Accelerated DNP Programs Specializing in Gerontological Nursing

Overview of Accelerated DNP Programs

Key Takeaways:

DNP graduates specializing in gerontological nursing can expect high demand and job security due to an aging U.S. population, projected to increase by 47% from 2022 to 2050.
Accelerated DNP programs allow students to complete their degrees in 18-36 months, offering faster paths to advanced nursing roles and leadership positions.
Gerontological nurse practitioners earn competitive six-figure salaries, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and dementia.
Top programs, such as those at the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University, emphasize clinical placements and flexible learning formats, preparing students for leadership roles in geriatric care.

Did you know that earning a DNP degree can result in earning $110,912 per year, on average? But it isn’t about the money either. Earning a DNP degree brings benefits that boost your personal and professional fulfillment.

Featured Programs

What is a DNP degree in the first place? DNP degree programs prepare nurse leaders for the following:

Improvement of quality of patient services and their delivery and patient outcomes
Translation of research into evidence-based practice
Improvement in systems leadership

The DNP degree is a terminal and an application-focused degree. If you want to earn a research-focused degree, go for the DNS or PhD in Nursing degree.

To expand on the discussion, what are accelerated DNP programs in gerontological nursing? These are fast-track DNP programs with a time to completion between 18 and 36 months. Traditional DNP programs have a longer duration of 3-5 years. The result is a condensed curriculum with fast-paced coursework.

These programs provide more flexibility than traditional programs. There are online and hybrid programs where you can enjoy a good work-life balance.

These programs offer specialization in gerontological nursing or prepare candidates for its challenges. Gerontological nursing focuses on the care of older adults, including the elderly.

Why specialize in gerontological nursing as part of your DNP degree? First, you can earn a six-figure annual salary. That alone is a huge come-on. Second, there’s a high demand for your skills due to an aging population.

Read on for reliable information about accelerated DNP programs in gerontological nursing. You decide if earning a gerontological nurse practitioner certification is in your future.

Related:

Why Choose Gerontological Nursing as a DNP Specialization?

Caring for older adults as a nurse leader isn’t for everybody. But if you consider these benefits, you may have a change of heart.

Career Opportunities

Did you know that the “US population is older today than it has ever been“? There’s a 47% projected increase in the number of Americans 65 years old and above in the 2022-2050 period. That’s from 58 million to 82 million.

Due to the aging population, there’s an increasing demand for gerontological nurse practitioners (GNPs). This means job security and stability, too.

As a GNP, you can assume a wide range of job roles in diverse healthcare settings. Hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities are popular workplaces. Community care and home health services are viable options. Consider outpatient clinics and geriatric care centers, too.

Make a Difference in Patients’ Lives

With a gerontological nursing specialization, you’re prepared to make a positive difference, too. When caring for older adults, including elderly patients, you have opportunities to:

Provide personalized medical care combined with compassion that addresses their unique health challenges
Advocate for their appropriate patient care and access to services and resources
Improve their quality of life through preventive care and other interventions
Support their families as they navigate these new challenges
Manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and dementia, for improved patient well-being
Provide compassionate end-of-life care

Indeed, you’re not only taking advantage of career advancement opportunities. Your competencies make the world a better place, too, for older adults and their families.

Eligibility Requirements for Accelerated DNP Programs

Getting into the best accelerated DNP programs in gerontological nursing isn’t easy. There’s a selective admission process that includes these eligibility requirements.

Prior Nursing Education

Applicants to geriatric nursing DNP programs must have either a BSN or an MSN degree. BSN-to-DNP programs allow candidates to earn MSN and DNP degrees. MSN-to-DNP programs enable candidates to gain advanced clinical and leadership skills.

Work Experience

Most programs require applicants to present proof of relevant work experience. Being a registered nurse for 1-2 years is common. Applicants with work experience in gerontological nursing may have an admission advantage.

Prerequisite Courses

Check if the accelerated DNP programs in gerontological nursing have advanced prerequisites like:

Pathophysiology
Health assessment
Pharmacology

Interviews may or may not be necessary, depending on your credentials.

Benefits of Accelerated DNP Programs

Being a candidate in an accelerated DNP program isn’t easy either. You will face challenges in balancing your current work, studies, and family obligations. But when you overcome them, you can look forward to these benefits.

Faster Path to Advanced Nursing

You can earn an accelerated DNP degree in 18-36 months instead of 3-5 years. The shorter time-to-completion also means lower total costs. You will also enter the advanced gerontological nursing job market sooner.

Increased Career Mobility

The gerontological nurse practitioner career outlook is among the best in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected employment growth among nurse practitioners is 40% (2023-2033).

As a GNP, you’re qualified for leadership roles, such as chief nursing officer. Advanced practice roles, such as NP and CNS, are also possible. You can also consider specialized care for specific patient populations.

Improved Patient Outcomes

The best DNP programs for geriatric care enable candidates to improve patient outcomes. You will receive evidence-based advanced gerontological training.

Financial Considerations for Accelerated DNP Programs

Even if you meet the admission requirements for gerontological DNP programs, think twice. Not because you can’t keep up with the academic rigor but because of the costs.

Program Costs

The actual cost of attendance will depend on the college and program format, among others. Consider these costs when comparing programs.

Tuition and fees can range between $40,000 and $120,000 for the program’s entirety
Additional fees, such as lab, technology, and clinical placement fees
Textbooks and supplies
Residency and clinical costs
Incidental costs

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Fortunately, financial aid, including scholarships and grants, is available. Check out these GNP-specific scholarships.

GAPNA Scholarships
AACN Grants
NHSC Scholarship Program

Consider these financial aid options, too.

HRSA Nursing Student Loans and Pell Grants
Employer tuition reimbursement and assistance programs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Return on Investment

As a geriatric care nurse practitioner with a DNP degree, you can earn a six-figure salary. With job security, recouping your investment is guaranteed.

How to Choose the Right Accelerated DNP Program

Getting the best DNP in gerontological nursing education means looking for these aspects.

Accreditation

Only consider programs with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation. It’s an assurance of academic quality, access to financial aid, and industry recognition.

Program Length and Flexibility

Be sure that its duration and flexible schedules align with your lifestyle and goals. Choose shorter online programs if you’re up to the challenge but want maximum flexibility.

Clinical Placement Opportunities

Look for programs with strong partnerships with healthcare facilities. Hospitals and nursing homes are excellent venues for GNPs. Candidates enjoy enhanced learning during their clinical rotations.

Top Accelerated DNP Programs

University of Pennsylvania – School of Nursing

(2-3 years, depending on prior education)

UPenn’s top-tier, accelerated BSN to DNP program prepares candidates for successful GNP careers. Candidates learn through rigorous coursework, cutting-edge research opportunities, and quality clinical placements.

Duke University – School of Nursing

(2 years, post-MSN)

Duke’s accelerated DNP program is an excellent program for GNPs looking for a strong foundation in clinical practice and healthcare leadership. There’s a strong emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach with access to research and healthcare innovation.

Johns Hopkins University – School of Nursing

(2-3 years, depending on nursing experience)

JHU’s accelerated DNP program offers a gerontology specialization. Candidates prepare for leadership roles in geriatric care in diverse settings. JHU emphasizes evidence-based practice and offers excellent clinical placements, thanks to its partnerships with hospitals and research institutions.

New York University – Rory Meyers College of Nursing

(2-3 years)

NYU’s accelerated DNP program welcomes NPs with a license in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. Candidates learn through hands-on intensive clinical rotations in many of NYC’s top hospitals and geriatric care centers.

University of Washington – School of Nursing

(2 years, post-MSN)

UW’s accelerated DNP program offers an adult-gerontology specialization for master’s degree holders. There’s a strong emphasis on clinical leadership and research.

Be sure to check for financial aid for gerontological nursing programs. Many of these programs are expensive, but financial aid reduces the cost of attendance.

Job Outlook and Career Opportunities for Gerontological Nurse Practitioners

Again, now is the best time to become a GNP because of its excellent prospects.

High demand for Gerontological NPs

With an aging population and their unique needs, GNPs will be in high demand for years to come. Plus, there’s a shortage of GNPs.

Ideal work environments

GNPs have a wide range of choices in workplaces. Every workplace offers unique rewards and challenges. Consider both institutional and home health care.

Leadership and research opportunities

Besides direct patient care, GNPs can also become leaders and researchers. Consider policy development roles, too, such as in elder abuse prevention.

Conclusion

If you choose gerontological nursing as your DNP specialization, you’re on the right track. Personal and professional advancement opportunities await. Think of leadership and research positions with six-figure salaries. Then, there’s also the opportunity to change lives, even communities.