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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCurrently, most of the Baby Boom generation has greater numbers and requires is turning 65 i more specialized healthcare. Nursing schools are receiving record numbers of nursing school applications but due to a faculty shortage as teachers and professors retire and are forced to turn away undergraduate students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Covid-19 pandemic certainly didn’t help anything. Nurses (and the healthcare system at large) were stretched to unprecedented levels and saw an alarming exodus in the profession. Clearly, more advanced care nurses are needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nursing schools have sought options to meet those challenges and have turned to online graduate nursing programs to reach more registered nurses for clinical, leadership, and teaching roles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is Gerontology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gerontology was first identified and defined at the beginning of the 20th century by Elie Metchnikoff (1845-1916), a Ukrainian-Russian microbiologist and zoologist whose observational research in longevity led to the foundational theories of gerontology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since then, Gerontology has advanced to the study of aging and its effect on physical, social, mental, legal, and clinical well-being. That’s the shortlist. Virtually no part of the human experience is exempt from a gerontology practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1940, James Birren (1918-2016) formalized the study of gerontology and was considered one of the founders of the field. His significant contribution was his theories of aging and the definition of the aging process into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Primary – the natural changes in aging<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Secondary – chronic illness and conditions (dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tertiary -deterioration of physical and mental decline experienced at end of life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are two types of gerontology: social gerontology and biogerontology. So, as you can see, gerontology is a broad spectrum discipline that includes medical professionals, government representatives, attorneys, volunteers, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frequently used interchangeably, care can be provided in gerontology and geriatrics, but there’s a medical distinction between geriatrics and gerontology. As mentioned above, gerontology is multidisciplinary and encompasses a range of issues we experience as we age. Geriatrics is the medical care and treatment of aging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gerontology takes a holistic approach to aging and incorporates psychology, biology, and sociology in treating older patients. The discipline also extends to the patient’s or client’s family members<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses with an academic and practice concentration in Adult-Gerontology and provide clinical care for adolescents and adults. They can specialize in Primary or Acute Care. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll concentrate on the care of the elderly population as provided by nurses with an MSN-AGNP degree, certification, and license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Earn An Online Degree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most of us have to work. We may have families. Perhaps you have children, mortgages, car loans, etc. but want to advance your career but need an advanced degree. A healthy work-life balance is important so, do you have room for graduate school?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The global Covid epidemic prompted colleges and universities to reevaluate their campus degree programs to allow students to continue their studies. Schools turned to interactive online platforms. Online courses could expand their academic offerings, and more colleges and universities could increase their enrollment numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the benefits of earning your master’s degree online? Online programs frequently are offered in accelerated formats (10-week terms instead of 12-15 weeks), requiring you to spend less time in school, which saves you money on educational costs, such as transportation, housing, food, and tuition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Degrees offered online have the same curriculum and faculty as on-campus programs. You’ll have the added benefit of controlling your schedule. Courses are provided in synchronous and\/or asynchronous platforms. Some programs may also include practicum or field experiences. These experiences are typically conducted in your home community or, if possible, where you work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Companies and employers appreciate the benefits of employees earning a degree online. This educational option minimizes work disruption, and employers have begun to realize that supporting educational pursuits greatly improves employee morale and loyalty. More employers have started to offer tuition assistance as part of employee compensation packages, especially if the degree is job-related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is a Master’s in Gerontology Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There were 76 million births in the U.S. between 1946-1964. While population changes have occurred (11 million Baby Boomer deaths as well as additions and deductions of older legal immigrants), the aging population was approximated at 65 million. By 2029, projections indicate 61.3 million “Boomers” will turn 65, and by 2031 according to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the number of seniors will be lower at 58 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s look at the numbers as published by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The population of Americans 65 years and older experienced a 36% increase from 39.6 million in 2009 to 54.1 million in 2019 (the most available data). Future growth will increase exponentially to 94.7 million in 2060. The ACL projects that this aging population will represent 21.6% of the U.S. population by 2040, making it a significant demographic that will need healthcare and social services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do all these numbers mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These figures indicate the employment outlook for an MSN-AGNP career is solid. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth in this field at a robust 40% between 2021-2031, much faster than the average job growth. Compare that to the BLS 6% BSN growth estimates for the same period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Gerontology Specialties?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MSN-AGNP programs may offer a choice between primary care or acute care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- AG-ACNP<\/strong> – Access chronically ill, critical, and acute patients. Using best evidence practice, develop a treatment care plan, and provide emergent care usually on a short term basis. AGACNP professionals will work with patients from admission to discharge. May work in critical care settings, long-term care facilities, hospice, and other facilities. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- AG-PCNP<\/strong> – Provide a longer-term continuum of care across the lifespan. Conducts health assessments, management of chronic illnesses, counsels, provides end-of-life care, etc. Treats young adults to geriatric patients. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What’s in the Curriculum?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Online MSN-AGNP degree programs can take 2-3 years to complete and will typically include clinical experiences or practicums (in your home community) and offer Acute Care or Primary Care concentrations. Some programs use a hybrid\/blended format with coursework provided online and clinical experiences. Depending on your program, you may be required to attend weekend immersive experiences. Immersive requirements have you travel to the school’s campus two or three times during your program for skills training, clinical simulations, interaction with your professors and cohort, workshops, guest lecturers, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A sampling of courses includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- AG-PCNP<\/strong> – Provide a longer-term continuum of care across the lifespan. Conducts health assessments, management of chronic illnesses, counsels, provides end-of-life care, etc. Treats young adults to geriatric patients. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- AG-ACNP<\/strong> – Access chronically ill, critical, and acute patients. Using best evidence practice, develop a treatment care plan, and provide emergent care usually on a short term basis. AGACNP professionals will work with patients from admission to discharge. May work in critical care settings, long-term care facilities, hospice, and other facilities. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
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