ENHANCE YOUR RÉSUMÉ
In your DNP project, you’ll build a portfolio by working directly with a local healthcare partner to address a challenge they face.
IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY
Explore the complex factors that affect health outcomes and become an advocate for improving healthcare in your community.
START WITH YOUR BSN
Many of our DNP specializations offer a BSN entry point if you’re ready to move your career forward—but don’t have your MSN.
GET ENHANCED PRACTICUM SUPPORT
With Practicum Pledge®, you benefit from our collaborative, dedicated process to help you find a timely, suitable practicum match.1
We are here to help you find your nursing practicum.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
New! Believe & Achieve Scholarship: Start classes now, stay on track to graduation, and receive up to five credits at the end of the program tuition-free. Contact an Enrollment Specialist to learn more.
Choose the Path That Is Right for You
Choose the BSN to DNP track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor’s in nursing degree.
Choose the MSN to DNP track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your master’s in nursing degree.
Minimum Completion Requirements
- 90 quarter credits
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
- Foundation course (5 cr.)
- Essential courses (10 cr.)
- Core courses (40 cr.)
- Specialization courses (35 cr.)
- Completion of DNP project
- Doctoral Mentoring (0 cr.)
- Doctoral DNP Project Completion (if needed to complete DNP Project after all other coursework has been completed; 3 cr. per term, taken continuously until completion)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Curriculum
Minimum Completion Requirements
- 80 quarter credits
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
- Foundation course (5 cr.)
- Core courses (40 cr.)
- Specialization courses (35 cr.)
- Completion of DNP project
- Doctoral Mentoring (0 cr.)
- Doctoral DNP Project Completion (if needed to complete DNP Project after all other coursework has been completed; 3 cr. per term, taken continuously until completion)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your online doctoral program won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION
Get help choosing a doctoral research topic that reflects your interests. Learn how you can use the findings to create meaningful change.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-DNP track): You must have a current, active RN license, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements.
Program Admission Considerations (MSN-DNP track): You must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing or equivalent from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.
- The Technical Standards Policy Form, a statement of understanding of the DNP NP practicum requirements.
- Additional Walden admission criteria required. Contact an Enrollment Specialist for more details.
- More information for international applicants.
Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Amount* |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition-Coursework | 30 quarter credits* | $905 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $27,150 |
Tuition-Essential Coursework | 10 quarter credits | $495 per quarter credit | $4,950^ |
Tuition-NP Specialization Coursework | 35 quarter credits | $765 per quarter credit | $26,775^ |
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 15 quarter credits | $905 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $13,575^ |
Clinical Course fee | 4 courses (PRCM) | $160 per course | $640 |
Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $2,275^ | |
$75,365+ | |||
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,120 $69,245†* |
Effective February 24, 2025
Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Amount* |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition-Coursework | 30 quarter credits* | $925 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $27,750 |
Tuition-Essential Coursework | 10 quarter credits | $500 per quarter credit | $5,000^ |
Tuition-NP Specialization Coursework | 35 quarter credits | $775 per quarter credit | $27,125^ |
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 15 quarter credits | $925 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $13,875^ |
Clinical Course fee | 4 courses (PRCM) | $160 per course | $640 |
Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $2,340^ | |
$76,730+ | |||
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,200 |
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500-$2,500. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary, or for practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt. and 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 vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 20 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.
†*Represents minimum time to completion and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe and Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Amount* |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition-Coursework | 30 quarter credits* | $905 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $27,150 |
Tuition-NP Specialization Coursework | 35 quarter credits | $765 per quarter credit | $26,775^ |
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 15 quarter credits | $905 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $13,575^ |
Clinical Course fee | 4 courses (PRCM) | $160 per course | $640 |
Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $2,100^ | |
$70,240+ | |||
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,120 $64,120†* |
Effective February 24, 2025
Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Amount* |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition-Coursework | 30 quarter credits* | $925 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $27,750 |
Tuition-NP Specialization Coursework | 35 quarter credits | $775 per quarter credit | $27,125^ |
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 15 quarter credits | $925 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $13,875^ |
Clinical Course fee | 4 courses (PRCM) | $160 per course | $640 |
Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $2,160^ | |
$71,550+ | |||
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,200 |
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500-$2,500. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary, or for practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt. and 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 vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 20 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.
†*Represents minimum time to completion and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe and Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
New! Believe & Achieve Scholarship: Start classes now, stay on track to graduation, and receive up to five credits at the end of the program tuition-free. Contact an Enrollment Specialist to learn more.
Program Outcomes
Deliver an Advanced Level of Critical Care
Learn to plan, implement, and evaluate care for critically ill patients in our online DNP adult-gerontology acute care program. In this specialization, you’ll explore how to perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions during rapid physiologic deterioration or life-threatening instability. Master essential skills in health promotion and disease prevention by assessing risks and providing wellness education to vulnerable patient populations.
Walden practicum coordinators are available to assist you in meeting your practicum requirements. Explore our FAQ document for answers to some of the most common questions.
Career Outlook
The demand for nurse practitioners in acute-care settings is rising, as an aging and expanding population strains our nation’s healthcare system. An online DNP adult gerontology acute care degree can qualify you to help meet the demand and broaden your career opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 52% through 2030.2 The average median pay for a nurse practitioner is $111,680 per year; however, the salary range typically falls between $82,960 and $156,160.3 Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
A DNP-AGACNP degree can academically prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Emergency departments and trauma centers
- Intensive care units
- Trauma centers
- Tertiary care, coronary care, and palliative care
- Specialty care centers
- Hospital surgical units, including general, cardiovascular, and neurosurgery
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Meet Your Academic Team
Benefit from the wisdom of seasoned educators—our faculty's real-world knowledge fuels your academic and personal growth.