Walden University offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP
- BSN to MSN
- RN to MSN
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – AGACNP
- BSN to DNP
- MSN to DNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
- Standard option
- Fast-Track option
All programs are delivered online with synchronous and asynchronous learning, featuring virtual skills labs, Walden Grand Rounds for real-life scenario examination, and the Practicum Pledge® for enhanced field placement support.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Type | Est. Cost | Duration (Full-Time) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN MSN – AGACNP | $44,950 | 2 years |
| RN MSN – AGACNP | $65,100 | 2.5–3 years |
| BSN DNP – AGACNP | $65,350 | 3 years |
| MSN DNP – AGACNP | $58,000 | 2.5 years |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP | $31,170 | 1.5 years |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP Fast Track | $31,170 | 1 year |
Walden graduates more nurses with advanced degrees than any other university and is the No. 1 choice for MSN-AGACNP programs in the U.S., preparing graduates to diagnose and treat patients ages 13 and older with complex acute and unstable chronic medical conditions in high-acuity settings.
Master of Science in Nursing – AGACNP (BSN to MSN)
The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP BSN to MSN program is approximately $44,950 and would take 2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
BSN to MSN Curriculum
The 58-credit BSN to MSN curriculum builds core nurse practitioner competencies while developing advanced practice skills essential to high-acuity healthcare settings.
Core Courses (23 credits):
- NURS 6002/6003 – Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- NURS 6050 – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health (5 credits)
- NURS 6051 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology (5 credits)
- NURS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice (5 credits)
- NURS 6053 – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership (5 credits)
Specialization Courses (35 credits):
- NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology (5 credits)
- NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology (5 credits)
- NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5 credits)
- NRNP 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I (3 credits)
- PRAC 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults (3 credits)
- PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (3 credits)
- PRAC 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III (3 credits)
- PRAC 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Practicum (2 credits)
More curriculum details are available here.
BSN to MSN Clinicals
Students complete 640 preceptor-supervised practicum hours distributed across four practicum courses:
- PRAC 6566
- PRAC 6540
- PRAC 6550
- PRAC 6560
Each 2-credit practicum course requires 160 hours minimum
Field Experience Preparation courses (0 credits) guide students through the application process and readiness resources, with Walden’s Field Placement Team partnering with students through the Practicum Pledge® to help secure suitable placements.
BSN to MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher
- Active registered nurse (RN) license
- Completed online application and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Technical Standards Policy Form
- Statement of understanding of MSN NP practicum requirements
- No application fee
- No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Master of Science in Nursing – AGACNP (RN to MSN)
The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP RN to MSN program is approximately $65,100 and would take approximately 2.5-3 years to complete on a full-time basis.
RN to MSN Curriculum
The 84-credit RN to MSN track includes 26 credits of undergraduate-level foundational courses before starting MSN core courses, with the same 23 core credits and 35 specialization credits as the BSN to MSN track, providing essential content to prepare students for graduate-level study who enter with an associate degree in nursing or diploma.
Foundation Courses (26 credits):
- NURS 3022 – Professional Nurses as Change Agents (6 credits)
- FECN 4301 – Field Experience Preparation (0 credits)
- NURS 4152 – Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice (5 credits)
- NURS 4213 – Population Health Nursing (5 credits)
- NURS 4107 – Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (5 credits)
- NURS 4301 – BSN Capstone (5 credits)
Core Courses (23 credits) and Specialization Courses (35 credits): Same as BSN to MSN track listed above.
More curriculum details are available here.
RN to MSN Clinicals
The RN to MSN track requires the same 640 preceptor-supervised practicum hours as the BSN to MSN track, distributed across four practicum courses with 160 hours minimum per 2-credit practicum course. Students must complete all RN foundation and general education courses before beginning clinical practicum components.
RN to MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)
- Active registered nurse (RN) license
- Completed online application and official transcripts
- Technical Standards Policy Form
- Statement of understanding of MSN NP practicum requirements
- No application fee
- No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP (BSN to DNP)
The estimated cost for the DNP-AGACNP BSN to DNP program is approximately $65,350 and would take 3 years to complete on a full-time basis.
BSN to DNP Curriculum
The 90-credit BSN to DNP program builds on students’ knowledge to strengthen advanced nursing practice, augment healthcare delivery, enhance organizational leadership, and improve patient outcomes, covering healthcare policy and advocacy, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, information systems/technology, and organizational and systems leadership.
Foundation Course (5 credits):
- NURS 8002/8006 – Foundations and Essentials for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (5 credits)
Essential Courses – BSN Entry Only (10 credits):
- DNRS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice (5 credits)
- DNRS 6211 – Finance and Economics in Healthcare Delivery (5 credits)
Core Courses (25 credits):
- NURS 8114 – Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Nursing (5 credits)
- NURS 8100 – Healthcare Policy and Analysis (5 credits)
- NURS 8310 – Epidemiology and Population Health (5 credits)
- NURS 8211 – Data Collection and Analysis for Evidence-Based Practice (5 credits)
- NURS 8210 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology (5 credits)
Specialization Courses (35 credits):
- DNRS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology (5 credits)
- DNRS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology (5 credits)
- DNRS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5 credits)
- DRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults (3 credits)
- PRCM 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum (2 credits)
- DRNP 6566 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Settings I (3 credits)
- PRCM 6566 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum (2 credits)
- DRNP 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (3 credits)
- PRCM 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Settings II Practicum (2 credits)
- DRNP 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III (3 credits)
- PRCM 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Practicum (2 credits)
DNP Project and Practicum Courses (15 credits):
- NURS 8312 – Leading Quality Improvement (5 credits)
- NURS 8512 – DNP Project and Practicum I (5 credits)
- NURS 8513 – DNP Project and Practicum II (5 credits)
Field Experience (up to 8 credits):
- NURS 8601 – DNP Field Experience for students with fewer than 600 documented practicum hours (1 credit = 80 practicum hours)
BSN to DNP Clinicals
The BSN to DNP track requires a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practicum hours with at least 400 hours at the DNP level, including 640 preceptor-supervised hours in specialization courses (160 hours per 2-credit practicum) and 400 hours across DNP Project and Practicum courses.
Students with fewer than 600 documented practicum hours upon entry complete additional NURS 8601 DNP Field Experience credits, and the program includes two clinical intensives on-campus for hands-on training.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
- Active registered nurse (RN) license
- Completed online application and official transcripts
- Verification of Precepted Clinical Hours form from previous nursing program (if applicable)
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 credits)
Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP (MSN to DNP)
The estimated cost for the DNP-AGACNP MSN to DNP program is approximately $58,000 and would take 2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN to DNP Curriculum
The 80-credit MSN to DNP program includes the same foundation course (5 credits), core courses (25 credits), specialization courses (35 credits), and DNP Project and Practicum courses (15 credits) as the BSN to DNP track, but does not require the 10-credit Essential Courses completed in the BSN entry pathway.
Course breakdown: Same as BSN to DNP track (Foundation, Core, Specialization, and DNP Project courses) minus the 10-credit Essential Courses.
MSN to DNP Clinicals
The MSN to DNP track requires the same minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate practicum hours as the BSN entry track, with 640 hours in specialization practicum courses and 400 hours at the DNP level across DNP Project and Practicum courses. Students entering with certain approved APRN licensure and certification receive prior nursing credit and complete at least 500 practicum hours.
MSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
- Active registered nurse (RN) license or APRN license
- Completed online application and official transcripts
- Verification of Precepted Clinical Hours form from previous nursing program
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 credits)
Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP (Standard Track)
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP standard track is approximately $31,170 and would take 1.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Certificate Curriculum
The 38-credit standard post-master’s certificate provides streamlined preparation for nurses with an MSN or nurse practitioner MSN degree to become AGACNPs, with Walden MSN alumni eligible for transfer credit for core courses.
Core Course (3 credits):
- NURS 6003 – Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
Specialization Courses (35 credits):
- NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology (5 credits)
- NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5 credits)
- NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology (5 credits)
- NRNP 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I (3 credits)
- PRAC 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults (3 credits)
- PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (3 credits)
- PRAC 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III (3 credits)
- PRAC 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Practicum (2 credits)
Certificate Clinicals
The standard post-master’s certificate requires 640 preceptor-supervised practicum hours distributed across four practicum courses (PRAC 6566, PRAC 6540, PRAC 6550, PRAC 6560), with each 2-credit practicum requiring 160 hours. Walden field experience coordinators assist students in meeting practicum requirements through the Practicum Pledge® collaborative support process.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or nurse practitioner MSN degree
- Active registered nurse (RN) license
- Completed online application and official transcripts
- No application fee
Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP (Fast-Track)
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP fast-track is approximately $31,170 and would take 1 year to complete on a full-time basis.
Fast Track Curriculum
The 38-credit fast-track post-master’s certificate is designed specifically for licensed and certified Family Nurse Practitioners or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, with up to 20 transfer credits from prior FNP/AGPCNP programs reducing required coursework to 15-18 credits of new specialization courses.
Core Course (3 credits):
- NURS 6003 – Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
Specialization Courses (15 credits, with 20 credits prior nursing credit):
- NRNP 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I (3 credits)
- PRAC 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults (3 credits)
- PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum (2 credits)
- NRNP 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (3 credits)
- PRAC 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Practicum (2 credits)
Fast Track Clinicals
The fast-track requires 500 preceptor-supervised practicum hours (reduced from standard 640 hours due to prior nursing credit), distributed across three practicum courses with approximately 160-170 hours per practicum. Students benefit from transfer credit for Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment courses completed in their previous FNP/AGPCNP programs.
Fast Track Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or nurse practitioner MSN degree
- Active Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner license and certification
- Active registered nurse (RN) license
- Completed online application and official transcripts
- No application fee
Tuition
The graduate MSN tuition rate ranges from $700-$775 per quarter credit hour depending on start date, with a program fee of $180-$185 per quarter and clinical course fees of $160 per practicum course.
The DNP tuition rate is approximately $725 per quarter credit hour.
The Post-Master’s Certificate tuition rate is $775-$785 per quarter credit hour depending on start date, with a program fee of $180-$185 per quarter and clinical course fees of $160 per practicum course.
Additional costs include books and materials ($1,800-$2,500), mandatory clinical skills resource ($299 during NURS/DNRS 6512), and potential practicum-related expenses including travel, onboarding fees, and liability insurance.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Graduates are academically prepared to sit for the national Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).
Other Nursing Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Informatics
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Leadership and Management
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Public Health Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Executive Leadership
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- PhD in Nursing
- Post-Master’s Certificates – Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner