Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – AGACNP-BC (ANCC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) certification certifies that a nurse practitioner has the clinical knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, treat and educate older adult and elderly patients with acute, chronic and critical conditions. These nurse practitioners have proven that they are knowledgeable of the latest standards of practice and care and have the training and skills necessary to provide the highest quality of care to the aging population.
This is an entry-level certification for nurse practitioners.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Knowledge of normal and abnormal physiology of the aging population
- Understanding of physiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations
- Knowledge of pharmacology and pharmacological assessments
- Ability to complete assessments of various body systems, including the musculoskeletal, genitourinary, cardiovascular and immune systems
- Ability to establish differential diagnoses
- Comprehension of standards of practice and ethical and legal considerations
- Ability to assimilate health information technology into practice
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must have a master’s, postgraduate or doctoral degree from an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program; applicant must have taken 3 separate graduate level courses in the following: Advanced physiology pathophysiology, including general principles that apply across the life span, Advanced health assessment, which includes assessment of all human systems, advanced assessment techniques, concepts, and approaches, Advanced pharmacology, which includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics of all broad categories of agents
- Questions: 200 (175 scored); effective December 16, 2019 the exam will have 175 questions (150 scored)
- Time: 240 minutes (effective December 16, 2019, allowed time will be 210 minutes)
- Cost: $295 for American Nurses Association members, $340 for American Association of Nurse Practitioners members, $290 for American Association of Nurse Practitioners student members, $220 for American Psychiatric Nurses Association members, $340 for International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses members and $395 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- ANCC Certification Testing and Renewal Handbook
Other relevant details: Exams are given at Prometric test centers
AGACNP-BC (ANCC) Careers
Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Careers
Jobs you can get with a AGACNP-BC (ANCC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $113,930
National average per hour: $54.78
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
AGACNP-BC (ANCC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the Test Content Outline
- Complete the ANCC practice questions
- Take the ANCC interactive online review course
- Take the ANCC practice test
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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