Walsh University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, PMHNP

The Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing at Walsh University offers online MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializations. Students complete coursework online and come to campus for two intensives (note: the first intensive may be virtual). Practicums are also completed at approved facilities local to the student. In addition, students have the option to participate in a global nursing experience.

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) serve patients across the lifespan from infancy to geriatrics and are prepared to diagnose and treat chronic and acute illnesses. Walsh MSN – FNP graduates will be able to effectively work with other professionals in an interpersonal manner, utilize theory and research with current knowledge and healthcare practices to serve their patients and communities, consult with patients and their families, and conduct analysis of their communities and health care systems to improve patient outcomes and care.

FNPs may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, primary care clinics, community health organizations, government agencies, long-term care facilities, and other family practice settings. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and other accrediting bodies.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners serve children, adolescents, and adults with mental health disorders and issues that may be acute, chronic, or crisis conditions. PMHNPs may also work with patients and groups who suffer from substance abuse disorders. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification exam through the ANCC. PMHNPs may work in hospitals, counseling centers, primary care settings, correctional facilities, and rehabilitation program settings. Additionally, students desiring Addiction Certification as an APRN may be able to apply clinical hours toward the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) certification.

Walsh University, located in North Canton, Ohio, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online MSN and certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

What to Expect from the Walsh University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admissions Requirements: Application materials must include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume or CV including work experience, professional activities, educational activities, leadership activities, and scholarly activities, an essay or personal statement of 1,000 words or less, an explanation of interest in the role, and identification of one to two long-term goals. At least one year of RN work experience is preferred.

An interview may be required. No GMAT or GRE is required. A prerequisite course in undergraduate or graduate statistics is required.

Specific Program Requirements:

MSN and BSN to DNP: Students must hold a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an ACNE or CCNE-accredited nursing program with an unencumbered RN license.

Post-Master’s Certificate: Students must hold an MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an ACNE or CCNE-accredited nursing program with an unencumbered RN license.

State Restrictions: While Walsh University accepts students from many states into their MSN programs, applicants outside of should check with their state Board of Nursing to make sure they are eligible to study with Walsh University and to be aware of the practicum requirements in their state while attending an out-of-state university.

Walsh University currently accepts students from the following states into the MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate programs: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Study Plan: The Walsh University online MSN courses are delivered in 8-week and 16-week intervals. The MSN – FNP program can be completed in 2.5 years while working full-time, and the MSN – PMHNP can be completed in about 3 years while working full-time. Start dates are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. The BSN to DNP – FNP and PMHNP programs can be completed in three to four years. The Post-master’s certificates can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students complete courses online as well as clinicals local to the student. In addition, students come to campus twice for intensives.

MSN Curriculum: The online MSN – FNP program comprises 58 to 62 credits plus 650 clinical hours, while the PMHNP track comprises 58 credits plus 600 clinical hours. Foundation courses include Theoretical Development of Nursing Sciences; Research Methods/Evidence-Based Practice; Advanced Professional Nursing Role; and Health Care Policy, Organization, and Finance.

Practice application courses include 21 credit hours through the courses Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Health Assessment; Clinical Assessment and Management; Clinical Pharmacology; Application of Epidemiology to Health Services; and Healthcare Technology and Data Management. Students also come to campus for Intensive I: Essential Skills and Intensive II: Advanced Skills/Professional Practice.

FNP specialty courses include FNP I: Care of Adults; FNP II: Care of Children/Adolescents; FNP III: Care of Women; FNP IV: Care of Adults/Elderly with Multiple Chronic Condititions (MCC); and FNP V: Capstone.

PMHNP specialty courses include Mental Health Assessment and Interventions with Pedicatric Clients; Psychiatric Assessment and Interview Techniques; Care of Psychiatric Mental Health Clients in Primary Care; Care of Psychiatric Mental Health Clients in Crisis Care; Care of Clients with Substance Abuse Disorders; Clinical Management of Psychiatric Clients; Practicum in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing; and Therapeutic Interventions.

Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: The online FNP certificate program comprises 25 to 34 credits depending on prior education and transferred courses, plus a minimum of 650 clinical hours. Some clinical courses may be waived if the applicant is certified as an adult NP, women’s health NP, pediatric NP, or nurse-midwife. Courses may include Advanced Pharmacology; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Assessment and Management; FNP I: Care of Adult/Gerontology Clients; FNP II: Care of Children/Adolescents; FNP III: Care of Women; FNP IV: Care of Adults/Elderly with MCC; and FNP V: Capstone. Students also come to campus for Intensive I: Essential Skills and Intensive II: Advanced Skills/Professional Practice.

Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate Curriculum: The online PMHNP certificate program comprises 31 to 40 credits depending on prior education and transferred courses, plus 600 clinical hours. Courses follow those for the FNP certificate, with PMHNP specialty courses in place of FNP specialty courses.

BSN to DNP Curriculum: The online BSN to DNP – FNP program comprises 78 credits plus 1,150 clinical hours, while the PMHNP track comprises 74 credits plus 1,100 clinical hours. Courses follow most MSN courses plus the following DNP curriculum: Nursing Science in Advanced Practice Theories and Foundations; Advanced Nursing Research; Nursing Roles and Ethics for Clinical DNP; Translating Evidence into Clinical Practice; Healthcare Finance/Economics; Advanced Leadership in Clinical Practice; Residency Practicum; and DNP Project.

Online Experience: Walsh University utilizes the Electronic Course Network (ECN) as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Here students have access to syllabi, learning modules, course content, readings, assignments, online discussion posts, videos, blogs for reflection, and other media content. Courses are asynchronous. All online students are assigned a Student Success Advisor. Students also have access to admissions counseling, academic advising, faculty office hours, 24/7 technical support, library services, and career counseling.

On-Site Requirements: Walsh nurse practitioner students are required to come to the North Canton, Ohio campus for a 3-day intensive called Essential Skills, and a 2-day intensive called Advanced Skills/Professional Practice. The 3-day intensive may be virtual. All other coursework is online, and practicums are completed local to the student.

Paying for the Walsh University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Walsh University charges $745 per credit plus fees for the online NP programs. Interested students should contact the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing at Walsh University for a breakdown of current costs.

Walsh University offers Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans, according to the FAFSA. Another option is taking out an alternative loan for those who don’t qualify to borrow federal student loans. Nursing students are also encouraged to inquire with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program, as well as seek outside opportunities for funding, including organizational and community scholarships and grants.

Walsh University

Offered to nursing students in 22 states, the Walsh University MSN, DNP and post-master's certificate FNP and PMHNP programs require only two campus visits, no GRE requirement, and affordable tuition rates.

APRN Programs

BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Campus Address

2020 East Maple Street
North Canton, Ohio 44720

Walsh University – BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

78

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,150

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, LA, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UM, UT, WA, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

78

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$58,110.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$58,110.00

Walsh University – BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

74

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,100

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

None

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

74

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$55,130.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$55,130.00

Walsh University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

62

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

650

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, LA, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UM, UT, WA, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

62

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$46,190.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$46,190.00

Walsh University – MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

58

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

None

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

58

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$43,210.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$43,210.00

Walsh University – Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

34

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

650

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, LA, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OK, OR, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UM, UT, WA, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

34

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$25,330.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$25,330.00

Walsh University – Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

1

Credits Needed to Graduate

40

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

600

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

3.0 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

None

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

40

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$29,800.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$745.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$29,800.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.

Sara Navratil

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.