Frequently Asked Questions
Adult Gerontological Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Role of the AGACNP
Who can apply for the Allen College AGACNP Program
AGACPNP employment
Choosing clinical preceptors
Nurse practitioner certification information
What is the role of the AGACNP?
The AGACNP has a scope of practice which includes ages young adult to death. Graduates of Allen College AGACNP program are prepared to work in acute care settings, such as hospitals, and with a variety of specialists in acute care settings, such as cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. Regulations required for practice and prescriptive authority vary from state to state. National certification through examination by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) is required prior to state licensure. For further information regarding specific state requirements, please contact your state's Board of Nursing.
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Who can apply for the Allen College AGACNP program?
Registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited school may apply. (Students who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing may also apply. They will be required to take undergraduate courses in statistics, nursing research and community health prior to enrollment in certain master's level courses in addition to holding an associate's degree in nursing). A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required. A minimum of 800 hours of clinical nursing experience as a registered nurse is required for enrollment in courses with a clinical/practicum requirement.
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Do AGACNP's have difficulty finding employment?
AGACNP's have generally found work in an advanced practice role within months of their certification. Willingness to work in rural or underserved areas or in specialty areas increases job opportunities. Students are apprised of area job opportunities on the Allen College web site and many students have job offers prior to graduation.
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How are clinical preceptors chosen?
Clinical placement is under the direct supervision of the Clinical Coordinator, Nurse Practitioner track leads and course faculty. Students may provide input in the selection process by identifying potential preceptors. Students may also elect to participate in one of Allen College’s Dedicated Education Clinics (DECs).
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