Alabama Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Graduates of pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Alabama diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of childhood illnesses in practice settings that range from children's hospitals to community clinics. This nurse practitioner track has two specializations: Pediatric acute care NPs provide care for children with complex medical conditions that may be life-threatening, while pediatric primary care nurse practitioners focus on more comprehensive care that includes wellness checks and prevention. Alabama-based PNPs earn $108,040 annually, and the demand for their services is so high that their employment opportunities are projected to increase by 49 percent in the next 10 years. Want to learn more? Read our guide to the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Alabama.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alabama.)
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN, MSN, and BSN-to-DNP
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse with a love of pediatric care and you want to advance your career to the next level, an RN-to-MSN program is an excellent option. The RN-to-MSN program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers RNs with an associate degree and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree a pathway to enter the school’s existing MSN program. The program is one of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Alabama.
Admission to the program occurs twice each year, in the fall and spring semesters. You will begin the program by taking three bridge courses. You will complete 54 or 55 credits total, depending on whether you choose to pursue the Acute Care or Primary Care pathway. The program also requires a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the RN-to-MSN program, you must have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and an unrestricted RN license. You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, reflecting a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. While you will be evaluated for admission with a 3.0 GPA, if your average is less than 3.2, you must also submit GMAT or GRE scores for review. Additionally, you must submit proof of completing prerequisite courses in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Descriptive Statistics, and Microbiology with a grade of “C” or better.
MSN Program Details: The MSN program at UAB is an excellent option for baccalaureate-prepared RNs seeking a higher degree without pursuing a clinical doctorate. In this program, you can choose to specialize as an Acute Care or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
The MSN Pediatric NP program is designed in a part-time format with synchronous and asynchronous didactic coursework. On-campus intensives complement classes, providing opportunities to develop and hone essential skills you need to perform as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The MSN Primary Care and Acute Care Pediatric NP pathways require 44 and 45 credits, respectively. 600 clinical hours are included in the program’s curriculum. Program faculty are responsible for securing clinical sites and preceptors.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, you must hold a BSN degree from a CCNE- or CNEA-accredited nursing program and hold an active, unrestricted license to practice in the state where you plan to complete your clinicals. All candidates are required to submit three professional references and transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. It is important to note, however, that if your GPA is less than 3.2, you must also submit GRE or GMAT scores for review.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and want to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an excellent option. The program offers both Acute Care and Primary Care pathways. New students are admitted twice each year in the summer and fall.
The BSN-to-DNP program is designed to accommodate the needs of working nurses, offering a part-time, distance-accessible format. The learning format combines synchronous online learning with campus-based intensives to help you master essential skills.
This post-baccalaureate DNP pediatric nurse practitioner program in Alabama features a 79-credit-hour curriculum comprising 59 didactic credits and 20 clinical practicum credits. The plan of study includes classes such as Advanced Pediatric Nursing, Advanced Health Assessment & Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be accepted to the BSN-to-DNP, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution equivalent to the BSN program offered at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and possess an active, unencumbered license to practice as an RN in the state where didactic and clinical coursework will be completed. While students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 are preferred, you may be considered with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 if you have acceptable GMAT or GRE test scores. In addition to submitting an application for admission, you must also provide a resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation (professional or academic0, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have previously attended. Upon admission to the DNP program, you must show completion of a descriptive statistics course before matriculation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, clinical experiences are coordinated with your faculty. Because faculty collaborate with you and preceptors, you can rest assured that your practicums will provide exceptional opportunities to hone essential skills as you offer care to pediatric patients in diverse settings.• As a nurse educator, I feel prospective students should consider nursing programs carefully before committing. There are several factors to consider before making a decision. One factor to weigh is how well the program ranks compared to others. For instance, the DNP program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is ranked among the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report! When you find a school with rankings from a reputable source like U.S. News, you can feel confident that it is a good choice for where to pursue your education.
• Another benefit of pursuing your degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is that the school is home to the state’s only Academic Health Science Center. As such, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the top nursing and interprofessional faculty in the nation.
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham is committed to enriching the lives of nurses through continuing education. The pediatric nurse practitioner program is designed to accommodate the needs of working nurses, combining synchronous and asynchronous online courses with campus-based intensives. Through this program, you will master the essential skills needed to assess, diagnose, and manage the primary or acute health needs of pediatric patients and their families.
2. University of South Alabama - Mobile
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN, MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Program Details: The University of South Alabama also offers several pathways for Registered Nurses seeking to advance their careers and specialize in pediatric care. One option the school offers is the RN-to-MSN program, which is designed for licensed RNs who also hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible to apply for admission to the RN-to-MSN program, you must have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse, have a minimum associate degree in nursing, and possess a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. You need to complete an application via NursingCAS and provide transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. A minimal GPA of 3.0 for all coursework is required. Additionally, before beginning any clinical course, you must have at least two years of clinical experience in settings relevant to the pediatric nurse practitioner role.
MSN Program Details: Both the Acute Care and Primary Care Pediatric NP curriculum plans require 45 total credits. The plan of study includes all support courses, MSN core courses, and MSN specialty courses. Support courses for both pathways include Physio-Pathological Bases of Advanced Nursing, Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses, and Evidence-Based Practice & Quality Improvement in Healthcare. After completing support and MSN core courses, you will take specialty courses. Each specialty course has a corresponding clinical practicum. All students in the MSN program complete a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for the MSN program must be graduates of an approved nursing school with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and must have a current, unencumbered RN license. You are required to submit a resume documenting all your clinical experience, with at least two years of relevant work experience required before enrolling in any clinical course. Also, you must provide transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program is an excellent option for baccalaureate-prepared RNs seeking to specialize in pediatric care. The program is a top pediatric nurse practitioner program in Alabama, offering the option to specialize in either primary or acute care. With three admission sessions per year, you can begin your studies without the worry of being waitlisted.
Coursework is offered online. However, you may be required to visit campus at the start of clinicals to participate in intensive classroom, evaluation, and simulation sessions. The curriculum consists of a total of 69 credits.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: If you wish to seek admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a current, unrestricted RN license, and two years of nursing experience relevant to your specialty track. Nursing experience must be obtained before enrolling in any clinical course.
To apply, you are required to submit both primary and supplemental applications. Additionally, you need to submit transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, including a 3.0 average for all BSN coursework. While no letters of recommendation are required, you do need to provide a current resume or curriculum vitae for review.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program is another awesome pathway for nurses seeking a pediatric nurse practitioner program in Alabama. The program admits students three times each year, in the fall, spring, and summer. The online learning format makes this program an excellent choice for nurses who need to continue working or who have other responsibilities in addition to school. Occasional campus visits are required to complete CSIs.
Students enrolled in the MSN-to-DNP program complete a minimum of 36 credits, consisting of DNP core courses, DNP Project Planning & Development courses, and Residency courses. While the program has 600 clinical hours embedded in the curriculum, all DNP students must complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours to meet eligibility requirements to sit for national certification. Therefore, you may need additional clinical hours, which will be determined by a review of your clinical hours verification prior to admission.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates who wish to pursue the post-master’s DNP must be a citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States with a current, unrestricted RN license. You must first complete a primary application for admission via NursingCAS and submit supporting documentation, including providing transcripts from any post-secondary school you attended, a Personal Goal statement, and a typed curriculum vitae or resume. Transcripts should reflect a cumulative and nursing GPA of 3.0 or better. You need at least two years of nursing experience specific to your chosen path (Acute or Primary Care) before you may enroll in any clinical course.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have already completed a graduate degree in nursing and want to gain expertise to seek certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of South Alabama is a perfect option! The program offers pathways for Acute Care PNP and Primary Care PNP, and admits students in the spring and summer semesters each year.
The curriculum consists of support courses, specialty courses, and clinicals. A GAP analysis of your previous nursing transcripts will be used to determine a plan of study tailored to accommodate the Acute Care or Primary Care academic requirements for certification.
All coursework is presented online, making this an excellent option if you need to continue working while in the program. Campus attendance may be required at least once to complete Clinical Skills Intensives. CSIs typically occur in the first semester following matriculation.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must submit a Primary Application through NursingCAS as well as a secondary application through the College of Nursing. For this program, candidates are also required to provide a copy of their current curriculum vitae or professional resume, a Personal Goals Statement, and copies of official transcripts from each college or university they previously attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, including a 3.0 average in all nursing coursework.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I believe all nurses should adopt a mindset for continuous learning. If you are considering pursuing a degree or certificate leading to certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, then it goes without saying that education is important to you. One of the things I like about the University of South Alabama is that, as a DNP student, you can pursue a subspecialty in nursing while studying to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The school currently offers subspecialties in areas, including Cardiovascular Nursing, Addictions Nursing Care, Emergency NP, Advanced Forensic Nursing, Clinical Lipidology, Nurse Educator, Trauma-Informed Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, and Palliative Care.• The University of South Alabama believes higher education should be within everyone’s reach. In addition to offering competitive tuition rates, the school provides access to several types of scholarships and other financial aid. If your dream is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, contact a financial aid advisor today to discuss your options.
• When it comes to finding a good nursing program, one way to tell if a school is worth considering is to check out what current and former students have to say. For example, graduates of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs at the University of South Alabama report high satisfaction rates with the school and program. According to surveys submitted by former students, the school ranks high in satisfaction in categories, including student support services, clinical opportunities, faculty expertise and availability, and certification examination preparation.
• Graduates of each pathway of the pediatric nurse practitioner program at the University of South Alabama consistently perform above the national average on national certification exams. This is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a program, as certification is required to practice as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN ALABAMA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $38.21 |
| Weekly | $1,528 |
| Monthly | $6,620 |
| Annual | $79,480 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $38.21 | $1,528 | $6,620 | $79,480 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $43.24 | $1,730 | $7,500 | $89,940 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $51.04 | $2,042 | $8,850 | $106,160 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $56.84 | $2,274 | $9,850 | $118,230 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $67.93 | $2,717 | $11,770 | $141,290 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ALABAMA?
| Hourly | $51.94 |
| Weekly | $2,078 |
| Monthly | $9,000 |
| Annual | $108,040 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF ALABAMA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville | $54.81 | $2,193 | $9,500 | $114,010 |
| Auburn-Opelika | $49.77 | $1,991 | $8,630 | $103,530 |
| Birmingham-Hoover | $53.71 | $2,148 | $9,310 | $111,720 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | $52.50 | $2,100 | $9,100 | $109,190 |
| Decatur | $51.21 | $2,048 | $8,880 | $106,510 |
| Dothan | $48.32 | $1,933 | $8,380 | $100,500 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals | $47.33 | $1,893 | $8,200 | $98,440 |
| Gadsden | $51.94 | $2,078 | $9,000 | $108,040 |
| Huntsville | $50.94 | $2,038 | $8,830 | $105,960 |
| Mobile | $49.99 | $1,999 | $8,660 | $103,970 |
| Montgomery | $53.10 | $2,124 | $9,200 | $110,450 |
| Tuscaloosa | $50.80 | $2,032 | $8,810 | $105,670 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Alabama Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $108,040 | $126,175 | -$18,135 | -14.37% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$50,590 | -31.89% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$37,950 | -25.99% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$34,740 | -24.33% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$34,380 | -24.14% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$34,300 | -24.10% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | -$33,380 | -23.60% |
| New York | $140,260 | -$32,220 | -22.97% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | -$26,470 | -19.68% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | -$26,270 | -19.56% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | -$24,540 | -18.51% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | -$24,380 | -18.41% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | -$23,020 | -17.56% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | -$22,180 | -17.03% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | -$22,130 | -17.00% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | -$20,710 | -16.09% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | -$20,420 | -15.90% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | -$20,340 | -15.84% |
| Texas | $127,670 | -$19,630 | -15.38% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | -$17,980 | -14.27% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | -$17,640 | -14.04% |
| Utah | $125,520 | -$17,480 | -13.93% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | -$17,420 | -13.88% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | -$17,110 | -13.67% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | -$16,570 | -13.30% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | -$15,860 | -12.80% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | -$15,790 | -12.75% |
| Montana | $122,390 | -$14,350 | -11.72% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | -$14,270 | -11.67% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | -$14,050 | -11.51% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | -$13,290 | -10.95% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | -$13,060 | -10.78% |
| Maine | $120,720 | -$12,680 | -10.50% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | -$12,620 | -10.46% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | -$11,750 | -9.81% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | -$11,450 | -9.58% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | -$11,360 | -9.51% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | -$10,930 | -9.19% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | -$10,760 | -9.06% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | -$10,650 | -8.97% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | -$10,470 | -8.83% |
| Florida | $117,550 | -$9,510 | -8.09% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | -$9,080 | -7.75% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | -$8,490 | -7.29% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | -$7,330 | -6.35% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | -$6,790 | -5.91% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | -$6,540 | -5.71% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | -$3,370 | -3.02% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | -$3,330 | -2.99% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | -$340 | -0.31% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$6,190 | +6.08% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES INALABAMA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $173,370 | -$65,330 | -37.68% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $108,040 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $87,360 | +$20,680 | +23.67% |
| Registered Nurse | $71,370 | +$36,670 | +51.38% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $48,320 | +$59,720 | +123.59% |
| Nursing Assistant | $31,280 | +$76,760 | +245.40% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ALABAMA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $179,000 | -$70,960 | -39.64% |
| Podiatrist | $129,560 | -$21,520 | -16.61% |
| Pharmacist | $126,960 | -$18,920 | -14.90% |
| Optometrist | $115,970 | -$7,930 | -6.84% |
| Veterinarian | $111,030 | -$2,990 | -2.69% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $108,040 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $96,950 | +$11,090 | +11.44% |
| Physician Assistant | $96,210 | +$11,830 | +12.30% |
| Occupational Therapist | $94,680 | +$13,360 | +14.11% |
| Audiologist | $84,760 | +$23,280 | +27.47% |
| Radiation Therapist | $83,580 | +$24,460 | +29.27% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $75,510 | +$32,530 | +43.08% |
| Chiropractor | $72,540 | +$35,500 | +48.94% |
| Dental Hygienist | $54,460 | +$53,580 | +98.38% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs In Alabama?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Alabama?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Alabama?
| $51.94 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Alabama?
| $2,078 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Alabama?
| $9,000 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Alabama?
| $108,040 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Alabama?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +49.12% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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