The field of geriatric nursing. With just 63 training programs in the United States, the number of certified advanced practice geriatric nurses is small; in 2002 approximately 4,200 nurses had been certified in geriatric care since 1991.17 In the fall of 2003, very few people were enrolled full time in programs to become certified gerontologic nurse specialists.18 Given the low number of trained professionals and the growing population of older adults, it’s likely that advanced practice nurses specializing in adult or family practice are caring for many older adults.17