View our BSN-MSN FNP track completion requirements
- 58 quarter credits
- Core courses (23 cr.)
- Specialization courses (35 cr. includes the required 640 practicum hours)
PREPARE FOR YOUR NP EXAM
This MSN-FNP online program academically prepares you to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) FNP certification exam and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification Board FNP exam.
ENHANCED PRACTICUM SUPPORT
Our Practicum Pledge® provides a collaborative, dedicated process to help you find a well-suited and timely practicum match.
IMMERSIVE LEARNING
Prepare for real-life scenarios you’ll face in your specialty through supervised clinical experiences and virtual Walden Grand Rounds.
SKILLS FOR CLINICAL SUCCESS
Prepare for your practicum with our virtual skills lab, featuring engaging videos, virtual labs, assessments, and faculty support.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Personalize Your Path
We meet you where you are in your educational and professional journey with a choice of BSN-MSN FNP or RN-MSN FNP program tracks.
BSN to MSN FNP
RN to MSN FNP
BSN to DNP / PHD IN NURSING
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Choose the BSN to MSN NP track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Featured BSN-MSN FNP Courses
Advanced Pathophysiology
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 lifespan. Students explore a variety of topics regarding organ system diseases.
Advanced Pharmacology
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 lifespan. 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 lifespan 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.
Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
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 preventive 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.
Advanced Nurse Practice in Reproductive Health Care
How can a nurse practitioner decide what is important to focus on in a 15–30 minute appointment with individuals seeking primary, prenatal, or postpartum care? Students in this course gain opportunities to teach and promote wellness in individuals through the process of screening for common gynecologic conditions, normal pregnancy, and other common health conditions that impact the individual's health. Students learn to analyze data to interpret results for the benefit of the individual seeking assistance with planning healthy lifestyle behaviors. They also gain an understanding of working with individual's sexual identity and sexual orientation with respect to, ethical decision making, and an unbiased approach to optimal care. Students will consider how this course will benefit their clinical experience in a primary healthcare setting to increase competence in diagnosis, treatment, referrals, or follow-up care with a concentration on improving patient outcomes.
Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice of Patients in Family Care Settings
Students in this synthesis course focus on clinical competence in family settings by building on knowledge and skills gained in previous courses. Students build confidence as they continue to transition from the role of registered nurse to that of advanced practice nurse. Classroom activities and case studies enable students to explore the salient nurse practitioner practice issues involved in the delivery of safe, competent, high-quality, and cost-effective care of patients in a dynamic healthcare system. The application of knowledge in the management of clients and collaboration among the advanced practice nurse and the client, family, and interprofessional healthcare team are emphasized. This course is designed for nurse practitioner (NP) students to synthesize their knowledge and clinical skills to provide care to patients with complex health conditions.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Choose the RN-MSN FNP track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering our online MSN FNP program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.
Featured RN-MSN FNP Courses
Issues and Trends in Nursing
Improvement of healthcare delivery in the United States relies on many factors, such as effective nurse advocacy through politics, policy, and professional associations. But advocacy depends on the ability to fully understand current issues, systems, policies, and related contexts. In this course, students engage in a systems-level analysis of the implications of healthcare policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery.
Through policy analysis assignments students apply legislative, regulatory, and financial processes relevant to their organization and provision of healthcare services in their community. Students consider the impact of these processes on quality and safety in nursing practice environment and disparities in the healthcare system. Through this course, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for vulnerable populations and promote positive social change.
Foundations of Nursing Research
Nurses must understand research in order to effectively participate in the provision of evidence-based nursing care. Students in this course learn the foundational elements of the research process, refine information literacy skills, and develop an understanding of ethical research. Students investigate each step of the research process and complete a critical examination of quantitative and qualitative research relevant to their nursing practice. Students are given the tools to analyze nurse-sensitive indicators and clinical practice guidelines.
Topics in Clinical Nursing
Nurses play a critical role in the care of patients with major acute and chronic health problems. They are accountable for clinical outcomes and for promoting quality and safety in patient care through the use of information technology. Students in this course will examine their role in the evaluation of nurse-sensitive indicators, standards, and core measures to develop an evidence-based practice approach to care. Students explore the relationship of genetics and genomics to health and illness as well as infection-control issues. The nurse's role in palliative and end-of-life care and complementary and alternative therapies is also explored. Students apply course concepts and demonstrate an understanding of nursing interventions and agency policy to improve nursing practice.
Primary Care of Adults Across the Lifespan
In this course, students learn how nurse practitioners master the art and science of clinical decision making among adult populations across the lifespan. Students focus on the diagnosis and management of primary healthcare needs and problems of the adult across the lifespan. They engage in a variety of course assignments that focus on physical and behavioral disease processes central to diagnosing conditions as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic treatment programs for acute illnesses commonly encountered in a primary healthcare setting.
Primary Care of Adolescents and Children
How can a nurse practitioner master the art and science of clinical decision making among pediatric populations? This course provides students with the opportunity to answer this question as they examine content related to the primary healthcare of pediatric patients, from newborn through adolescence (up to age 21), while focusing on growth and development, health promotion, and common primary care health problems. Students learn how to identify, diagnose, and manage these problems. They also gain confidence in clinical experience in a primary healthcare setting that provides opportunities to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens for acute and chronic illnesses commonly found in children and adolescents.
BSN to DNP/PhD in Nursing
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor’s in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
Admissions
Work directly with an Enrollment Specialist who will guide you through every step—from finding the right degree program to exploring ways to fund your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Enrolling in an online MSN FNP program is a big decision. Walden has made the admissions process easier with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
View Admission Criteria
Program Admission Considerations (RN-FNP track): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN).
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-FNP track): A bachelor's degree or higher.
- General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.
- The Technical Standards Policy & Clinical Site Acknowledgement Form with:
- A statement of understanding of the MSN FNP practicum requirements.
- Identification of potential clinical sites in your local area for each of the four practicum requirements.
- Additional Walden admission criteria required. Contact an Enrollment Specialist for more details.
More information for international applicants.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are her to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
Tuition Breakdown
Walden offers opportunities to help you lower the cost of your online MSN FNP program—such as partner savings, military tuition reductions, transfer of credit, and our Believe & Achieve Scholarship®.
Experience-based credits
Tuition reductions
Scholarship savings
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 58 quarter credit hours | $775 per quarter hour | $44,950 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,260 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
$46,850* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,200 | ||
*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 $1,800 to $2,500; this includes a mandatory clinical skills resource required during NURS/DNRS 6512 at a cost of $299. 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.
†*Represents BSN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $430 per quarter hour | $11,180 |
| 58 MSN quarter credit hours | $775 per quarter hour | $44,950 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,800 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
$58,570* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,200 | ||
*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 40 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 $1,800 to $2,500; this includes a mandatory clinical skills resource required during NURS/DNRS 6512 at a cost of $299. 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.
†*Represents RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
Personalized Practicum Support
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 online MSN program.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Raise the Standard of Care
Find your voice and reach your potential as a clinician with Walden’s online MSN-FNP program. Learn to use advanced practice nursing skills to diagnose and treat illness, advocate for patients, and empower them to live healthier lives.
Career Opportunities
Provide direct care to patients of all ages, with a focus on prevention and wellness.
In Demand
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners provide primary or specialty care, working independently or as part of a healthcare team.
Expected growth: 45%1
Estimated annual wage: $94,530–$140,6101
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this online MSN-FNP program, graduates will be prepared to:
Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s MSN-FNP online program faculty is made up of active practitioners and subject matter experts who are ready to guide you along your journey.
You Might Also Be Interested In
MSN FNP FAQ
What is a family nurse practitioner (FNP)?
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses with a master’s degree in nursing. They are educated, licensed, and certified to treat the whole family. Family nurse practitioners have the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat common illnesses and diseases, make referrals, order and interpret lab results, assist in minor surgeries, and write prescriptions—depending on state regulations, which vary. Although FNPs often work under the supervision of a physician, a number of states allow them to work independently.
Where do FNPs Work?
Family nurse practitioners have broad primary care skills and can work in many settings. Oftentimes, the setting an FNP chooses depends on his or her career goals. Some of the most common settings for FNPs may include ambulatory or outpatient care, home healthcare, clinics, women’s care centers, schools, and pediatric offices.
How do I become an FNP?
After you successfully complete your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization, you will need to pursue licensure and certification. Family nurse practitioner licensure requirements are set at the state level, meaning each state’s nursing board has the authority to determine the requirements for licensure. It’s best for individuals to check with their state board of nursing for licensure and certification requirements; however, the vast majority of states require individuals to be certified by a national certification board.
Each national certification exam is a competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge in specific focus areas. Each autonomous national nursing certification board assesses entry-level nurse practitioner knowledge and practice competencies required to provide safe and quality healthcare. There are two primary national certification boards that offer the exams necessary for credentialing FNPs: the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
An FNP who is certified has fulfilled the requirements of a national certification board. Certification boards do not license individuals as FNPs. In order for an individual to be licensed as an FNP, individuals must meet the requirements as set forth by their state nursing board.
Is Walden’s online MSN-FNP program accredited?
Yes, Walden’s MSN-FNP online program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE-accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. The Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing NP specializations are also accredited by CCNE. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
What makes Walden’s online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program different from others?
No other university in the U.S. graduates more nurses with MSN degrees than Walden. Didactic coursework in Walden’s online MSN FNP program is 100% online, allowing you to fit education into your schedule. Walden does not require travel for health assessments like other universities often do, and students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis.
Walden offers exceptional support services that include a robust online library, Student Success Advisors, practicum support staff, career planning and development, and more. Walden is also committed to positive social change, which is emphasized throughout the curriculum.
What support does Walden provide for finding a nursing practicum site?
A nursing practicum gives you valuable practical experience by allowing you to apply your new knowledge and skills in real-life situations and settings. That’s why, in our online MSN-FNP program, Walden offers valuable enhanced support to help you secure a timely practicum placement. After you register for Walden Practicum Pledge™ (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, we’ll assist in finding you a suitable match.