Four students and their professor studying for a DNP psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner degree

Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Prepare academically to sit for the national family nurse practitioner certification exam with our online DNP-FNP program.

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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Four students and their professor studying for a DNP psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner degree

Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

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?

TREAT PATIENTS AT ALL STAGES

Focus on the proactive diagnosis and management of primary healthcare needs for children, adolescents, and adults.

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN

Promote health and wellness in your female patients by providing comprehensive and personalized information, diagnoses, and treatment.

GET ENHANCED PRACTICUM SUPPORT

With Practicum Pledge™, you benefit from our collaborative, dedicated process to help you find a timely, suitable practicum match.1

START WITH YOUR BSN

Many of our DNP specializations offer a BSN entry point if you’re ready to move your education forward but don’t have your MSN.

JOIN WALDEN GRAND ROUNDS

Meet virtually with faculty and classmates to critically examine real-life scenarios you’ll encounter in your specialty.


We are here to help you find your nursing practicum.

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.

Program Details

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.

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 of the DNP Project)

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.)

    • Field experience (up to 6 cr., for students with fewer than 600 documented clinical hours)

    • 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 of the DNP Project)

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.

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.

Tuition and Fees

 

CurriculumRequirementsCostAMOUNT *
Tuition-Coursework45 quarter credits$905 per quarter hour for coursework credits$40,725^
Tuition – Essential coursework10 quarter credits$495 per quarter credit$4,950^
Tuition – NP Specialization coursework35 quarter credits$765 per quarter credit$26,775^
Clinical course fee4 courses (PRCM)$160 per course$640
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 0–57 quarter credits$905 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project creditsUp to $51,585
Program Fee $175 per quarter2,275–$5,600*
Estimated Range:  3.25-Year Minimum8-Year Maximum
   $75,365$130,275+

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 3.25-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.

 

CurriculumRequirementsCostAMOUNT*
Tuition-Coursework45 quarter credits$905 per quarter hour for coursework credits$40,725^
Tuition – NP Specialization coursework35 quarter credits$765 per quarter hour$26,775^
Clinical course fee4 courses (PRCM)$160 per course$640
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 0–60 quarter credits$905 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project creditsUp to $54,300
Program Fee $175 per quarter$1,925–$5,600*
Estimated Range:  3-Year minimum8-Year maximum
   $70,065$128,040+

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 2.7.5 -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.

Paying for Your Education

Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.

PROGRAM SAVINGS

Looking to reach your potential with a doctoral degree? We want to support you by making your goals more achievable. Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start this program on April 8, 2024. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

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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Program Outcomes

Be a Catalyst for Healthier Communities

In Walden’s DNP Family Nurse Practitioner specialization, you’ll discover how to reach your potential as a clinician and healthcare change agent. Examine the importance of providing holistic, evidence-based care to patients from birth to end of life. Learn to use advanced clinical judgment to diagnose and treat illness, advocate for patients, and encourage them to live healthier lives.

Walden practicum coordinators are available to assist you in meeting your DNP-FNP practicum requirements. Explore our FAQ document for answers to some of the most common questions.

Career Outlook

As a registered nurse, you’re more than a caregiver. You’re a champion of equitable, and accessible healthcare for all. With a DNP-FNP program, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to have clinical autonomy and oversee your own patients. Open the door to new opportunities—and a new future. Become a catalyst for better outcomes in your healthcare facility and community.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for NPs are expected to soar 52% through 2030—a rate much faster than average for all occupations.2

A DNP FNP specialization can academically prepare you to work in settings and areas such as:

  • Private practice

  • Healthcare systems

  • Universities

  • Community health centers

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Resources

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1Additional requirements for Walden's Practicum Pledge™

2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners, SOC Code 29-1171. Retrieved September 2021. National job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee job growth, and are subject to change.

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
The DNP nurse practitioner specializations programs are designed to prepare graduates with an active registered nurse (RN) license or APRN license to practice in the U.S. as nurse practitioners in their program specialty area. However, each state has its own academic preparation and authority to practice requirements and issues its own credential for an RN to be permitted to practice as a nurse practitioner in that state. 

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 DNP NP specializations are 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, or other nurse practitioner certification websites. 

Enrollment Restrictions by State
Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into any DNP Nurse Practitioner specializations: Arizona, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, 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.

*Additional requirements for Walden's Practicum Pledge™