Bradley Launches Online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs

The U.S. population is aging rapidly. It's estimated by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 years or older. By 2050, there will be 90 million in that age bracket, compared to 45 million today.

Those over the age of 65 often require specific treatments and medical care related to aging. Estimates indicate 90% of adults over 65 experience one or more chronic conditions. This highlights the need for adult-gerontology healthcare, a specialty that focuses on this aging population.

As of this spring, Bradley University's Department of Nursing launched new advanced practice nursing degree tracks to prepare registered nurses to become adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNP). AGNPs play a significant role within the health sector, and currently, only 2.7% and 7% of nurse practitioners are certified in providing acute and primary care, respectively.

As adult-gerontology covers the vast lifespan of our population, and Americans are living longer, the demand for this specialization will inevitably grow. This necessitates the expansion of this specialized nursing education, according to Jessica Clark, dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Bradley University.

“This field covers so much, from treating chronic illnesses to providing palliative care, yet there is a significant shortfall in number of certified AGNPs working today,” she said. “It is imperative to fortify this important foundation in modern patient care with these well-trained nurse practitioners. They'll provide high-quality acute care within the hospital setting, as well as primary care for our growing, aging population.”

Graduates of the program are eligible for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification in adult-gerontology care. Program offerings include tracks in RN-MSN, MSN and BSN-DNP for acute and primary care. The AGNP program is delivered entirely online as part of the suite of programs Bradley offers for advanced nursing certifications. For more information about the AGNP or our other degree offerings, visit https://www.bradley.edu/academic/departments/nur/.

Bradley offers additional advanced degree online programs including family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nursing administration and doctor of nursing practice with FNP and leadership concentrations.