16 Best Online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Pediatric acute nurse practice is more than just a job—it’s a calling! But if you’re managing a busy life that includes career and personal obligations, your existing commitments may make it difficult to follow that calling. Online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs can help you achieve your dreams by enabling you to access your coursework from anywhere with an Internet connection. Many PACNP programs will allow you to fulfill your program’s clinical requirements in your own area!

What are the best online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs? They’re waiting below for you to discover them in this list of the 16 best pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs.



WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 16 best pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs. These pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs are for nurses who have a BSN or an MSN degree.)


1. Duke University - Durham, NC


Specialties Offered: MSN


Program Details: If you want to further your nursing career in pediatrics, then Duke University offers one of the best pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs. With an online coursework, the program easily fits into the busy life of working nurses. The program builds on your BSN and includes seven core MSN and pediatric-related courses. Most students complete this program within 2.5 years. The 43-credit MSN-NP coursework includes 616 hours of clinical practice. Some of the topics covered in the program include advanced physiology & pathophysiology, advanced assessment, and diagnostic reasoning. Graduates of the program are prepared for advanced practice nursing in the primary care and acute care of pediatric patients.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for Duke’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The admission requirements also include completion of prerequisite courses in statistics. In addition, submission of transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume are required.


Why Choose Duke University Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Duke University ranks among the top graduate schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Duke University’s online pediatric care NP program students receive clinical training in a wide variety of clinical settings, including pediatric ICUs, emergency departments, ambulatory, rehab, and specialty clinics.


2. Emory University - Atlanta, GA


Specialties Offered: MSN and Post BSN DNP / Post MN DNP


Program Details: If you want to make a career out of your love for children, then Emory University’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program is an excellent option. The program prepares graduates for a variety of healthcare settings in rural, urban, and underserved areas. You’ll be able to explore employment options in pediatric care units, renal & cardiac transplantation units, PICU, and emergency rooms to name a few. To complete the MSN-NP program, you are required to complete 47 credits and 780 hours of clinical practice. If you enroll in the BSN-to-DNP, you need to complete 74 credits and 1140 hours of clinical practice. For post-MSN students, the credit requirements will be based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts.

Admission Requirements: To apply for Emory University’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program, you must have a BSN with an active RN license. The program also requires applicants to have one year of acute care nursing experience. The admission requirements also include the submission of official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and 2 to 3 references.


Why Choose Emory University Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Emory University ranks among the best grad nursing schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Emory University provides clinical placements across Atlanta and throughout the U.S. The program helps PNP students find clinical placements within their geographical location.


3. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD


Specialties Offered: BSN-to-DNP


Program Details: Among the top-ranked pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs, Johns Hopkins University prepares pediatric nurse practitioners for both, acute and primary care. The program which seamlessly takes you from a BSN-prepared registered nurse to a doctorally prepared pediatric nurse practitioner, takes three years to complete. The program combines online classes with on-campus clinical intensives. The BSN-to-DNP-NP program comprises 75 credits and 1,120 clinical hours. The program includes advanced pediatric primary and acute care topics and procedures.

Admission Requirements: To gain admission into Johns Hopkins University’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to submit three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a goal statement, and a current resume. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of full-time pediatric RN experience.


Why Choose Johns Hopkins University Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Johns Hopkins University offers several scholarships, grants, and loans to reduce the cost of your PNP education.
• Johns Hopkins University ranks among the top 10 nursing schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. Also, its DNP ranks among the best doctoral programs in the nation.


4. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN


Specialties Offered: MSN


Program Details: Vanderbilt University offers another one of the best pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs. Leading to a master's degree in nursing, the program offers a rigorous curriculum that is taught by doctorally-prepared faculty members. The interprofessional program covers topics such as advanced health assessment, clinical reasoning, health promotion, evidence-based healthcare, and advanced practice nursing in pediatric acute care. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to take the PNP certification exam.

Admission Requirements: To apply for Vanderbilt University’s PNP, you must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. The admission requirements also include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.


Why Choose Vanderbilt University Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Vanderbilt University’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program students complete their clinical training at one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals.
• Vanderbilt University’s PNP students study in small-sized classes where they receive personalized attention. Further, students receive individualized attention in its high-fidelity simulation lab where they receive ample clinical practice.


5. Rush University - Chicago, IL


Specialties Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP


Program Details: As a doctorally trained NP, you’ll play an impactful role in improving the health outcomes for pediatric patients. Offered part-time, the program takes 2 to 3.7 years to complete. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in a variety of settings including, emergency care, critical care, acute care home service, etc. While the BSN-to-DNP coursework comprises 68 credits, the credits required for the post-MSN program are based on a gap analysis. The program covers topics such as applied epidemiology, biostatistics, healthcare economics, health promotion organizational leadership, and pediatric acute care healthcare management of children and adolescent patients.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for Rush University’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, graduates must possess an active RN license in their state of practice. To complete the application process, applicants must be prepared to submit their transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume.


Why Choose Rush University Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Rush University’s acute care pediatric NP program ranks # 1 in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Rush University’s PNP program is more affordable than most other pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs in the nation.


6. The Catholic University of America - Washington, DC


Specialties Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP


Program Details: The Catholic University of America’s PNP program can be completed either full-time or part-time, depending on the number of courses you take each semester. Among the best online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs, the PNP coursework is offered along with an MSN and a BSN-to-DNP program, so you can choose your pathway based on your career goals. The program covers concepts in the well child, advanced diagnostics, children & adolescents with special needs, and complex, acute & critical problems in pediatrics. The MSN program requires the completion of 49 credits and 870 clinical hours. Whereas, if you opt for the BSN-to-DNP program, the credit requirements will be around 75. Both, the MSN and BSN-to-DNP include courses in primary and acute pediatric care. Graduates are prepared to sit for the primary care as well as acute care certification exam.

Admission Requirements: For admission into the Catholic University of America’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program, applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an active RN license is required. The program also requires the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.


Why Choose The Catholic University of America Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• The Catholic University of America’s PNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the PNP certification exam, little wonder that program graduates secure desirable placements soon after graduation.
• The Catholic University of America offers excellent research opportunities for doctoral students. The school is close to the NIH and other premier research institutes, providing plenty of opportunities to collaborate on research projects.


7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock, TX


Specialties Offered: MSN


Program Details: Another one of the best pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs online is offered by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Offered in conjunction with its MSN, the program is designed to prepare graduates for the specialized care of pediatric patients with complex and acute care needs. The 51-credit coursework builds on your RN education & experience to prepare you for evidence-based healthcare management of children & adolescents suffering from acute health conditions. The acute care PNP track prepares graduates for the AC-PNP certification exam.

Admission Requirements: Texas Tech University’s pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online program, requires applicants to have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. Applicants must also have at least two years of critical care experience. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a personal statement, and three professional letters.


Why Choose Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is ranked among the best nursing schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s PNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the PNP certification exam.


8. Baylor University - Waco, TX


Specialties Offered: BSN-to-DNP


Program Details: Baylor University offers one of the well-known online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs that prepare graduates for the healthcare management of pediatric patients suffering from common, chronic, and acute illnesses. The program combines online classes with on-campus immersions. Students mainly learn about advanced pediatric healthcare management and pediatric acute care. The program emphasizes clinical judgment, decision-making, and skills in various procedures.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for Baylor University’s online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, applicants require at least one year of full-time experience as a registered nurse. To complete the application, you must be prepared to submit a copy of your current RN license, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.


Why Choose Baylor University Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Baylor University is an R1 university that offers excellent research opportunities for BSN-to-DNP-PNP students.
• Baylor University’s DNP is ranked among the best DNP programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.


9. Drexel University - Philadelphia, PA


Specialties Offered: MSN


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


Program Details: For registered nurses who love spending time with children, Drexel University offers an excellent online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program. The school offers an evidence-based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and interprofessional collaboration. Drexel’s PNP specialization is offered in combination with the MSN degree. With two tracks, students can choose between pediatric acute care and the dual track in pediatric primary & acute care.

The pediatric acute care track comprises 57 credits, whereas the dual track consists of 62 credits. Both tracks include core courses, support courses, and clinical courses. The core courses cover topics such as advanced ethical decision-making, quality & safety in healthcare, research methods & biostatistics, and the evaluation & translation of health research. The support courses teach you about advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, clinical assessment, and diagnostic reasoning. In addition, the PNP-related courses prepare you for the healthcare management of infants, children & adolescents.

Admission Requirements: Another one of the pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs online, Drexel University’s PNP is open to registered nurses who have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. The program also requires at least one year of work experience in a pediatric acute care setting. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, two professional letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and a copy of your RN license.


Why Choose Drexel University Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Drexel University’s online graduate programs rank among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Drexel University’s PNP is taught by an expert faculty who have several years of experience in advanced practice nursing.


10. University of Florida - Gainesville, FL


Specialties Offered: BSN-to-DNP


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


Program Details: If you are keen on entering the field of advanced pediatric care, then applying to the University of Florida’s online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program is an excellent idea. The nursing school prepares graduates for a broad spectrum of pediatric care in rural and urban settings. Leading to the doctoral degree, the program offers two tracks, pediatric acute care, and a dual pediatric acute & primary care specialization. Offered with full-time & part-time options, the program prepares graduates for the comprehensive healthcare management of infants, children, and adolescents. Graduation requires completion of 75 to 78 credits, depending on the PNP track you choose.

Admission Requirements: The University of Florida’s PNP program accepts applications from registered nurses who have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have a current & unencumbered RN license. Also, at least one year of critical care work experience is required. Applicants must also be prepared to submit their official transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.


Why Choose University of Florida Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• Among the reputable pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs, the University of Florida’s PNP graduates join an alumni network of more than 11,000 practitioners who are playing pivotal roles in patient care across the globe.
• University of Florida’s online PNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the NP certification exam. Further, a promising placement rate is a good indicator of the overall positive outcome of the program.


11. University of Missouri-Kansas City - Kansas City, MO


Specialties Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP


Program Details: Whether you want to obtain a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s PNP training can be achieved with either of the graduate nursing degrees. Regardless of the PNP pathway you choose, you’ll gain a solid foundation in health promotion, and disease prevention of your chosen population focus. Graduates will be equipped with excellent skills in interprofessional collaboration, clinical decision-making, leadership, and evidence-based practice. While the MSN-PNP program comprises 46 credits and 660 hours of clinical practice, the BSN-to-DNP-PNP is a 74-credit hour coursework, comprising 1,237 hours of clinical practice.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program, regardless of whether you choose to enroll in the MSN or BSN-to-DNP, you are required to have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an active RN license in your state of practice is required. Applicants must also be prepared to submit their documents, including transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation. To qualify for admission, at least one year of acute care nursing experience is required.


Why Choose University of Missouri-Kansas City Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• University of Missouri-Kansas City’s PNP program is more affordable than most other online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs in the region.
• University of Missouri-Kansas City’s PNP program is taught by an expert and dedicated faculty who leave no stone unturned in helping students achieve a positive outcome. Little surprise that the program is ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.


12. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH


Specialties Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP


Program Details: For registered nurses who are inclined towards a career in pediatric care, the University of Cincinnati offers an excellent online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program. The program prepares graduates to explore job positions in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, emergency care, and sub-specialty clinics. Leading to a doctorate in nursing, the program prepares you for the highest level of clinical expertise. With two entry points, students can enter the program either after a BSN or an MSN. While the BSN-to-DNP-PNP program comprises 75 to 79 credits, the post-MSN program requirements are based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts. Most students complete the BSN-to-DNP program within three years of full-time study.

Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for the University of Cincinnati’s PNP program include a current active RN license, a BSN with a GPA of 3.25, and submission of documents. The document checklist includes a resume, a personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience in critical care nursing.


Why Choose University of Cincinnati Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• University of Cincinnati’s PNP offers ample opportunities to collaborate interprofessionally on research projects.
• University of Cincinnati’s online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program is offered by faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized leaders.


13. The University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington, TX


Specialties Offered: MSN


Program Details: If you want to accelerate your entry into pediatric acute care, then the University of Texas at Arlington’s MSN-NP is a great choice. The program not only quickly takes you from a registered nurse to a pediatric nurse practitioner but because it is 100% online, it easily accommodates a busy work life. The MSN-NP program is a comprehensive coursework, covering topics such as advanced pathophysiology, research in nursing, advanced pharmacology, evidence-based practice, pediatric primary care, and pediatric acute care. The program comprises 45 credits and can be completed within 31 to 33 months.

Admission Requirements: Another one of the pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs, the University of Texas at Arlington accepts applications from registered nurses who have an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, at least two years of clinical RN experience is required. The program also requires completion of an undergraduate course in statistics with a minimum grade of C. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, resume, and personal statement.


Why Choose The University of Texas at Arlington Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• University of Texas at Arlington’s PNP program is not only one of the most affordable pediatric acute care nurse practitioner online programs but also of high quality. Also, students have the option of pay-by-the-course, providing them with added flexibility in the payment of fees.
• University of Texas at Arlington’s online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program is developed from its on-campus PNP program. The on-campus PNP, established in 2004 was one of the first in the nation.


14. University of Kentucky - Lexington, KY


Specialties Offered: BSN-to-DNP


Program Details: The University of Kentucky prepares graduates for advanced nursing practice and leadership in the care of the pediatric population. Among the well-known online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs, the University of Kentucky’s program seamlessly takes you from a BSN-prepared registered nurse to a doctorally-trained pediatric nurse practitioner. Students can enter the program, either after a BSN or post obtaining a master's in nursing. The BSN-to-DNP program requires completion of 77 credits, whereas, the post-MSN program comprises around 34 credits. The PNP program is mainly online with few in-person requirements.

Admission Requirements: The application requirements for University of Kentucky’s online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program include submission of a current resume, recommendation letters, a writing sample, a personal goal statement, and a copy of your active and valid RN licensure. To qualify for admission into the doctoral program, applicants must have a BSN or an MSN along with a GPA of at least 3.0.


Why Choose University of Kentucky Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• University of Kentucky’s DNP program is counted among the nation’s best DNP programs as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• University of Kentucky’s BSN-to-DNP program offers excellent financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help cut down the costs of your education.


15. The University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN


Specialties Offered: BSN-to-DNP


Program Details: If you want to play an impactful role in advanced pediatric care, then the University of Tennessee offers an excellent BSN-to-DNP program that leads to the PNP certification. The pediatric acute care NP online program produces highly skilled leaders who use critical thinking and evidence-based knowledge to improve health outcomes. Students learn about advanced pediatric care nursing by attending classes, some of which include health & healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, and the healthcare management of infants, children, and adolescents suffering from complex and critical health conditions. While the credit requirements for the BSN-to-DNP program are 60 to 80, the MSN-to-DNP program comprises 38 to 61 credits.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for the University of Tennessee’s PNP, you must have a BSN or MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have one to two years of experience in critical care. The admission requirements also include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.


Why Choose The University of Tennessee Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• The University of Tennessee’s PNP is among the high-quality online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs. With more than 35 years of experience in distance education, the school offers a supportive environment and an engaging learning experience.
• The University of Tennessee’s PNP program is taught by an expert faculty that brings several years of real-world practice experience to the PNP classroom.


16. University of Nevada, Reno - Reno, NV


Specialties Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP


Program Details: The University of Nevada, Reno offers aspiring pediatric nurse practitioners, two pathways, an MSN and a BSN-to-DNP. Regardless of the pathway you choose, the school prepares you for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings. One of the most comprehensive online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs, the BSN-to-DNP pathway comprises around 72 credits. If you choose the MSN program, the credit requirements may be around 44 to 46 credits. Some of the topics covered include advanced pathophysiology, health care policy, pediatric wellness, and advanced practice in acute & critical care for pediatric and adolescent populations.

Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for the University of Nevada, Reno’s PNP include a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires an active and unencumbered RN license. The pediatric acute care NP online program also needs applicants to have at least two years of critical care nursing experience. Also, pre-requisite courses in statistics, growth & development, basic research, and health assessment must be completed. To apply, submission of a statement of intent, three letters of recommendation, and a current resume are required.


Why Choose University of Nevada, Reno Online Pediatric Acute Care NP Program

• University of Nevada, Reno has 60 years plus of rich experience in quality nursing education. The PNP program leverages this experience to offer a well-designed PNP curriculum.
• The University of Nevada, Reno’s PNP program takes pride in the excellent performance of its graduates on the national certification exam.


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