Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nebraska (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
After you graduate from one of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Nebraska, you'll go straight to the top of every healthcare employer's list! That's because in the Cornhusker State, there's a shortage of qualified medical and nursing professionals who specialize in children's healthcare needs, despite growing demand for these professionals. In ten years, the number of employment opportunities for PNPs is expected to be 36 percent higher than it is today. Children have unique physiological, psychological, and developmental needs that require specialized clinical skills. As a pediatric nurse practitioner in Nebraska, your annual salary will average $119,490. More info is available in our guide below to the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Nebraska.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Nebraska.)
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP and Post Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Dual
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Dual
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Dual
MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a passion for working with infants, children, and adolescents, and if you are considering ways to advance your career to a more pediatric-focused role, becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is an excellent option. With numerous nursing schools and programs available, choosing the right one can feel like a daunting task. Most states have schools that offer programs specializing in pediatric nurse practitioner education. In this article, I will provide information about some of the top pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Nebraska.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a few options for nurses desiring to advance their education and become Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. For instance, the Master of Science in Nursing program allows the option to specialize as a Primary Care PNP or to follow a dual pathway, specializing in Acute and Primary Care PNP. The program is available in a three- or four-year plan of study, allowing flexibility for working nurses and students balancing other personal commitments. The program admits students twice each year in the fall and spring semesters.
The curriculum emphasizes developmentally appropriate care, disease prevention, family education, and health promotion. You will gain expertise in psychosocial and physical assessments, enabling you to address a broad array of pediatric health concerns. The Primary Care PNP pathway features a 50-credit curriculum and includes 600 hours of clinical experience. The dual Primary and Acute Care PNP option is a 62-credit pathway that includes 960 hours of clinical experience. The study plans include courses such as Pharmacotherapeutics for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Biostatistics & Epidemiology in Nursing Practice, and Advanced Pathophysiology. The hybrid learning format combines the convenience of online learning with hands-on experience at on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals at various clinical settings.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at UNMC, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA and an active, unrestricted RN license. You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, a Personal Statement, a curriculum vitae or professional resume, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for all college coursework. Additionally, once your application and supporting documentation are reviewed, you are required to interview with program faculty. Interviews may be conducted via electronic technology or in person.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Have you considered going the extra mile and earning a doctoral degree in nursing? If so, you can pursue the BSN-to-DNP pediatric nurse practitioner program at UNMC. The program offers start dates in the fall each year and takes three to four years to complete, depending on whether you choose to enroll part-time or full-time.
The hybrid learning format includes both on-campus and online components. While most didactic coursework is delivered online, some campus visits are required to complete clinical simulations and other face-to-face learning opportunities. The Primary Care and Dual Primary and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner BSN-to-DNP programs require 68 and 80 credits, respectively. All DNP students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. In many cases, you may be able to fulfill the program's clinical requirements in your community or region. The School of Nursing helps guide you in arranging clinical sites and schedules, as well as securing qualified preceptors.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center requires that you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nursing school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Although it is not required, preference is given to applicants with at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN.
You need to complete an admission application and provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended (a minimum 3.0 GPA is required), a Personal Statement answering questions about educational and professional goals, a professional resume or curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. The final step in the application process is to complete an interview with the program faculty.
Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have already achieved a graduate degree in nursing and now want to specialize as a Pediatric Primary Care or Dual Primary and Acute Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is another option worth considering. The program admits new students annually in the fall.
Your plan of study will range from 20 to 32 credit hours, depending on previous coursework completed in your MSN or DNP program and which pathway you choose to pursue. A faculty advisor will conduct a GAP analysis upon admission to determine a detailed, individualized study plan that meets the program's requirements.
Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be a viable candidate for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at UNMC, you need either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, a current RN license, and at least one year of nursing experience as a Registered Nurse. If applying to the Dual Primary and Acute Care PNP Post-Graduate Certificate program, your work experience must have been in an inpatient/acute care pediatric setting.
In addition to completing an application via NursingCAS, you are asked to provide your most current resume or curriculum vitae and transcripts from all colleges or universities you have previously attended. Preference is given to candidates with a minimum nursing GPA of 3.0. However, if your GPA is between 2.5 and 2.9, you may apply for provisional admission.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the biggest hurdles graduate nursing students must overcome is the financial strain often associated with earning a degree. Without some type of assistance, many prospective students delay returning to school. At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, however, you have options that can help ease the financial burden and make it easier to earn a degree sooner. Students in the pediatric nurse practitioner programs have access to various grants, loans, and graduate assistant employment opportunities. Financial aid advisors are available to help determine the type of aid you may be eligible for and help you apply.• Clinical practicum experiences are a crucial component of any high-quality nursing program. As such, I encourage any potential student to ask questions about clinical requirements and support before committing to any program. It is especially important to determine who arranges clinicals and assigns preceptors, as many graduate nursing programs often leave this responsibility to the student. I appreciate that the University of Nebraska Medical Center provides clinical placement support throughout the entire program. Although you may identify clinical sites and preceptors close to your region (where available), clinical advisors and faculty are available to assist you with all your clinical needs to ensure you have adequate experiences with well-qualified preceptors.
• At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the pediatric nurse practitioner program is led by faculty members who are recognized for their contributions to research, nursing education, and clinical practice. Each faculty member is dedicated not only to the program’s success but also to the success of each student, both within the program and following its completion.
2. Creighton University - Omaha
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Dual
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Another school that offers an excellent post-baccalaureate DNP pediatric nurse practitioner program in Nebraska is Creighton University. The program offers a dual pathway, specializing in both Primary and Acute Pediatric care, which enhances your clinical versatility and expands potential career opportunities.
Coursework for this program is offered primarily online and is complemented by on-campus intensives throughout the program. Intensives are designed to help you develop and hone critical skills relevant to pediatric care and interprofessional collaboration. You may choose to study part-time or full-time. The program features a 70-credit curriculum. The study plan comprises research and theory courses, leadership and policy core courses, role support core courses, and specialty role courses. You will take classes, including Care of the Acute & Chronically Ill Child, Well Child Care Management, Care of the Pediatric Patient in the Urgent/Emergency Setting, and Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan.
The BSN-to-DNP program also includes a total of 1,125 clinical hours. 925 clinical hours involve direct patient care, and the remaining 200 hours are indirect clinical hours earned through the completion and dissemination of a DNP Scholarly Project. Clinicals are coordinated by the Creighton College of Nursing’s clinical faculty. Your practicum placements may include settings such as children’s hospitals, emergency departments, specialty pediatric units, and outpatient clinics.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Creighton University, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the United States.
You need to submit a completed application and application fee, as well as three professional recommendations, a current resume or CV, a Personal Statement, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. Your transcripts should reflect completion of an undergraduate Statistics course and an undergraduate physical assessment course with a corresponding practicum, as well as show a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Creighton University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate option that is ideal for nurses seeking to enhance their current graduate-level skills and knowledge or explore new avenues to expand their role in leadership and patient care. The program is ideal for nurses who want to specialize in pediatric care without pursuing another full degree.
The Post-Graduate Certificate program blends rigorous online coursework with hands-on clinical training and required on-campus intensives. The program requires the completion of at least 16 credits and 525 clinical hours. However, after reviewing your previous transcripts, a study plan will be developed and tailored to reflect your prior education and clinical work experience.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: If you wish to pursue the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Creighton University, you need a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from an ACEN-, ACME-, CCNE-, or COA-accredited program. You must show proof of a current, unencumbered RN license and national certification as an APRN, if applicable. Additionally, you are expected to provide a current curriculum vitae or resume, a Personal Essay, verification of the clinical practicum hours completed in your master’s or doctoral program, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts reflecting a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Finally, you must have at least 2,000 hours of employment in a direct care setting as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you desire to lead patient care with compassion and integrity, Creighton University is an excellent choice for earning your degree or certificate. The pediatric nurse practitioner program in Nebraska, offered at Creighton University, is founded on Jesuit values and emphasizes cultural humility, advocacy, and ethical reasoning.• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I advocate strongly for nurses at all levels of education to seize every available opportunity to grow and learn. One of the things I like about Creighton University is that the College of Nursing provides opportunities for you to enroll in classes not only within the Health Sciences Schools but also in Heider College of Business, the Center for Interprofessional Education and Research, and the graduate program in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. This type of interprofessional learning and collaboration prepares students to serve as nurse leaders on local, regional, national, and even international levels.
• Creighton University is approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a school eligible to receive federal education benefits. The school’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs provides services to support Veterans, current Service members, and their spouses and dependents. The school is a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon Program, a financial supplement to Chapter 33 that helps veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses or dependents fill gaps in tuition and fees not covered by other programs or resources.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN NEBRASKA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $42.26 |
| Weekly | $1,691 |
| Monthly | $7,330 |
| Annual | $87,910 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $42.26 | $1,691 | $7,330 | $87,910 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $47.82 | $1,913 | $8,290 | $99,470 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $56.45 | $2,258 | $9,790 | $117,420 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $62.87 | $2,515 | $10,900 | $130,760 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $75.13 | $3,005 | $13,020 | $156,260 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NEBRASKA?
| Hourly | $57.45 |
| Weekly | $2,298 |
| Monthly | $9,960 |
| Annual | $119,490 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEBRASKA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Grand Island | $56.10 | $2,244 | $9,720 | $116,690 |
| Lincoln | $57.16 | $2,286 | $9,910 | $118,890 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs | $57.03 | $2,281 | $9,890 | $118,620 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Nebraska Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $119,490 | $126,175 | -$6,685 | -5.30% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$39,140 | -24.67% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$26,500 | -18.15% |
| Washington | $142,780 | -$23,290 | -16.31% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | -$22,930 | -16.10% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | -$22,850 | -16.05% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | -$21,930 | -15.51% |
| New York | $140,260 | -$20,770 | -14.81% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | -$15,020 | -11.17% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | -$14,820 | -11.03% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | -$13,090 | -9.87% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | -$12,930 | -9.76% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | -$11,570 | -8.83% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | -$10,730 | -8.24% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | -$10,680 | -8.20% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | -$9,260 | -7.19% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | -$8,970 | -6.98% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | -$8,890 | -6.92% |
| Texas | $127,670 | -$8,180 | -6.41% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | -$6,530 | -5.18% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | -$6,190 | -4.93% |
| Utah | $125,520 | -$6,030 | -4.80% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | -$5,970 | -4.76% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | -$5,660 | -4.52% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | -$5,120 | -4.11% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | -$4,410 | -3.56% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | -$4,340 | -3.50% |
| Montana | $122,390 | -$2,900 | -2.37% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | -$2,820 | -2.31% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | -$2,600 | -2.13% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | -$1,840 | -1.52% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | -$1,610 | -1.33% |
| Maine | $120,720 | -$1,230 | -1.02% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | -$1,170 | -0.97% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | -$300 | -0.25% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | $0 | 0.00% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | +$90 | +0.08% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | +$520 | +0.44% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | +$690 | +0.58% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | +$800 | +0.67% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | +$980 | +0.83% |
| Florida | $117,550 | +$1,940 | +1.65% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | +$2,370 | +2.02% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | +$2,960 | +2.54% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$4,120 | +3.57% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$4,660 | +4.06% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$4,910 | +4.29% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$8,080 | +7.25% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$8,120 | +7.29% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$11,110 | +10.25% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$11,450 | +10.60% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$17,640 | +17.32% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEBRASKA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $212,860 | -$93,370 | -43.86% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $119,490 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,780 | +$39,710 | +49.77% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $78,220 | +$41,270 | +52.76% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,120 | +$63,370 | +112.92% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,470 | +$81,020 | +210.61% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEBRASKA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $204,980 | -$85,490 | -41.71% |
| Dentist | $167,990 | -$48,500 | -28.87% |
| Radiation Therapist | $136,510 | -$17,020 | -12.47% |
| Pharmacist | $130,120 | -$10,630 | -8.17% |
| Physician Assistant | $126,330 | -$6,840 | -5.41% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $119,490 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $118,120 | +$1,370 | +1.16% |
| Veterinarian | $95,040 | +$24,450 | +25.73% |
| Audiologist | $91,530 | +$27,960 | +30.55% |
| Physical Therapist | $90,870 | +$28,620 | +31.50% |
| Occupational Therapist | $87,710 | +$31,780 | +36.23% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,660 | +$36,830 | +44.56% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $80,080 | +$39,410 | +49.21% |
| Chiropractor | $72,260 | +$47,230 | +65.36% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs In Nebraska?
| 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 Nebraska?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Nebraska?
| $57.45 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Nebraska?
| $2,298 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Nebraska?
| $9,960 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Nebraska?
| $119,490 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Nebraska?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +35.75% |
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).
Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Other States