Walden University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) program with four specialty nurse practitioner tracks: family care (FNP), adult/gerontology acute care (AGNP-AC), adult/gerontology primary care (AGNP-PC), and psychiatric mental health (PMHNP). In addition to the various specialties, Walden University offers three pathways to earning an MSN degree: BSN-to-MSN, RN-to-MSN, and RN-to-BSN accelerated into MSN (AIM). These programs are offered 100 percent online with practicums where the students live and work. No campus visits are required.
In addition, the MSN program is CCNE-accredited. The BSN-to-MSN degree can be completed in about 27 months. The RN-to-BSN degree takes 39 months to complete. The AIM program completion time varies, depending on a candidate’s previous schooling. For all specializations, start dates are offered each quarter. Although no minimum GPA is required to enter the program, graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA throughout the program.
Students in all specialties must complete four clinical practicums (640 hours) at a site that is approved by Walden University. For each practicum, students must secure a preceptor who is willing to guide their clinical experience. Because students take clinical courses covering different populations, they may need three to four unique preceptors and sites over the life of the program. Most applications for clinical sites and preceptors must be submitted at least 12 weeks before beginning the first clinical course. However, for students completing clinical sessions in Alabama or Wyoming, the application must be submitted 24 weeks prior. Acceptable clinical sites may include family practices, women’s health clinics, internal medicine offices, pediatric practices, health departments, long-term care facilities, and hospital-based primary care clinics. The Walden University MSN program does not currently accept students from Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, or Utah.
Please note that Walden University also offers an online MSN-to-DNP program.
The Nurse Practitioner MSN in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care
The MSN in adult/gerontology acute care NP program is part-time and consists of 56 credits for the BSN-to-MSN and 81 credits for the RN-to-MSN pathway. The credits for the AIM program vary but include 47 credits of BSN core courses and 45 credits of MSN core and specialization courses.
This online program prepares nurses to care for acutely or chronically ill adolescents (age 13 or older) through older adults. AGNP-ACs are prepared to serve patients in emergency room situations and surgical and medical intensive care units, assisting with procedures such as neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, and transplants.
Students must have two years full-time (or part-time) registered nurse work experience. In addition, students complete four clinical courses at approved locations as mentioned in the introductory paragraphs.
MSN core and specialty courses included in this program include interprofessional organizational and systems leadership; advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; advanced practice care of adults across the lifespan; advanced practice care of frail elders; and advanced practice care of adults in acute care settings I and II.
Applicants to this program must be registered nurses and have a BSN or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, depending on the path chosen. No GRE scores are required for admission.
The Nurse Practitioner MSN in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care
The MSN in adult/gerontology primary care NP program is also a part-time program consisting of 56 credits for the BSN-to-MSN and 81 credits for the RN-to-MSN pathway. The required credits for the AIM program vary but include 47 credits of BSN core courses and 45 credits of MSN core and specialization courses.
The AGNP-PC program prepares nurses with skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health issues for adolescents (age 13 or older) through older adults. AGNP-PC students gain strategies for effective communication and collaboration with patients and their families, doctors, and other healthcare providers.
As with the other specialties, students must have two years of full-time (or part-time) RN work experience. Students also complete the 640 clinical hours at approved locations where they live and work.
MSN core and specialty courses include policy and advocacy for improving population health; transforming nursing and healthcare through technology; the essentials of evidence-based practice; advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; advanced practice care of adults across the lifespan; primary care of women; synthesis in advanced nursing practice care of patients in primary care settings; and more.
Applicants to the AGNP-PC program must be RNs and have a BSN or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, depending on the path chosen. GRE scores are not required.
The Nurse Practitioner MSN in Family Health
The MSN in family health NP program is also a part-time program consisting of 56 credits for the BSN-to-MSN and 81 credits for the RN-to-MSN pathway. The credit requirement for the AIM program varies but includes 47 credits of BSN core courses and 45 credits of MSN core and specialization courses, in addition to general education requirements.
The FNP program educates nurses to work with individuals from birth to the elderly. The broad settings available include neonatology, family practice, oncology, nephrology, women’s health, public health, school nursing situations, and more. FNP students generally work in non-life-threatening situations in disease prevention and health promotion settings.
In line with the other MSN specialties, students must demonstrate completion of two years full-time (or part-time) RN work experience. Students also complete 640 clinical hours at approved locations where they live and work.
MSN core and specialty courses include policy and advocacy for improving population health; interprofessional organizational and systems leadership; primary care of adolescents and children; primary care of women; essentials of evidence-based practice; advanced pathophysiology; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; advanced practice care of adults across the lifespan; and more.
Applicants to the FNP program must be RNs and have a BSN or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, depending on the path chosen. GRE scores are not required.
The Nurse Practitioner MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health
The MSN in psychiatric mental health NP program is the fourth specialty available from Walden University. This part-time program consists of 61 credits for the BSN-to-MSN and 86 credits for the RN-to-MSN pathway. As per the other specialties for the MSN degree, the credit requirement for the AIM program varies and includes 47 credits of BSN core courses and 45 credits of MSN courses, in addition to general education requirements.
The PMHNP program prepares nurses to work with children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric disorders, substance abuse issues, and medical brain disorders. PMHNPs are prepared to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health patients using therapy and by prescribing medications as necessary.
As with the other three MSN specialties, students must have two years full-time (or part-time) RN work experience. Students also complete 640 clinical hours at approved locations where they live and work.
PMHNP courses include psychopharmacologic approaches to the treatment of psychopathology; psychotherapy with individuals; psychotherapy with groups and families; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role I (child and adolescent); and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role II (adults and older adults).
Applicants to the PMHNP program must be RNs and have a BSN or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, depending on the path they chose. As with the other specialties, no GRE scores are required.
