Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association Announces New APRN Specialty Certification
PITMAN, NJ – Given the increasing number of older Americans who will require health care in the coming years, the role of the gerontological advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is more crucial than ever before. In response, the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA), an organization dedicated to promoting professional development and providing top quality education for advanced practice nurses, is developing a new 
APRN gerontology certification.
“The purpose of the certification is to better identify APRNs who are most qualified and experienced in managing patient care,” according to GAPNA President Katherine Abraham Evans, DNP, FNP-C, GNP-BC, ACHPN, FAANP. “This new certification fulfills GAPNA’s mission to advocate for the quality care of older adults and ensure patients’ needs are being met by highly qualified and skilled APRNs.”
The certification will help distinguish and validate the expertise of APRNs who are highly skilled in managing complex medical cases, which can be a challenging undertaking. More information can be found in a landmark white paper developed in 2015 by GAPNA, GAPNA Consensus Statement on Proficiencies for the APRN Gerontological Specialist.
“Certification as a gerontological specialist demonstrates proficiency and defines a community of expert providers who create, apply and communicate knowledge specific to gerontological care,” Evans explained. “This certification is a unique opportunity for advanced practice nurses caring for older adults across all settings to demonstrate their expertise.”
The new certification examination will be offered for the first time at the 2018 GAPNA Pharmacology Conference in Boston, MA. The deadline to apply for the exam is February 2, 2018. You do not have to attend the conference in order to sit for the exam.
GAPNA is the organization of choice for advanced practice nurses seeking continuing education in gerontological care as well as networking and peer support from experienced clinicians. Its members are an elite group of APRNs who advance the practice of gerontological nursing, and the well-being of the public.
More information on eligibility and registration will be available on the GAPNA Website once the pilot testing phase has concluded.
The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is an elite group of APN's who advance the practice of gerontological nursing. Our mission is to promote excellence in advanced practice nursing that enhances the well-being of older adults.