Best Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

The highly revered and rewarding pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) role is a popular choice for nurses who want to make a difference in the health of children. This advanced nursing career can be achieved through a master's or doctoral level pediatric nurse practitioner program, and most allow students to choose between primary or acute pediatric care. With online and campus-based options available, RNs wanting to enter a higher level of nursing practice will find that it is well within reach.
2025 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Choosing the right Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program is crucial for aspiring healthcare professionals. RegisteredNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the top PNP programs across the United States, focusing on academic quality, clinical training, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis helps students find programs that will launch successful careers in pediatric healthcare. We examine factors like curriculum depth, faculty expertise, clinical placement opportunities, and graduate success rates to provide an accurate and trustworthy guide for future pediatric nurse practitioners. See our ranking methodology.
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern University's Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with an Acute Care concentration is tailored for licensed nurses holding a master's degree, aiming to specialize in pediatric healthcare. This two-year program emphasizes acute care, preparing nurses to manage the complex needs of at-risk children in various clinical environments. With a tuition of $79,786, it offers a unique opportunity for certification preparation in both Pediatric Primary Care and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner exams. The program stands out for its clinical training partnerships with top-tier hospitals, including Boston Children's Hospital, and its focus on culturally sensitive care.
- Two-year advanced nursing certificate
- Acute Care pediatric specialization
- Only NE acute-care PNP program
- Certification exam preparation
- Clinical partnerships with top hospitals
- Requires master's nursing degree
- Culturally sensitive care focus
- Primary or dual track options
Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Dual Primary/Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Northeastern University offers a dual specialization in Primary and Acute Care, designed for master's-prepared nurses. This two-year program, with a tuition of $79,786, equips nurses with the skills to provide comprehensive care to children and adolescents, emphasizing community-based and culturally sensitive training. It prepares students for certification exams and enhances diagnostic reasoning skills, crucial for pediatric healthcare. The program is distinguished by its clinical experiences at leading hospitals and its focus on serving urban pediatric populations.
- Two-track PNP specialization
- Only NE acute-care PNP program
- 41 semester hours required
- CCNE and MA Nursing Board approved
- Clinical experiences at top hospitals
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Urban pediatric population focus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - Public 4-Year - newbrunswick.rutgers.edu
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid Post-Master's Certificate designed for nurses with a Master's or Doctoral degree. It focuses on enhancing skills in acute pediatric care, emphasizing complex patient management and evidence-based practices. The program prepares nurses for leadership roles in pediatric healthcare, with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive care, patient education, and health equity. Graduates are equipped to advocate for vulnerable populations and lead interprofessional teams in diverse healthcare settings.
- Hybrid program format
- For Master's/Doctoral nurses
- Advanced pediatric specialization
- Evidence-based care focus
- Health equity emphasis
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - uams.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post Masters Certification Program
Concentration: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' Post Masters Certification Program for Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners provides specialized training for advanced practice nurses seeking expertise in critical pediatric healthcare. This hybrid program uniquely positions nurses to manage complex medical challenges in pediatric intensive care environments. Targeting professionals with existing certifications, the curriculum intensively prepares students to assess and intervene in life-threatening pediatric conditions, developing advanced clinical skills for managing organ dysfunction and critical patient needs across diverse healthcare settings.
- Post Masters Certification Option
- 18-month Approximate Completion Time
- Acute Care Pediatric Focus
- National Certification Preparation
- Advanced Practice Licensure Eligible
Graduate Certificate - Post Masters Certification Program
Concentration: Dual Certification Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UAMS' Post Masters Certification Program for Dual Certification Pediatric Nurse Practitioners offers a comprehensive pathway for advanced practice nurses to expand their pediatric healthcare expertise. This innovative hybrid program bridges primary and acute care pediatric nursing, enabling practitioners to provide holistic health services for children and young adults. By integrating evidence-based practices and interprofessional training, the curriculum develops sophisticated clinical reasoning skills, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive patient-centered care across multiple pediatric healthcare environments.
- Post Masters Certification Track
- Dual Primary and Acute Care
- National Certification Preparation
- Advanced Practice Licensure
- Comprehensive Pediatric Healthcare Focus
- Interprofessional Team Approach
- Evidence-Based Clinical Training
- Approximately 18-Month Program
- Flexible Clinical Settings
- Health Promotion Emphasis
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Kentucky offers a Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing with a Pediatric Primary Care concentration, designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to specialize in pediatric care. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, requiring 16-31 credit hours at $1,002 per credit. Applicants must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and hold an MSN or higher from an accredited program. The curriculum focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing pediatric patients, preparing graduates for national certification in pediatric primary care. Highlights include immersive clinical rotations and twice-per-semester immersion activities, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
- Hybrid online and in-person format
- 16-31 total credit hours
- $1,002 per credit cost
- 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
- Pediatric Primary Care concentration
- In-person clinical rotations
- Immersion activities twice per semester
- Prepares for national certification
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO - Public 4-Year - umkc.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a Post-MSN Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate, tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in acute care pediatrics. This 21-credit hybrid program is designed for those with a master's degree in nursing, focusing on enhancing skills to manage critically ill children in various healthcare settings. Through a combination of online coursework and clinical practicums, students are prepared for PNCB certification and equipped with advanced clinical skills for roles in pediatric intensive care, emergency departments, and specialized pediatric units. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to pediatric acute care, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of this specialized field.
- 21 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- Prepares for PNCB certification
- Advanced pediatric clinical training
- Focuses on acute care pediatrics
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI - Public 4-Year - wayne.edu
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Wayne State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care, tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in acute and critical pediatric care. This 24-credit program is designed to prepare students for the national pediatric acute care certification exam, focusing on advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and acute care management. With a requirement of 675 clinical hours, the program ensures graduates are well-equipped with the skills necessary for patient and family-centered care in acute pediatric settings. Prerequisites include an MSN or DNP, Michigan RN licensure, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program utilizes the NursingCAS application system and can be completed in one calendar year.
- 24-credit graduate certificate
- Advanced pediatric acute care focus
- 675 clinical practice hours
- Nationally recognized certification preparation
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- One calendar year program
- NursingCAS application system
- MSN or DNP prerequisite
- Michigan RN licensure needed
- PNP-PC specialty certification
Yale University
New Haven, CT - Private 4-year - yale.edu
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale University offers a Post-Master's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Certificate program, tailored for nurses with a master's degree in nursing, focusing on pediatric or family nursing. This program is designed to enhance the clinical skills of experienced nurses, enabling them to specialize in pediatric healthcare. Through advanced clinical training, participants are prepared for certification as pediatric nurse practitioners, equipping them with the expertise to manage primary care pediatric health in various settings. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to pediatric health management, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for advanced practice roles.
- Post-Master's Certificate Option
- Builds on Existing Pediatric Curriculum
- Requires Master's in Nursing
- Advanced Clinical Training
- Certification Preparation
PNP Degree Levels & Admissions
Family nurse practitioner degree programs are considered Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) degree programs. These types of programs are only available at the graduate level which means you’ll need to enroll in either a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to get licensed. The primary requirement for enrolling in an PNP program is to have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). Here are a complete list of admissions requirements:
- BSN from an accredited school (or MSN for DNP programs)
- Minimum GPA, typically 3.0
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Some prior professional nursing experience (usually 1-2 years minimum)
- Resume or CV
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Essay or statement of purpose
- Professional letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
- Some schools may require an interview
If you’re ready to start applying, you’ll need to understand accreditation. If your prospective PNP program is accredited, it means that it meets the state’s guidelines for licensure. The main accrediting bodies for PNP programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
MSN Degree Benefits
- Specialized acute care training with a clinical focus
- Faster path to advanced practice than a DNP
- Lower cost than a DNP
- Sought after by hospitals and other medical facilities
- Flexible clinical job options
- Increased job demand due to nursing shortage, etc.
- Can be a precursor to future doctorate pursuits
DNP Degree Benefits
- More leadership opportunities available
- Opens the door to academic positions
- Comprehensive training includes a capstone project
- Greater clinical autonomy
- Highest-level nursing degree available
- Research and innovation focus
- Increased salary potential compared to an MSN
Bridge, Accelerated, and Alternative Pathways
If you don’t have a BSN, there still might be a way for you to get accepted by your favorite MSN or DNP program. Bridge programs and accelerated programs offer a timely (and affordable) route to a nursing graduate degree if you meet the right requirements — typically an RN license and an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), but this is not always so. Here are a few bridge and accelerated programs that you can find available with an PNP focus:
- RN to NP
- RN to MSN
- BSN to DNP
- Accelerated MSN
- Master's Entry to Nursing Practice
- Post-Master’s Certificate
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Fast & Affordable PNP Programs
As mentioned, bridge and accelerated programs are a great way to save time and money on your PNP degree program, but even amongst traditional family nurse practitioner programs, you can still find plenty of cheap and quick routes to your new career. Below are a few tips and examples you can utilize to discover these types of programs in your area.
How to Complete a PNP Program Quickly
You don’t need to sacrifice an entire decade to higher education if you don’t want to, especially when it comes to family nurse practitioner programs. Many nurse practitioner degree programs can be finished in as little as four years or even less! Here are a few tips to shorten your time to graduation:
- Opting for a full-time program will save you time over a part-time option.
- Online programs can often be completed more quickly than their on-campus counterparts.
- MSN PNP programs typically take 2 years to complete, much shorter than 3-4 year DNP programs.
A few examples of quick PNP programs include:
School | Degree Level | Estimated Length |
---|---|---|
Walden University | MSN | 4.5 Semesters |
Northeastern University | MSN | 2 Years |
Herzing University | MSN | 2 Years |
PNP Programs with Affordable Tuition
Many of the reasons you can find shorter FNP degree programs overlap with the reasons why you can also find PNP programs available in a more affordable tuition range. Here are some suggestions for finding PNP degree programs that fit your budget:
- Location – Urban and high-cost living areas will naturally command higher tuition rates.
- Private vs. Public Schools – Private schools often have higher tuition and fees than public schools.
- Degree Level – MSN-level PNP programs are often shorter and cheaper than DNP options.
Here are a few of the most affordable PNP programs available:
School | Degree Level | Estimated Tuition |
---|---|---|
Texas Technical University | MSN | $25,000 – $35,000 per year |
University of South Alabama | MSN | $500 – $700 per credit |
Maryville University | MSN | $35,383 – $43,150 (Total Tuition) |
PNP Curriculum
The curriculum of a pediatric nurse practitioner program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice in child healthcare, covering a comprehensive blend of clinical and theoretical coursework. Core courses typically include pediatric growth and development, advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment focused on infants, children, and adolescents. Students also engage in hands-on clinical practice under supervision, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers. The curriculum often emphasizes family-centered care, evidence-based practices, and preventive health strategies to equip graduates with the expertise needed for high-quality pediatric care.
Typical Classes/Courses
Below is a bullet-point list of common courses found in PNP programs at both the MSN and DNP levels:
- Pediatric Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
- Family-Centered Pediatric Care
- Pediatric Behavioral and Mental Health
- Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Pediatrics
- Pediatric Emergency and Acute Care
Program Clinical Requirements
Both MSN and DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) programs require significant clinical practice hours to ensure competency in pediatric care. Clinical requirements typically range from 500 to 1,000+ hours of supervised experience, depending on the degree level. Refer to your program's curriculum for exact clinical hour requirements.
MSN: PNP students in MSN programs generally complete 500-600 clinical hours, emphasizing direct patient care for children in primary care and specialty pediatric settings, such as pediatric clinics, outpatient facilities, and schools.
DNP: DNP programs usually require 1,000+ clinical hours, including time dedicated to advanced roles, leadership, and project-based work focused on pediatric healthcare improvement. DNP students may also complete a clinical residency and undertake a DNP capstone project, demonstrating expertise in pediatric practice and evidence-based care.
These clinical experiences are crucial for developing the skills needed to provide high-quality pediatric care, including diagnostic assessment, critical thinking, and family-centered care.
List of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Pediatric nurse programs can be found throughout the country, including the following schools listed below.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 975-7529
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688
(251) 445-9400
Arizona
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 965-7788
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
(520) 626-6154
California
Azusa Pacific University
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434
California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-4111
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 476-1435
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4600
Colorado
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, CO 80045
(303) 724-2152
Connecticut
Yale University
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
Orange, CT 06477
(203) 785-2389
Florida
Florida International University
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-7703
University of South Florida
- BS-DNP Pediatric Health Campus
- Pediatric Health Nursing Campus
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 974-2191
Georgia
Augusta University
- DNP- Pediatric NP Online
Augusta, GA 30912
(706) 721-9767
Emory University
- Pediatric Acute Care Hybrid
- Pediatric Primary Care Hybrid
Atlanta, GA 30322
(404) 727-7980
Georgia State University
- Pediatric Primary Care Hybrid
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-2000
Illinois
Rush University
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-7100
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 395-0600
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-7800
Indiana
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-2806
Iowa
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-7018
Kentucky
University of Kentucky College of Nursing
Lexington, KY 40536
(859) 323-5108
Louisiana
Grambling State University
Grambling, LA 71245
(318) 247-3811
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6011
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766
University of Maryland
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-6109
Massachusetts
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-4250
MGH Institute Of Health Professions
- Pediatrics Campus
Boston, MA 02129
(617) 726-2947
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-2000
Regis College
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online
Weston, MA 02493
(781) 768-7000
Michigan
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
University of Michigan
- Post-Baccalaureate DNP: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
- Post-baccalaureate DNP: Primary care pediatric nurse practitioner Campus
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-5985
Wayne State University
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (PNP-AC) Online
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (PNP-PC) Online
Detroit, MI 48202
Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-9600
Mississippi
University Of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 984-1000
Missouri
Maryville University
- PNP (Pediatric Primary Care) Online
- PNP (Pediatric Primary Care) Online
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 529-9300
Mizzou Online
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-2491
Saint Louis University
- Nursing, D.N.P. Campus
Saint Louis, MO 63104
(314) 977-8909
University of Missouri - St. Louis
St. Louis, MO 63121
(314) 516-5000
University of Missouri Health
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-0277
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 235-1000
Nebraska
Creighton University
Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-2700
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198
(402) 559-4000
New Jersey
Rutgers School of Nursing
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 972-4307
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 761-9000
New Mexico
The University of New Mexico
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-0858
New York
Columbia University
New York, NY 10032
(212) 305-5756
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- Pediatrics NP Campus
- Pediatrics NP Campus
New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-5300
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 689-8333
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 645-2000
North Carolina
Duke University
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786
The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2211
Ohio
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 368-2000
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-7930
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-4041
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111
The University of Toledo
Toledo, OH 43606
(800) 586-5336
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45220
(151) 355-8550 x0
Wright State University
Dayton, OH 45431
(937) 775-3333
Oregon
Oregon Health & Sciences University
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 494-8311
Pennsylvania
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 895-2000
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-8890
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
- Pediatric Acute Care Campus
- Pediatric Primary Care Campus
- Pediatric Acute Care Campus
- Pediatric Primary Care Campus
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-8281
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-4586
Tennessee
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4578
King University
Bristol, TN 37620
(800) 362-0014
Tennessee Tech University
- BSN to DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Full Time Campus
- BSN to DNP: Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Full Time Campus
- MSN to DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Full Time Campus
- MSN to DNP: Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Full Time Campus
- BSN to DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Part Time Campus
- MSN to DNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Part Time Campus
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3101
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center- Memphis
Memphis, TN 38163
(901) 448-5500
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-4151
Union University
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 661-6545
Texas
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7000
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2730
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898-2000
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX 76019
(817) 272-2011
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-3434
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX 79968
(915) 747-5000
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio - UT Health San Antonio
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 567-7000
Virginia
Old Dominion University
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000
University of Virginia
- Pediatric NP - Primary Care Campus
- Pediatric Acute Care NP Campus
- Pediatric NP Campus
Charlottesville, VA 22903-3388
(434) 924-0141
Washington
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-2100
Wisconsin
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(800) 222-6544
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