with a high-quality, immersive learning experience that equips them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their nursing careers.

What to Expect

Due to the flexible nature of Molloy University's Graduate Nursing Programs, the timeline for each student may vary. However, here’s a general outline of what students can expect to :

• Receive hands-on experience with varied clinical opportunities 
• Learn how to manage adult- geriatric patients across the continuum of acute, chronic, and critical care
• Develop and apply their assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills 
• Work with patients who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and highly vulnerable to complications. 

Certification

Becoming certified is essential to becoming an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. NPs must earn one of two certifications to practice:

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification. Applicants must hold an RN license and an advanced degree and complete coursework in physiology/pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology to be eligible. The certification is valid for five years.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) provides the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification-Adult Gerontology. Eligibility requirements are similar to those for ANCC certification, and the certificate is valid for five years, with continuing education requirements for renewal.

If interested, Molloy also offers a Post Baccalaureate in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing (DNP) AGACNP Pathway. Post Baccalaureate to DNP