Top 10 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025
Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) programs prepare nurses to care for patients from infancy to young adulthood. Finding a suitable program is paramount if you're interested in becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. We've ranked the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs for 2025 to help you choose the right program for you.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Nurse.org's Top 10 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.
| Program Name | Program Cost | Accreditation |
| Duke University | $2,250 per credit hour | CCNE |
| University of Pennsylvania | $6,890 per credit hour | CCNE |
| Johns Hopkins University | $2,057 per credit hour | CCNE |
| Rush University | $1,436 per credit hour | CCNE |
| University of Washington |
Resident: $11,239 per quarter
Non-Resident: $16,038 per quarter |
CCNE |
| Vanderbilt University | $2,057 per credit hour | CCNE |
| Yale University | $54,637 yearly | CCNE |
| University of California at San Francisco |
Resident: $94,339 total program cost
Non-Resident: $106,584 total program cost |
CCNE |
| Columbia University | $74,962 annually | CCNE |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Resident: $1,280 per credit hour
Non-Resident: $1,595 per credit hour |
CCNE |
1. Duke University
Duke University offers a top-ranked PNP Primary Care (PNP-PC) and a PNP Acute Care (PNP-AC) program. Students attend both programs primarily online but must attend clinical rotations in person. The online pediatric nurse practitioner program culminates in an MSN degree and takes about 2.5 years to complete.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Application Deadline:
- Fall: December 1st
- Spring: May 1st
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
- Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
- Website
2. University of Pennsylvania
U.S. News ranked UPenn the fourth-best pediatric nurse practitioner program. The program awards graduates an MSN degree. Students may pursue a primary or acute care PNP track, and full-time attendees can graduate in just 12 months. However, except for select courses, students must attend this PNP program in person.
In the acute care program, students pick a plan of study from either acute/chronic, oncology, or critical care.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline:
- Full-time:
- Summer: February 2nd
- Fall: March 2nd
- Part-time:
- Spring: October 15th
- Summer: March 16th
- Fall: April 1st
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (215) 989-4271
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
- Website
3. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University offers two Pediatric NP programs both resulting in a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. However, the quality of education at this institute is among the best in the nation. By the end of their studies, students will be exceptionally prepared for their careers as pediatric nurse practitioners.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline: November 1st and January 15th
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (410) 955-4766
- Website
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
4. Rush University
Rush University offers a completely online pediatric nurse practitioner program for BSN or MSN-trained nurses. Culminating in a DNP degree, the program takes between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years to complete. In addition to the online didactic training, students will visit the campus to complete a health assessment and simulation experiences.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline: January 5th
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (312) 942-6986
- Email Address: elizabeth_m_miranda@rush.edu
- Website
5. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers both PNP-PC and PNP-AC tracks for aspiring peds nurse practitioners. Each three-year program culminates in a DNP degree and includes in-person and online didactic training and clinical rotations. Notably, the school operates on a quarter system instead of semesters, which may impact degree planning.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline:
- Priority: January 15th
- Space Available: May 1st
6. Vanderbilt University
The PNP-PC and PNP-AC programs at Vanderbilt offer hybrid learning options with in-person practicum requirements. Graduates earn an MSN degree after one year of full-time study. Each program prepares students for board certification and practice in primary or acute pediatric care settings. Vanderbilt’s master's-level and doctoral-level programs are top-ranked year after year.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline: October 15th
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (615) 322-4400
- Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
- Website
7. Yale University
Yale offers PNP post-graduate certificates in acute and primary care. Students who are enrolled in a Yale MSN program or already have an MSN are eligible for the program. The university emphasizes that previous education should be in pediatrics or family practice.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline: November 1st
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (203) 785-6437
- Email Address: ysnadmissions@yale.edu
- Website
8. University of California San Francisco
- Resident: $94,339
- Non-Resident: $106,584
UCSF offers a PNP-PC and PNP-AC program and a postgraduate certificate for each subspecialty. While students can complete the DNP program in 12 quarters (three years) of full-time study, the postgraduate certificates take only 5-6 quarters. Graduates from any of these programs are eligible for board certification. The program is not intended to be completed on a part-time basis so this is something to consider when applying.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline: February 12th
Contact Information
- Phone Number: (415) 476-1732
- Email Address: laura.moy@ucsf.edu
- Website
9. Columbia University
Unlike other programs in this list, Columbia only offers a PNP-PC degree, with no acute care options. However, the university has an excellent and comprehensive DNP curriculum that students can complete in two to three years. The PNP program is only offered in person and on a full-time basis. Courses include lecture, clinical, simulation, and a final intensive practicum.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline: December 1st
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (212) 305-5756
- Email Address: nursing@cumc.columbia.edu
- Website
10. University of Pittsburgh
- Resident: $1,280 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,595 per credit hour
The University of Pittsburgh's BSN to DNP program takes three years of full-time study, while the MSN to DNP takes two. PNP-AC students may only attend an MSN to DNP program, while PNP-PC options are available to BSN and MSN-trained nurses. However, all programs are available on campus or online with limited in-person requirements.
Accreditation: CCNE
Application Deadline:
- Fall: June 15th
- Spring: October 1st
- Summer: March 1st
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (412) 624-4586
- Email Address: PittNursing@pitt.edu
- Website
Types of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Like other nursing specialties, there are several pathways to becoming a PNP. In general, you'll be able to select from four types of pediatric nurse practitioner programs: RN to NP, MSN, and DNP degrees or post-graduate certificates.
- Registered Nurse to NP: RN to NP programs allow associate degree-trained nurses to pursue an NP degree without first earning a bachelor's. These degrees encompass the BSN curriculum and then transition directly into the MSN or DNP program.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): MSN degrees are the most common path to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. The MSN-NP is for BSN-trained nurses with relevant experience.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The DNP is a terminal nursing degree that prepares nurses for clinical practice. While MSN and DNP-trained NPs earn the same qualifications, pursuing a DNP has worthwhile benefits. Find out which graduate nursing degree suits you with our MSN vs DNP guide.
- Post-Graduate Certificate: Students who already completed a graduate nursing program but want to specialize in peds may pursue a post-graduate certificate instead of a degree program. These shorter, cheaper certificate programs prepare APRNs for pediatric NP board certification.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program Requirements
In order to gain admission to a PNP program, applicants will need to apply to a program that is accredited and offers a reputable program. To apply, nurses should expect to submit the following:
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- GRE Scores
- Personal statement
- Program application
- Application fees
- Admissions interview
>> Show Me Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Picking the Right Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
Graduate school is a massive time and financial commitment. Before you settle on a pediatric nurse practitioner program, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Cost: How much is tuition, and what financial aid options do I have? Am I eligible for any nursing scholarships?
- Location: Can I attend an on-campus program, or do I need online coursework? Can I commute to all in-person requirements, or will I have to move?
- Clinicals: What hospitals are approved for this school's practicum requirements? Do they give clinical placements, or is it my responsibility to find one?
- Work-School Balance: Can I work throughout the program? If not, can I support myself while I study without working?
- Program Length: How much time can I commit to a program? Most programs require students to complete all requirements in five years; can I finish the degree in that time limit?
- MSN vs DNP: Should I attend a master's or doctoral program? Which degree is right for my career, or which degree is more attainable based on my educational background and resources?
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Helpful Organizations, Societies, & Agencies
Check out these organizations for additional information and resources on pediatric nurse practitioner programs:
- Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
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