10 Easiest Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Programs to Get Into – 2025
Written By: Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN
Are you looking to become a pediatric nurse practitioner but feel overwhelmed by your options? Do you know what are the easiest pediatric nurse practitioner programs to get into? I have got great news! With the development of online pediatric nurse practitioner programs, pursuing this career path has never been so accessible – and with my list of the 10 easiest accredited pediatric nurse practitioner online programs to get into in 2025, it'll be easier than ever. Get ready for an exciting journey toward becoming a certified PNP – all from the comfort of your own home!
How We Came Up With a List of the Easiest Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Programs to Get Into?
Well, to begin with, by no means are online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs easy to get into or easy to complete. When we say, ‘Easiest To Get Into’, we simply mean these online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs are easier to get into compared to other online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs. To compile this list of the easiest to get into online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in the nation, we have factored in the overall school acceptance rates as provided by the
U.S. Department of Education.
However, since these are the overall school acceptance rates, the exact online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program-specific acceptance rates may not match up. As there are no available online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program-specific acceptance rates, by using the overall school acceptance rates we have tried our best to come up with this list of the easiest Pediatric Nurse Practitioner online programs to get into.
What are the Easiest Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Programs to Get Into in the Nation For 2025?
(Based on the
overall school acceptance rates, the following are the 15 easiest accredited online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs to get into in the nation for the year 2025.)
1. University of Texas at El Paso - El Paso, TX
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
100%
Program Details:
Are you looking for one of the easiest pediatric nurse practitioner online programs to get into? Then you should take a look at the University of Texas at El Paso. This program offers two tracks, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, both of which have been developed in an easy-to-access online format. With only 49 credit hours required over two calendar years, you will graduate in no time! Plus, with innovative simulation lab experiences and 775 clinical clock hours included in the program, you can ensure that your education is comprehensive.
Suppose you're interested in enrolling in the University of Texas at El Paso's MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program. In that case, you'll be glad to know that in the specialty courses--usually held over the last three semesters--you'll have a chance to experience some of their innovative simulation lab sessions. Don't look so worried: you won't need to spend too much time on campus; no more than three visits per semester! Travel might take a little bit more effort: with appropriate clinical requirements, you may be asked to make your way around 200 miles away to accomplish your clinical hours.
How to Get Into University of Texas at El Paso’s PNP Program:
Applying to the MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program at the University of Texas at El Paso is as easy as a breeze. Perfect for busy, hardworking folks like yourself. To be considered, all you need is a resume and official transcripts, a Statement of Nursing Professional Purpose that outlines your past professional Registered Nurse experiences and abilities and how they align with your future Advanced Practice Nursing goals, plus your future professional ambitions related to being a pediatric nurse practitioner. This program is one of the options for Nurses who are looking for a change in their career path! No GRE scores or letters of recommendation are necessary, and what's even more wonderful is that qualifying applicants will also end up with a personal interview.
Oh, and don't forget - A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and one to two years of nursing experience (pediatric preferred) for the PNP-PC or one to two years of pediatric critical care experience for PNP-AC are also required.
2. University of Kentucky College of Nursing - Lexington, KY
Programs Offered:
BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties:
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
96%
Program Details:
Are you interested to apply to one of the easiest online pediatric nurse practitioner programs to get into? The BSN-to-DNP Pediatric program at the University of Kentucky, College of Nursing, has two pathways, the pediatric acute care nurse practitioner and the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, that are worth checking out.
In this online program, you can take all didactic coursework online but are required to attend in-person classes on the Lexington campus two times each semester. During these in-person visits, students participate in various activities related to the degree, such as testing sessions, skill assessments, and experiential learning modules -all part of becoming a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
You will need a total of 74 credits over three years and 1020 clinical hours to complete the program.
How to Get Into University of Kentucky College of Nursing’s PNP Program:
In order to be admitted into the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, you'll need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited program. If you live out of state, you will need to be sure that the University is
authorized to deliver the program in the state you reside. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale is required. To complement these academically-oriented criteria are some practical - yet important - requirements like an unencumbered RN license and proof of experience in nursing prior to the first DNP clinical course. As for documentation, your CV or resume is needed, plus a goal statement and an example of your written work that is no older than three years needs to be submitted as well.
3. Old Dominion University - Norfolk, VA
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
95%
Program Details:
Old Dominion University's MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program is one of the easiest pediatric nurse practitioner programs to get into. This program is 49 credits, which can be completed in five semesters full-time or nine semesters part-time. Subsequently, this option will provide you with the flexibility for your other commitments or constraints in life. As a result, current students appreciate being able to access course content and academics through secure online interaction with their professors and peers. At critical points of the program, you must travel to ODU's School of Nursing in Virginia Beach for training or testing sessions. Who wouldn't want to soak up some sun and get face time in?
How to Get Into Old Dominion University’s PNP Program:
The requirements for admission to the MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program at Old Dominion University are an unencumbered license as a registered nurse with current experience and a baccalaureate degree in nursing or a related science field. Plus, students must have completed physical/health assessment and a statistics course with an achieved grade minimum of 3.0 grade point average. Now, to seal the deal – you will need to prove your scholarly effort by showing off that Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT) score of 300 and 400, respectively – taken within 5 years. You will also need three letters of recommendation from former faculty members and an employer as well as an essay outlining your career goals and the reasons for wanting to pursue becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner.
4. Northwestern State University of Louisiana - Natchitoches, LA
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties:
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
95%
Program Details:
Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s easy online pediatric nurse practitioner program to get into is the perfect jump-off point for aspiring nurse practitioners. With 42 credits to complete over an achievable two to three-year period, and no thesis requirement, this program makes it easy to become certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Plus, students can take classes online, so they don't have to worry about disrupting their normal work schedule or life balance.
This program will provide you with comprehensive coursework, including advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice, plus the opportunity to get hands-on clinical experience in varying settings. Don't worry if you're not keen on 100% online learning; there will still be opportunities to visit campus and work in courses, labs, and simulation activities!
How to Get Into Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s PNP Program:
The admission requirements are easy and straightforward for this program-- think of it this way: you will need a 3.0 GPA, proof of an unrestricted nursing license, two letters of recommendation, and a combined quantitative GRE score of 290. This is like getting a clear passage through a security check! In addition to these necessary items, you will also need to submit your transcripts and resume as well as complete the application process.
5. Texas Woman's University - Denton, TX
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
94%
Program Details:
The easy to get into online pediatric nurse practitioner program at Texas Woman's University allows you to provide compassionate care to children and adolescents for their most common illnesses. With a mere 45 credits and a two-to-three-year timeframe, you can become certified in this field without worrying about long hours of classes or lengthy waiting periods. The curriculum covers complex physiological, behavioral, and family theories necessary for proper health maintenance, so once you've completed it, you'll have the essential tools needed to aid young lives in a powerful way--it's an education that keeps on giving!
How to Get Into Texas Woman's University’s PNP Program:
To apply to the PNP online program at Texas Woman’s University, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, an unrestricted nursing license, and one year of professional nursing experience- that's it! So, if you meet these qualifications and have an academic transcript showing an impressive GPA of 3.0, let your dream career begin! Don't be discouraged if you don't hit that 3.0 mark; provisional acceptance may be granted on a case-by-case basis for those with a GPA of 2.8!
6. University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington, TX
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
88%
Program Details:
Are you ready to take the next step in your education to become a pediatric nurse practitioner? If so, then the University of Texas at Arlington has an easy to get into online pediatric nurse practitioner program specifically created with you in mind. Their MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program is offered on a full or part-time basis and consists of 41 credits.
This easy to get into this online program only takes two to five years to complete. Not sure what specialization you're looking for? You can choose either Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Both will set you up for success when searching for jobs in the future.
How to Get Into University of Texas at Arlington’s PNP Program:
Suppose you're considering going for either pathway in the MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program at the University of Texas at Arlington. In that case, your first step to unconditional admission should be to have an excellent academic record and relevant experience. You should have a minimum of 3.01 GPA from the last 60 hours of your Bachelor's degree program courses. For the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner program, you should have two years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (RN). An additional two years of experience in an acute care setting within the past five years is needed for the pediatric primary acute care nurse practitioner. Furthermore, you must possess a current and unencumbered RN License along with undergraduate statistics with a minimum grade of C. Lastly, you'll need to get certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and CPR.
For probationary admission, there are some qualifying criteria that must be met in order to gain entry into the program. Successful applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8-2.992, along with a Verbal GRE score of 430 or 1492, a Quantitative score of 430 or 141, an Analytical Writing score of 3.5, and an Analytical score of 430. In addition to having completed two years of clinical experience as an RN for a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner candidates must have recent (in the past five years) clinical experience in an acute care setting. Finally, all applicants must possess a current and unencumbered RN License, undergraduate statistics with a C grade or higher, pediatric advanced life support certification, and CPR certification to apply. Keep in mind that students who are admitted on probationary admission will only be able to take classes part-time.
Programs Offered:
BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
85%
Program Details:
The University of Arizona is offering one of the easiest pediatric nurse practitioner online programs to get into! If you already have an MSN, then the MSN-to-DNP pathway is ideal for you as it only requires 27 credits to be completed over 4 semesters. However, for those without an MSN but with a BSN, the BSN-to-DNP program might be more appealing as it is only 64 credits and may be completed over two and a half years. That said, both pathways are hybrid – University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers full-time and part-time class offerings with a mixture of online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives, and on-ground practicum or clinical placements.
Lastly, if you want to take your time and go through the program at a slower pace, then the part-time study option may be a great option as long as you register for at least 6 units each semester!
How to Get Into University of Arizona’s PNP Program:
The University of Arizona makes admission to the MSN-to-DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program easy and attainable. All that it takes to be considered for the program are an advanced practice nursing degree (MS or higher), two letters of recommendation, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, unrestricted RN licensure within the U.S., and current Advanced Practice National Certification!
To qualify for admission into the BSN-to-DNP program, applicants must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and be licensed as an RN. With these requirements met, you can begin your journey toward becoming a competent and caring pediatric nurse practitioner!
8. University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
Programs Offered:
DNP (BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP)
BSN-to-DNP Specialties:
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties:
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
84%
Program Details:
One of the easiest online pediatric nurse practitioner programs to get into can be found at the University of Iowa! The University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program as a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Depending on your background, you could pursue your degree through a BSN-to-DNP or an MSN-to-DNP program. Both programs are offered in a hybrid format, which allows you to benefit from flexible online coursework while still learning in a face-to-face sessions. And, best of all, neither one is going to take years and years to complete.
The BSN-to-DNP option for the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is 78 credits and can be completed in three years - four if you decide to take your time. If you have your Master's already, no worries! The MSN-to-DNP program can be wrapped up quickly over two to three years, depending on how much time you want to give it. This program is 44 credits.
The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner for those pursuing the BSN-to-DNP pathway can earn their degree in 77 credits and three or four years of study. The MSN-to-DNP option for this specialty is 43 credits and can be completed in two to three years.
How to Get Into University of Iowa’s PNP Program:
Suppose you're looking to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and want to complete the online program at the University of Iowa. In that case, you'll need to check off quite a few items on your list. Depending on what entry point is best for you, you'll need an impressive baccalaureate or advanced degree in nursing, with a 3.0-grade point average being the minimum option. Plus, it's a good idea for prospective students to complete an upper-level statistics course within five years and make sure they have that C- or better grade! Aside from those requirements, don't forget your statement of purpose, supplemental information form, resume, copy of your RN license, three letters of recommendation, and statement of disclosure, plus official transcripts.
9. Regis University - Weston, MA
Programs Offered:
RN-to-MSN,
Non-Nursing Bachelor’s-to-MSN,
MSN,
BSN-to-DNP, and
MSN-to-DNP
RN-to-MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Non-Nursing Bachelor’s-to-MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
84%
Program Details:
For those looking for an easy online program to jumpstart their pediatric nurse practitioner career, Regis University is home to one of the easy online pediatric nurse practitioner programs to get into. Whether you're an advanced practice registered nurse or hold a current ADN degree, there is a program that caters to your unique skill set and experience.
The RN-to-MSN and Non-Nursing Bachelor's-to-MSN are pathways that last 28-36 months with total credits amounting to 46-61, making it easy to take on! The MSN pathway is 46 to 64 credits that can be completed in 28 to 36 months. If you're more ambitious, the BSN-to-DNP offers a program that is 40 months and gets even more intense at 73-76 total credits strong. The MSN-to-DNP also gives the same length as the BSN-to-DNP program, but with a different number of credits as its predecessor at 46-61.
With three start times per year, convenient and flexible schedules, and 100% online curriculum, you can earn your degree around your already busy life.
How to Get Into Regis University’s PNP Program:
If you're considering pursuing an RN-To-MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program, MSN, or a Non-Nursing Bachelor's-To-MSN degree, here's the inside scoop on requirements. You could easily breeze through with a college degree and a 3.0 Cumulative GPA for either program. Obviously, you'll need to have (or get) an active, unencumbered RN license. Oh, and to top it off - don't forget the college-level statistics course before class begins! No sweat, right?
Applying to the BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Program at Regis University? I have got you covered! All you need is a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution if you're going for the BSN-to-DNP program and an MSN from a regionally accredited institution if you're opting for the MSN-to-DNP program. Plus, some prerequisite courses in statistics - no sweat! Now, add to that your active, unencumbered RN license and minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
All applicants for any of the online pediatric nurse practitioner programs at Regis need to submit an application form, proof of an active, unencumbered RN license, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and statement of purpose. You will also need to submit your verification of hours form, APRN certification (if applicable) and APRN and prescriptive authority license (if applicable).
10. West Virginia University - Morgantown, WV
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties:
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
School Acceptance Rate:
84%
Program Details:
The easy pediatric nurse practitioner program to get into at West Virginia University is all about convenience for students. You can complete the entire 46-credit program in five semesters of full-time study or work it around your own schedule over a longer period with the assistance of a faculty advisor. The exact pattern and duration will be designed according to your educational background and goals – easy peasy! With perfect flexibility in place, you'll be able to enjoy an easy, down-to-earth approach as you build up your qualifications as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
How to Get Into West Virginia University’s PNP Program:
Applying to the easy online pediatric nurse practitioner program at West Virginia University couldn't be simpler. All it takes is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited nursing program, a regionally accredited college or university, an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, along with a current RN license in at least one state, and you are set! In addition, you must have applied statistics as well as health assessment courses under your belt and achieved a minimum grade of C or better for both.
My Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, the 10 easiest accredited pediatric nurse practitioner online programs to get into in 2025. With that being said, we hope this article helped answer the question – what are the easiest pediatric nurse practitioner programs to get into? The journey to becoming a PNP doesn’t have to be complicated. With these easy to get into online pediatric nurse practitioner programs, you can achieve your goal of working with kids in no time! We hope this article has helped set you on the path to success and that you will share it with other future pediatric nurse practitioners.
Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN
Jennifer Schlette is a registered nurse in pediatric critical care in New York City. She is the former Director of Undergraduate Nursing at a college located in New York. After obtaining her BSN from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, she went on to complete her MSN.