Considering becoming a nurse practitioner through Walden University? You’re not alone. Walden is one of the largest online providers of advanced nursing education in the U.S. and has helped thousands of nurses transition into advanced practice roles while continuing to work and care for their families.
But before you apply, it’s important to understand exactly what the program entails. In this definitive guide, we’ll cover everything from specializations and tuition to accreditation, clinical requirements, preceptor responsibilities, and more.
What Makes the Walden Nurse Practitioner Program Unique?
Walden University is known for its flexible, 100% online coursework and multiple start dates throughout the year. This makes it a top choice for working RNs and career changers who need to fit school into an already busy schedule.
Key Features:
- Fully online coursework (no mandatory campus visits)
- Multiple start dates per year
- Part-time and full-time options
- Focus on serving underserved communities
- Regional accreditation
Walden’s program is designed to be flexible, but also requires a high degree of self-direction—especially when it comes to managing clinical placements.
NP Tracks Offered at Walden
Walden offers several Nurse Practitioner tracks, each tailored to specific patient populations and scopes of practice:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Each track combines core nursing coursework with specialty-specific classes and hands-on clinical experiences.
Program Length and Structure
Walden’s NP programs typically take 2.5 to 3.5 years to complete, depending on your course load. Students can choose between part-time and full-time tracks.
- Full-time: ~2.5 years
- Part-time: ~3–3.5 years
You’ll take foundational courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, followed by clinical courses that correspond to your chosen track.
Tuition and Costs
Understanding tuition is a critical part of choosing a program. Walden operates on a per-credit tuition model.
As of 2025, here are estimated tuition costs:
- Cost per credit hour: $570–$635 (varies by track)
- Total credit hours: ~81–86 credits
- Estimated tuition: $46,000–$54,000 total (not including fees or books)
Additional Costs:
- Technology fees (~$160 per term)
- Clinical supplies and malpractice insurance (~$200–$600 total)
- Books and course materials (~$2,000+)
- Background checks and drug screenings (~$100–$150 per rotation)
- Preceptor or placement service fees (if applicable)
Financial aid, federal student loans, and some scholarships are available. Many students use employer tuition reimbursement as well.
Accreditation
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This means its programs meet national standards for nursing education and are recognized by state boards of nursing across the U.S.
Admission Requirements
To apply for a Walden NP program, you typically need:
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
- A minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)
- At least one year of RN clinical experience (some tracks require more)
International students may need to meet additional requirements such as TOEFL scores and credential evaluations.
Clinical Hours and Placement Overview
Walden’s NP programs require 576 clinical hours (minimum) across multiple practicum courses. Students are responsible for securing their own preceptors and clinical sites—a requirement that surprises many new enrollees.
Each clinical must be:
- Approved by Walden’s Field Office
- Supervised by a qualified, board-certified provider
- Completed in a real-world patient care setting
Preceptor Tree and other placement services help students fill this gap, particularly in high-demand states.
State Restrictions and Authorization
Walden operates nationwide, but some restrictions apply.
You must:
- Hold an active RN license in the state where you plan to complete clinicals
- Ensure Walden is authorized to operate in your state
Some states (like New York and Washington) have additional documentation or restrictions.
Pros and Cons of the Walden NP Program
Pros:
- 100% online didactic coursework
- Flexible scheduling
- Multiple NP specialties available
- Accredited and widely recognized
- Accepts transfer credits in some cases
Cons:
- Self-placement for clinicals can be difficult
- Limited live or real-time class interaction
- Delays in preceptor approval can affect graduation timelines
- Tuition adds up when considering hidden costs and extended timelines
Is Walden Right for You?
Walden’s NP program is a strong choice if:
- You’re a working nurse looking for flexibility
- You can manage your own time and schedule
- You’re comfortable self-advocating for preceptors
- You want to serve underserved or rural communities
It may not be ideal if:
- You want guaranteed clinical placement
- You prefer in-person instruction
- You want a small cohort or live faculty interaction
Final Thoughts
The Walden Nurse Practitioner Program offers flexibility, breadth, and access—but it requires initiative, organization, and planning.
By understanding tuition, clinical expectations, and school policies up front, you’ll be better equipped to succeed and graduate on time.
If you do need help with clinical placement along the way, services like Preceptor Tree exist to support students from Walden and similar programs.
Need help finding a preceptor who meets Walden’s standards? Visit Preceptor Tree and request a match today to keep your graduation timeline on track.
