6 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you an RN in New York State who’s thinking about a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner? As a graduate of one of the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in New York, you’ll focus on managing common children’s illnesses and injuries and on preventative care like immunizations and vision and hearing screenings. PNPs in the Empire State earn $139,600 a year, and their employment opportunities are projected to increase by 55.58 percent within the next 10 years. Sound interesting? Get started on your new career track by learning about the 6 best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in New York for 2025.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 6 BEST PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 6 best campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in New York.)


1. New York University - New York, NY


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Advanced certificate

MSN Concentrations: Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care and Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Advanced certificate Concentrations: Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care and Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Acute Care


About the School: New York University offers one of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in New York that produces proficient pediatric NPs who are serving diverse pediatric patients across the world. This school enrolls students from all over the globe, thereby creating a diverse learning environment.

Because of the high-quality research that its faculty engage in, this school ranks among the top nursing schools that receive funding from the NIH. This means, as a pediatric NP student, you will find plenty of research opportunities to get involved in and further enhance your learning experience. In addition, to gain expertise in the core competencies you will be provided with ample opportunities to go through simulation experiences. Further, you will hone practice skills through clinical experiences that take place in various pediatric specialties, thereby preparing you to offer care in any type of pediatric care practice.

To cater to individual student needs, this NP school offers three paths; MSN, BSN-DNP, and Advanced certificate, so based on previous education, you can enroll. Also, you can choose between the acute and primary care pediatric tracks, depending on your interest and goals.

MSN Program Details: This MSN-pediatric nurse practitioner program in New York offers two specialization options, primary care and a dual track in both, acute & primary care. To be considered for admission to either of these options, you must be a BSN-prepared registered nurse with a minimum of one year of relevant work experience.

To complete the primary care coursework, you are required to earn 39 credits, whereas the dual specialization track requires the completion of 50 credits. Regardless of the track, you will start with core courses, then proceed to take the advanced core courses, followed by courses in primary care. For the dual specialization track, you must further complete courses in acute care.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN to DNP pediatric nurse practitioner program is open to registered nurses either with a BSN or a BA in another field, provided they have an ADN. Also, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse.

The BSN to DNP coursework trains you to become a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. You take graduate-level courses, DNP core courses, and pediatric NP courses that prepare you to provide evidence-based care to newborns and young adults. Also, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement changes to better healthcare delivery and safety. The courses are offered in a hybrid format, with classes mostly conducted in the evenings.

Advanced Certificate Program Details: The advanced certificate is offered in two pediatric specialization tracks of acute and primary care. Regardless of the track you choose, you will require completing around 11 to 13 credits, with courses being offered in the online format. To be eligible for either of these pediatric nurse practitioner programs in New York, you must primarily have an MSN and a GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, you must have worked as a registered nurse in pediatrics for a minimum of one year at the time of application.


2. Stony Brook University - Stony Brook, NY


Programs Offered: MSN and Advanced Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Certificate Concentrations: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: When you graduate from one of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in New York, you leave with excellent skills in evidence-based practice and nursing leadership. Stony Brook University offers one such pediatric NP program with two paths, an MSN and an Advanced Certificate. Here, the training is mostly in the distance format with few on-site requirements.

With more than 50 years of experience in training proficient nursing professionals, the school has been at the forefront of innovation and research. All these years the school has been committed to the improvement of health and the management of acute and chronic illnesses. If you are keen on taking the next step in your nursing career, then, here you can choose a suitable path and specialize either in pediatric acute or primary care.

MSN Program Details: You can complete this MSN, specializing in either pediatric primary or acute care. To be eligible for either of these tracks, you must have a bachelor’s degree. Also, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, besides having at least one year of relevant nursing experience. Regardless of the track you enter, you must complete 45 credits worth of courses in graduate core, research, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology and specialty-specific coursework. Some of the common courses you take include organizational leadership, quality improvement, safety, and health care technologies, and health care policy and advocacy.

Advanced Certificate Program Details: Based on your interest and career goals, you can choose to complete your certificate either in pediatric primary care or pediatric acute care. To graduate, you require a minimum of 20 credits. However, you may require additional credits based on a gap analysis. To be eligible for this certificate PNP program in New York, regardless of the track, you must have a master's or a doctoral degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have an RN license and at least one year of relevant work experience.

Upon acceptance, you start the program with core courses in pediatric pathophysiology, advanced theory & clinical practice in primary or acute care pediatric nursing. In addition, you may require courses in leadership, health care policy, quality improvement and health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.


3. Columbia University - New York, NY


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

MDE Concentrations: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Whether you are a registered nurse or someone from a non-nursing background, if you wish to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, then applying to Columbia University should be on the priority list. Counted among the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in New York, here, as an RN, you can enter the BSN to DNP program or opt for the master’s direct entry if you are a non-nurse.

With a rich history of more than 125 years, this school has been a leader in producing quality nurses. In addition, to complement didactic classes, the college provides students with clinical training in the most diverse healthcare settings, so that PNP graduates are prepared to work in any type of healthcare environment.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN to DNP pediatric nurse practitioner program in New York is open to BSN graduates who have an active RN license. The full-time program takes 2 years to complete.

The coursework entails completing 82 to 83 credits, including didactic lectures, clinical training, simulation, and the culminating experience. The coursework educates you on core topics of advanced assessment, pediatric & neonatal pharmacology, and physiology pathophysiology across the lifespan. Also, you will learn about health & social policy, advocacy health promotion, and disease prevention. The intensive curriculum also takes you through courses in nursing informatics, genetics & genomics in nursing, and evidence-based practice. In addition, courses in pediatrics train you to treat and manage chronic and acute illnesses in infants, children, and adolescents.


4. University of Rochester - Rochester, NY


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care


About the School: Are you aspiring for a career in pediatrics? If so, obtaining your training from one of the well-known PNP programs in New York is a good idea. University of Rochester’s PNP programs are known for the high quality of their graduates, little wonder that all of its graduates find suitable placements upon graduation. For more than 50 years, the college has prepared nurse practitioners who have transformed the delivery of health care in the state. With three pathways and two specialty tracks, the college caters to the individual needs of its growing student population.

MSN Program Details: One of the PNP programs in New York that offers a unique dual track in pediatrics and neonatal nursing care, this MSN specialty track can provide graduates with an edge over others in the care of infants in diverse healthcare settings. In addition to this dual specialty track, the college also offers its MSN with the Pediatric NP specialty as a single track. While the dual track requires completion of 48 credits and 616 clinical hours, the single track in nursing pediatrics requires completion of 45 credits and an equal number of clinical hours.

Regardless of the track you choose, some of the common courses you take include advanced physiology & pathophysiology, pharmacology, ethics & public policy, and principles for evidence-based practice. Also, you will complete courses in pediatric primary care. Additionally, the dual track requires the completion of an additional course of three credits in neonatal nursing care.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you an RN seeking to obtain the highest level of training in pediatric care? If so, then this PNP program in New York can be a rather befitting choice. The BSN to DNP program offers two track options, the single Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track and the dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner track. Both these tracks are open to registered nurses having a BSN. To be eligible for the dual specialization track, you must have two years of NICU work experience. Whereas, for the single pediatric nurse practitioner track, a minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required.

This BSN to DNP program regardless of the track can be completed on a part-time basis, with most students completing two courses per semester. While the single specialization requires completing 81 credits post your BSN, the dual track comprises 84 credits. Additionally, you are required to complete approximately 1100 clinical hours.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This post-master’s certificate is ideal for advanced practice nurses who are keen on expanding their practice. The program offers two tracks, pediatric NP and pediatric NP acute care. This program takes one year to complete, with courses being offered online.


5. Molloy College - Rockville Center, NY


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's Advanced Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care

Post-Master's Advanced Certificate Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care


About the School: For those of you who are seeking pediatric nurse practitioner training that is grounded in Judeo-Christian traditions, enrolling in Molloy College’s PNP program can be considered a good option. Committed to excellence in education, the college offers an environment of respect and dignity where every student’s academic success is taken seriously. Also, here, you will study in small-sized classes without breaking the bank as not only is the student-to-faculty 10:1, but the tuition is almost 15% lower than most other private colleges in the nation.

Molloy offers its PNP training through three paths – an MSN, a BSN-to-DNP, and a Post-Master's Advanced Certificate program.

MSN Program Details: This pediatric nurse practitioner program in New York trains you in the primary care of infants, children, and adolescents. To be considered for this program, you must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, you require one year of experience as an RN.

The coursework comprises a total of 42 credits and includes 580 clinical hours. The core courses mainly train you in theoretical applications, advocacy, and research & evidence-based practice. Further, the advanced practice courses educate you on advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and the role of a pediatric nurse practitioner. The PNP-specific courses take you through the treatment and management of illnesses of patients in primary care settings.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN to DNP program builds on your RN training by taking it straight to the doctoral level. Designed for full-time working students, this PNP program is offered part-time and takes five years to complete. The program requires completing around 85 credits in courses, including core, APRN, PNP, and DNP immersion. Also, included in the coursework are 1000 hours of clinical training.

Post-Master's Advanced Certificate Program Details: This post-master’s advanced certificate is a 27-credit coursework that leads to the pediatric nurse practitioner certification. Open to APRNs prepared at the master’s level, applicants also require one year of relevant work experience. The coursework takes you through advanced concepts in pathophysiology, physical assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, diagnostic reasoning and the treatment & management of health conditions in pediatric patients in various primary care settings.


6. SUNY Upstate Medical University - Syracuse, NY


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post Master's Advanced Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Post Master's Advanced Certificate Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


About the School: SUNY Upstate Medical University can easily be counted as one of the best PNP schools in New York. This is because the school offers students the unique advantage of studying in an academic medical center where they benefit from an environment of interprofessional education.

Whether you enter after a BSN or choose to complete a certificate course post your MSN, here graduates are trained for success. The college reports an excellent first-time PNP exam pass rate along with a promising rate of employment for its graduates. Its faculty comprises award-winning educators who effectively mentor students in small-sized classrooms, through online and in-person lectures.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This PNP program in New York prepares you for a successful career as a pediatric nurse practitioner. The program builds on your BSN courses and requires completing 85 credits. The PNP program starts twice a year in the fall and spring. The rigorous curriculum trains you in key competencies of clinical pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, advanced nursing research, pharmacology, systems leadership, nursing theory, and epidemiology and population health. To fulfill the DNP graduation requirements, you must fulfill 200 project hours and 900 hours of clinical training.

Post Master's Advanced Certificate Program Details: A PNP post-master’s certificate can greatly expand your career avenue in the in-demand field of pediatrics. If you are an RN with an accredited master’s degree and a keen desire to work with the pediatric population, then this part-time program can seamlessly fit into your busy work life as a nurse. Courses are offered in a hybrid format, with most students completing the program within two years. To graduate, you must complete a 32-credit coursework and a 20-credit residency. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the PNP certification exam.


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