Walden University offers 3 Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tracks:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – NP Specialization
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – NP Specialization
- Post-Master’s Certificate – NP Specialization
Walden delivers these tracks in an online format and includes support features like a virtual skills lab, Walden Grand Rounds case reviews, and Practicum Pledge® field placement support.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| DNP PNP Primary Care | ~$71,180–$76,415 (with scholarship) | ~3.0–3.25 yrs FT |
| MSN PNP Primary Care | ~$45,295 | ~2 yrs FT |
| Post-Master’s Certificate PNP Primary Care | ~$35,690 | ~1.5 yrs FT |
Walden offers three online NP pathways: a DNP entry option, an MSN option, and a post-master’s certificate. Each pathway uses quarter credits and includes practicum experiences for clinical skill building.
Tuition varies by entry point, transfer credits, and scholarship use. The school also highlights structured clinical support through Practicum Pledge® and a dedicated field placement team process.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – PNP Primary Care (BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP options)
The estimated cost for the DNP PNP Primary Care program is ~$71,180–$76,415 (with scholarship) and would take ~3.0–3.25 years full-time, and you can view the track here: Walden DNP PNP Primary Care.
DNP Curriculum
Curriculum
Walden lists a 95 quarter credit minimum for BSN-DNP entry and 85 quarter credits for MSN-DNP entry, with core DNP coursework plus specialization courses and DNP project/practicum work.
DNRS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology (5 credits)
This course examines disease processes across the lifespan with emphasis on cellular and organ system function. Students study normal physiology, disruptions that lead to illness, and the biological causes of disease. The course prepares advanced practice nurses to apply pathophysiology knowledge to clinical reasoning and treatment planning.
DNRS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology (5 credits)
This course reviews pharmacologic therapy used by advanced practice nurses across the lifespan. Students study major drug classes, prescribing principles, and safe medication management. Topics include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and regulatory guidelines for prescribing.
DNRS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5 credits)
This course develops advanced assessment and diagnostic skills for clinical practice. Students conduct comprehensive patient histories and physical examinations across the lifespan. The course emphasizes clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and interpretation of diagnostic findings.
DNRS 6800 – Advanced Pediatric Development and Behavior (5 credits)
This course reviews pediatric growth, development, and behavioral health from infancy through adolescence. Students study developmental milestones, family dynamics, and behavioral assessment methods. The course also covers screening tools, referral strategies, and anticipatory guidance that supports child wellness.
DRNP 6810 – Primary Care Approaches for Children (3 credits)
This course prepares advanced practice nurses to care for healthy infants, children, and adolescents in primary care settings. Students study common childhood illnesses, prevention strategies, and health promotion practices. The course emphasizes evidence-based care for routine pediatric visits.
PRCM 6810 – Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practicum I: Primary Care (2 credits)
This clinical course introduces pediatric primary care practice. Students perform health assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and create care plans for well children and minor illnesses. Clinical experiences focus on prevention, health promotion, and collaboration with healthcare teams.
DRNP 6820 – Management of Complex Pediatric Conditions (3 credits)
This course focuses on diagnosis and treatment of complex acute and chronic conditions in pediatric patients. Students apply evidence-based strategies to manage illness within family and community contexts. The course integrates clinical research, theory, and interdisciplinary care approaches.
PRCM 6820 – Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practicum II: Complex Care (2 credits)
This practicum develops clinical skills in managing complex pediatric conditions. Students evaluate patients, perform comprehensive examinations, and design treatment plans for chronic and acute illnesses. Clinical work takes place in outpatient pediatric settings.
DRNP 6830 – Management of Specialized Populations (3 credits)
This course examines healthcare needs of specialized pediatric populations. Students study behavioral health, adolescent development, and vulnerable youth groups. Topics include bullying, mental health, abuse, reproductive health, and culturally responsive care.
PRCM 6830 – Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practicum III: Specialized Care (2 credits)
This practicum focuses on clinical care for diverse pediatric populations. Students assess and treat children and adolescents with behavioral, social, and complex health concerns. The course emphasizes comprehensive evaluation and both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment planning.
DRNP 6840 – Synthesis of Pediatric Primary Care (3 credits)
This course integrates pediatric primary care knowledge and advanced practice skills. Students prepare for the pediatric nurse practitioner role within collaborative healthcare teams. The course emphasizes clinical decision making and professional role development.
PRCM 6840 – Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practicum IV: Synthesis Care (2 credits)
This final practicum focuses on the full management of pediatric patients in primary care settings. Students integrate theory, assessment, and treatment strategies in supervised clinical practice. The course prepares students to function independently in the pediatric nurse practitioner role.
If you want the broader DNP catalog overview, use this link.
DNP Clinicals
Clinicals
Walden describes practicum courses tied to the PRCM sequence and notes clinical course fees for practicum courses.
- Practicum courses appear as four PRCM courses in the specialization plan
- Walden highlights a structured process for matching sites and preceptors through Practicum Pledge®
DNP Admissions
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Current, active RN license
- BSN (for BSN-DNP entry) or MSN (for MSN-DNP entry) from an accredited school
- Completed online application and transcripts
- Technical Standards Policy Form tied to NP practicum expectations
- Walden notes additional criteria may apply, including for international applicants
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – PNP Primary Care
The estimated cost for the MSN PNP Primary Care program is ~$45,295 (with scholarship) and would take ~2 years full-time, and you can view the track here: Walden MSN PNP Primary Care.
MSN Curriculum
MSN Curriculum
Walden lists 63 quarter credits for the BSN-to-MSN track and highlights advanced practice core areas plus pediatric primary care focus.
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- Management of Complex Pediatric Conditions
- Advanced Pediatric Development and Behavior
MSN Clinicals
MSN Clinicals
Walden lists a clinical course fee for four practicum courses and describes guided preparation using a virtual skills lab and case-based Grand Rounds sessions.
- 4 practicum courses (PRAC/PRCM) with a per-course clinical fee
- Practicum Pledge® support that can escalate to field placement team help if the student cannot secure a match after required steps
MSN Admissions
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Streamlined process with no application fee stated in the program copy
- Credit transfer options described (limits vary by track)
- General requirement set includes an online application and transcripts
- Walden notes that specialization requirements can add extra items by program
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP Primary Care
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate PNP Primary Care program is ~$35,690 (estimated minimum) and would take ~1.5 years full-time, and you can view the track here: Walden Post-Master’s PNP Certificate.
Certificate Curriculum
Certificate Curriculum
Walden lists 43 quarter credits and explains that students take only the courses needed for academic preparation in the specialty.
- Advanced Pediatric Development and Behavior
- Primary Care Approaches for Children
- Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practicum I: Primary Care
- Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practicum II: Complex Care
- Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practicum III: Specialty Care
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate Clinicals
Walden lists clinical course fees for practicum courses and frames the practicums as the hands-on component for pediatric primary care readiness.
- Clinical fee applies to practicum courses listed for the certificate
- Students may also face travel and onboarding costs tied to practicum sites
Certificate Admissions
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Current, active RN license
- MSN (or equivalent) from an accredited school
- Completed online application and transcripts
- Additional program-specific requirements may apply
Tuition
Walden lists these graduate tuition points:
- MSN NP specialization coursework: $785 per quarter credit hour (effective on or after Feb 23, 2026)
- DNP coursework: $960 per quarter credit hour (effective on or after Feb 23, 2026)
- Clinical fee note: an additional $80 per quarter credit hour clinical fee applies to NP practicum coursework in the tuition listing
- Program fee examples shown in track tables: about $185 per quarter (amount varies by track table shown)
- Clinical course fee examples shown in track tables: $160 per clinical course
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
Walden states that its BSN, MSN, post-graduate APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Walden also notes that licensure and certification requirements vary by state and by certifying body, so students should confirm requirements with their state board and the relevant certification organization.