Walden University

Walden University is an accredited institution offering nursing education programs designed to prepare graduates for licensure and professional practice. Programs are delivered 100% online, providing flexibility for busy professionals.

About the University

Walden University holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring its nursing programs meet nationally recognized standards. The university emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, allowing students to balance education with personal and professional responsibilities.

Programs Offered

• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): $51,000 total, 48-month program, 65% graduation rate.
• MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner: $48,150 total, 36-month program, 65% graduation rate.
• MSN — Nurse Educator: $40,488 total, 30-month program, 65% graduation rate.
• MSN — Nursing Leadership: $40,488 total, 30-month program, 65% graduation rate.
• PhD in Nursing: $72,000 total, 60-month program, 65% graduation rate.
• RN to BSN: $27,710 total, 24-month program, 65% graduation rate.

Admissions Requirements

• Minimum GPA:
  • Undergraduate (RN-to-BSN): 2.0 or above.
  • Graduate (MSN, DNP, PhD): 2.5 or higher on a BSN or equivalent.
• Applicants must hold an active RN license by the program start date.
• Unofficial transcript showing an associate degree or hospital diploma in nursing from a CHEA- or U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution is required.
• No official TEAS or HESI score thresholds are published.
• No official acceptance rate is published; external sources indicate a 100% university-wide acceptance rate.

Schedule & Format

• Delivery Modes: All programs are fully online with no hybrid or on-campus requirements.
• Course Formats:
  • Course-Based (Scheduled): Instructor-led with predetermined schedules, weekly deadlines, and cohort-style pacing.
  • Tempo Learning® (Self-Paced, Competency-Based): Students progress at their own pace with flat-rate, three-month subscription terms and academic coaching support.
• Synchronous vs. Asynchronous:
  • Most course-based programs use asynchronous delivery (no scheduled live sessions).
  • Tempo Learning® is self-paced and asynchronous.

Industry Context

The nursing profession is experiencing significant demand nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that approximately 3.1 million registered nurses were employed in the U.S. as of 2022, with roughly 193,100 job openings projected annually through 2032 due to retirements, population growth, and an aging patient population. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 as of May 2024, with advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners earning a median salary of $129,210 and nurse anesthetists earning $223,210.

The National Academy of Medicine recommends that 80% of the nursing workforce hold a BSN or higher to improve patient outcomes. Graduates from CCNE-accredited programs, like those at Walden University, are preferred by employers, particularly hospitals pursuing Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The national average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is approximately 87–89%, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Programmatic accreditation ensures eligibility for professional licensure and credit transferability to graduate programs.

Key Considerations for Prospective Students

• Accreditation: Ensure the program holds CCNE or ACEN accreditation in addition to regional institutional accreditation.
• NCLEX Pass Rates: Look for programs that consistently meet or exceed the national average pass rate.
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong partnerships with healthcare organizations provide diverse, high-quality hands-on experience.
• Student Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources contribute to student success.
• Career Placement: Some schools have partnerships with healthcare employers to facilitate hiring of new graduates.