Choose the Best Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Programs for You in 2022

If you’re interested in a nurse practitioner role that works with infants, children, adolescents and young adults, you might be interested in becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) programs include on-campus and online pediatric acute care and primary care nurse practitioner programs.

Drexel University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 52+

Concentrations:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Pediatric Acute and Primary Care

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN from program fully accredited by National League of Nursing (NLN) and/or American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for BSN
  • Current, unrestricted U.S. RN license
  • Official transcripts
  • Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former nursing faculty members
  • Personal statement (under 1,000 words) of why you chose the program, future plans with the degree and how current work experience enhances participation in the program
  • Resume
  • Additionally, for the MSN Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual Option) programs: current PALS certification and at least one year of nursing experience in a pediatric acute care setting
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Drexel University

Maryville University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

St. Louis, Missouri

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 3 years

Credits: 44

Concentrations:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)/Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited program
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in all college work
  • Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the United States
  • Three letters of recommendation: minimum of one academic and two clinical
  • Copy of curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
  • 500-word essay describing your interest in becoming a nurse practitioner and how you plan to use your education to affect patient outcomes
  • Minimum of one year of current professional nursing experience
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Maryville University

Old Dominion University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Norfolk, Virginia

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 49

Concentrations:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Current unencumbered/unrestricted RN license in Virginia or a Compact State
  • BSN or RN with a bachelor’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics course and an undergraduate physical/health assessment course
  • 1 year of current clinical nursing experience, preferably post-baccalaureate
  • GRE scores required if GPA is below 3.5
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Written statement on career goals and reasons for seeking certification as a PNP
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Old Dominion University

Saint Louis University

Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

St. Louis, Missouri

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 36

Concentrations:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN from accredited university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.25 on 4.0 scale
  • Unencumbered RN license in the state where you’ll complete clinical practice hours
  • Official transcripts
  • Three professional references
  • CV/resume
  • Professional goal statement
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Saint Louis University

Texas Tech University

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Lubbock, Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 49+

Concentrations:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts
  • Valid unencumbered RN license
  • BSN from a regionally accredited college or university with accreditation from CCNE or ACEN
  • At least a C grade in undergraduate courses in research and statistics
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework leading to BSN
  • Personal statement/essay 
  • Three professional letters of reference
  • 2 years of RN pediatric experience
  • PALS certification
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Texas Tech University

Thomas Jefferson University

Home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 36

Concentrations:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Current active RN license
  • Grade of B or above in an introductory bachelor’s level course in elementary statistics, in an undergraduate level course in physical assessment and in an introductory BSN-level course in nursing research
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal statement/essay describing professional goals
  • Letters of recommendation from two professional contacts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Thomas Jefferson University

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Birmingham, Alabama

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 45+

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN degree from regionally accredited institution and nationally accredited nursing program
  • Unencumbered and unrestricted RN license to practice in the state where you’ll complete your clinical practicum
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 
  • GRE scores required for students with less than a 3.2 GPA
  • Three letters of professional reference
  • Official transcripts
  • Proof of completion of a descriptive statistics course
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from The University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Colorado

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Aurora, Colorado

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 35+

Concentrations:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and an ACEN or CCNE accredited program
  • Undergraduate nursing degree GPA of at least 3.0
  • Undergraduate nursing research and statistics course at an accredited institution with at least a C grade
  • Essay 
  • CV/resume
  • Current, unencumbered RN license
  • Three letters of reference, with at least one reference from an academic source
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Colorado

University of Missouri – Kansas City

School of Nursing and Health Studies

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Kansas City, Missouri

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 46+

Concentrations:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • BSN or MSN from college or university nationally recognized by nursing accrediting agency
  • Unencumbered RN licensure in the state in which the student completes clinical requirements
  • Minimum 3.2 GPA
  • Personal interviews
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Missouri – Kansas City

University of South Alabama

South Alabama College of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Mobile, Alabama

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 45

Concentrations:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • 2 years of pediatric nursing experience
  • GPA of 3.0 or greater for BSN degree
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Current RN licensure with no restrictions
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of South Alabama

University of Texas at El Paso

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

El Paso, Texas

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 46+

Concentrations:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Current RN license in good standing in state or country where clinical or practicum coursework is completed
  • BSN from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or equivalent education at a foreign institution
  • Unofficial transcripts; official transcripts must be sent after admission
  • Statement of purpose 
  • Resume/CV
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Texas at El Paso

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Nashville, Tennessee

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 40

Concentrations:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements:

  • Statement of Purpose 
  • ASN, BSN or MSN degree with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • For PNP-AC, at least two years of RN nursing experience in acute, inpatient pediatrics or one year in a pediatric critical care or emergency department setting; for PNP-PC, no RN experience is required
  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities 
  • Three letters of academic or professional reference
  • RN applicants must graduate before enrolling from an ACEN- or CCNE accredited school and hold an unencumbered RN license
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Vanderbilt University

Choosing an Online School for Your PNP Program

With so many PNP online choices, it helps to compare programs to ensure what you choose matches with your career goals. Consider the following factors and talk with each school’s admissions department to find a program that aligns with your objectives.

Your Goals

There are a variety of pathways to becoming a PNP. Some programs offer both acute and primary care PNP specialties, including dual programs where you can learn both specialties in a single program.

There are also accelerated MSN programs to get your degree more quickly, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs with pediatric specialties. A DNP may help lead to careers in nursing leadership and administration.

Think about what type of career responsibilities you want, what pediatric nursing area you want to specialize in and how long you want to be in school.

Program Accreditation

Nursing school accreditation is a process schools go through to meet national standards of academic quality. State licensure boards may require that you complete a nursing program from an accredited school before awarding you a license.There are two main nursing school accreditation organizations: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). These organizations ensure accredited programs are of high quality, meet nursing standards for professional licensure and accreditation, and have experienced faculty and staff to support student education and development.

Program Length

How long you’re willing to be in school will influence the online pediatric nurse practitioner program you choose. If you want to space out your schooling, you might consider part-time programs. If you want to complete your education at a faster pace, look into accelerated or full-time programs.

Admission Requirements

Most online PNP programs require at least a BSN degree from a college or university accredited by the CCNE and/or ACEN. Students will also need to send official transcripts and meet minimum GPA requirements, generally ranging from at least a 3.0 or 3.2 in the last 60 credit hours of the BSN program. There may also be course prerequisites, like completion of a statistics course.

Applicants typically will need an unencumbered, active RN license to be admitted into a PNP program, because the program will require clinical practice hours. A resume/CV, personal statement and letters of recommendation are also typically required. 

Clinical Hours Experience

Most online pediatric NP programs require completion of clinical practice hours before graduation. These hours ensure a student has practiced pediatric nursing in a real-world environment under professional academic supervision, so they can get the necessary feedback.

Schools will have various clinical practice hour requirements. To sit for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) exams, you’ll need at least 500 clinical practice hours, but the PNCB recommends at least 600 clinical hours for in-person and online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs.

Potential Salary and Jobs

The number of jobs for nurse practitioners is projected to grow 52% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. The 2020 median nurse practitioner salary was $11,680 per year, the BLS reports.

Since PNPs work with patients up to young adults, there’s variety in the PNP career field. PNPs may work as primary care specialists performing wellness exams and providing medical care in NP offices, or they may work in hospitals or emergency treatment centers as acute care specialists. PNPs may also work in community healthcare clinics and surgical centers. Nursing salaries vary based on your work setting.

Certifications and Licenses

Once you’ve graduated from PNP school, you’ll need to apply for state certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner or acute care pediatric nurse practitioner in the state where you want to work. You’ll likely already have a registered nurse license, since that’s a typical requirement for PNP school. Note, however, that nursing licensure by state varies. You may be able to work as an entry-level RN in pediatrics without certification, but certification may be able to help you advance your career.

The PNCB offers the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC) credential and the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC) credential. Once you’ve achieved one or both of these credentials, you can add them to your nursing title. They’ll need to be renewed every year through the board. You’ll also have to fulfill state nursing licensing requirements to stay active.

Additional Nursing Programs

In addition to traditional MSN degrees from an on-campus or online nurse practitioner program to become a PNP, there are other online nursing programs that may fit your experience and/or desired school experience. These include:

  • Accelerated PNP programs: An accelerated nursing program condenses education into a shorter time frame for non-nursing degree holders. You may be able to complete the program in less than 18 months. This may be a good fit if you’re able to devote your schedule to school full time and can handle a more intense, condensed schedule, with the benefit of graduating earlier.
  • Bridge programs (RN to MSN): If you don’t yet have a BSN but you’re working as an RN, you might consider an RN-to-MSN online program with a pediatric nurse practitioner focus. These programs include coursework similar to nursing coursework in a BSN program, as well as advanced nursing coursework you’d learn in a traditional online MSN program. Bridge programs typically have more credit hours and can be longer than traditional BSN-to-MSN programs, but they may enable you to earn a graduate degree without starting with an undergraduate degree in nursing.
  • Post master’s certificates: If you already have an MSN but want to specialize in pediatrics nursing, there are certificates for post-master’s PNP online programs. These programs are shorter than traditional MSN programs and provide you with the knowledge and experience to sit for the PNCB exams to get credentialed.
  • DNP PNP programs: A DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice, is the top practice-based nursing degree. DNP programs are longer than BSN-to-MSN programs. But, since you are learning more and are getting a higher-level degree, you may be able to pursue more advanced clinical nursing roles. These may include research-based nursing roles and leadership positions.

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

Scholarships for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Students

There are various nursing financial aid opportunities for future PNPs. Here are some scholarships for PNP students:

FAQs

How do Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) programs work?

PNP programs include a mix of classroom lectures and clinical work supervised by an academic professional. In online pediatric nurse practitioner programs, students attend lectures and submit coursework online. In on-campus programs, students attend class in a physical classroom.

Should I enroll in an online PNP program?

If you crave flexibility and don’t want to have to relocate to attend the PNP program of your choice, PNP online programs may be beneficial. Online pediatric nurse practitioner programs are generally taught by on-campus instructors and feature the same coursework as on-campus programs. Students can access classes on a schedule that works for them and study and complete coursework on their own device, from any connected location.

How long do you go to school to become a pediatric nurse practitioner?

It depends on the program and whether it’s part time or full time. Most full-time MSN PNP programs take two to three years to complete. With accelerated MSN programs, you may be able to complete school in 18 months. If you already have an MSN, PNP certificate programs can take less than two years to complete.

Can I complete an online PNP program without a nursing degree?

Many PNP online programs require BSN degrees. You may be able to enter online pediatric nurse practitioner programs with RN licensure, however. These programs are called “direct entry programs,” in which you can earn your MSN with an RN licensure—without completing a previous nursing degree.

What is the difference between a PNP with an MSN vs. DNP?

DNP PNP programs focus on leadership, research, employee management and statistical analysis in nursing. These programs prepare students for executive or research roles in nursing.
MSN PNP programs focus more on practical medical skills required to directly help patients. Both DNP PNP and MSN PNP graduates will be prepared to provide patient care, but DNP PNP students can expect to learn more about healthcare system operations and data research.

What is the difference between a PNP-AC vs PNP-PC?

A PNP-AC is a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner. These nurse practitioners work with children, teens and young adults from newborn to 21 years old who are acutely, critically or chronically ill. PNP-ACs work in settings like hospitals, pediatric emergency departments and pediatric intensive care units.
A PNP-PC is a pediatric nurse practitioner who works in primary care. PNP-PCs serve patients from newborn to 21 years old to ensure healthy development. PNP-PCs work in PNP primary care offices, where they prescribe medication, perform lab work and diagnose tests.

Information on this page was last retrieved in January 2022.