Best Pediatric NP Programs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: John Fedele / Getty ImagesPediatric NP Programs
Similar to other nursing specialties, the demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) is projected to increase exponentially by the end of the decade. An area in particular need of healthcare professionals is pediatrics.
The field of pediatrics provides nurses with options in primary and acute care through a variety of diverse settings. Learn more about the best pediatric NP programs that offer the best options for nurses looking to enter the field.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best pediatric NP programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Keep reading to learn more about pediatric NP programs, or go straight to our list of the best pediatric NP programs.
How do Pediatric NP Programs Work?
Pediatric NP programs prepare graduates to provide advanced care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, schools, and clinics. Most programs incorporate the following elements:
- 1
Structure
Prospective students typically choose to focus on either acute or primary care. Both programs include graduate-level coursework and clinical experiences within the appropriate pediatric setting. Nurses can also take advantage of online programs, providing them with a more flexible way to earn their degree.
- 2
Coursework
Coursework for primary and acute care programs focus on graduate-level courses, electives, and clinical experiences. Both programs include coursework in pediatric development, advanced pharmacology, health promotion, preventative care, diagnosis, and management of chronic illnesses. They also provide family education and counseling.
- 3
Pace
The pace of a pediatric NP program can vary. Students attending on a full-time basis can graduate faster than those completing the program part time. Pacing also varies for students who complete an online program, as they are typically much more flexible than their in-class counterparts.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Applying to a Pediatric NP Program
Before applying to a pediatric NP program, review the admission requirements to determine the necessary prerequisites for admittance. Admission requirements tell applicants how well a program suits their academic and professional background.
Applicants then compile application materials. Requirements for an online MSN program in nursing leadership include:
Admission Materials
Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), transcripts from previous academic programs, letters of recommendation/reference (academic and professional), a personal statement, and an interview with faculty member(s)
GPA Requirement
Pediatric programs typically require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Other Requirement
Applicants must hold a valid, unencumbered RN license; a minimum of one full year of experience as an RN, and clinical experience in pediatric nursing
Why is Pediatric NP Program Accreditation Important?
It is important for applicants to select an accredited program. Earning a degree from an accredited institution provides a variety of benefits for graduates and their future employers.
- Receiving accreditation from the ACEN and the CCNE verifies that the program meets quality standards and adequately prepares students to become pediatric NPs.
- Accredited programs may not recognize credits earned from non-accredited programs.
- Most advanced degree programs expect applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution.
- Students who attend unaccredited programs are not eligible for federal financial aid.
- Employers prefer graduates who attended an accredited program.
The Best Pediatric NP Programs
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$52,781
- Out-of-state$52,781
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled13,537
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,880
- Out-of-state$55,880
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled16,172
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,166
- Out-of-state$53,166
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled26,552
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$53,070
- Out-of-state$53,070
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled13,997
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Case Western Reserve University
- Cleveland, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$52,448
- Out-of-state$52,448
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled11,465
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Upstate Medical University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,528
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$56,730
- Out-of-state$56,730
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled11,032
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$73,200
- Out-of-state$73,200
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,269
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,680
- Out-of-state$40,680
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled8,286
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric NP Programs
How many years does it take to become a pediatric NP?
You can become a pediatric NP in as little as six years. Initially, it takes 2-3 years to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and four years to earn a BSN. You can earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) in two more years, which is required to become a pediatric NP. It can take longer for individuals who cannot complete these programs as full-time students.
What are some duties pediatric NPs perform?
Pediatric NPs handle a wide range of tasks. Essentially, they evaluate the development of children from birth to adulthood (18-21), keep track of patient histories, perform physical exams, provide immunizations, diagnose and treat illnesses, promote healthy living, and educate patients and their families.
Where do pediatric NPs work?
Pediatric NPs can work in a variety of practice settings. The most common include primary care pediatric offices, hospitals, schools, and urgent-care clinics. While they often work alongside pediatricians, some states allow pediatric NPs to start their own practice.
What can I do as a pediatric NP?
Pediatric NPs can provide a majority of health services. Depending on their education and where they live, pediatric NPs can diagnose illness, perform physical examinations, prescribe medication, screen and assess patients, provide immunizations, and own their own practice.
