Family 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)

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 6531/PRAC 6531	Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Show In this course, students learn how nurse practitioners master the art and science of clinical decision making among adult populations. Students focus on the diagnosis and management of primary healthcare needs and problems of the adult and elderly adult. They engage in a variety of course assignments that focus on physical and behavioral disease processes central to diagnosing illnesses as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic treatment programs for acute illnesses commonly encountered in a primary healthcare setting. Students gain confidence in clinical experiences in a primary healthcare setting where they learn to plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens for adult patients with common acute and chronic illnesses. (Prerequisites: NURS 6501, NURS 6512, and NURS 6521.)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6541/PRAC 6541	Primary Care of Adolescents and Children Show How can a nurse practitioner master the art and science of clinical decision making among pediatric populations? Students in this course have the opportunity to answer this question as they examine content related to the primary healthcare of children and adolescents while focusing on common 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. NURS 6501, NURS 6512, NURS 6521, and NURS 6531.)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6551/PRAC 6551	Primary Care of Women Show How can a nurse practitioner decide what is important to focus on in a 15- to 30-minute appointment with a woman seeking primary care? Students in this course gain opportunities to teach and promote wellness in women through the process of screening for commonly seen gynecological disorders. Students learn to analyze data to interpret results for the benefit of women seeking assistance with planning healthy lifestyle behaviors. They also gain clinical experience in a primary healthcare setting that provides opportunities to increase competence in diagnosis, treatment, referrals, or follow-up care with a concentration on improving patient outcomes. (Prerequisites: NURS 6501, NURS 6512, NURS 6521, NURS 6531, and either NURS 6540 or NURS 6541.)	5 cr. (3 didactic, 2 practicum)
NRNP 6565/PRAC 6565	Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice Care of Patients in Primary Care Settings Show Students in this synthesis course focus on clinical competence in primary care settings by building on knowledge and skills gained in previous courses. Through clinical practice, students build confidence as they begin the 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. Clinical experiences in primary care settings provide students with the continued opportunity to develop, implement, and evaluate management plans for patients with complex health conditions. 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.	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

Admissions Requirements

Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN).

Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): 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 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.

More information for international applicants.

Master Skills to Deliver End-to-End Healthcare

Reach your potential as a clinician and move patient care forward with Walden’s online FNP program. Our curriculum prepares you to provide holistic, evidence-based care through life’s transitionary stages, from birth to end of life. Learn to use advanced clinical judgment to diagnose and treat illness, advocate for patients, and empower them to live healthier lives.

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. practicum requirements.

Meet Your MSN-FNP Program Academic Team

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this specialization, graduates will be prepared to:

The Family Nurse Practitioner specialization is a specialized program offered to a limited number of new students each quarter. Enrollment in the FNP specialization is limited to allow for more personalized attention and support throughout the program and practicum.

What’s the Career Impact of Earning an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner ?

With an aging population and growing emphasis on preventive care, nurse practitioners are in demand. Jobs for NPs are expected to soar 52% through 2029 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—a rate much faster than average for all occupations.²

An MSN Family Nurse Practitioner degree can provide clinical autonomy and the reward of guiding patients through the continuum of care. Position yourself for new career opportunities and a higher salary. Become a catalyst for improved outcomes in your healthcare facility and community.

A family nurse practitioner MSN can prepare you to work in settings such as³:  

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.