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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

Care for your own patients throughout the life span using a holistic, evidence-based practice approach to health and wellness.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
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Nurse smiling at a parent and child during an appointment.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

Care for your own patients throughout the life span using a holistic, evidence-based practice approach to health and wellness.

CRO - Form bait test for Takiyah

Ready to Get Started

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information

Why Choose Walden?

PREPARE FOR YOUR NP EXAM

This MSN online program academically prepares you to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) FNP exam and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification Board FNP exam.

ENHANCED PRACTICUM SUPPORT

Our Practicum Pledge™ provides a collaborative, dedicated process to help you find a well-suited and timely practicum match.*

IMMERSIVE LEARNINGS

Prepare for real-life scenarios you’ll face in your specialty through supervised clinical experiences and virtual Walden Grand Rounds.

BE A BEACON OF CHANGE

In this online MSN program, become a force for better, more equitable healthcare delivery in your organization and community.

PERSONALIZE YOUR DEGREE PATH

Walden meets you where you are in your educational and professional journey. Choose the RN-FNP or BSN-FNP program track.

HONORING EXTRAORDINARY NURSES

Walden is proud to join forces with The DAISY Foundation to recognize the compassionate work of nurses across the country.


We are here to help you find your nursing practicum.

With a Degree From Walden University, You Can Make a Greater Difference

Meet Anna, a nurse who went to the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis in New York. Listen to her story of tragedy and resilience, and learn more about how she’s achieving her dream of becoming a family nurse practitioner.

With a degree From Walden University, you can make a greater difference.

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Program Details

Learning Tracks

We have a path to success for every level in your nursing career.

Choose the BSN to FNP track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Curriculum

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 58 quarter credits
    • Core courses (23 cr.)
    • Specialization courses (35 cr. includes the required 640 practicum hours)

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-483-7820.

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN

Choose the RN to FNP track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.

Curriculum

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 84 quarter credits
    • Foundations courses (26 cr.)
    • Core courses (23 cr.)
    • Specialization courses (35 cr. includes the required 640 practicum hours)

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-483-7820.

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN

 If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor's in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.

 

Personalized Practicum Support

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After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge™ (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your degree journey.

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations (RN-FNP track): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN).

Program Admission Considerations (BSN-FNP track): A bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.

  • The Technical Standards Policy & Clinical Site Acknowledgement Form with:
    • A statement of understanding of the MSN FNP practicum requirements.
    • Identification of potential clinical sites in your local area for each of the four practicum requirements.
  • Additional Walden admission criteria required. Contact an Enrollment Specialist for more details.

More information for international applicants.

Explore Real-Life Clinical Scenarios With Walden Grand Rounds

As a nurse practitioner student at Walden, you can take part in Walden Grand Rounds several times throughout the quarter. Meet virtually with faculty and classmates to review clinical patient scenarios that are focused on assessing, differentiating, and treating pathological conditions. This is a unique opportunity to connect what you’ve learned in class with real-life situations and challenges you’ll encounter in the field as an NP.

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Tuition and Fees

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAMOUNT
Tuition58 quarter credit hours$765 per quarter hour$44,370
Program FeePer quarter$175$1,225
Clinical Course Fee4 courses (PRAC)$160$640
   $46,235*
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$6,120

$40,115†*

*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.s.

†*Represents BSN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAMOUNT
Tuition26 RN Foundational
quarter credit hours
$425 per quarter hour$11,050
 58 MSN quarter
credit hours
$765 per quarter hour$44,370
Program FeePer quarter$175$1,575
Clinical Course Fee4 courses (PRAC)$160$640
   $57,635*
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$6,120

$51,515†*

*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 40 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs..

†*Represents RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.

Program Outcomes

Raise the Standard of Care With Our MSN to FNP Online Program

Find your voice and reach your potential as a clinician with Walden’s FNP specialization—one of our many MSN nurse practitioner specializations. Learn to use advanced practice nursing skills to diagnose and treat illness, advocate for patients, and empower them to live healthier lives. Discover Walden Grand Rounds—virtual meetings with faculty that feature real-life scenarios you will encounter in your specialty. You’ll also benefit from practice exam questions and test-taking strategies to help you prepare for certification exams.

Walden MSN to FNP online practicum coordinators are available to assist you in meeting your practicum requirements and you can view this FAQ document for answers to some of the most common questions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this online MSN-FNP program, graduates will be prepared to:

  • Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
  • Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
  • Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
  • Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
  • Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
  • Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.

Resources

Meet Your MSN-FNP Program Academic Team

FAQ About Walden's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization

What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses with a master’s degree in nursing. They are educated, licensed, and certified to treat the whole family. Family nurse practitioners have the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat common illnesses and diseases, make referrals, order and interpret lab results, assist in minor surgeries, and write prescriptions—depending on state regulations, which vary. Although FNPs often work under the supervision of a physician, a number of states allow them to work independently.

Where Do FNPs Work?

Family nurse practitioners have broad primary care skills and can work in many settings. Oftentimes, the setting an FNP chooses depends on his or her career goals. Some of the most common settings for FNPs may include ambulatory or outpatient care, home healthcare, clinics, women’s care centers, schools, and pediatric offices.

How Do I Become an FNP?

After you successfully complete your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner, you will need to pursue licensure and certification. Family nurse practitioner licensure requirements are set at the state level, meaning each state’s nursing board has the authority to determine the requirements for licensure. It’s best for individuals to check with their state board of nursing for licensure and certification requirements; however, the vast majority of states require individuals to be certified by a national certification board.

Each national certification exam is a competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge in specific focus areas. Each autonomous national nursing certification board assesses entry-level nurse practitioner knowledge and practice competencies required to provide safe and quality healthcare. There are two primary national certification boards that offer the exams necessary for credentialing FNPs: the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

An FNP who is certified has fulfilled the requirements of a national certification board. Certification boards do not license individuals as FNPs. In order for an individual to be licensed as an FNP, individuals must meet the requirements as set forth by their state nursing board.

Is Walden’s MSN FNP Program Accredited?

Yes, Walden’s online MSN-FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. The Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing NP specializations are also accredited by CCNE. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

What makes Walden’s MSN FNP program different from others?

No other university in the U.S. graduates more nurses with MSN degrees than Walden. Didactic coursework in Walden’s MSN FNP program is 100% online, allowing you to fit education into your schedule. Walden does not require travel for health assessments like other universities often do, and students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis. In addition, class sizes are small and students have a great deal of support throughout their program.

Walden offers exceptional support services that include a robust online library, Student Success Advisors, practicum support staff, career planning and development, and more. Walden is also committed to positive social change, which is emphasized throughout the curriculum.

What support does Walden provide for finding a nursing practicum site?

A nursing practicum gives you valuable practical experience by allowing you to apply your new knowledge and skills in real-life situations and settings. Although you’re responsible for initiating your search for a field site based on your location preferences, Walden offers Practicum Advantage™ that provides Student Success Advisor coaching, resources, and self-help tools you need to identify a practicum site and nursing preceptor that fit with your education and career goals.

For the nurse practitioner (NP) specializations in our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, our Walden University Practicum Pledge™. You will benefit from our large network of field sites and preceptors, an additional dedicated Field Placement Team that partners with you to identify a site and preceptor. If you’re unable to identify your own nursing practicum site and preceptor after several attempts, we’ll assist in finding you a suitable match (along with additional requirements).

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1Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) | Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

2BLS | Nurse Practitioners

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

Note on licensure: Walden’s MSN nurse practitioner specializations are designed to academically prepare graduates with an active registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the U.S. as nurse practitioners. However, each state has its own academic preparation and authority to practice requirements and issues its own license for an RN to be permitted to practice as a nurse practitioner in that state. Learn more about professional licensure.

No graduate program can guarantee that graduates will obtain licensure to practice as a nurse practitioner. We encourage students to consult the appropriate board of nursing or regulatory authority in the states or jurisdictions in which they reside or intend to seek licensure to determine specific requirements. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general information relating to licensure; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to licensure for the state in which they intend to practice, as requirements vary widely.

Note on certification: Walden’s MSN program is designed to academically prepare graduates to apply for national certification. Walden makes no representations or guarantees that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to achieve national certification. We encourage students to consult an appropriate certifying body for the specific certification eligibility requirements. Students should also consult their state board of nursing or other state agency to determine what certifications are required or accepted in that state. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification, as requirements vary widely. For more information about nurse practitioner certification exams, students should visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board at www.aanpcert.org, the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) at [email protected], or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) at https://pncb.org, or other nurse practitioner certification websites.

Enrollment Restrictions by State
Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into any nurse practitioner specializations: Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

Note on Field Experience and Relocating
Students who are considering relocating are advised to contact their Student Success Advisor prior to any decision to relocate in order to determine how relocation may impact progress in their program. Advisors can provide information and guidance on how relocating may result in possible changes, restrictions, and/or additional requirements affecting field experience. Each Board of Nursing and Higher Education Authority governs the field experience rules and regulations in their respective states, and students may be unable to complete field experience in the state in which they plan to relocate. While Walden is committed to working collaboratively with students to secure field sites across the United States, it is imperative that students contact their Student Success Advisor immediately when considering relocating.

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