Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist – AGCNS-BC (ANCC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC) certification examination is an entry-level exam that assesses the skill level of a nurse specialist. Nurses with this credential care for patients in various areas from wellness through acute care. They work in all levels of healthcare.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Knowledge of the body systems
- Understanding of age-related changes
- Competency working with pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions
- Capability to complete assessments of various body systems
- Ability to promote health screening and education
- Comprehension of statistical analysis
- Ability to use various research methodologies in 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
AGCNS-BC (ANCC) Careers
Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Careers
Jobs you can get with an AGCNS-BC (ANCC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
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
AGCNS-BC (ANCC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the Test Content Outline
- Complete practice questions
- Study from exam review books
- Study with flash cards
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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