Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Role

Pediatric nurse practitioner duties include a great deal of interaction with children and their parents, working alongside pediatricians to provide primary care for infants, young children and adolescents up to 21 years old. They analyze assessment data, lab work, and diagnostic tests to come to a diagnosis for their patients. Pediatric nurse practitioners are responsible for prescribing medication and require attention to detail since they deal with age- and weight-appropriate doses for children. Pediatric nurse practitioners will also need to assess the growth and development of their patients to determine if they are meeting the milestones relative to their age groups. Educating patients and their families is another important duty. There is a growing demand for pediatric nurse practitioners who can provide cost-effective health care for children.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

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Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Salary

There is little credible information on the salary for pediatric primary care nurse practitioners, as it is a niche off of nurse practitioner careers. As such, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse practitioners earn a mean salary of $111,680. These rates may change depending on industry, state, and earned certifications.

How to Become a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Eligibility Requirements

There are many steps to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Prior education, certification and clinical practice are among the requirements for being accepted into a nurse practitioner program. Here is a step-by-step path you can take to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

  1. Become a registered nurse. In order to apply to a pediatric nurse practitioner program, one must have a license as a registered nurse in a U.S. state or territory. Passing the NCLEX-RN examination is required for certification as a registered nurse.
  2. Apply to a nurse practitioner program with a specialization in pediatric primary care accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). They must be master’s, postgraduate or doctoral programs.
  3. Earn 500 clinical practice hours in primary care pediatrics. If you are applying for the Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC) exam from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), it is required that you pursue 500 hours of clinical practice.
  4. Apply for state certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the state where you wish to practice.
  5. Apply to take the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner exam administered by the PNCB to earn your certification. The exam tests comprehension of assessment and diagnostic techniques, pharmacology, theory and more. Final transcripts and proof of education are required.
  6. Once you have earned your pediatric primary care nurse practitioner certification, it must be renewed every year. In addition to renewing certification through the board, renewal through the state is also required and may require additional fulfillment of continuing education contact hours.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

info SPONSORED

Should I enroll into a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner program?

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) recognizes primary care pediatric nurse practitioner programs, as accredited by the CCNE or ACEN. Each of these recognized programs include coursework on advanced physiology and pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. Some of these programs are doctorate level degrees, other’s masters level degrees offering additional certifications post-graduation.

Online Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs

When looking for an online primary care pediatric nurse practitioner program, make sure that it is high quality, with interactive features such as live classes and placement services that will help you get the most out of your education. Some universities offer online nurse practitioner programs that are identical to what they offer on campus, allowing students to earn a degree from a university they know and whose reputation they trust, without having to move there.

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) – Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Active RN license
  • Master’s degree or higher from a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner program
  • 500 clinical hours of supervised direct care is required in primary care pediatrics
  • Three graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology

Fees: The Acute Care CPNP® Exam is $385, which includes a $130 non refundable registration fee.
Renewal: To maintain your status, you will need to participate in the PNCB’s recertification program between November 1 and January 31. Recertification ensures that you’re staying current in your field.

Information on the PNCB certification for primary care certified pediatric nurse practitioner was retrieved as of October 2021. For the most up-to-date information, refer to PNCB’s website.

State Nursing Certification Information

Last updated October 2021.