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.

#1

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
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#2

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
#3

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
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#4

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
#5

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
#6

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
#7

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:

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).

ACNP Programs: MSN vs. DNP

Not sure which degree level to choose for your Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program? Check out the pros and cons of both MSN and DNP degrees to see which pathway is right for you.

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:

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:

  1. Opting for a full-time program will save you time over a part-time option.
  2. Online programs can often be completed more quickly than their on-campus counterparts.
  3. 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:

SchoolDegree LevelEstimated Length
Walden UniversityMSN4.5 Semesters
Northeastern UniversityMSN2 Years
Herzing UniversityMSN2 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:

  1. Location – Urban and high-cost living areas will naturally command higher tuition rates.
  2. Private vs. Public Schools – Private schools often have higher tuition and fees than public schools.
  3. 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:

SchoolDegree LevelEstimated Tuition
Texas Technical UniversityMSN$25,000 – $35,000 per year
University of South AlabamaMSN$500 – $700 per credit
Maryville UniversityMSN$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

1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 975-7529

Arizona

411 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 965-7788

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
1305 N. Martin | PO Box 210203
Tucson, AZ 85721
(520) 626-6154

California

MSN Programs
901 E. Alosta Ave.
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-4111

11262 Campus St.
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923

UCSF Box 0602
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 476-1435

5998 Alcal? Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4600

Colorado

Connecticut

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
400 West Campus Drive
Orange, CT 06477
(203) 785-2389

Florida

Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-7703

DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd MDC Box 22
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 974-2191

Georgia

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
1120 15th Street
Augusta, GA 30912
(706) 721-9767

1520 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322
(404) 727-7980

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
33 Gilmer St SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-2000

Illinois

Indiana

600 Barnhill Drive, NU 122
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-2806

Iowa

Kentucky

315 College of Nursing Building 751 Rose Street
Lexington, KY 40536
(859) 323-5108

Louisiana

403 Main St
Grambling, LA 71245
(318) 247-3811

Maryland

School of Nursing
525 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766

655 W. Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-6109

Massachusetts

140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-4250

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
36 1st Avenue
Boston, MA 02129
(617) 726-2947

360 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-2000

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
235 Wellesley Street
Weston, MA 02493
(781) 768-7000

Michigan

106 E. Main St.
Spring Arbor, MI 49283

Minnesota

308 Harvard Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-9600

Mississippi

2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 984-1000

Missouri

650 Maryville University Drive
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 529-9300

136 Clark Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-2491

DNP Programs
School of Nursing
3525 Caroline Mall
Saint Louis, MO 63104
(314) 977-8909

DNP Programs
S235 School of Nursing
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-0277

5100 Rockhill Rd
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 235-1000

Nebraska

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-2700

42nd and Emile
Omaha, NE 68198
(402) 559-4000

New Jersey

180 University Avenue
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 972-4307

College of Nursing
400 South Orange Ave.
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 761-9000

New Mexico

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
2502 Marble Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-0858

New York

617 W 168th St
New York, NY 10032
(212) 305-5756

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
433 First Avenue
New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-5300

School of Nursing
101 Nicolls Road
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 689-8333

3435 Main St. Wende Hall
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 645-2000

North Carolina

307 Trent Drive
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786

Carrington Hall
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2211

Ohio

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
1375 University Esplanade
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-7930

2801 W. Bancroft
Toledo, OH 43606
(800) 586-5336

Oregon

3147 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 494-8311

Pennsylvania

College of Nursing
111 S 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 503-8890

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
418 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-8281

3500 Victoria Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-4586

Tennessee

365 Stout Drive
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4578

1350 King College Road
Bristol, TN 37620
(800) 362-0014

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
1050 Union University Drive
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 661-6545

Texas

2800 S University Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7000

304 Administration Dr.
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898-2000

110 Inner Campus Drive
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-3434

500 West University Avenue
El Paso, TX 79968
(915) 747-5000

Virginia

MSN Programs
5115 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000

225 Jeanette Lancaster Way
Charlottesville, VA 22903-3388
(434) 924-0141

Washington

Wisconsin

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