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  • Program Features
  • Curriculum Overview
  • Application Assistance
  • Placement Support

I have at least a bachelor's degree, as required by Walsh University's graduate programs.

I have at least a master's degree, as required by Walsh University's graduate programs.

I am a licensed RN
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Dedicated support to assist you from application to graduation

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Online coursework

100% online coursework, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere

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High quality

Expert faculty to guide students through their studies

CCNE Accredited Online Masters in Nursing Education

Walsh University is a CCNE-Accredited Master's Nursing Degree Program

Your Pathway to Meaningful Leadership

In Walsh University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP-FNP) track, you will gain didactic and clinical experiences that will position you to lead patient care across the lifespan as you earn the highest credential available for clinical nursing practice.

Online BSN to DNP-FNP

In Walsh University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP-FNP) track, you will:

  • Prepare to deliver evidence-based care that focuses on the health needs of unique populations and cultures
  • Develop advanced clinical and leadership skills
  • Leverage health care technologies to transform health care
  • Promote health care policy that prioritizes the needs of patients

While earning your BSN to DNP-FNP, you will conveniently earn your MSN credential along the way.

Online DNP-FNP Fast Facts

Choose a Convenient Pathway to Leadership

  • Complete your DNP in as little as 3 years full-time (64 credits total)
  • Choose from three intakes a year so you can start when it makes sense for you
  • Study in 8- and 16-week courses designed for the working professional
  • Obtain 1,250 clinical hours (700 hours FNP Direct Patient Care, 500 hours DNP Project and Clinicals)
  • 96% FNP Licensure Pass Rates (in 2020-2021)

Admission Requirements

  • No GRE or GMAT required
  • BSN degree from an accredited school of nursing
  • Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course
  • Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
  • No application fee      
  • Two letters of reference

Learn within a Supportive Community

  • Work with a placement coordinator who will support you with a preceptor and clinical sites for your clinicals
  • Connect with engaged faculty of experienced nurses and benefit from small class sizes
  • Receive proactive, dedicated support and one-on-one coaching to help you succeed

Online DNP-FNP Program Curriculum

Walsh's contemporary curriculum is aligned with AACN Essentials Standards, ensuring students are equipped with the core competencies required to prepare for their board certification. Below is a sample list of courses you will take while enrolled in the online DNP-FNP program. For a full list, please download a brochure.

This course focuses on the interrelationships of human biological systems, biochemical, genetic and cellular concepts, providing the framework for the study of advanced pathological concepts. Case studies illustrate theoretical concepts and assist in the application of theory to practice.

Clinical pharmacology builds upon NURS 612 Advanced Pharmacology. Specific requirements, responsibilities, interprofessionalism, and concerns as an APN prescriber, including safe prescription writing and medication management of patients throughout the life span, including persons with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), will be comprehensively reviewed.

This course focuses on the intricacies and interrelationships between disease processes, human physiology, and pharmacologic and other treatment modalities inherent in the care of the adult or elderly patient with multiple chronic healthcare conditions (MCC). (150 clinical hours).

This course serves as the capstone experience for the FNP program and synthesizes all material from previous FNP courses. In addition, this course will explore legal and governing issues that impact advance practice. Didactic and clinical experiences promote transition into practice. This course requires 300 clinical hours.

Get more information

Submit your information to instantly access a digital program brochure.

 Applications are currently being accepted for next intake 

Clinical Placement Support

At Walsh, we understand the value of support, which is why we provide extensive clinical placement support for students in our online graduate nursing programs.

Walsh’s clinical placement services team collaborates with students to secure clinical sites and preceptors for all graduate-level clinical courses. Throughout the entire placement process, a dedicated placement coordinator will support you every step of the way. To learn more, schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor.

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Field experience

We collaborate with students to source and vet placement sites for all our online FNP students. 
 

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Requirements

We assist in the heavy lifting to confirm your placement site meets all of the necessary clearances.

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Faculty guidance

We’ll be readily available to answer any logistical questions you have about the placement process.

Online FNP Program Careers and Outcomes

0 %
Nurse Practitioner
Job Growth (by 2030)

$117,670

Median Annual Salary

*(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) 


In their Best Jobs rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognizes the role of nurse practitioners as #2 in the nation, #1 in health care and #2 in STEM 

Frequently Asked Questions

All entering students must have:

  • Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course
  • Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
  • Two letters of reference

For those applying for the BSN-DNP program, a BSN degree from an accredited school of nursing is required.

For those applying for the MSN-DNP program, the following is required:

  • MSN degree from an accredited school of nursing
  • Confirmation from school of clinical hours completed in the master's program

All DNP students are required to submit 2 letters of recommendation as well as a personal statement. Standardized tests (GRE/GMAT) are not required.

The online BSN to DNP program can be completed in as little as three years. Part-time and full-time options are available to accommodate students’ work schedules.

The online MSN to DNP program can be completed in as few as 5 semesters (1 year and 8 months) for full-time students, or 8 semesters (2 years and 8 months) for part-time students. However, the length of time to complete the program can vary, based personal time management and prior clinical experience.

DNP-PMHNP: This program contains a total of 67 credit hours and can be completed in as little as three years. Part-time and full-time options are available to accommodate students’ work schedules.

MSN to DNP: This program can be completed in as few as 5 semesters (1 year and 8 months) for full-time students, or 8 semesters (2 years and 8 months) for part-time students.  However, the length of time to complete the program can vary from student to student; examples include personal time management and individual DNP project progression to completion.

The clinical portion of this program will see you develop leadership skills and practical, hands-on competencies. As a Walsh nursing student, you’ll be paired with a dedicated clinical placement coordinator who will collaborate with you to secure clinical sites and preceptors for your clinical courses. Learn more about our clinical placement support services here.

The number of clinical hours required varies by program:

  • BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner): 1,250 hours
  • MSN to DNP: 500-1,000 hours, depending on prior clinical experiences

Walsh University collaborates with our nursing students to find suitable clinical placements. You are encouraged to network with potential preceptors and work closely with the placement coordinator to secure your placements.

Walsh University’s Financial Services department is committed to working with you to guide you to the assistance needed in order to pursue your studies. There are a variety of financial aid options available to students, including private scholarships, federal loans and federal direct plus loans. Learn more about the tuition and financial aid options available here.

As part of the online BSN-DNP PMHNP program, you’ll participate in one on-campus skills day (intensive). 

Students undertake a systematic investigation of a clinical or administration-based problem selected by the student and supported by faculty. The student will identify the problem to be addressed, review and critique pertinent literature, and implement and evaluate the project. The designed and approved project will be implemented and within a mentored and supervised clinical immersion experience. The project uses an evidence-based practice model and is systematically developed in consultation with the student’s Doctor of Nursing Practice and scholarly project chair who evaluates each step of the process (200 clinical hours).

Students are encouraged to look at their own practice or a health system to determine any gaps in care, steps to improve the patient experience or patient outcomes, patient education, staff education, etc.  Often, students collaborate with a health system on the needs already identified by the system.  In fact, that is sometimes a very good DNP project because the health facility already recognizes the need so solve the identified problem/issue.

While it might be helpful to have ideas in mind for the project, it is not required.  Topics are typically something you are passionate about and may have experienced firsthand, perhaps a quality control such as preventing readmissions, reducing no shows for appointments, improving compliance with plan of care, and bringing measures of chronic illness into control.  

This will depend on your schedule and if you are a full-time or part-time student.  Adjustments to your work schedule may be required to accommodate the clinical practice hours and project hours requirements.  Please note, weekend and evening hours cannot be guaranteed and many mentors you may work with such as hospital administrators often work more traditional 9-5 hours.

A student may transfer up to 9 credits toward their DNP program, subject to approval post acceptance.

The Walsh online MSN to DNP program is designed to provide students with 500 practice hours toward their DNP. All students are expected to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate advanced nursing practice hours to earn their DNP. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) typically accrue at least 500 hours in their master’s program. The applicant will need to have these prior hours verified by the university that conferred their MSN. Coursework is available to students who enter the DNP program with less than 500 clinical hours to help meet the minimum 1,000 clinical practicum hours mandated by the AACN for a DNP degree. It is recommended that any additional hours required be completed early in the program.

Walsh ensures students are adequately prepared throughout the placement process, understanding the required direct and indirect clinical hours necessary for graduation and certification. Due to the nature of the hours, DNP students must be highly involved in the process. Clinical placements and DNP project hours may be completed in your current place of employment; however, they must be outside of your current scope of work. Placements are centered around leadership, providing exposure to the delivery and improvement of quality outcomes within health systems and organizations. The clinical placement coordinators will collaborate with you to plan and source your clinical experiences.

The master’s degree program in nursing and doctor of nursing practice program at Walsh University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Reach out to an Enrollment Advisor

Whether you have a simple question or need advice to determine which program is best for you, our friendly advisors are here to guide you. They can chat with you on your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process so you can feel confident in moving forward with Walsh University Online.

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