Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Iowa (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Once you graduate from one of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Iowa, you'll have the knowledge and specialized skills needed to provide high-quality nursing care to children and adolescents. Anatomically and physiologically, children are more than just miniature adults, and practitioners accustomed to dealing with adults often struggle to meet their medical needs adequately. Pediatric nurse practitioners are in high demand in the Hawkeye State, where the need for their specialized services is expected to increase by 53 percent over the next 10 years. Iowa-based pediatric nurse practitioners can expect to earn an average annual salary of $128,460. Want to find out more? Keep reading our list of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Iowa.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN IOWA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Iowa.)
1. University of Iowa - Iowa City
Programs Offered: DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Dual Family/Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Pediatric AC/Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Dual Pediatric PC/Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: One of my favorite areas to work in nursing is pediatrics. To me, there is just something special about developing trusting relationships with little ones and their families. If you are a nurse passionate about pediatric care and ready to advance your career to a higher, more specialized level, becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is an excellent option.
Finding a nursing school with a high-quality program and proven success is crucial in helping fulfill your goals. One school, the University of Iowa, offers a few options. For instance, the BSN-to-DNP program is a top pediatric nurse practitioner program in Iowa that allows baccalaureate-prepared RNs to advance their careers by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a specialization in pediatric care.
The BSN-to-DNP program offers full-time and part-time enrollment options, allowing you to complete your degree in three or four years based on your goals. Admission to the PNP programs occurs in the fall semester each year. The program features a hybrid learning format that combines online and campus-based learning.
With options to specialize in Acute Care or Pediatric Care, or to pursue dual certification in Acute and Primary Care, Dual Pediatric Acute/Psychiatric Mental Health NP, or Dual Pediatric Primary Care/Psychiatric Mental Health, you are sure to find a path that aligns with your professional goals.
The Pediatric Primary Care NP pathway features a 77-semester-hour curriculum that includes classes such as Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice, Advanced Diagnostics & Therapeutic Procedures for Primary Care, Primary Care: Infants, Children, & Adolescents, and Health Promotion & Assessment for Advanced Clinical Care. In the Primary Care PNP program, you will complete at least 1,000 clinical hours. The Acute Care Pediatric NP pathway requires 78 credits and 1,090 clinical hours. The Dual Acute and Primary Care PNP degree pathway requires between 1,080 and 1,540 clinical hours. At this time, all clinical practicum requirements must be completed in Iowa.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the post-baccalaureate DNP program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an active, unrestricted RN license with eligibility to practice in Iowa. You need to submit a Supplemental Information Form, Statement of Purpose, a current resume, email addresses for three people who can write a recommendation for you, a Statement of Disclosure, and transcripts for all undergraduate coursework you previously completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for the Acute Care NP and Primary Care PNP pathways. Dual pathway candidates must have a minimum 3.5 college grade point average. You will also be required to submit a copy of your RN license.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have already achieved a master’s degree in nursing and wish to pursue a clinical doctorate and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Iowa is a fantastic program worth considering. The program admits students in the fall each year. You may choose a full-time, two-year plan of study or a part-time, three-year plan. The flexibility of scheduling, coupled with a hybrid learning format, makes this program an excellent option for busy, working nurses.
To earn the DNP at the University of Iowa, you must accomplish a minimum of 72 post-baccalaureate semester hours as well as 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours. The exact number of credits and practicum hours you need will be determined after evaluating your previous nursing transcripts and verifying your master’s-level clinical hours.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program, you must hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree and have a current RN license in Iowa or a Compact State. The first step in the process is to submit a Graduate College Application. You must then submit a Statement of Purpose, a Supplemental Information form, a copy of your RN license, a Statement of Disclosure, and email addresses for three people who can prepare a recommendation form on your behalf. Further, transcripts showing all previously completed coursework and reflecting a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 are required.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: When it comes to meeting the needs of nurses who want to continue formal education, the University of Iowa’s Post-Graduate Certificate Program is an excellent option. The program is available to master’s or doctorally-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and offers the opportunity to achieve additional education in a new practice population.
The PGC Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program is available in the Acute Care or Primary Care concentration. The Acute Care PNP pathway features a 21-credit plan of study that includes 720 clinical hours. The Primary Care PNP option has a 20-credit curriculum that includes 630 practicum hours. A formal GAP analysis will be performed upon admission to determine a personalized study plan. Based on your prior education and eligible transferable credits, your plan of study may be revised to meet the requirements for national certification.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible to apply for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Iowa, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. You are required to submit a copy of your current, unrestricted RN license and proof of APRN certification. Additionally, you must provide a Goal Statement, a Statement of Disclosure, transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a current resume, and three professional recommendations.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The College of Nursing facilitates clinical placements, allowing you to focus on your studies. While you may help identify potential clinical sites and preceptors, they must be approved by clinical faculty before beginning any clinical assignments.• The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs at the University of Iowa have an excellent track record of preparing highly qualified PNPs. Graduates of the program have outstanding pass rates on national certification exams, reflecting the program's quality.
• The University of Iowa College of Nursing reports that graduates of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program have high job placement rates. Many students receive employment offers pending completion of the program and the attainment of national certification. Among graduates who submit post-graduation surveys, the majority report being employed in a PNP role within six months of program completion.
• No matter which PNP pathway you choose, the University of Iowa is dedicated to preparing you for clinical practice with confidence that you can make a difference! You will have opportunities to provide care to patients with varying degrees of illness or disease, depending on your chosen specialty, in outstanding clinical facilities with experienced preceptors dedicated to your success.
2. Allen College - Waterloo
Programs Offered: MSN, RN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are an RN interested in caring for pediatric patients with acute health issues, the pediatric nurse practitioner program at Allen College is an excellent choice. The school offers four pathways to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
The MSN program is available part-time or full-time and delivered in an online format. Admission occurs twice each year in the fall and spring semesters. The MSN pathway features a 45-credit curriculum. In this program, you will study Advanced Physiology & Disease States, Pediatric Acute Care I, II, & III, Mental Health Enrichment for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Evidence-Based Practice: Applying Evidence for Practice Change. The program also includes 25 lab hours and 575 clinical practicum hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the MSN program need a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution, a current Iowa state or Nurse Licensure Compact state RN license. When applying, you must submit transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. A 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours of college credit is preferred. However, if your GPA for your last 60 credits is 2.9, you may qualify for conditional admission. Transcripts should also show completion of a statistics course. Additionally, you must submit an online application, a resume or curriculum vitae, one letter of recommendation from an academic or professional representative, and answer essay questions.
RN-to-DNP Program Details: Allen College offers paths for Registered Nurses at all levels to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, specializing in acute pediatric care. Both candidates with and without a non-nursing bachelor’s degree are eligible for admission.
The RN-to-DNP curriculum requires the completion of 78 credits and 1,050 clinical hours. A GAP analysis is performed upon admission to determine the number of transferable credits from your previous degree programs that you may apply toward the degree.
RN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The RN-to-DNP program admits applicants with a current RN license in Iowa or another NLC state. If you have an associate's degree in nursing, you must submit a copy of your current, unrestricted RN license with eligibility to practice in Iowa or another NLC state, a current curriculum vitae or resume, an academic or professional letter of recommendation, easy question answers, and official transcripts. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of a statistics course and a diversity course are required for admission.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Allen College offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the opportunity to achieve a clinical doctorate in nursing while specializing in acute pediatric care. The program is available part-time (4.5 years) or full-time (3 years), allowing you to choose a schedule that best fits your current goals and lifestyle. Admission to the program is twice per year in the fall and spring.
This Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program in Iowa features a hybrid learning format. At times, synchronous online schedules are required. You will visit campus during track-specific courses to complete Objective Structured Clinical Examinations and a Residency.
The program is a 68-credit pathway. You will also complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, including 400 Clinical Scholarship Intensive hours as part of the DNP curriculum. The program’s Clinical Coordinator works with you to ensure clinical placement in various acute care pediatric settings. You may also elect to participate in one of the college’s Dedicated Education Clinics (DEC).
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing earned from a regionally-accredited nursing school and an Iowa or NLC state Registered Nurse license. You need to submit an online application, a letter of recommendation from an academic or professional peer, official transcripts from all colleges attended reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, proof of completion of a statistics course, a resume or CV, and answers to essay questions.
Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program at Allen College is an excellent choice for graduate-prepared RNs who wish to obtain specialization as an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The program admits new students in the fall semester each year and takes an average of 7 semesters to complete.
The 29-credit curriculum consists of classes, including Advanced Health Assessment, advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physiology & Disease States. It also includes three Pediatric Acute Care clinical courses with corresponding clinical practicum experiences. Students in this pathway complete 600 clinicalhours.
Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: If you wish to be considered for the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you need a master’s degree in nursing from a regionally-accredited nursing school, proof of RN licensure in Iowa or a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, and proof of national nurse practitioner certification, if applicable. In addition to completing an admission application, you need to submit a resume or curriculum vitae, official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended, one letter of academic or professional recommendation, and answers to application questions.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse who grew up and still lives in a rural area, I understand the impact of limited access to healthcare services in underserved populations. One of the things I find appealing about the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program in Iowa offered at Allen College is that it offers an emphasis on providing care to patients in rural areas and underserved populations.• Finding a nursing program that offers quality clinical experiences is crucial for success as a future pediatric nurse practitioner. At Allen College, you may coordinate your clinical placements with the Clinical Coordinator, or you may request placement assistance. With support from faculty, staff, and coordinators, you can rest assured that you will have clinical experiences with highly-qualified, dedicated preceptors.
• The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at Allen College is taught by doctorally-prepared faculty with a broad range of pediatric experience. Their individual insight, expertise, and contributions to the nursing profession are among the many reasons Allen College is an excellent choice for earning your nursing degree or certificate and specializing as a PNP.
• Students in the Allen College Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program report high satisfaction rates with the program. Some areas in which students report the highest satisfaction include the clinical site, preceptor diversity and availability, staff experience and expertise, and national certification preparation.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN IOWA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN IOWA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $45.44 |
| Weekly | $1,818 |
| Monthly | $7,880 |
| Annual | $94,510 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN IOWA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $45.44 | $1,818 | $7,880 | $94,510 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $51.41 | $2,057 | $8,910 | $106,940 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $60.69 | $2,428 | $10,520 | $126,230 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $67.59 | $2,703 | $11,720 | $140,580 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $80.76 | $3,231 | $14,000 | $167,990 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN IOWA?
| Hourly | $61.76 |
| Weekly | $2,470 |
| Monthly | $10,710 |
| Annual | $128,460 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF IOWA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Ames | $62.53 | $2,501 | $10,840 | $130,060 |
| Cedar Rapids | $59.78 | $2,391 | $10,360 | $124,350 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $59.39 | $2,376 | $10,300 | $123,540 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $62.40 | $2,496 | $10,820 | $129,790 |
| Dubuque | $60.28 | $2,411 | $10,450 | $125,390 |
| Iowa City | $58.16 | $2,327 | $10,080 | $120,980 |
| Sioux City | $66.36 | $2,654 | $11,500 | $138,030 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $64.33 | $2,573 | $11,150 | $133,810 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN IOWA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN IOWA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Iowa Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $128,460 | $126,175 | +$2,285 | +1.81% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN IOWA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$30,170 | -19.02% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$17,530 | -12.01% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$14,320 | -10.03% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$13,960 | -9.80% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$13,880 | -9.75% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | -$12,960 | -9.16% |
| New York | $140,260 | -$11,800 | -8.41% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | -$6,050 | -4.50% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | -$5,850 | -4.36% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | -$4,120 | -3.11% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | -$3,960 | -2.99% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | -$2,600 | -1.98% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | -$1,760 | -1.35% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | -$1,710 | -1.31% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | -$290 | -0.23% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | $0 | 0.00% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | +$80 | +0.06% |
| Texas | $127,670 | +$790 | +0.62% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | +$2,440 | +1.94% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | +$2,780 | +2.21% |
| Utah | $125,520 | +$2,940 | +2.34% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | +$3,000 | +2.39% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | +$3,310 | +2.64% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | +$3,850 | +3.09% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | +$4,560 | +3.68% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | +$4,630 | +3.74% |
| Montana | $122,390 | +$6,070 | +4.96% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | +$6,150 | +5.03% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | +$6,370 | +5.22% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | +$7,130 | +5.88% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | +$7,360 | +6.08% |
| Maine | $120,720 | +$7,740 | +6.41% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | +$7,800 | +6.46% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | +$8,670 | +7.24% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | +$8,970 | +7.51% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | +$9,060 | +7.59% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | +$9,490 | +7.98% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | +$9,660 | +8.13% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | +$9,770 | +8.23% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | +$9,950 | +8.40% |
| Florida | $117,550 | +$10,910 | +9.28% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | +$11,340 | +9.68% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | +$11,930 | +10.24% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$13,090 | +11.35% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$13,630 | +11.87% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$13,880 | +12.11% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$17,050 | +15.30% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$17,090 | +15.35% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$20,080 | +18.53% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$20,420 | +18.90% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$26,610 | +26.13% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN IOWA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN IOWA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $227,710 | -$99,250 | -43.59% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $128,460 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $124,040 | +$4,420 | +3.56% |
| Registered Nurse | $74,610 | +$53,850 | +72.18% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $71,690 | +$56,770 | +79.19% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,870 | +$72,590 | +129.93% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,380 | +$90,080 | +234.71% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN IOWA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN IOWA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $186,420 | -$57,960 | -31.09% |
| Podiatrist | $163,700 | -$35,240 | -21.53% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,230 | -$770 | -0.60% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $128,460 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $127,780 | +$680 | +0.53% |
| Optometrist | $122,970 | +$5,490 | +4.46% |
| Veterinarian | $106,040 | +$22,420 | +21.14% |
| Physical Therapist | $91,850 | +$36,610 | +39.86% |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,790 | +$42,670 | +49.74% |
| Audiologist | $83,620 | +$44,840 | +53.62% |
| Dental Hygienist | $83,220 | +$45,240 | +54.36% |
| Radiation Therapist | $82,310 | +$46,150 | +56.07% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $82,210 | +$46,250 | +56.26% |
| Chiropractor | $69,650 | +$58,810 | +84.44% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs In Iowa?
| 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 Iowa?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Iowa?
| $61.76 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Iowa?
| $2,470 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Iowa?
| $10,710 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Iowa?
| $128,460 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Iowa?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +52.92% |
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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