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Currently, healthcare professionals are in great demand. Enrolling in an online AGPCNP program open to Virginians is a great idea; candidates with an advanced degree not only earn a better salary but are also in greater demand. They can also choose when and where to work and have the option to broaden their career prospect.

An AGNP (Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) degree is the perfect choice for nurses that wish to make a difference in the healthcare industry. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nearly 30,200 new RN (Registered Nurse) positions will merge by 2031. The job growth rate for NPs and similar roles is expected to grow by 40% till 2031. This is greater than the average for all other occupations. Wish to learn more about why becoming an AGNP in Virginia is such a great idea? You are in the right spot! Keep reading to find out.

What Is an AGNP?

An AGNP or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner is an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) who caters to adolescents, older adults/elderly, and adults. They prescribe medicine, create treatment plans and conduct tests. AGNPs are trained to treat patients with complications and those who are critically ill, physiologically unstable, or highly vulnerable.

Online AGNP courses train a candidate to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner exam recognized by the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center). Once they pass, they are legally allowed to practice as an AGNP.

Top Reasons to Opt for the AGNP Degree in Virginia 

1. Greater Demand

The Baby Boom Generation refers to individuals born between 1946 and 1964. This generation consists of nearly 78.3 million individuals, and most are currently over 65. Around 39% of these individuals require healthcare visits around three to six times per year, while around 22% visit the doctor seven or more times per year. Baby boomers face chronic illnesses and other health concerns due to aging, a major reason behind these astonishing numbers.

Additionally, the greatest driving factor behind trends in Virginia is aging. It is also feared that it has a ripple effect where it affects all age groups by slowing growth in the working group and leading to a decline in school goers. It has been predicted that the Baby Boomer population, or adults over 65, is expected to grow from  976,937 to 1,803,404 between  2010 and 2030. In just 30 years, the Baby Boomer population outside Northern Virginia is also expected to grow by 85%.

2. Job Versatility

An AGNP gets the opportunity to cater to patients from all age groups. While it may look like an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner only treats the elderly, the truth is that they begin working with patients when they are just 13. They work with adults and adolescents of all ages. An AGNP may work as a primary nurse practitioner or acute care nurse practitioner to cater to patients with more complex conditions and complications. 

3. Patient Advocacy

An AGNP also acts as an advocate for patients that find it difficult to manage their health conditions and needs. They enable patients to understand medical terms and information necessary to lead a healthy life and prevent diseases.

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners provide support to both patients and their families. This enables greater independence in older adult care at home and ensures proper understanding plus support by family members whenever there is no healthcare professional around.

4. Various Healthcare Settings 

Not only do Adult Gerontology Nurses work with patients from all age groups, especially the elderly, but they are also fully qualified to work in a wide range of settings and environments. Acute care gerontology nurses work in:

• Cardiac care units
• Specialized acute care clinics 
• Intensive care units
• Trauma centers

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, on the other hand, can work in:

• Long-term care facilities
• Assisted living facilities
• Primary care clinics
• Family practices
• Home care
• Rehabilitation centers
• Hospice
• Palliative care centers

How Much Does an AGNP Earn in Virginia?

An AGNP earns around $103,773 on average in a year in Virginia. This ranges from $96,294 to $112,735 on the lower and higher ends, respectively. Salary varies due to factors like education, city, certification, additional skills, and professional experience. The top 10 highest-paying cities in Virginia for AGNPs include:

1. Arlington
2. Hampton
3. Norfolk
4. Fredericksburg
5. Alexandria
6. Roanoke
7. Newport News
8. Richmond
9. Lynchburg
10. Charlottesville

Endnote

Virginia is a great state for pursuing a career as a Nurse Practitioner. No matter what specialty you opt for, the growing demand for healthcare and an increased need for trained professionals makes it one of the top-paying states in the United States. As an AGNP,  you will not only be able to earn a hefty salary but will also be able to make sure the Baby Boomer population is well catered to and enjoys a longer lifespan.