Walden’s University Specialization Courses
NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology* (5 credits)
5 credits
Advanced practice nurses need a deep understanding of how diseases affect the body throughout a person’s life. This course helps students grasp the biological processes, understand when things go wrong in these processes, and dive deep into the scientific ideas behind disease biology. Advanced practice nursing students use their knowledge of how our body’s systems usually work to guide these systems back to their normal, balanced state. By understanding how diseases work, students learn to put together the information required to create effective treatment plans for patients of all ages. The course covers a range of topics related to diseases that affect various organ systems in the body.
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Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology* (5 credits)
5 credits
To be effective in their roles, advanced practice nurses must have a strong grasp of the principles of drug therapy that apply throughout a person’s life. This course delves into the advanced aspects of pharmacology, which includes studying how genes affect drug responses (pharmacogenomics), how drugs move through and work in the body (pharmacokinetics), and how drugs produce their effects (pharmacodynamics). It focuses on analyzing the common types of drugs that advanced practice nurses prescribe to patients of all ages.
In this course, students explore various factors that impact the success of drug therapy, such as how well a drug works, its safety, how acceptable it is to the patient, its cost, the influence of genetics and the environment, complementary treatment approaches, and patient behaviors. The goal is to prepare students to make informed, complex decisions when it comes to managing and treating different acute and chronic diseases across a person’s lifetime using both drug-based and non-drug-based approaches. Additionally, advanced practice nursing students gain a deeper understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding drug prescribing.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning* (5 credits)
5 credits
The well-being of patients and their families is often intricate and involves both physical and emotional aspects. Advanced practice nurses need to be well-versed and capable of conducting thorough and safe physical health assessments. In this course, students concentrate on learning the concepts and skills necessary for assessing individuals of all ages. They gain proficiency in diagnostic reasoning, advanced communication, and physical assessment techniques to detect changes in a person’s health.
Additionally, students explore preventive health, with a focus on evaluating the risk factors in healthy individuals. This becomes a central aspect of clinical practice, along with assessing patients who have acute or chronic health issues. The course covers advanced skills like suturing wounds, reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X-rays. Assignments in the course emphasize the assessment of risks, diagnostic reasoning, and conducting evidence-based assessments throughout a person’s life. This prepares students to provide comprehensive and well-informed care.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6521
NRNP 6531 – Primary Care of Adults Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
3 credits
This course delves into the realm of clinical decision-making for nurse practitioners, especially when it comes to adult patients spanning their entire lives. Students develop expertise in diagnosing and addressing the primary healthcare requirements and issues faced by adults, regardless of their age. The coursework includes a range of assignments that revolve around both the physical and behavioral aspects of diseases, which are fundamental for accurate diagnoses. It also covers the planning, execution, and assessment of therapeutic treatments for common acute illnesses typically found in primary healthcare settings. This knowledge and skill set are crucial for providing effective care to adult patients throughout their life journey.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
PRAC 6531 – Primary Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
In this specialized course, nurse practitioner students bring together the knowledge they’ve acquired in previous clinical courses and their professional experiences to address the ever-evolving healthcare needs of adults at every stage of life. This includes the diagnosis and management of a wide range of medical conditions. The primary emphasis here is on advanced nursing practice within the context of adult patient care in both acute and chronic settings.
Students in this course build their confidence through clinical experiences in a primary healthcare environment. They develop the skills to plan, execute, and assess treatment plans for adult patients dealing with prevalent acute and chronic conditions. This knowledge and practical experience prepare them to provide effective care to adults across the lifespan.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours.
NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults (3 credits)
3 credits
In this course, students dive deep into the intricate healthcare and management requirements of older adults, with a focus on the expertise of advanced nurse practitioners in both acute and primary care environments. Students gain the skills to design, execute, and assess therapeutic plans tailored to the unique needs of older adults in various healthcare settings.
Furthermore, students explore topics related to end-of-life care and the challenges faced by caregivers. This exploration equips them with the knowledge and the compassionate understanding necessary to bring about positive changes in the quality of life for this vulnerable population.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6531
PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
This course is part of the Adult-Gerontology curriculum, specifically one of the four practicum courses. During this course, students will put into practice what they’ve learned about pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment, focusing on conditions that are frequently seen in older adults. The primary emphasis in this course is on applying advanced nursing skills within both acute and primary care settings that are particularly relevant to the needs of older adults.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6531
- PRAC 6531
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours.
NRNP 6552 – Advanced Nurse Practice in Reproductive Health Care (3 credits)
3 credits
In a brief 15 to 30-minute appointment, nurse practitioners must make important decisions about where to focus their attention when providing primary, prenatal, or postpartum care to individuals. This course equips students with the skills needed to promote wellness and address various health concerns within this limited timeframe. They learn to screen for common gynecologic conditions, monitor normal pregnancies, and identify other prevalent health issues that affect the individual’s well-being. Students become proficient at analyzing data and interpreting test results to guide individuals in planning healthy lifestyle changes.
Moreover, this course emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting an individual’s sexual identity and sexual orientation. Students develop ethical decision-making skills and cultivate an unbiased approach to delivering optimal care. They consider how the knowledge gained in this course will enhance their clinical practice in primary healthcare settings, enabling them to make accurate diagnoses, provide treatment, offer referrals, and ensure follow-up care that ultimately improves patient outcomes.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6531
PRAC 6552 – Advanced Nurse Practice in Reproductive Health Care Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
In this course, nurse practitioner students specializing in reproductive care bring together their expertise from previous clinical courses and experiences. They apply this knowledge to address the evolving healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities, with a particular focus on the diagnosis and management of reproductive care. The course emphasizes advanced nursing practice within the acute and chronic care settings for gynecologic and obstetric patients.
Additionally, students explore the crucial aspect of providing care that is sensitive to patients’ sexual preferences and gender identification, ensuring that they can deliver inclusive and patient-centered healthcare.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6531 and PRAC 6531
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours.
NRNP 6565 – Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice Care of Patients in Primary Care Settings (3 credits)
3 credits
In this synthesis course, students concentrate on enhancing their clinical competency in the care of adult patients in primary healthcare settings. They build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses, developing the confidence necessary to transition from the role of a registered nurse to that of an advanced practice nurse.
Through classroom activities and case studies, students delve into the key practice issues faced by nurse practitioners when delivering safe, competent, high-quality, and cost-effective care within the ever-evolving healthcare system. The course places a strong emphasis on applying their knowledge in effectively managing clients and fostering collaboration between the advanced practice nurse, the client, their family, and the interprofessional healthcare team.
This course is designed to enable nurse practitioner (NP) students to synthesize their expertise and clinical skills, allowing them to provide comprehensive care to patients with complex health conditions.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6540
- NRNP 6552
PRAC 6565 – Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice of Patients in Primary Care Settings Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
This marks the final course in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, completing the four-practicum series. During this clinical course in primary care settings, students have the ongoing opportunity to further their skills in developing, implementing, and evaluating management plans for patients dealing with complex health conditions.
The course places a strong emphasis on applying their knowledge effectively in the management of clients and fostering collaboration among the advanced practice nurse, the client, their family, and the interprofessional healthcare team. This prepares students to be confident and skilled in providing comprehensive care to patients with complex health needs.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6540
- PRAC 6540
- NRNP 6552
- PRAC 6552
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours and must be the last course in the curriculum.
Course Sequence
MSN – AGPC Course Sequence Example 1
One MSN – AGPC course sequence example is as follows. This quarter sequence is an example for BSN-Entry students. Please note that RN-MSN students must complete all RN Foundation and General Education courses before they can begin working on the MSN Core and Specialization courses listed below.
| Quarter | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | NURS 6003 – Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| NURS 6050 – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 2 | NURS 6051 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology | 5 credits |
| NURS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 3 | NURS 6053 – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership | 5 credits |
| NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 4 | NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology | 5 credits |
| NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 5 | NRNP 6531 – Primary Care of Adults Across the Lifespan | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6531 – Primary Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 6 | NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 7 | NRNP 6552 – Advanced Nurse Practice in Reproductive Health Care | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6552 – Advanced Nurse Practice in Reproductive Health Care Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 8 | NRNP 6565 – Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice Care of Patients in Primary Care Settings | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6565 – Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice of Patients in Primary Care Settings Practicum | 2 credits |
MSN – AGPC Course Sequence Example 2
Another MSN – AGPC course sequence example is as follows. This quarter sequence is an example for BSN-Entry students. Please note that RN-MSN students must complete all RN Foundation and General Education courses before they can begin working on the MSN Core and Specialization courses listed below.
| Quarter | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | NURS 6003 – Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 2 | NURS 6051 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology | 5 credits |
| NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 3 | NURS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice | 5 credits |
| NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 4 | NRNP 6531 – Primary Care of Adults Across the Lifespan | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6531 – Primary Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 5 | NURS 6050 – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health | 5 credits |
| NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults | 3 credits | |
| PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 6 | NURS 6053 – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership | 5 credits |
| NRNP 6552 – Advanced Nurse Practice in Reproductive Health Care | 3 credits | |
| PRAC 6552 – Advanced Nurse Practice in Reproductive Health Care Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 7 | NRNP 6565 – Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice Care of Patients in Primary Care Settings | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6565 – Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice of Patients in Primary Care Settings Practicum | 2 credits |
* Due to the nature of this practicum, it is strongly recommended that students take this practicum experience paired only with its didactic course (NRNP) or by itself.
*Note regarding NURS 6051 and NURS 6052: It is recommended that these courses are NOT taken with a practicum experience.
*Note regarding PRAC 6531: Due to the nature of this practicum, it is strongly recommended that students take this practicum experience paired only with its didactic course (NRNP) or by itself.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage health concerns in individuals of all ages, spanning from newborns to seniors. This specialization provides students with the opportunity to enhance their expertise and advance their careers in healthcare. It includes a series of courses and comprehensive clinical practice experiences that focus on addressing contemporary health issues. Through this program, students learn to effectively implement disease prevention, promote health, maintain well-being, and provide restorative care.
The online Family Nurse Practitioner specialization places a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches that can significantly improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients. It equips students with the strategies needed to excel in primary care outpatient healthcare settings or to pivot their healthcare careers. Graduates of this program can pursue national certification as family nurse practitioners and gain state credentials, furthering their professional qualifications.
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