Pediatric nurse practitioners in Massachusetts play a vital role in delivering high-quality healthcare to the families and children of the Bay State. Graduates of pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts typically specialize in either pediatric acute care (qualifying them to work with critically ill patients in settings like PICUs, ICUs, and emergency rooms) or primary care (which prepares them to deliver more routine care at the community level). On average, pediatric nurse practitioners in Massachusetts earn $141,420 a year, and there's so much need for the services they render that their employment opportunities are projected to increase by 47 percent within 10 years. The guide below to the 4 best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts has more information.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Massachusetts.)
Post BSN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Certificate of Advanced Study Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Direct-Entry MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post BSN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are searching for a pediatric nurse practitioner program in Massachusetts that offers flexibility along with an innovative curriculum and experienced faculty and preceptors, MGH Institute of Health Professions is an excellent choice. The post-baccalaureate MSN pathway admits new students each fall and can be completed in as few as two years.
The hybrid learning format combines online didactic instruction with high-tech simulation lab practice and clinical practicums. The 48-credit curriculum features classes such as Primary Care of the Child with Special Healthcare Needs, Adolescent Health, Primary Care of Children I & II, and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan. Three clinical courses are complemented by practicum experiences to give you hands-on patient care opportunities under the direct supervision of experienced preceptors.
Certificate of Advanced Study Program Details: The Certificate of Advanced Study pediatric nurse practitioner program is designed for RNs who hold a master’s or doctorate in nursing who wish to expand their scope of practice and training in the field of pediatric care. The program is available part-time or full-time, which means you can choose a schedule that aligns with your current job or other obligations. Admission is twice each year in the fall and spring semesters.
The CAS program offers two track options: one path for registered nurses who already hold an APRN certification, such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified nurse anesthetists, and a path for graduate-level RNs who do not have an APRN license. The hybrid learning format combines flexible online didactic coursework with in-person clinicals arranged by the School of Nursing.
The program features a 36-credit-hour curriculum. Additionally, all students in the Certificate of Advanced Study program complete at least 500 hours of direct patient care across several pediatric care settings. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care examination administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and wish to transition your career path to nursing and become a pediatric nurse practitioner, the Direct-Entry MSN program at MGH Healthcare Institute of Health Professions is a path worth considering. The program is an intensive, three-year pathway that culminates in both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
The first three semesters of the Direct-Entry MSN program require completion of prelicensure nursing courses that provide a foundation of the knowledge and skills required of professional nurses and prepare you to take and pass the NCLEX-RN. After completing the first three semesters and passing the NCLEX-RN, you will advance to master’s-level coursework and clinical practicums. This pediatric nurse practitioner program in Massachusetts requires completion of 96 credit hours.
MSN Specialties Offered: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Dual Primary/Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Nurse Practitioner
CAGS Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Direct-Entry Nursing MS Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are looking for the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts, Northeastern University has several pathways to choose from. The MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program offers the option to specialize in the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration or the Dual Primary/Acute Care Pediatric NP concentration. Both MSN pathways are available in part-time and full-time formats. You can complete the program in two to three years, depending on your enrollment status.
The Primary Care PNP pathway requires 41 semester hours and includes 500 clinical hours. The Dual Primary/Acute Care PNP pathway requires 52 semester hours and includes 800 clinical hours. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for both the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exams.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Northeastern University is the perfect option for RNs who wish to seek either a Primary Care or Dual Primary and Acute Care PNP role while earning a clinical doctorate in nursing. The program is designed as a full-time pathway and can be completed in 33 months.
The Pediatric Primary Care and Dual Primary/Acute Care post-baccalaureate DNP pathways require 71 and 82 credits, respectively. Students in the BSN-to-DNP program complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. The DNP program culminates with the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
CAGS Program Details: The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies program has three specialty options: Primary Care PNP, Acute Care PNP, and Dual Primary/Acute Care PNP.
Students in this pediatric nurse practitioner program in Massachusetts complete 24 to 33 credits, depending on their chosen concentration. The curriculum plans include courses such as Pediatric Pharmacology, Health Promotion & Preventive Care in Pediatrics, and Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate & Infant.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you are already certified as a Pediatric Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and you are interested in becoming an Acute Care PNP, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Northeastern University is an excellent option. The program features a 34-credit curriculum.
Direct-Entry Nursing MS Program Details: The Direct-Entry MS in Nursing offers a pathway for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to transition to a career as a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The program admits students each fall. The prelicensure component of the program takes 16 months to complete on a full-time basis. After completing the prelicensure segment, you may pursue the MSN component part-time or full-time, based on your schedule and goals.
Students enter this program as undergraduates and complete the RN prelicensure component. After completion of 64 credit hours, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once you become licensed as a Registered Nurse, you may work part-time or full-time to meet the RN work requirements while taking master’s courses. The master’s component of the program requires the completion of an additional 41 semester hours.
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Direct Entry MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse with an associate degree and you want to pursue a career as a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, you may find the RN-to-MSN program at Boston College is a good fit for you. The program allows current RNs to use their work and academic experiences as a foundation for master’s-level study. The RN-to-MSN program admits students in the fall and spring each year.
The RN-to-MSN program requires the completion of bridge coursework before beginning the MSN curriculum. The exact number of bridge courses you need will be determined through a portfolio review before beginning the program. Some classes in the program include Epidemiology, Nursing Leadership in Complex Healthcare Settings, and Foundations of Evidence-Based Advanced Nursing Practice. After completing the bridge coursework, you will transition to the master’s component of the program and complete an additional 48 credits and specialty-specific clinical practicums.
MSN Program Details: The MSN program is designed for RNs who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing and who wish to seek preparation as Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners at the master’s level. The program admits new students each fall and spring and can be completed in two years of full-time study or in four years if you enroll part-time.
This MSN pediatric nurse practitioner program in Massachusetts is a 48-credit pathway. You will take core MSN courses, such as Nursing Ethics & Professional Responsibility in Advanced Practice, Advanced Health/Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Pathophysiology.
Direct Entry MSN Program Details: The Direct-Entry MSN pathway is an accelerated program for students with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. The program offers students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in pediatric primary care. The program admits students once each year in the summer semester and takes eight semesters (four years) to complete.
The Direct-Entry MSN program requires the completion of 96 credits. The first four semesters of the program include extensive prerequisite coursework that results in the conferral of a Master of Science in Nursing as an Advanced Generalist Nurse. Upon completion of the prelicensure term, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Upon completion of the prelicensure year and degree conferral, you may enter the post-licensure component of the program to complete pediatric nurse practitioner coursework. The program includes 960 clinical hours.
RN-to-BSN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-BSN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse interested in pursuing a degree and becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Regis College is a school worth considering. With six pathways to choose from, there is sure to be one that aligns with your goals. For example, the RN-to-BSN-to-MSN Upward Mobility program builds upon your previous experience and degree to prepare you for graduate-level training and practice as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Students in this program earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing.
MSN Program Details: The MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program offers 100% online, flexible learning, making it an excellent choice for busy professionals. New cohorts are admitted three times each year. You can complete the program in 26-38 months, depending on whether you pursue a part-time or full-time course load.
The program combines core MSN courses with specialized pediatric care coursework. In this program, you will take classes such as Advanced Pathophysiology, Primary Care of the Child, Roles and Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology. The program incorporates 800 clinical hours in a variety of pediatric care settings.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program gives baccalaureate-prepared RNs the opportunity to advance to a doctoral degree in nursing while specializing in pediatric primary care as a career specialty. The program is one of the best online pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. You can choose from three start dates each year and complete the program in as few as 40 months.
Coursework is delivered exclusively online, offering flexibility and more control over your time. The curriculum consists of core courses, including Regulatory Issues: Nurse Leadership, Cultural Perspectives in Health Care, and Epidemiology/Biostatistics. After completing core coursework, you will transition to pediatric track courses. This program comprises 73 credit hours and 1,200 practicum hours. 800 clinical hours involve direct patient care, and the remaining 400 hours are earned through the completion of a required DNP Scholarly Project.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Master’s-prepared RNs have a direct path to earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice through the MSN-to-DNP program at Regis College. This online program, with the option to specialize in pediatric primary care, can be completed in as few as 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time. With admission three times per year: in the spring, summer, and fall semesters, you can choose a time that works best for you to begin your studies.
The program features a 63-credit curriculum. Online MSN-to-DNP students typically complete 800 practicum hours. However, clinical hours may vary based on an analysis of the clinical hours verification form from your master’s nursing program.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you have a master’s degree in nursing and want to expand your scope of practice by becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Regis College is a good option. This program provides academic and clinical experience to prepare you to sit for national certification as a PNP without the extended time required to earn a doctorate.
The PNP Post-Master’s Certificate program can be completed in as few as 18 months if this is your first NP certification or in just 14 months if this is your second certification. The PMC program requires 21-39 credits, with an individualized study plan developed following a GAP analysis of your previous transcripts.
Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are thinking of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN program at Regis College could be the program you’ve been searching for. The program allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing while preparing for PNP certification, all in as few as three years.
The program begins with a 16-month plan of study to complete your Bachelor of Science and prepare to take the NCLEX-RN. You will then transition to the master’s portion of the program, where you will take more specialized courses and have clinical practicums focused on pediatric care. Upon completion of the MSN portion, you will be awarded a Master of Science in Nursing and be eligible to sit for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
| Hourly | $50.02 |
| Weekly | $2,001 |
| Monthly | $8,670 |
| Annual | $104,040 |
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $50.02 | $2,001 | $8,670 | $104,040 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.60 | $2,264 | $9,810 | $117,720 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $66.81 | $2,673 | $11,580 | $138,970 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $74.40 | $2,976 | $12,900 | $154,760 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $88.91 | $3,557 | $15,410 | $184,940 |
| Hourly | $67.99 |
| Weekly | $2,720 |
| Monthly | $11,790 |
| Annual | $141,420 |
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Barnstable Town | $66.42 | $2,657 | $11,510 | $138,150 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua | $68.60 | $2,744 | $11,890 | $142,680 |
| Leominster-Gardner | $63.67 | $2,547 | $11,040 | $132,440 |
| New Bedford | $70.36 | $2,814 | $12,200 | $146,340 |
| Pittsfield | $62.24 | $2,489 | $10,790 | $129,450 |
| Springfield | $63.86 | $2,554 | $11,070 | $132,820 |
| Worcester | $68.56 | $2,742 | $11,880 | $142,600 |
| Average Massachusetts Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $141,420 | $126,175 | +$15,245 | +12.08% |
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$17,210 | -10.85% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$4,570 | -3.13% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$1,360 | -0.95% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$1,000 | -0.70% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$920 | -0.65% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | $0 | 0.00% |
| New York | $140,260 | +$1,160 | +0.83% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | +$6,910 | +5.14% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | +$7,110 | +5.29% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | +$8,840 | +6.67% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | +$9,000 | +6.80% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | +$10,360 | +7.90% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | +$11,200 | +8.60% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | +$11,250 | +8.64% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | +$12,670 | +9.84% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | +$12,960 | +10.09% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | +$13,040 | +10.16% |
| Texas | $127,670 | +$13,750 | +10.77% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | +$15,400 | +12.22% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | +$15,740 | +12.52% |
| Utah | $125,520 | +$15,900 | +12.67% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | +$15,960 | +12.72% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | +$16,270 | +13.00% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | +$16,810 | +13.49% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | +$17,520 | +14.14% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | +$17,590 | +14.20% |
| Montana | $122,390 | +$19,030 | +15.55% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | +$19,110 | +15.62% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | +$19,330 | +15.83% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | +$20,090 | +16.56% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | +$20,320 | +16.78% |
| Maine | $120,720 | +$20,700 | +17.15% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | +$20,760 | +17.21% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | +$21,630 | +18.06% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | +$21,930 | +18.35% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | +$22,020 | +18.44% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | +$22,450 | +18.87% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | +$22,620 | +19.04% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | +$22,730 | +19.15% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | +$22,910 | +19.33% |
| Florida | $117,550 | +$23,870 | +20.31% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | +$24,300 | +20.75% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | +$24,890 | +21.36% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$26,050 | +22.58% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$26,590 | +23.16% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$26,840 | +23.42% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$30,010 | +26.94% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$30,050 | +26.98% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$33,040 | +30.49% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$33,380 | +30.90% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$39,570 | +38.85% |
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $272,510 | -$131,090 | -48.10% |
| Nurse Midwife | $154,080 | -$12,660 | -8.22% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $141,420 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $108,850 | +$32,570 | +29.92% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $87,140 | +$54,280 | +62.29% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $73,400 | +$68,020 | +92.67% |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,750 | +$96,670 | +216.02% |
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $162,920 | -$21,500 | -13.20% |
| Veterinarian | $162,030 | -$20,610 | -12.72% |
| Optometrist | $142,680 | -$1,260 | -0.88% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $141,420 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $132,550 | +$8,870 | +6.69% |
| Pharmacist | $128,580 | +$12,840 | +9.99% |
| Radiation Therapist | $120,240 | +$21,180 | +17.61% |
| Physical Therapist | $99,700 | +$41,720 | +41.85% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $96,910 | +$44,510 | +45.93% |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,410 | +$45,010 | +46.69% |
| Audiologist | $95,510 | +$45,910 | +48.07% |
| Occupational Therapist | $94,340 | +$47,080 | +49.90% |
| Chiropractor | $92,850 | +$48,570 | +52.31% |
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| 4 |
| $67.99 |
| $2,720 |
| $11,790 |
| $141,420 |
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +46.89% |



