Walden University Introduces New MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations

MINNEAPOLIS, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As our society's population grows, so does the need for quality, comprehensive, accessible and affordable healthcare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, continue to be in high demand, particularly in underserved populations such as rural and inner-city communities. To help meet these growing needs, Walden University has introduced the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner specializations in its CCNE accredited online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. These specializations are designed to provide registered nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to assess and manage a variety of health issues in patients.

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"Qualified nurse practitioners are playing an increasingly important role in our rapidly changing healthcare system. Walden's new MSN specializations offer registered nurses the knowledge and skills they need to provide affordable healthcare and fulfill our mission of bringing about positive social change," said Dr. Sara Torres, associate dean of Walden's School of Nursing.

The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialization prepares students to assess, diagnose and treat illnesses among adult patients. Coursework is rooted in best practices and explores current models in patient care and disease prevention. Through in-depth analysis and clinical experience, students develop a foundation of knowledge with practical applications that can be used in clinical or community health settings.

The Family Nurse Practitioner specialization prepares students to become providers of direct healthcare services to patients of all ages in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum is designed to give students theoretical and practical knowledge in health assessment, disease diagnosis and treatment.

Graduates from these specializations may be able to seek national certification and state credentials as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner or a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Each specialization is offered in two tracks, the BSN Track and the RN Track, depending on the student's previous education and experience.

Walden's MSN program also offers specializations in Leadership and Management, Nursing Education and Nursing Informatics. Current RNs also have the opportunity to earn a BSN in Walden's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program. To learn more about Walden's School of Nursing, visit www.WaldenU.edu/nursing.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 48,500 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 60 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 65 degree programs with more than 330 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Walden University