Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minnesota (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Graduates of pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Minnesota typically have two distinct career paths. PNPs who specialize in pediatric acute care go on to work in PICUs and emergency departments where they treat children under 18 with potentially life-threatening illnesses or chronic conditions. PNPs who specialize in pediatric primary care are more often found in community settings, where they deliver care that focuses on keeping children well. In Minnesota, both specialties earn $132,580 annually, and the demand for the services they provide is expected to grow by 44 percent over the next decade. Sound interesting? Learn more about this career choice by reading the list below of the 2 best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Minnesota.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner pro-grams in Minnesota.)
1. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse who loves working with children and adolescents? Have you found yourself thinking about what it would be like to have a more independent role in providing pediatric care, but now wonder what options are available and where to start? If so, becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is an awesome choice. With different pathways to achieve your degree and prepare for certification, there is no time like the present to begin your academic journey to become a Pediatric NP.
There are excellent PNP programs in each state. In this article, I will share information about the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Minnesota. For example, the University of Minnesota offers a BSN-to-DNP program with the option to specialize as a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
The University of Minnesota’s BSN to DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program is a rigorous, full-time, doctoral pathway designed for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and wish to become advanced practice nurses specializing in pediatric primary care. The program takes three years to complete. In this program, you will be prepared to deliver comprehensive primary care to children and adolescents while advancing leadership, policy, and evidence-based practice in pediatric health.
The program features a hybrid learning format that combines online coursework with on-campus sessions. Each semester, you will attend a one-week intensive session on campus to engage in core courses, specialty training, enhancement programming, and advisor meetings. In the second year of the program, you will be required to be on campus one or two days per week throughout each semester to complete specialty coursework.
The BSN-to-DNP Pediatric Primary Care NP program is an 81-credit pathway. The curriculum includes classes such as Primary Care: Assessment and Management of Common Conditions Affecting Children, Advanced Practice Care Leadership in Health Systems for Complex Pediatric Care, and Assessment of Health and Care of Well Children.
You will work alongside expert clinicians in settings, including primary care clinics, specialty pediatric practices, community health centers, children’s hospitals, schools, and childcare settings. The program requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of precepted clinical experience. As part of the curriculum, you will complete a DNP scholarly project, applying evidence-based solutions to real-world pediatric health challenges. This project involves 160 clinical hours of the 1,000-hour requirements and is designed to help demonstrate your ability to lead change in healthcare delivery.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible to apply for admission to the BSN-to-DNP PNP program at the University of Minnesota, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program and a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. The School of Nursing utilizes NursingCAS to review applicants for the BSN-to-DNP program. The NursingCAS application consists of several sections that must be completed, including the provision of personal information and the verification of academic history. You are also required to submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, a Personal Statement, an admission essay, three letters of professional recommendation, and a photocopy or screenshot of your nursing license.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Minnesota is designed for nurses who already hold a graduate degree in nursing and wish to acquire a second specialty in pediatric primary care. This program admits new students in the fall each year and takes an average of three to five semesters to complete.
The PGC program features a 20-credit curriculum. However, an analysis of coursework from your graduate degree and APRN certification will determine if any adjustments are needed to meet qualifications for PNP certification. The hybrid learning format offers a combination of online coursework and campus-based intensives complemented by direct patient care clinical experiences.
The plan of study includes a total of 840 clinical hours. Clinical placements are arranged collaboratively between faculty and students and occur in various pediatric care settings.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the PNP Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must have an entry-level nursing degree and either a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in a clinical nursing specialty from an accredited nursing program. Additionally, you must have a current Registered Nurse license and APRN certification (NP, CNS, CRNA, or Midwife). As part of the application process, you will complete an application and submit required documentation through NursingCAS. You need to provide a copy of your RN and APRN licenses, a Personal Statement/Essay, a short answer essay, and a curriculum vitae or professional resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the things I love about nursing and healthcare is that there is truly no limit to the knowledge you can acquire or the skills you can develop. For instance, at the University of Minnesota, the PNP curriculum includes training in disability policy and services with the option to become certified through the University’s Institute on Community Integration.• The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specialty option was added to the DNP program at the University of Minnesota in 1993. The school has a long-standing reputation for producing nurse leaders who are deeply committed to improving pediatric health outcomes. This is one of several reasons I believe this school is an excellent choice for any potential student seeking a pediatric nurse practitioner program in Minnesota.
• As a nurse educator, I want to emphasize the importance of your clinical practicum experiences and their lasting impact on your career, both in the short and long term. Finding a program with strong clinical partnerships and exceptional providers and facilities is crucial. As a student in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Minnesota, you will experience clinicals in high-quality pediatric care environments, including the M. Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, and Children’s Minnesota Hospital.
2. Saint Catherine University - Saint Paul
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Saint Catherine University is home to another outstanding pediatric nurse practitioner program in Minnesota. The program is designed for registered nurses with a BSN who aspire to earn a clinical doctorate in nursing and specialize in pediatric primary care.
The BSN-to-DNP program is a full-time program that can be completed in three or four years. The program is presented in a hybrid format with some fully online courses and in-person intensives occurring on campus one to three times per semester.
The 68-credit curriculum features classes, including Immunologic & Infectious Challenges in Pediatrics, Chronic & Complex Conditions in Pediatrics & Families, Common & Acute Health Challenges in Pediatrics, and Health Promotion in Primary Care Pediatrics. The program includes a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, including at least 810 hours of in-person direct patient care. The remaining clinical hours are earned through the completion of a Scholarly Project, which is required of all DNP students.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be a viable candidate for the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a nursing program accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. Although two years of work experience are preferred, all PNP candidates must have at least one year of clinical nursing experience in a pediatric setting.
You are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended reflecting an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and no grade less than a “B-” in every nursing course. You also need to submit an admission essay, a professional resume, two letters of professional recommendation, and an admissions video. The Admissions Committee may request a virtual interview.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate program at St. Catherine University offers an excellent pathway for nurse practitioners with a graduate degree and existing APRN certification to pursue a second specialization in pediatric primary care. The program is designed to help build upon your advanced nursing knowledge and skills.
The Post-Graduate Certificate program features a 21-credit study plan comprising pediatric specialty courses and focused clinical practicums. 810 clinical hours are embedded in the curriculum. The Clinical Placement Coordinator facilitates in-person clinical experiences for all students, which means you can focus on your studies and patient care while they handle the details of your training. Your clinicals will take place at various pediatric healthcare facilities under the direct supervision of faculty and approved preceptors.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Consideration for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at St. Catherine University requires having a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and a current RN license and APRN certification. A minimum of one year of work experience as a registered nurse in a pediatric setting is required, with two years of experience preferred. You are asked to provide two letters of reference, copies of all post-secondary transcripts, an admission essay, and a professional resume. You may be asked to participate in a virtual interview with program faculty.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Throughout my years of working with student recruitment and retention, one of the main concerns prospective students had was the program cost. The concern is understandable, as many nurse practitioner programs cost $75,000 or more. At St. Catherine University, however, all applicants for the BSN-to-DNP Pediatric NP program are considered for DNP scholarships. Additionally, students who are employed by St. Catherine’s corporate or community partners may qualify for a tuition reduction.• St. Catherine University has a reputation for excellence in nursing education. Graduates of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program consistently achieve outstanding results on national certification exams, reflecting the high quality of the program and the level of preparedness students receive. As a nurse educator, certification pass rates are one factor I encourage all potential students to consider when choosing a PNP program.
• The St. Catherine University School of Nursing has a history of more than 75 years of educating nurses. The school prides itself on preparing graduates who are not only expert clinicians but also effective leaders in the field of nursing.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN MINNESOTA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTI-TIONER PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $46.89 |
| Weekly | $1,876 |
| Monthly | $8,130 |
| Annual | $97,540 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $46.89 | $1,876 | $8,130 | $97,540 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $53.06 | $2,122 | $9,200 | $110,360 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $62.63 | $2,505 | $10,860 | $130,280 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $69.75 | $2,790 | $12,090 | $145,090 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $83.36 | $3,334 | $14,450 | $173,380 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MINNESOTA?
| Hourly | $63.74 |
| Weekly | $2,550 |
| Monthly | $11,050 |
| Annual | $132,580 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS MET-ROS OF MINNESOTA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Duluth | $70.79 | $2,832 | $12,270 | $147,250 |
| Mankato-North Mankato | $65.10 | $2,604 | $11,280 | $135,400 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | $62.81 | $2,513 | $10,890 | $130,650 |
| Rochester | $61.72 | $2,469 | $10,700 | $128,380 |
| St. Cloud | $58.82 | $2,353 | $10,200 | $122,340 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Minnesota Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $132,580 | $126,175 | +$6,405 | +5.08% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$26,050 | -16.42% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$13,410 | -9.19% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$10,200 | -7.14% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$9,840 | -6.91% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$9,760 | -6.86% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | -$8,840 | -6.25% |
| New York | $140,260 | -$7,680 | -5.48% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | -$1,930 | -1.43% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | -$1,730 | -1.29% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | $0 | 0.00% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | +$160 | +0.12% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | +$1,520 | +1.16% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | +$2,360 | +1.81% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | +$2,410 | +1.85% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | +$3,830 | +2.97% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | +$4,120 | +3.21% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | +$4,200 | +3.27% |
| Texas | $127,670 | +$4,910 | +3.85% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | +$6,560 | +5.21% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | +$6,900 | +5.49% |
| Utah | $125,520 | +$7,060 | +5.62% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | +$7,120 | +5.68% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | +$7,430 | +5.94% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | +$7,970 | +6.40% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | +$8,680 | +7.01% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | +$8,750 | +7.07% |
| Montana | $122,390 | +$10,190 | +8.33% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | +$10,270 | +8.40% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | +$10,490 | +8.59% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | +$11,250 | +9.27% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | +$11,480 | +9.48% |
| Maine | $120,720 | +$11,860 | +9.82% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | +$11,920 | +9.88% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | +$12,790 | +10.68% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | +$13,090 | +10.95% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | +$13,180 | +11.04% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | +$13,610 | +11.44% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | +$13,780 | +11.60% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | +$13,890 | +11.70% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | +$14,070 | +11.87% |
| Florida | $117,550 | +$15,030 | +12.79% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | +$15,460 | +13.20% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | +$16,050 | +13.77% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$17,210 | +14.92% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$17,750 | +15.46% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$18,000 | +15.71% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$21,170 | +19.00% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$21,210 | +19.04% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$24,200 | +22.33% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$24,540 | +22.71% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$30,730 | +30.17% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. OTHER NURSE SAL-ARIES IN MINNESOTA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $221,650 | -$89,070 | -40.18% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $132,580 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $121,860 | +$10,720 | +8.80% |
| Registered Nurse | $94,830 | +$37,750 | +39.81% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $84,730 | +$47,850 | +56.47% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $58,870 | +$73,710 | +125.21% |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,960 | +$89,620 | +208.61% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MINNESOTA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $229,120 | -$96,540 | -42.14% |
| Dentist | $211,100 | -$78,520 | -37.20% |
| Pharmacist | $143,210 | -$10,630 | -7.42% |
| Optometrist | $138,010 | -$5,430 | -3.93% |
| Physician Assistant | $134,870 | -$2,290 | -1.70% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $132,580 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $110,120 | +$22,460 | +20.40% |
| Audiologist | $97,950 | +$34,630 | +35.35% |
| Physical Therapist | $97,860 | +$34,720 | +35.48% |
| Dental Hygienist | $90,140 | +$42,440 | +47.08% |
| Radiation Therapist | $89,820 | +$42,760 | +47.61% |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,840 | +$46,740 | +54.45% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,990 | +$48,590 | +57.85% |
| Chiropractor | $82,840 | +$49,740 | +60.04% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs In Minnesota?
| 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 Minnesota?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Minnesota?
| $63.74 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Minnesota?
| $2,550 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Minnesota?
| $11,050 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Minnesota?
| $132,580 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Minnesota?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +43.81% |
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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