Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Career advancement won't be a problem when you graduate from one of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Maryland. In just 10 years' time, employment opportunities for PNPs in the Old Line State are projected to increase by 42 percent. As a pediatric nurse practitioner in Maryland, you'll have your choice of specializing in acute or primary care, and since Maryland is a full-practice state for NPs, you may be positioned to start your own independent practice. Maryland-based PNPs earn $125,680 annually on average. Could this be an ideal professional path for you? Find out by looking through the list below of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Maryland.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Maryland.)
1. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing - Baltimore
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with hopes of advancing your career and specializing in pediatric care? Have you earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing and wonder what the next best step is to help accomplish your goals? If so, becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is an excellent choice, one that can open doors of opportunity and allow you to make a lasting impact on the lives of your patients.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner becomes increasingly vital. Once you decide to pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, one of the most consequential decisions you will make is where to earn a graduate degree. Johns Hopkins University offers an outstanding pediatric nurse practitioner program in Maryland designed for nurses like you who are ready to take the next step in their academic and professional careers.
At Johns Hopkins University, you can choose to specialize as a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or pursue a dual role in both Pediatric Primary and Acute Care while earning a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The program features online didactic coursework and onsite immersions in addition to rich clinical practice experiences.
The BSN-to-DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program admits students annually in the fall semester. The program is designed to be completed in three years or eight semesters. The Primary Care PNP pathway features a 74.5-credit curriculum. The dual Primary and Acute Care PNP pathway features a 76-credit curriculum. The study plans for both options include classes such as Chronic, Complex, & Multi-System Illnesses in Pediatric Primary Care, Children and Adolescents: Behavioral/Mental Health, & Gender/Reproductive Health in Pediatric Primary Care, as well as Evidence-Based Practice & Research Translation in Healthcare. You will learn to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and families, promote health, and prevent, treat, and manage disease across pediatric populations. Additionally, you will learn to treat acute and chronic pediatric health conditions and advocate for vulnerable children and families.
The DNP is not only the highest level of clinical nursing practice, but it also prepares you for leadership roles with the ability to transform healthcare delivery. In addition to clinical courses, the curriculum includes leadership-relevant coursework in Health Policy & Advocacy, Organizational Leadership, and Informatics & Data-Driven Decision-Making.
As a student in the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program, you will complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. At least 840 hours of clinical experience are spent providing direct patient care. An additional 160 (or more) clinical hours are spent completing the DNP Scholarly Project. Dual Primary and Acute Care PNP students complete 1,120 clinical hours (960 direct and 160 project practicum hours). Clinical practicums are arranged collaboratively between you, the Track Director, and the Clinical Placement Team. Once sites and preceptors are identified, the Track Director will approve final clinical arrangements. Your clinical practicums will occur in a variety of pediatric primary care settings and areas where care is provided to underserved and high-risk pediatric populations.
High national certification pass rates among graduates are an excellent indication of the quality of the PNP program at Johns Hopkins University. With numerous perks for being a student in the PNP program at Johns Hopkins, it is no wonder the school is ranked as having one of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Maryland. If you are ready to elevate your practice and make a lasting impression in the lives of children and their families, Johns Hopkins University is an outstanding choice!
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Johns Hopkins University, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited college or university and a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Louisiana or an authorized state. In addition to completing an admission application, you are required to provide three letters of academic and professional recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae, a Goals Statement, a copy of your current Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification, and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. A scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 and one year of full-time pediatric experience as an RN in an acute care setting are required. Once your application and supporting documentation are received, if the admissions committee moves you forward, you will be notified and required to interview with the program faculty.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you want to earn your degree at a school with a proven history of excellence in nursing education and innovation, Johns Hopkins University is an excellent choice! Choosing Johns Hopkins means you will join a community of trailblazers who have helped shape nursing. The university’s name is known worldwide, opening doors to leadership roles and collaborative opportunities. As an aspiring Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, this legacy offers you an excellent platform to launch an impactful career.• As a nurse educator and pediatric health advocate, I enjoy discovering nursing programs that encourage students to think critically and creatively. For instance, Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its culture, which is deeply rooted in research. When you pursue your degree at Johns Hopkins, you will train to appraise evidence critically, contribute to the scientific body of knowledge, and apply research findings to practice. Students in the PNP program have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pediatric research in areas such as developmental disorders, health disparities in underserved populations, asthma management, and childhood obesity.
• The clinical experiences you will receive at Johns Hopkins University are second to none! As part of your training, you will participate in campus immersions, which offer opportunities for hands-on and interdisciplinary learning in simulation labs and workshops. Additionally, clinical practicums at approved facilities near your home region ensure flexibility while maintaining high standards for learning with expert preceptors.
2. University of Maryland School of Nursing - Baltimore
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-doctoral Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-doctoral Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Maryland recognizes the need for highly trained pediatric care providers and offers a nationally respected graduate-level pathway to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The post-baccalaureate DNP program’s PNP option is one of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Maryland. In this program, you may choose to specialize as an Acute Care or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
New cohorts are admitted each fall semester. The BSN-to-DNP program is structured to accommodate students with different learning paces. With the option to choose a three-, four-, or five-year plan of study, you can pick a pathway that best fits with your current schedule and personal life. The blended learning model combines face-to-face instruction with online classes and in-person clinical experiences. The flexible format makes it easier for you to balance academic responsibilities with your work and family life.
The plan of study is designed to help you develop advanced competencies in pediatric healthcare, including the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions, family-centered care and anticipatory guidance, comprehensive physical and developmental assessments, behavioral and mental health support, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment planning. The curriculum includes 80 credits (56 didactic credits and 24 clinical credits). Coursework includes classes such as Integration of Multiple Health Problems & Complex Clinical Syndromes, Acute & Chronic Complex Conditions, Common Health Conditions, Episodic & Chronic, and Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice.
Students in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program take several clinical courses with students in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty, which means you will benefit from the expertise of faculty, preceptors, and peers within and outside your specialty. This method of clinical training helps promote good interprofessional collaboration skills. The program includes 1,080 clinical hours. 885 of the clinical hours are completed in direct care settings, and 225 hours are completed via other required practicum coursework and the DNP Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Maryland, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a college or university accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or NLN CNEA, and have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit an online application and application fee as well as two recommendations, an admission essay, a typed resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale is required. You must have at least two years of RN experience, with one year of experience in pediatrics, before you may progress to any clinical courses.
Post-doctoral Certificate Program Details: The Post-Doctoral Certificate program at the University of Maryland is an excellent option for nurses with a graduate degree who wish to earn a new certification in pediatric care. The program offers two entry dates per year, one in the spring semester and one in the fall.
The Post-Doctoral Certificate program features a 43-credit curriculum plan. However, a personalized plan of study will be determined at the time of your admission. If you have already completed some of the required courses, it is possible to lower the total credits needed to earn the certificate. A review of your previous clinical hours will also determine the total practicum hours you need to complete the PDC program.
Post-doctoral Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Doctoral Certificate program at the University of Maryland, you need a graduate degree in nursing and a doctoral degree, such as a DNP, PhD, or EdD. You are required to complete a Pre-Application Assessment form and an online application. Additionally, you must provide official transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended, two letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or resume, and an admission essay. A minimum of two years of work experience as a Registered Nurse with one year of experience working in pediatric care is required before beginning your first clinical course.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Maryland has an excellent record of providing high-quality nursing programs designed to prepare you for success. The school is consistently ranked among the top nursing education programs. For example, U.S. News & World Report recognizes the university in its "Best Grad Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice" rankings.• As a nurse educator, I am convinced that there is no such thing as too much learning or preparing when it comes to patient care. One of my favorite parts of nursing education is simulation experiences. Simulated learning experiences provide students with opportunities to develop and hone essential skills necessary for delivering quality care while practicing in a safe, controlled setting. Simulated learning is one of the program's standout features at the University of Maryland. The school utilizes high-fidelity pediatric and neonatal simulation models, designed to replicate real-life scenarios, and helps you develop procedural expertise and collaborative management skills.
• The University of Maryland School of Nursing is committed to ensuring you have access to clinical sites and preceptors aligned with the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner role. The school has contracts with several agencies and maintains close contact with many nurse practitioner alumni who serve as mentors to students. While you may request a site or preceptor of interest, you are not responsible for identifying placements or mentors. Instead, the school vets all prospective preceptors and maintains active contracts with all agencies.
• As you search for the right school and program to earn your degree and pursue your dream of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, there are many things to consider. Having worked in student recruitment, I understand that a major concern for potential students is the cost of attending school. Fortunately, at the University of Maryland, you will find multiple opportunities to help offset expenses and help you afford your graduate education.
• When you decide to pursue an advanced degree and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, finding a school with experienced, dedicated faculty is crucial. At the University of Maryland, the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program is taught by faculty who are nationally recognized experts in the field of pediatrics. Many faculty are dually certified in both primary and acute care and bring decades of combined experience to the classroom and clinicals.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN MARYLAND?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.45 |
| Weekly | $1,778 |
| Monthly | $7,710 |
| Annual | $92,460 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.45 | $1,778 | $7,710 | $92,460 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.30 | $2,012 | $8,720 | $104,620 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.38 | $2,375 | $10,290 | $123,500 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $66.12 | $2,645 | $11,460 | $137,530 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $79.02 | $3,161 | $13,700 | $164,360 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MARYLAND?
| Hourly | $60.42 |
| Weekly | $2,417 |
| Monthly | $10,470 |
| Annual | $125,680 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MARYLAND?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson | $60.75 | $2,430 | $10,530 | $126,350 |
| California-Lexington Park | $54.42 | $2,177 | $9,430 | $113,190 |
| Cumberland | $56.99 | $2,279 | $9,880 | $118,530 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | $52.74 | $2,110 | $9,140 | $109,700 |
| Salisbury | $61.75 | $2,470 | $10,700 | $128,440 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Maryland Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $125,680 | $126,175 | -$495 | -0.39% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$32,950 | -20.77% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$20,310 | -13.91% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$17,100 | -11.98% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$16,740 | -11.75% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$16,660 | -11.70% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | -$15,740 | -11.13% |
| New York | $140,260 | -$14,580 | -10.39% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | -$8,830 | -6.56% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | -$8,630 | -6.43% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | -$6,900 | -5.20% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | -$6,740 | -5.09% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | -$5,380 | -4.10% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | -$4,540 | -3.49% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | -$4,490 | -3.45% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | -$3,070 | -2.38% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | -$2,780 | -2.16% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | -$2,700 | -2.10% |
| Texas | $127,670 | -$1,990 | -1.56% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | -$340 | -0.27% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Utah | $125,520 | +$160 | +0.13% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | +$220 | +0.18% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | +$530 | +0.42% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | +$1,070 | +0.86% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | +$1,780 | +1.44% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | +$1,850 | +1.49% |
| Montana | $122,390 | +$3,290 | +2.69% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | +$3,370 | +2.76% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | +$3,590 | +2.94% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | +$4,350 | +3.59% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | +$4,580 | +3.78% |
| Maine | $120,720 | +$4,960 | +4.11% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | +$5,020 | +4.16% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | +$5,890 | +4.92% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | +$6,190 | +5.18% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | +$6,280 | +5.26% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | +$6,710 | +5.64% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | +$6,880 | +5.79% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | +$6,990 | +5.89% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | +$7,170 | +6.05% |
| Florida | $117,550 | +$8,130 | +6.92% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | +$8,560 | +7.31% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | +$9,150 | +7.85% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$10,310 | +8.94% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$10,850 | +9.45% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$11,100 | +9.69% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$14,270 | +12.81% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$14,310 | +12.85% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$17,300 | +15.96% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$17,640 | +16.33% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$23,830 | +23.40% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MARYLAND
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $187,420 | -$61,740 | -32.94% |
| Nurse Midwife | $128,400 | -$2,720 | -2.12% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $125,680 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $92,090 | +$33,590 | +36.48% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $88,610 | +$37,070 | +41.84% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $66,460 | +$59,220 | +89.11% |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,770 | +$84,910 | +208.27% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MARYLAND
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $239,460 | -$113,780 | -47.52% |
| Dentist | $234,670 | -$108,990 | -46.44% |
| Optometrist | $166,770 | -$41,090 | -24.64% |
| Pharmacist | $132,530 | -$6,850 | -5.17% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $125,680 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $117,280 | +$8,400 | +7.16% |
| Physical Therapist | $105,520 | +$20,160 | +19.11% |
| Occupational Therapist | $101,710 | +$23,970 | +23.57% |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,140 | +$24,540 | +24.26% |
| Radiation Therapist | $98,220 | +$27,460 | +27.96% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $95,310 | +$30,370 | +31.86% |
| Audiologist | $90,180 | +$35,500 | +39.37% |
| Chiropractor | $73,940 | +$51,740 | +69.98% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs In Maryland?
| 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 Maryland?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Maryland?
| $60.42 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Maryland?
| $2,417 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Maryland?
| $10,470 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Maryland?
| $125,680 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Maryland?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +42.18% |
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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