Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Details

Learning Tracks

BSN to MSN

Curriculum

Degree Completion Requirements

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

Start dates are offered each quarter so you can begin your program when it is convenient for you. Enrollment in this nurse practitioner specialization is currently open to new students.

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 855-646-5286.

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
	CORE COURSES
NURS 6002/6003	Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing Show In this course students are introduced to Walden University and online learning. Students explore strategies for the successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also will receive a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments introduce students to resources that support success, development of graduate-level writing skills and use of APA Style, academic integrity, and the creation of a professional development plan based on each student’s chosen specialization. Additionally, information and requirements for the MSN Practicum are introduced.	3 cr.
NURS 6050	Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health Show In today's rapidly changing healthcare delivery system, decisions made within the political arena impact the future of health delivery systems, healthcare professionals, and the populations they serve. In this course, students examine the policy process and its impact on healthcare delivery, cost, quality, and access. Students examine the importance of getting healthcare issues on federal and state agenda, investigate governmental response through legislation and regulation, and identify where they can advocate for positive outcomes in program/policy design, implementation, and evaluation. Global health issues are examined for their relevance and impact on the development of the nurse advocate. Through discussions, reflection, case studies, and the application of professional communications techniques as political tactics to influence policy outcomes, students demonstrate integration of policy decision-making into professional nurse practice for the benefit of individuals and populations. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
NURS 6051	Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology Show Nursing informatics is essential to the provision of effective and efficient care. This course examines nursing informatics as a nursing competency and a nursing specialty. Students examine the role of the nurse informaticist in current practices related to the collection, access, and use of health information and knowledge, as well as the implementation of clinical systems. Through this course, students gain an understanding of how informatics is used to improve advanced nursing practice and healthcare outcomes across organizations, public health, and consumer health settings. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
NURS 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. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
NURS 6053	Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership Show Students in this course will develop leadership skills to transform nursing and adapt organizations in response to the turbulent healthcare environment. They will develop and apply theory-based leadership competencies to create the organizational cultures needed to achieve quality patient outcomes. Students will also explore evidence-based strategies to create healthy work environments that empower nurses and build collaborative interprofessional teams. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
	SPECIALIZATION COURSES
NURS 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. Prerequisites NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N	(5 cr.)
NURS 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. Prerequisites NURS 6501	(5 cr.)
NURS 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. Prerequisites NURS 6521	(5 cr.)
NRNP 6566/PRAC 6566	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care 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 included cardiac, pulmonary, and renal issues as well as common diagnostic test and procedures. (Prerequisites: NURS 6501, NURS 6512, and NURS 6521)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6540/PRAC 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. (Prerequisites for AGAC students: NURS 6501, NURS 6521, NURS 6521. Prerequisites for AGPC students: NRNP 6531 and PRAC 6531.)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6550/PRAC 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. (Prerequisites: NRNP 6540, PRAC 6540, NRNP 6566, and PRAC 6566)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6560/PRAC 6560	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care 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 multi-disciplinary healthcare team are emphasized. (Prerequisites: NRNP 6550 and PRAC 6550)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less Courses

RN to MSN

BSN TO DNP / PHD IN NURSING

Personalized Practicum Support

Admission Requirements

Tuition and Fees

BSN to MSN

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	AMOUNT
Tuition	58 quarter credit hours	$726 per quarter hour	$42,108
Technology Fee	Per quarter	$165	$1,320
Clinical Course Fee	4 courses (PRAC)	$150	$600
			$44,028*

^*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.

RN to MSN

Program Outcomes

Gain Advanced Practice Skills in Critical Care

Learning Outcomes

Resources

Meet Your MSN-AGACNP Academic Team