Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

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.

BSN to DNP

Curriculum

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)

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
NURS 8002/8006	Foundations and Essentials for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Show Students in this course are introduced to Walden University and are provided with a foundation for academic and professional development in the DNP program. Students apply professional standards and explore the role of the doctorally prepared nurse as one who effects positive social change. They engage in course assessments focused on the practical application of scholarly writing, critical-thinking skills, and the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also explore the essentials of being a Walden doctoral student, relevant professional and specialty standards of doctoral-level nursing practice, intra- and interprofessional collaboration, and the process of the DNP Doctoral Project. -	(5 cr.)
DNRS 6052	Essentials of Evidence Based Practice Show Nurses base practice on sound and tested evidence to ensure the safety, high quality, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. This course provides students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) and how it interacts and aligns with research and quality improvement. Students will examine how to use databases to discover evidence and how to apply their knowledge of research methodologies to critically appraise literature. They will also examine opportunities to strengthen their synthesis and integration skills to determine whether a change in practice is needed, based on a body of evidence. Through exploration of implementation, evaluation, and dissemination strategies, students will explore the intricacies of leading and mentoring change within an organization to enhance nursing practice.	(5 cr.)
DNRS 6211	Finance and Economics in Healthcare Delivery Show Students in this course examine the fundamentals of finance and economics in healthcare delivery. They explore different ways to analyze financial data and interpret the results of those analyses. They explore budgeting and financial management tools in the context of the nurse leader's role in the management of operational and capital resources. They examine the influence of policies and budgetary assumptions on the provision of health services. Students also explore budget and resource decisions contributing to the achievement of organizational outcomes within the context of providing efficient and cost-effective quality care.	(5 cr.)
NURS 8114	Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Nursing Show In this course, students focus on the integration of scientific, philosophical, and theoretical concepts as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice. They examine the scientific underpinnings for nursing practice, including middle range nursing and interdisciplinary theories and they explore the interrelationship among knowledge, research, and practice. Students also explore clinical inquiry, models of evidence-based practice, implementation science, and translation of evidence for practice change and quality improvement. Students develop their own philosophy of nursing practice.	(5 cr.)
NURS 8201	Research for Evidence Based Practice Show The focus of this course is to integrate and extend the Doctor of Nursing Practice student's skills and knowledge of research methods to read, interpret, and evaluate research studies using qualitative and quantitative methods for nursing and the other healthcare professions. Essential topics include overview of research concepts and the research process; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research methods and designs, including data collection, data analysis, and interpretation techniques; ethical issues in research; and utilizing research findings to guide practice. Basic statistics will be reviewed, including the appropriate use of various statistics, underlying assumptions of the procedures, and the interpretation of results generated from statistical software.	(5 cr.)
NURS 8302	Leading Organizations for Quality Improvement Initiatives Show The focus of this course is the development of leadership competencies and strategies to support organizational and systems leadership for continuous improvement in health outcomes and the delivery of quality care. Emphasis is on understanding the challenges and complexity in the healthcare system and the development of skills and knowledge to lead, manage, evaluate, and innovate to transforms the healthcare environment. Essential topics include leadership for change and transformation, quality improvement tools and methods, safety principles, and project management.	(5 cr.)
NURS 8702	DNP Project Mentoring Show This course provides students the opportunity to translate knowledge into practice and demonstrate the competencies of the AACN DNP Essentials. Students will complete the DNP project to demonstrate organizational/systems leadership, translation of evidence, and quality improvement processes on a change impacting health outcomes. Projects will follow the project management process and include components of planning, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Students complete the DNP project independently, with the guidance of a faculty advisor and an organization mentor. The order and format of the steps of the DNP project are outlined in the DNP Project Process Guide.	(0 cr.)
NURS 8210	Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology Show When used effectively, information technology can support generation of new knowledge and emerging information technologies. In this course, students examine the critical appraisal and use of information technology in advanced nursing practice. Students work to gain the skills and knowledge needed to research, develop, process, integrate, and manage data, communication and information systems, and programs through technology resources in consumer, clinical, and public health settings. Students engage in a variety of discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application of content on topics including retrieval and critical analysis of digital data and emerging technology to support healthcare quality improvement; electronic health records integration and evaluation; and web-based learning and intervention tools to support and improve patient care. They also explore ethical, regulatory, and legal issues as well as the healthcare standards and principles for selecting and evaluating information systems and patient care technology.	(5 cr.)
NURS 8502	Evidence Based Practice I Show The purpose of this course is to provide the student with opportunities to create individualized objectives based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing DNP Essentials to develop leadership skills and competencies in their specific areas of interest. Students work with an approved practicum mentor to generate practicum evidence and complete practicum journal requirements. Students complete a self-evaluation and reflect on their personal growth.	(5 cr.)
DNRS 6501	Advanced Pathophysiology Show Advanced practice nurses must be equipped with an in-depth understanding of pathophysiological disease processes across the lifespan. In this course, students focus on understanding the bio-physiological processes, the deviations from these processes, and an in-depth examination of the scientific concepts related to the biology of disease processes. Advanced practice nursing students build on their knowledge of normal organ systems functioning to help organ systems return to optimal homeostasis. Through knowledge of pathophysiological disease processes, students synthesize the information needed to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients across the life span. Students explore a variety of topics regarding organ system diseases.	(5 cr.)
DNRS 6521	Advanced Pharmacology Show A solid foundation in the concepts and principles of drug therapy across the lifespan is essential to the work of advanced practice nurses. This course applies the advanced principles of pharmacology, including pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, by analysis of common drug classes prescribed by advanced practice nurses across the life span. Factors influencing successful therapy, such as effectiveness, safety, acceptability, cost, genetic/environmental influences, complementary regimens, and patient behaviors are considered. Through this course, students prepare to examine complex decisions in the management and treatment of selected acute and chronic diseases across the life span through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents. Advanced practice nursing students will have a more in-depth understanding of drug legislation and regulation for prescribing drugs.	(5 cr.)
DNRS 6512	Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Show The physical and emotional well-being of patients and families can be complex and multifaceted. Advanced practice nurses need to have the knowledge and ability to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive physical health assessments. Students in this course focus on concepts and skills to assess patients across the lifespan. They learn to use diagnostic reasoning, advanced communication, and physical assessment skills to identify changes in health patterns. Students also will explore preventative health through risk evaluation of healthy individuals as a central theme of clinical practice in addition to the assessment of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The advanced skills of suturing, reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X-rays will be covered. Course assignments emphasize risk assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based assessment across the lifespan.	(5 cr.)
DRNP 6566	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Show This course is the first of four clinical courses in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum. Students will explore and integrate concepts of pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment, and collaborative management of adolescents, adults, and older adults who are acutely/critically ill or experiencing an exacerbation of a chronic health problem. The clinical focus is on the role of the acute care nurse practitioner working with an interdisciplinary team across settings to facilitate the patient's return to optimal health. Topics include cardiac, pulmonary, and renal issues as well as common diagnostic test and procedures. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521.)	(3 cr.)
PRCM 6566	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum Show This is the first of four practicum courses in the Adult-Gerontology curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to the diagnosis and management of adolescents, adults, and older adults with acute/critical illness. The focus of this course is on advanced nursing practice in the acute care environment. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521.)	(2 cr.)
NURS 8100	Healthcare Policy and Advocacy Show In this course, students examine economic, financial, and political factors influencing the delivery of healthcare, and consider policy reform through legal, regulatory, ethical, societal, and organizational contexts. They examine the political and policy process, including agenda setting, stakeholder analysis, and application of policy analysis frameworks. Students also explore the importance of interprofessional collaboration in improving health outcomes through the policy process and advocacy for development and implementation of nursing and healthcare policies in organizations at the local, state, national, and international levels. Students engage in written analyses through which they develop new policies and/or critically evaluate existing policies though policy analysis frameworks.	(5 cr.)
NURS 8310	Epidemiology and Population Health Show Students in this course are provided with an overview of epidemiologic methodology in the study of the distribution and etiology of disease and health-related conditions in human populations. They explore and discuss select global problems, such as infectious diseases, bioterrorism attacks, and effects of disasters and emergencies. Students apply epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to study factors related to aggregate, population, and individual health. Students will explore the importance of cultural sensitivity and an interprofessional approach, in caring for diverse and at-risk populations.	(5 cr.)
DRNP 6540	Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Show In this course, students focus on the complex healthcare and management needs of older adults by advanced nurse practitioners in acute and primary care settings. Students learn to plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens of older adults through the application of knowledge in multiple settings. Additionally, students examine content related to end-of-life care and caregiver issues to gain the knowledge and sensibilities needed to implement positive change for the quality of life available to this vulnerable population. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521.)	(3 cr.)
PRCM 6540	Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum Show This is one of four practicum courses in the Adult-Gerontology curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to the diagnosis and management of those conditions more common in older adults. The focus of this course is on advanced nursing practice relevant to the acute and primary care environments. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521.)	(2 cr.)
DRNP 6550	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Show This course is the second of four clinical courses in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum. Students will plan, implement, and evaluate care for acutely/critically ill patients or patients experiencing an exacerbation of a chronic health problem. The clinical focus is on the role of the acute care nurse practitioner working with an interdisciplinary team across settings to facilitate the patient's return to optimal health. Students will apply appropriate diagnostic procedures and relevant laboratory tests in developing appropriate treatment plans to address patient health needs in the acute care setting. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521, DRNP 6540, and DRNP 6566.)	(3 cr.)
PRCM 6550	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Settings II Practicum Show This is the second of four practicum courses in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to the diagnosis and management of adolescents, adults, and older adults with acute/critical illness. The focus of this course is on the development of advanced practice clinical skills under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in an acute care practice setting. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521, DRNP 6540, and DRNP 6566.)	(2 cr.)
NURS 8503	Evidence Based Practice II Show The purpose of this course is to provide the student with opportunities to create individualized objectives based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing DNP Essentials to develop leadership skills and competencies in their specific areas of interest. Students work with an approved practicum mentor to generate practicum evidence and complete practicum journal requirements. Students will complete a self-evaluation, reflect on their personal growth, and explore post-graduation plans. (Prerequisite(s): NURS 8502.)	(5 cr.)
DRNP 6560	Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Show Students in this course will advance their clinical competence in the care of patients in acute care settings. Students will build confidence as they begin the transition from student to advanced practice nurse. Classroom activities and case studies will enable students to explore resources and support systems available to acutely ill adolescents, adults, and older adults. The application of knowledge in the management of patients and the collaboration between the advanced practice nurse and the patient, family, and multidisciplinary healthcare team are emphasized. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521, DRNP 6540, DRNP 6566, and DRNP 6550.)	(3 cr.)
PRCM 6560	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Practicum Show This is the final of four practicum courses in the Adult-Gerontology curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to the diagnosis and management of adolescents, adults, and older adults with acute/critical illness. The focus of this course is on advanced nursing practice in the acute care environment. (Prerequisite(s): DNRS 6501, DNRS 6512, and DNRS 6521, DRNP 6540, DRNP 6566, and DRNP 6550.)	(2 cr.)
NURS 8703	DNP Project Completion Show This course is designed for the student to complete their DNP project. The final DNP project demonstrates students' ability to integrate knowledge into practice and to demonstrate the competencies of the AACN DNP Essentials. Students will demonstrate organizational/systems leadership, translation of evidence, and quality improvement processes of a change impacting health outcomes. Projects will follow the project management process and include components of planning, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Students complete the DNP project independently, with the guidance of a faculty advisor and an organization mentor. The order and format of the steps of the DNP project are outlined in the DNP Project Process Guide.	(3 cr. per term as needed to complete the DNP Project)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less Courses

NURS 8702, DNP Project Mentoring (0 credits), is taken concurrently with the core courses. It will serve as a platform for the ongoing collaborative learning communication between students' and their DNP Project chair and as a repository for drafts and documentation materials related to the DNP Project. Students will be assigned to sections of NURS 8702 based on their DNP Project chair. There is no cost for the course.

The DNP requires a minimum of 1,000 post-BSN practicum hours, with at least 500 hours at the DNP level. Students who need more practicum hours to meet this requirement may take NURS 8601 for additional credits. Each credit hour is equal to 80 practicum hours to help students reach a total of 1,000 practicum hours.

NURS 8703 DNP Project Completion: This additional 3-credit course is only needed if the student has not completed the DNP project by the end of NURS 8100. If needed, students are continuously enrolled in NURS 8703 until completion of their doctoral study with final Chief Academic Officer (CAO) approval.

Eight-Year Maximum Time Frame
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

Students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral degree requirements. See the policy in the Walden University Student Handbook. Students may petition to extend the eight-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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.

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum	Requirements	Cost	AMOUNT *
Tuition-Coursework	45 quarter credits	$850 per quarter hour for coursework credits	$38,250^
Tuition – Essential coursework	10 quarter credits	$450 per quarter credit	$4,500^
Tuition – NP Specialization coursework	35 quarter credits	$715 per quarter credit	$25,025^
Clinical course fee	PRCM 6566, PRCM 6540, PRCM 6550, PRCM 6560	$150 per course	$600
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project	Up to 78† quarter credits	$850 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits	Up to $66,300
Technology Fee		$160 per quarter	1,920–$5,120*
Estimated Range:			3-Year Minimum	8-Year Maximum
			$70,295	$139,795+

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^{^}This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

^† Based on a 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

^*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

⁺Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.

MSN to DNP

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.

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.

Meet Your Academic Team

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 2029.² 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.