The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Walden University offers registered nurses an opportunity to earn their graduate degree from a respected online institution. Walden’s MSN degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), with the curriculum patterned on the recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Qualifying nurses enter the Walden University Master of Science in Nursing degree program to update their knowledge and skills, enhance their job opportunities, and increase their salaries.
The MSN program at Walden University incorporates a collaborative learning environment with specializations in Adult-Gerontology, Families, Leadership and Management, Education, and Informatics. With a Master of Science in Nursing, graduates can move into supervisory, management, teaching or technology positions. Some possible career choices include medical and health services, training and development, and social and community service. Instructional careers are available in post-secondary institutions and as training and development specialists. Walden University prepares MSN graduates to be leaders in their profession.
Details of the Walden University Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program
The Walden University MSN program curriculum runs in two tracks, one for students entering with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and another for those with a hospital diploma, an associate degree in nursing, or a degree other than a BSN. Both tracks include an Introductory Course, 20 total quarter credit hours of core courses, and 30 to 35 total quarter credit hours of specialization courses. The track for students who do not have a BSN requires an additional 29 total quarter credits of foundations courses.
All students begin the Walden University MSN Program with Foundations of Graduate Study to prepare students to successfully participate in and complete the online classes. Coursework focuses on critical thinking and writing, along with an understanding of their future roles as professionals participating in social change. Additional core courses in policy and advocacy, technology, evidence-based practice, and leadership provide a solid, common knowledge base. With this background, students then begin sequenced online classes according to their track and selected specialization. Students work at the pace they design with their advisors to complete the curriculum and earn their graduate degree. To blend the online training with real-world experience, many of the courses include required practicums in a health care setting.
Students specializing in Adult-Gerontology or the Family Nurse Practitioner share coursework in Advanced Pathophysiology, Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Pharmacology, Primary Care of Women and Adults Across the Lifespan, and Direct Care Roles in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Specialists in Adult-Gerontology study Primary Care of Frail Elders, while those planning to be Family Nurse Practitioners focus on Primary Care of Children and Adolescents. The students electing to specialize in Leadership and Management take classes such as Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare, Finance and Economics, Human Resources, Healthcare Systems and Strategic Planning. Those students planning to be educators take classes in Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Evaluation, as well as Learning Strategies, Clinical Nursing, and the Role of the Nurse Educator. For the specialization in Nursing Informatics, classes include Information and Knowledge Management, Workflow, Project Management, and System Design, Planning, and Evaluation.
U.S. News and World Report selected the Walden University MSN degree program as one of the top 3 graduate programs for nursing in the United States. The faculty members are experts in their fields and all hold doctorate degrees. Walden enhances the online learning experience through MobileLearn, which lets students select how they want to learn. Smartphones and MP3 players link students to podcasts and audio information, as well as downloads onto computers. Other delivery methods include support services from the free Walden app for iPhone or iPod touch. Walden’s iTunes U channel connects students to selected course content and information.
The Walden University MSN program has a 70% on-time completion rate. Walden academic advisors help students select classes and schedules to fit individual needs in order to graduate as quickly as possible. Students apply online learning with real-life practicums. Walden’s high ranking and educational excellence results in graduates with extensive knowledge and leadership abilities.
Walden’s MSN degree program is open to registered nurses who have already earned an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or hospital diploma. The tuition is based on the $395 cost per quarter credit hour. Each quarter also includes a $110 technology fee. The estimated total program tuition costs between $19,895 to $28,655, which includes fees, books, and supplies.
Walden University itself offers tuition-reduction programs, including scholarships and grants totaling $5,000. Additional assistance to attend Walden University may come from federal programs, including the Title IV Program Loans of approximately $19,000.
Additional Resource: What is a Master of Science in Nursing Degree?