Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Choose the Path That Is Right for You

BSN to MSN

Curriculum

Degree Completion Requirements

• 58 total 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.	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.	(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.	(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.	(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.	(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.	(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.	(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.	(5 cr.)
NRNP 6566/PRAC 6566	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings I Show This course is the first of three 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 cardiac, septic, distributive, neurogenic, and hypovolemic shock.	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6540/PRAC 6540	Advanced Practice Care of Frail Elders Show The frail elderly are a subpopulation characterized by inactivity and weight loss. In this course, students focus on the complex healthcare and management needs of the frail elderly by advanced nurse practitioners in community settings. Students learn to plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens through the analysis of case studies and the actual care of frail elderly in various 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: NURS 6501, NURS 6512, NURS 6521, and NURS 6531.)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6550/PRAC 6550	Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Show The complex assessment and care of patients in the hospital setting will require advanced practice nurses to obtain the specialized skills necessary to provide quality care for patients in these acute care settings. This course is designed to prepare students to provide care for acutely ill and critically ill patients. Students in this course will be introduced to the role of the advanced practice nurse, while gaining confidence in caring for acutely ill patients. Through course assignments and clinical practice in the acute care setting they will plan, implement, and evaluate care for critically ill patients. Students will also increase their knowledge of pharmacologic management of hospitalized patients, while applying knowledge gained through previous coursework.	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 advance their clinical competence in the care of patients in acute care settings by building on knowledge and skills gained in NURS 6550. Through clinical practice, students build confidence as they begin the transition from student to advanced practice nurse. Classroom activities and case studies enable students to explore the complex healthcare system, including multiple governmental, social, and personal resources available to acutely ill adults across the age continuum. Clinical experiences in hospital settings provide students with the continued opportunity to develop, implement, and evaluate management plans for adults and older adults with complex acute, critical, and chronic illness. The application of knowledge in the management of patients and the collaboration between the advanced practice nurse and the patient, family, and interprofessional healthcare team are emphasized.	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less Courses

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	Total *
Tuition	58 total quarter credit hours	$715 per quarter hour	$41,470
Technology Fee	Per quarter	$160	$1,280
Clinical Course Fee	Per courses below (NURS 6531, NURS 6540, NURS 6551, NURS 6565)	$150	$600
		TOTAL	$43,350
		Transfer up to 25 credits*	$18,515
		Total with Maximum Transfer Credits†	$24,835

The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies 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.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000.

*Calculation based on students transferring in a combination of RN Foundational and MSN courses.

†Maximum transfer credit total includes reduction in technology fee as related to reduced number of courses over time.

RN to MSN

Admission Requirements

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

Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

Deliver an Advanced Level of Critical Care

In this online acute care nurse practitioner MSN program, you’ll examine how to plan, implement, and evaluate care for critically ill patients. This includes performing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions during rapid physiologic deterioration or life-threatening instability. Build skills in promoting health and disease prevention by assessing risks and providing wellness education to vulnerable patients.

Walden 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 about the practicum.

Meet Your MSN-AGACNP Academic Team

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this specialization, graduates will be prepared to:

What’s the Career Impact of Becoming an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?

The demand for nurse practitioners in acute-care settings is greater than ever before, as the expanding and aging population strains the U.S. healthcare system. The predicted shortage of up to 122,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2032 adds to this urgency.² As a graduate of Walden’s online acute care nurse practitioner MSN program, you’ll be qualified to help meet that need.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 52% through 2029³. The average median pay for a nurse practitioner is $115,800 per year; however, the salary range typically falls between $81,410 and $152,160.⁴ Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

An MSN-AGACNP can prepare you to work in settings such as⁴

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

Learn more about top industry sectors, most in-demand job skills and top job titles for MSN grads.