6 Best (FASTEST) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online Programs – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Pediatric nurse practitioner programs focus on the care of children—from adorable infancy through sometimes truculent adolescence. Demand for their services is high because PNPs can work in such a wide variety of healthcare practice settings, and their primary care expertise lowers overall healthcare costs by making preventive interventions accessible. Fast-track Distance-learning pediatric nurse practitioner programs exist that will allow you to graduate in a comparatively short period of time while remaining comprehensive enough to set you up for success immediately in your new career.

So, what are the best shortest pediatric nurse practitioner online programs? We’ve presented the cream of the crop in the list below of the 6 best fastest pediatric nurse practitioner online programs.



WHAT ARE THE BEST (FASTEST) PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER ONLINE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 6 best fastest Pediatric Nurse Practitioner online programs for 2025. You can complete these programs in 20 months or less.)


1. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN


Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care


Program Length: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (3 Semesters) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (3 Semesters)

Program Details: Among the best fastest pediatric nurse practitioner programs online, Vanderbilt University’s MSN-PNP program trains you in two rewarding fields, pediatric primary care and pediatric acute care. The program prepares graduates for advanced pediatric care in a variety of healthcare settings, such as pediatric emergency departments, community agencies, pediatric intensive care units, and pediatric cardiovascular units, to name a few.

Vanderbilt’s MSN-PNP, regardless of whether you choose the acute care or primary care specialty, requires completion of around 40 credits. The coursework covers topics such as advanced health assessment, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, health promotion, pharmacotherapeutics, evidence-based healthcare, and healthcare quality improvement. The program also includes classes in the primary and acute care of pediatric patients.


How Fast Can You Complete Vanderbilt University PNP Program: Vanderbilt University’s fast-track pediatric nurse practitioner online program, regardless of whether you choose primary care or acute care, can be completed within just three semesters of full-time study. There is also a part-time option that takes six semesters to complete.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for Vanderbilt University’s PNP, you must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in your state of practice. Vanderbilt reviews applications holistically, factoring in your transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Why Choose Vanderbilt University PNP Program

• Vanderbilt University PNP program graduates report consistently high pass rates on the PNP certification exam.
• Vanderbilt University’s PNP program offers a close-knit learning environment where the class size is small. Also, because students come from diverse backgrounds, the program provides an overall enriching learning experience.
• Vanderbilt University is home to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital which is known among the nation’s best hospitals for children.


2. Emory University - Atlanta, GA


Specialties Offered: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


Program Length: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Four-Semesters), Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Four-Semesters)

Program Details: Another one of the best fastest pediatric nurse practitioner online programs is offered by Emory University. Emory prepares pediatric NPs for two focus areas, acute care, and primary, so you can choose your focus, based on your interests and professional goals.

Both the PNP focus areas comprise 48 credits and 780 hours of clinical practice. The PNP program includes classes in advanced health assessment, advanced physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostics & clinical reasoning. The program also covers topics such as research & evidence-based practice, healthcare quality & patient safety, and innovative leadership & policy. The pediatric acute care track teaches you the healthcare management of critically ill pediatric patients, whereas the primary care track emphasizes the healthcare of pediatric patients in a variety of primary care settings. Upon completion of this fast-track online pediatric nurse practitioner program, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to sit for the PNP certification exam.


How Fast Can You Complete Emory University PNP Program: To complete Emory University’s PNP program, regardless of the focus area, all it takes is four semesters of full-time study. If you prefer the slow pace of part-time study, then there is a part-time schedule that can be completed within six semesters.


Admission Requirements: Emory’s PNP program accepts applications from registered nurses who have an accredited BSN. To qualify, the minimum required GPA is 3.0. The application also requires the submission of official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and two to three references. For the PNP acute care track, at least one year of acute care pediatric nursing experience is required.

Why Choose Emory University PNP Program

• Emory University’s PNP program provides excellent clinical learning opportunities in a variety of pediatric specialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, etc. The clinical sites where students complete their clinical training are spread across metropolitan Atlanta and Macon.
• Emory University’s PNP program is entirely online, allowing working nurses the flexibility of continuing with their employment while pursuing their PNP education.
• Emory University’s PNP program offers generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities.


3. Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland, OH


Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


Program Length: 18 Months

Program Details: If you want to obtain your PNP training from one of the best shortest pediatric nurse practitioner programs online, then Case Western Reserve University’s PNP program is a terrific choice. Within hardly any time, the university prepares you for one of the most rewarding fields of advanced practice nursing.

Case Western Reserve University’s PNP is combined with its MSN coursework. The MSN-PNP trains you to provide primary care for children up to 21 years old. You’ll be fully prepared for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses in children. The PNP curriculum comprises 40 credits and 600 hours of clinical practice. Offered entirely online, the program covers topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, health promotion, research process, advanced pharmacology, and healthcare delivery & finance. Students also take classes in evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and ethical issues in advanced nursing practice. The MSN-PNP program also covers the psychosocial & spiritual dimensions of advanced nursing practice, advanced management in pediatric primary care and health policy, legislation, & legal issues in advanced practice.


How Fast Can You Complete Case Western Reserve University PNP Program: Case Western Reserve University’s fast online pediatric nurse practitioner program can be completed within just 18 months. If you desire a less demanding study schedule, then you can opt for the part-time program that takes around six semesters to complete.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for Case Western Reserve University’s PNP program, you must have an active RN license and an accredited BSN. Also, your undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0. Other admission requirements include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Why Choose Case Western Reserve University PNP Program

• Case Western Reserve University’s MSN program ranks among the nation’s best as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Case Western Reserve University is one of the top recipients of funding from the NIH because of its commitment to innovative research.
• Case Western Reserve University’s PNP program boasts of excellent placements, having most graduates find jobs soon after graduation.


4. Old Dominion University - Virginia Beach, VA


Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


Program Length: 5 Semesters

Program Details: If you are inclined towards the care of children, then Old Dominion University’s PNP program prepares you for this fulfilling role rather quickly. Old Dominion’s fast pediatric nurse practitioner online program combines online didactic courses with in-person clinical training to equip you with the professional knowledge and critical skills in the care of pediatric patients.

Leading to the MSN degree, the MSN-PNP coursework comprises 49 credits and at least 560 hours of clinical training. The program starts with MSN core courses in evidence-based research, ethical concepts, pharmacology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, and the business of advanced nursing practice. In addition, the PNP-related courses teach you about primary care approaches for children, family & community primary care assessment, health promotion, growth & development of children, and management of chronic & complex clinical conditions. The coursework also includes three practicum courses in advanced pediatric nursing.


How Fast Can You Complete Old Dominion University PNP Program: Another one of the well-known fastest pediatric nurse practitioner programs online, Old Dominion University’s PNP program takes as little as five semesters to complete.


Admission Requirements: To apply for Old Dominion University’s PNP program, you must be a registered nurse with at least one year of nursing work experience. Also, an accredited BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. is required. Besides, you must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, a written statement, and a personal goal statement.

Why Choose Old Dominion University PNP Program

• Old Dominion University’s PNP program offers excellent clinical training. Students are provided ample practice using specialized actors that replicate patient scenarios.
• Old Dominion University’s PNP program is grounded in interprofessional collaboration. Therefore, graduates are fully prepared to work in all types of interprofessional healthcare settings.
• Old Dominion University’s PNP program includes training in telehealth to prepare graduates to provide pediatric care through the distance format.


5. King University - Bristol, TN


Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


Program Length: 16 Months

Program Details: For nurses who are keen on advancing their nursing careers, King University offers an excellent short online pediatric nurse practitioner program. The program prepares you for one of the in-demand fields of advanced practice within a short amount of time. Further, the online format of King’s PNP easily accommodates the busy schedules of working nurses.

Offered in conjunction with the Master of Science in Nursing degree, the MSN-PNP program consists of 45, including 15 credits in MSN core and 30 credits in the PNP courses. The MSN core covers the theoretical basis of nursing practice, research design in nursing, social, cultural & political perspectives on healthcare delivery, global health awareness, and health informatics. In addition, the PNP specialty focuses on advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment & health promotion, advanced pharmacology, pediatric growth & development, and the healthcare management of pediatric populations.


How Fast Can You Complete King University PNP Program: Among the sought-after fast-track pediatric nurse practitioner online programs, King University’s PNP program can be completed within as little as 16 months.


Admission Requirements: To apply to King University’s MSN-PNP, you must foremost have a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the program requires applicants to have an active RN license in TN. Further, undergraduate pre-requisite courses in statistics, nursing research, and health assessment must be completed. To apply, you must submit an online application, along with your official transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and a curriculum vitae.

Why Choose King University PNP Program

• King University’s PNP program follows a cohort model. Therefore, even though the program is online, students move through it as part of a team. This allows for great support and close interactions with your peers, without compromising on the convenience of flexible online classes.
• King University helps you in making your PNP education rather affordable. The program offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
• King University is a military-friendly school that participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Therefore, PNP students who are from the defense forces can expect some military benefits.


6. Georgia State University - Atlanta, GA


Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


Program Length: 5 Semesters

Program Details: Georgia State University produces highly skilled nurse practitioners who make a difference in the lives of their communities, particularly the underserved and vulnerable sections. If you are eager to enter the advanced practice nursing field as a PNP, then Georgia State’s short pediatric nurse practitioner online program trains graduates to offer specialized care for children up to 21 years of age.

Georgia State’s PNP is combined with its master's program. The coursework comprises 48 credits in required core and PNP-related courses. The required MSN courses teach about advanced pathophysiological concepts, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, the culture of healthcare, advanced practice nursing issues, and interprofessional collaboration. In addition, the PNP-related courses make you proficient in the healthcare management of common, chronic, and critical illnesses in children & adolescents. Upon graduation, you’ll obtain your master's degree and be prepared to take the PNP certification exam.


How Fast Can You Complete Georgia State University PNP Program: Another one of the shortest pediatric nurse practitioner programs online, Georgia State University’s PNP program can be completed within five semesters of full-time study. If you opt for the part-time coursework, you’ll graduate within nine semesters.


Admission Requirements: To gain admission into Georgia State University’s PNP program, you must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 2.7. Also, applicants must possess an active and current RN license. Additionally, submission of transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement is required.

Why Choose Georgia State University PNP Program

• Georgia State University’s PNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the PNP certification exam.
• Georgia State University’s PNP program focuses on interprofessional collaboration to prepare graduates for collaborative practice work in a range of primary care settings.
• Georgia State University’s PNP program offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make your PNP education rather affordable.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



SALARY AND JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF ONLINE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ONLINE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS EXPECT TO EARN?


Hourly$42.16
Weekly$1,687
Monthly$7,310
Annual$87,700
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com)


WHAT AVERAGE SALARY CAN EXPERIENCED GRADUATES OF ONLINE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS EXPECT TO EARN?


Hourly$60.19
Weekly$2,408
Monthly$10,430
Annual$125,190
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com)


AVERAGE SALARY BY STATE FOR EXPERIENCED GRADUATES OF ONLINE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS


State Average
Annual Salary
Alabama $107,050
Alaska $116,870
Arizona $121,910
Arkansas $107,550
California $158,780
Colorado $116,920
Connecticut $132,030
Delaware $121,060
District of Columbia $131,810
Florida $110,760
Georgia $115,910
Hawaii $128,830
Idaho $118,200
Illinois $122,810
Indiana $122,230
Iowa $128,700
Kansas $112,130
Kentucky $109,740
Louisiana $118,690
Maine $118,780
Maryland $120,140
Massachusetts $139,270
Michigan $114,250
Minnesota $128,680
Mississippi $117,740
Missouri $113,640
Montana $120,450
Nebraska $119,460
Nevada $136,790
New Hampshire $126,290
New Jersey $143,840
New Mexico $130,090
New York $142,050
North Carolina $114,920
North Dakota $114,410
Ohio $117,920
Oklahoma $122,240
Oregon $136,810
Pennsylvania $121,040
Rhode Island $125,760
South Carolina $109,580
South Dakota $116,080
Tennessee $99,740
Texas $125,170
Utah $116,080
Vermont $117,090
Virginia $117,460
Washington $136,140
West Virginia $107,230
Wisconsin $121,710
Wyoming $115,700


10-YEAR JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF ONLINE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS


2021-31
+45.68%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)