The VCU School of Nursing adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner concentration prepares graduates for advanced practice registered nurse roles by developing the knowledge and skills needed to manage acutely ill adults, ranging from adolescents to the elderly, through all phases of their hospitalization. Students learn to manage patients through comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments, use of decision-making/diagnostic reasoning processes, performance of advanced practice skills and procedures, and implementation of evidence-based treatment strategies. Graduates of the AGACNP concentration are prepared to diagnose and manage complex health problems of adults across the life span, including acute/critical illness and injuries, as well as exacerbations of chronic conditions. The AGACNP generally works in an acute care setting, often within a multidisciplinary team focused on the provision of evidence-based care to adults who are acutely ill. The sphere of influence of the nurse practitioner is that of the patient.