We sat down with Dr. William Pezzotti, the Program Coordinator of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. 

Dr. Pezzotti is board certified as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) by the ANCC. He has practiced in the areas of Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine and Critical Care. 

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, he worked as an RN in emergency and trauma, critical care transport, various critical care settings and nursing education. He currently works as an AGACNP with Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital in Critical Care. 

Dr. Pezzoti received his BSN from Neumann College, his MSN from Thomas Jefferson University, and his DNP from West Chester University. 

What is an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner? 

An Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) is an advanced practice nurse that is educated to treat adult and geriatric patients in acute care settings such as medical/surgical units, intensive care units, skilled nursing or sub-acute facilities, ambulatory care clinics, medical office practices, as well as home care and hospice care environments. 

The AGACNP provides a spectrum of care from disease prevention, to assessing, diagnosing and prescribing, to acute and critical care management across the entire adult age spectrum. 

Why is being an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner important?

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNP) are a vital part of our country’s healthcare system because they bring a comprehensive perspective and personal touch to patient care. Not only do AGACNPs function as healthcare providers, but they also serve as educators. AGACNPs help patients get well and stay well through education and continuity of care in and out of the hospital settings. 

In general, nurse practitioners lower healthcare costs by providing patients with high-quality care and education. In addition, they are essential advocates for healthcare policy as they have the clinical expertise, and educational background to deal with legislative matters pertaining to healthcare issues. Overall, AGACNPs are important because they have an opportunity to make a difference in their patient’s lives everyday. 

Where do adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners work?

Many acute care nurse practitioners work in tertiary care settings such as hospitals, providing care to patients in the medical, surgical, trauma, emergency, and intensive care units. They may also work in specialty clinics that include but are not limited to cardiology, neurology, pulmonary, hematology/oncology and renal practices. 

In addition, AGACNPs may also work in sub-acute or skilled nursing facilities as well as home care environments where the focus of care may be on preventative services and health management. AGACNPs may also work in hospice care, managing the care for a patient during the end of their life. 

What makes NU’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care nursing program so unique?

Our Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is designed for registered nurses who are ready to pursue graduate nursing education. 

NU offers a full-time or part-time schedule with start dates in the fall, spring, or summer semesters and rolling admissions. Since our program is a hybrid learning format, our nurse practitioner faculty are committed to being present and providing consistent support throughout the student’s educational journey. 

All graduates are eligible to sit for national certification from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Our latest cohort had a 100% passing rate on the Nurse Practitioner National Certification — our students are among the best and brightest in the field.

Why should you choose NU’s program?

NU’s AGACNP offers affordable tuition, hybrid learning format, supportive doctorally prepared faculty who maintain current clinical practice  as well as dedicated preceptors and assistance in finding clinical placements. The combination of these unique benefits makes NU’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program one of the most lucrative decisions a nurse can make for their career. 

The professional development and forward momentum that comes from a NU’s AGACNP program cannot be understated. But perhaps more importantly, the personal growth and overall satisfaction that is found with an advanced nursing program at NU is a life-changing experience.

Looking to level-up your nursing career? Learn more about our impressive and unique acute care nurse practitioner program.