Best Online DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs For 2023

Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Are you a nurse who enjoys working with children and their families? Do you feel comfortable managing patient needs and being supportive to caregivers? Perhaps you have considered pursuing a doctorate in nursing, but you don't know if you have time. Are you worried about the cost or unsure where to start? If that sounds like you, you are in the right place! The first thing you need to know is, there are ways to achieve your goals. As you read this article, you will find information about DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online to help you pursue your dreams of becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice and working with children. You will learn about admission requirements, tuition costs, and other important information about the best online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs for 2023 and get answers to some frequently asked questions about getting started.


RECOMMENDED ONLINE DNP-NP PROGRAMS

What Is the Purpose of A DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP-PC) Program?

The goal of DNP-Pediatric Primary Care programs, like the online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner primary care programs mentioned in this article, is to equip Doctorally-prepared nurses to provide comprehensive care to patients from birth through early adulthood. These programs teach students methods of health assessment, health promotion activities, and management of common acute and chronic illnesses affecting children.

What Is the Purpose of A DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (PNP-AC) Program?

Like primary care pediatric NP programs, PNP-AC programs focus on educating nurses to provide care to infants and children from birth to young adulthood. Students learn to assess patients with complex, acute, critical, and chronic illnesses, disabilities, or injuries. Many colleges and universities offer online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner acute care programs to give prospective students who would otherwise not attend college the chance to pursue a DNP and become pediatric nurse practitioners.

5 Benefits of Pursuing Online DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you are considering enrolling in any DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online, you have probably tried to compare the pros and cons of this type of program and learning format. In this section and the next, we will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits of choosing an online DNP-Pediatric NP program follow.

1. Job Security? …. Absolutely!

Nursing, in general, is one profession that is not at risk of being replaced by automated technology. While nurse practitioners in diverse specialty fields can feel confident about long-term job security, DNP-Pediatric NPs can feel especially confident. DNPs with Pediatric NP certification are an integral part of providing healthcare to patients and families. The ability to design care plans specific to infants and children while meeting the emotional needs of their caregivers will make you an invaluable part of the healthcare team, making long-term job security an added perk.

2. Salary Increases!

While money may not be everything, it certainly does help. One benefit of graduating from a DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner program is the increased earning potential that comes with the title. Nurses with doctorate degrees earn an average of $10,000 more annually than master's prepared nurses. When you add benefits packages, which often include insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and retirement benefits, it can add up to a significant raise. Lastly, employers understand not everyone is a good pediatric healthcare provider. It takes compassion, dedication, and a special skill set to work with sick children and their families, and potential employers often acknowledge that by offering higher wages for the pediatric NP specialization.

3. Make a positive impact on others’ lives.

The best online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs prepare their students with the knowledge and clinical experience necessary to be excellent healthcare providers. As a DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner, you will have the opportunity to use those skills to make a positive impact on patient health outcomes and be a source of information and support for the loved ones who care for your pediatric clients.

4. Become a member of an elite group of healthcare professionals.

There are approximately 300,000 nurse practitioners in the United States. Of that 300,000, only 48,000 specialize in pediatrics. When you graduate from a DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner, you will become part of a group of professionals who provide help to the most vulnerable patients.

5. You could be your own boss.

When it comes to a nursing career, nurse practitioners practice with more autonomy. Currently, twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia allow nurse practitioners full-practice authority. With full practice authority, you can open your own practice. Nevertheless, even DNP Pediatric NPs who work in states that have more restricted authority may open a practice in partnership with a physician.

3 Disadvantages of Pursuing Online DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Accredited DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online are an excellent way for nurses to earn a doctorate and specialize in pediatric care. Like any pursuit, there are some things that some people may feel are disadvantages of becoming a DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

1. You may have to find your own clinical preceptors and placements.

All DNP pediatric nurse practitioner students must have at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practice hours. Some programs require students to find clinical sites and preceptors and submit their credentials to faculty for approval. In cases when sites or preceptors are not approved, you may have to start the process of clinical approval over, which can be frustrating.

2. Being a DNP-Pediatric NP can be incredibly stressful!

Anytime a person cares for someone else, it can be stressful. As a DNP-Pediatric NP, you may find there are times the stress feels amplified. Unlike working with adults, you will work with infants, children, and their families. The emotions that come with having a sick child are often overwhelming for parents and other caregivers, and as a DNP-Pediatric NP, you will be faced with trying to calm fears, provide support, and educate adults while caring for your patients.

3. The death of patients can be traumatic.

Every nursing student studies coursework related to Death & Dying. Death is a process that everyone must go through at some point. However, when a child is sick or experiences a traumatic injury or event that causes death, it can give you a whole new perspective on death. It takes time to process this kind of loss and as a DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, you need to understand that it is okay to feel sad and grieve.

How Long Are Online DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs?

Online DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs vary in length, typically from two to four years. Students who enroll part-time can usually expect to add an additional year of school to the estimated time for their program. BSN to DNP programs may take two years longer than MSN to DNP programs. Coursework from an applicant's previous degree program is evaluated before admission to determine the number of credits needed. After determining how many credits they need, an individualized study plan can be developed. The table below provides examples of some of this article’s featured programs and how long it takes to complete each one.

How Much Do Online DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs Cost?

Choosing to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program is a big career move. There are many factors to consider, including the cost of the program. The cost of the best DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online ranges from $20,200 to over $$160,000.

• Prospective students can choose from acute or primary care DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online at the

University of Washington

. The university calculates program costs on quarterly payments, with state residents paying $9,735, and non-residents pay $13,869 each quarter. Students earn between eighty-three and eighty-five credits through the course of nine quarters. The cost of the programs, excluding books, uniforms, and other applicable fees, is $ 87,615 for Washington state residents and $124,821 for non-resident students.
• At the

University of Illinois at Chicago

, like many other accredited DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online, tuition is determined using a per-credit-hour rate. Students who live in Chicago pay $975, and non-residents pay $1,440 per credit hour. The university offers primary and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner DNP programs, each requiring eighty-one credit hours for completion. Students pay tuition ranging from $78,975 to $116,640, depending on residency status and the number of previously earned transferrable credits.
• The nursing faculty and staff at the

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

work to provide students in its DNP-Pediatric NP programs with exceptional coursework and supervised clinical experiences, preparing them to develop expert skills in pediatric care. The university offers acute and primary pediatric concentrations for DNP-NP students to choose from. The program's estimated cost, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other miscellaneous for in-state students, is up to $109,015. Out-of-state students are assessed a tuition surcharge of $8,280 per semester, with the total program cost averaging $158,695.
•

Rush University

offers accredited online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs for BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses with primary and acute care concentrations available. BSN to DNP students complete sixty-eight credits, MSN to DNP non-APRNs must complete fifty-six semester hours, and MSN to DNP (with current APRN status) require twenty-nine-semester credits. At $1,166 per credit hour, the program tuition averages between $33,814 and $79,288.
• The

University of Missouri Health

offers both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs. The program is designed for distance learning with one on-campus visit per year. Students complete thirty-eight to seventy-two credit hours, depending on their current degree upon admission to the program, and may choose from part-time or full-time program options. The program's estimated cost is between $20,662 and $38,386.

Coursework

Although the required curriculum in the best DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online may vary from school to school, the content is quite similar. The programs typically include core courses such as Advanced Health Assessment for Infants and Children, Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity, Health Promotion for Individuals & Clinical Populations, and Applied Biostatistics. Doctor of Nursing Practice Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs prepare students to work in various primary care settings providing care for children from infancy through young adulthood. The curriculum focuses on evidenced-based initiatives and clinical practices that promote the health outcomes of patients. While the patient population is the same, DNP Acute Care Pediatric NP programs equip students with the knowledge needed to meet the psychological and physiological needs of children with complex acute, chronic, and critical health conditions.

Some classes are part of both primary and acute care online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs, and others are specific to the specialty.

The following are a few examples of the coursework for some of the programs mentioned in this article.

• At the

University of Michigan

, nursing department faculty realize the importance of having well-educated, practice-ready providers to care for infants and children. The university offers Primary and Acute Care Pediatric NP programs and an option for a dual Nurse-Midwifery and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree. These online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs include instruction to help students develop skills necessary to develop, evaluate, and provide leadership that effectively transforms pediatric healthcare.

The Primary and Acute Care programs can be completed in three or four years, while the dual Nurse-Midwifery/Primary Care Pediatric NP program is a four-year program. Information about coursework for each program option is listed as follows.

Acute Care Pediatric NP Program:

79-credit-hours

◦ Foundations for Practice: Common Acute Illness for the ACPNP
◦ Pharmacotherapeutics
◦ Advanced Practice Specialty Procedures and Skills for Primary Care
◦ Applied Biostatistics for Clinical Practice

Primary Care Pediatric NP Program:

69-credit-hours

◦ Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
◦ Models and Theories to Inform Advanced Nursing Practice with Individuals, Communities, and Complex Systems
◦ Infant, Child, and Adolescent Health: Wellness and Management of Common Illness
◦ Translation, Implementation Science, and Comparative Effectiveness

Nurse-Midwifery/Primary Care Pediatric NP Program:

93-credit-hours

◦ Advanced Primary Care Nursing of Chronic Illness in Adults and Their Families
◦ Special Populations in Primary Care
◦ Antepartum Care of the Essentially Normal Woman
◦ Integration of Midwifery Care to the Woman, Mother, and/or Newborn with Complex Health Conditions
◦ Clinical Leadership for Effective Resource Management

• Enhance your psychosocial and physical assessment skills as you learn to diagnose and manage acute and chronic primary health issues in pediatric patients with Johns Hopkins University’s DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program. At Johns Hopkins, students can choose from three pediatric DNP pathways: Pediatric Primary Care NP, Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care NP, or Pediatric Critical Care NP Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Pediatric Primary Care NP:

81 credit-hours

◦ Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan
◦ Health Information Systems and Patient Care Technology
◦ Human Growth and Development
◦ Philosophical, Theoretical and Ethical Basis of Advanced Nursing Practice

Pediatric Primary/Acute Care NP:

88 credit hours,

◦ Context of Care for Advanced Nursing Practice
◦ Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement
◦ Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Topics and Procedures
◦ Clinical Management for the Pediatric NP: Problems Specific to the Newborn/Infant

Pediatric Critical Care NP:

76 credit hours

◦ Human Development Across the Lifespan
◦ Research Process and Its Application to Evidence-Based Practice
◦ Clinical Judgement
◦ Analysis and Evaluation of Individual and Population health

• The

University of Maryland

, home of more of our featured online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs, offers Acute and Primary Care DNP Nurse Practitioner program options. Both pathways require no more than eighty credits, depending on the student's prior education and transferrable course. Students in both programs also participate in 855 hours of clinicals in direct patient care settings and 225 hours in other practicum coursework, for a total of 1080 clinical hours. Coursework required for these online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs includes the following classes and clinical practice.

◦ Diagnosis & Management I: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning
◦ Diagnosis & Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic
◦ Diagnosis & Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions
◦ Diagnosis & Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes

DNP Pediatric Acute Care NP:

◦ Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Lifespan
◦ Advanced Pediatric Pathophysiology, Developmental Assessment and Health Promotion
◦ Theory for Evidence-Based Practice

DNP Pediatric Primary Care NP:

◦ Practice Leadership within Complex Adaptive Healthcare Systems
◦ Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
◦ Advanced Pediatric Pathophysiology, Developmental Assessment, and Health Promotion

• The DNP-Pediatric Primary Care NP program at

Ohio State University

is a four-year, eighty-one credit-hour program. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to be effective healthcare professionals who provide direct health services to children and their families. Graduates of the program care for children from birth to young adulthood. Care includes implementing measures to prevent and manage common acute and pediatric illnesses and providing well-child visits. Examples of coursework students complete include the following.

◦ Assessment & Management of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
◦ Concepts in Advanced Family Nursing
◦ Pathophysiology of Altered Health States
◦ Advanced Pediatric Health Assessment

Clinical Training

DNP program clinical experiences are designed to help students assimilate and build knowledge for nursing practices that often include cases with high levels of complexity. Like the DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online featured here, doctorate nursing programs provide opportunities for students to be engaged in clinical practice experiences. To achieve doctorate-level nursing competencies, DNP students must have a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practice hours. The following is a list of clinical training requirements at some of our featured accredited DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online.

1. Maryville University- 1,160 clinical hours
2. The University of Michigan- 1,000 clinical hours
3. The University of Maryland- 1,080 clinical hours
4. Augusta University- 1,000 clinical hours
5. Wayne State University- 1,080 clinical hours

Although many DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online allow credit for previous post-baccalaureate clinical experiences, the final decision is up to the school. Prospective students should always clarify policies related to clinical hours and make sure master's level nursing hours are verified before committing to an admission offer.

Admission Requirements

Colleges and universities reserve the right to set their standards for admission to any programs they offer. Although admission criteria may differ among schools, accredited online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs typically follow similar vetting procedures for prospective students. Generally, admission requirements for DNP-Pediatric NP programs include the following.

◦ Possess an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse
◦ Minimum Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
◦ Three letters of professional reference (It is usually recommended that at least one letter come from a supervisor or previous college professor.)
◦ Submit a resume or curriculum vitae
◦ Statement of Purpose/Intent
◦ Pass state and federal background checks
◦ Pass a drug screening test

Examples of admission criteria for some of the DNP-Pediatric NP programs in this article are listed below.

• The DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at

Duke University

is ranked #1 by US News and World Report, making it one of the best online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs available. Students experience opportunities to improve advanced practice skills in the university's state-of-the-art simulation center, the Center for Nursing Discovery. Some admission criteria are listed below.

◦ General or Introductory Statistics worth 3-course credits with a minimum grade of “C”
◦ GRE Scores are not required, but applicants who wish to submit them may do so
◦ Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing school, OR
◦ An Associate Degree in Nursing plus a bachelor’s degree in another field

• The

University of Iowa

offers admission to new students in the Fall semester only. The DNP-Pediatric NP programs at the university prepare students to work at an advanced nursing level and impact healthcare delivery as an educator and leader. Candidates for admission should meet the following admission requirements.

◦ Baccalaureate or advanced degree in nursing
◦ Completion of an upper-level statistics course within the previous five years before the start of the program
◦ Statement of Purpose
◦ Two years' work as a registered nurse in an inpatient pediatric acute care setting

• At the

University of Alabama at Birmingham

, BSN-prepared nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric NP degree on a part-time basis. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the pediatric nurse practitioner certification examination. Prospective students must provide proof of the following.

◦ Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
◦ 3.0-grade point average on a 4.0 scale can be cumulative from all post-secondary coursework or based on the last 60 semester credit hours
◦ BSN from a regionally accredited institution
◦ Proof of successful completion of a descriptive statistics course

FOLLOWING ARE THE 25 BEST ONLINE DNP-PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN THE NATION FOR 2023

1. Duke University - Durham, NC

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

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

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

Concentrations Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner & Nurse-midwifery and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner(Combined)

3. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

Concentrations Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

4. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

Concentrations Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care

5. University of Washington - Seattle, WA

Programs Offered:

DNP

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

6. Emory University - Atlanta, GA

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

Concentrations Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

7. Baylor University - Dallas, TX

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

Concentrations Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

8. Rush University Medical Center - Chicago, IL

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

9. University of Maryland - Baltimore, MD

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

10. The Ohio State University - Columbus, OH

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

11. Augusta University - Augusta, GA

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

12. University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

13. University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago, IL

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care

14. University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis, TN

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner & Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

15. University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Dual Track-Acute and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

16. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

17. University of Florida - Gainesville, FL

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

18. University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care & Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care

19. Wayne State University - Detroit, MI

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (PNP-PC) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (PNP-AC)

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (PNP-PC) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care(PNP-AC)

20. Arizona State University - Phoenix, AZ

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Advanced Nursing Practice (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) and Advanced Nursing Practice (Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)

21. Maryville University - St. Louis, MO

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

22. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, AL

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

23. University of Kentucky - Lexington, KY

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

24. University of Missouri - Columbia, MO

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

25. Creighton University - Omaha, NE

Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP

BSN to DNP Concentrations Offered:

Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (Dual)

View Ranking Methodology

Career Opportunities After Graduating with This Degree

After completing an online DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program, graduates work in diverse settings. A few examples of career opportunities include the following.

Hospitals:

Some PNPs work in pediatric intensive care units, emergency rooms, or on pediatric wards.

Physicians’ Offices:

work with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to provide care for acute or chronic health conditions.

Outpatient Clinics:

Perform diagnostic and treatment services and diagnose illnesses or disease in specialty and primary health clinics such as school-based health centers, convenience clinics, and urgent care centers.

Earning Potential for Graduates of This Degree

Graduates of the best DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs online earn an average income between $90,912 and $98,260 annually. The type of setting, job responsibilities, and geographic location may contribute to higher earning potential. Additionally, previous experience working with pediatric patients is considered a plus to potential employers and may be an incentive to offer more generous compensation.

Job Outlook for Graduates of This Degree

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners reports that the demand for Doctorally-prepared pediatric nurse practitioners will increase by eighteen percent yearly through 2026. Like many careers in the healthcare industry, several factors impact the demand for DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. A shortage of qualified healthcare professionals to fill the DNP role, rural areas with fewer providers, and increased occurrence of acute and chronic illnesses among pediatric patients all contribute to the need for DNP-prepared PNPs. With all of these factors combined, the job outlook for graduates of DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs online seems quite favorable.

Bottomline

If you have a desire to earn a terminal degree in nursing and you enjoy caring for children, a DNP pediatric NP program, like the best online DNP-pediatric nurse practitioner programs for 2023 featured in this article, could be what you've been looking for. There is always a need for qualified pediatric healthcare providers, which means you could find the perfect job with this degree!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT

How much time is needed for coursework in the DNP-Pediatric NP online programs each week?

Everyone's learning style is different, so there will be differences of opinion about the amount of time you need to set aside for DNP-pediatric NP school-related obligations. As a rule of thumb, most college or university faculty recommend three hours of study for each one hour of classroom instruction. If you use this recommended guide, three hours of class time means you should plan to spend nine hours studying.

Can I get grants or loans if I am enrolled in an online DNP Pediatric NP program?

There are several options for financial assistance for DNP-Pediatric NP students. Private loans from banks, credit unions, or other sources and grants from private foundations are one option. Some employers offer company-based tuition assistance programs if the employee agrees to work for them for a designated amount of time after completing the Pediatric-DNP NP program. Federal student loans and grants are also available for qualifying students. If you want to apply for federal financial aid, you can do so by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is recommended to apply for assistance as soon as possible to ensure the timely processing of your application.

Do I need previous pediatric experience to enroll in a DNP Pediatric NP program online?

Most schools that offer online DNP-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs require applicants to have experience working in pediatrics. Because each school has different admission criteria, it is a good idea to speak directly with the admission faculty of any school that interests you.