Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Whether you prefer the relationship-building aspect of primary care or the fast-paced environment of acute care, pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Washington State can train you to work in the practice setting you like best. Pediatric patients face their own distinct health challenges that are very different from those of adults, so you will need to acquire the knowledge base and clinical skills necessary to diagnose, treat, and manage the illnesses of infants, children, and adolescents. PNPs in Washington State average $142,780 a year, and their employment opportunities are projected to go up by 45 percent in the coming decade. You can find out more in this list of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Washington State.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Washington.)
1. University of Washington - Seattle
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse who loves taking care of infants and children? Have you considered a career move to broaden your scope of practice or allow for more autonomy in patient care? If you answered yes to these questions, becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner could be an excellent option! At the University of Washington, you can pursue a post-bachelor’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with the option to specialize as either an Acute Care or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
This BSN-to-DNP pediatric nurse practitioner program in Washington admits new students in the fall annually and is designed to be completed in nine quarters. The first year of the program is offered in a hybrid format, with half of the classes held in-person, half via distance learning, and weekly campus visits. In years two and three, didactic instruction continues and is complemented by laboratory simulations and immersive clinical experiences.
Both the Primary and Acute Care PNP pathways require a minimum of 93 credits. Both specialties share the curriculum for the first year. Beginning in the second year, students branch off into specialty-specific coursework and clinicals. Students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Clinical hours are earned through both direct patient care and indirect clinical assignments via completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Registered nurses who hold a current, unrestricted RN license and have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program are eligible to apply for the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Washington. Candidates begin by applying to the UW Grad School. Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all colleges or universities and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 grade point average for the last 60 semester/90 quarter credits. Additionally, you must provide a current resume, four admission essays, three letters of recommendation, and proof of completion of a Statistics course. Although it is not required, you may submit an optional statement explaining any breaks in employment or education, or if you wish to share academic merit. The optional statement is especially helpful for candidates whose transcripts, resumes, or essay responses may not reflect abilities and preparedness for the DNP program.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: One of the things I love about working in the healthcare industry is that there are unlimited opportunities to learn, expand your scope of practice, and grow professionally. For instance, if you are a registered nurse who has already earned a master’s or doctorate in nursing, you can pursue certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner through the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Washington. The PGC program offers an excellent strategy to expand your expertise and scope of practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
The Post-Graduate Certificate program, which is one of the best post-graduate pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Washington, offers admission three times each year on a space-available basis. The program is designed for full-time study and takes 12 to 15 months to complete.
After admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, faculty will perform a GAP analysis of your previous graduate coursework to determine a personalized curriculum plan. Core Pediatric NP Acute and Primary Care courses require weekly in-person attendance. Students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours in the program. Clinical hours comprise both direct patient care experiences as well as indirect hours, which are earned through the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Applicants for the Post-Graduate Certificate program must have a prior master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and be currently practicing as an APRN, or be concurrently enrolled in the DNP or PhD programs at the UW School of Nursing. Candidates are required to submit proof of an active, unrestricted Washington state RN license and APRN license, if applicable. Additionally, you must provide three letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, answers to admission essay questions, and all post-secondary transcripts reflecting a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 90 graded quarter credits.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• I remember the excitement I felt in nursing school when we reached the point of starting clinicals. When I became a nurse and healthcare educator, that anticipation carried over. I loved seeing the look on students’ faces when they cared for patients and made a “connection” between what they learned in the classroom and what was happening in clinicals. I believe clinicals are an integral part of any high-quality nursing program. One of the things I like about the pediatric nurse practitioner program at the University of Washington is that you do not have to worry about where you will complete clinicals or who qualifies as a preceptor. Program faculty and coordinators arrange all clinical assignments and vet preceptors to ensure you have appropriate experiences with the most qualified mentors.• If you want to earn your degree or certificate and become a pediatric nurse practitioner, but finances are holding you back, the University of Washington has resources that can help! Financial aid advisors work with students to determine available resources, including state and federal funding. Additionally, the school has awarded 147 DNP Scholarships totaling $3.8 million!
• Once you decide to pursue your degree and become a pediatric nurse practitioner, finding the right school is essential. I recommend that all potential students research schools that interest them, focusing on those with a proven track record of success. One way to determine that is by finding schools with high rankings from reputable sources. For example, the University of Washington consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the U.S. and worldwide. The school is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Pediatric DNP Program and Public University Offering DNP categories. The school is also ranked by QS World University Rankings as the #6 Globally Ranked Nursing Program!
• The University of Washington School of Nursing has a cutting-edge Simulation Center designed to offer simulation-based learning experiences. The center is 7,000 square feet and features state-of-the-art medical equipment, high-fidelity manikins, skills training rooms, and spaces for standardized patient activities.
• At the University of Washington, you will learn from nationally- and internationally-renowned faculty. Forty faculty members are elected fellows of the American Academy of Nursing, eight faculty members are elected members of the Washington State Academy of Sciences, and three faculty members are members of the National Academy of Medicine. Each faculty member brings personal experiences and insight to classrooms and clinical settings.
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN WASHINGTON?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON EXPECT?
| Hourly | $50.50 |
| Weekly | $2,020 |
| Monthly | $8,750 |
| Annual | $105,040 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $50.50 | $2,020 | $8,750 | $105,040 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $57.14 | $2,286 | $9,910 | $118,860 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $67.45 | $2,698 | $11,690 | $140,300 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $75.12 | $3,005 | $13,020 | $156,250 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $89.77 | $3,591 | $15,560 | $186,720 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN WASHINGTON?
| Hourly | $68.64 |
| Weekly | $2,746 |
| Monthly | $11,900 |
| Annual | $142,780 |
HOW MUCH DO PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF WASHINGTON?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bellingham | $65.50 | $2,620 | $11,350 | $136,230 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | $68.25 | $2,730 | $11,830 | $141,970 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $67.49 | $2,699 | $11,700 | $140,370 |
| Longview | $64.14 | $2,566 | $11,120 | $133,410 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $65.12 | $2,605 | $11,290 | $135,450 |
| Olympia-Tumwater | $67.74 | $2,709 | $11,740 | $140,890 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $70.89 | $2,836 | $12,290 | $147,460 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $64.56 | $2,583 | $11,190 | $134,290 |
| Walla Walla | $59.98 | $2,399 | $10,400 | $124,750 |
| Wenatchee | $65.88 | $2,635 | $11,420 | $137,020 |
| Yakima | $60.40 | $2,416 | $10,470 | $125,630 |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. OTHER SALARIES
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Washington Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Average National Pediatric NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $142,780 | $126,175 | +$16,605 | +13.16% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $158,630 | -$15,850 | -9.99% |
| Nevada | $145,990 | -$3,210 | -2.20% |
| Washington | $142,780 | $0 | 0.00% |
| New Jersey | $142,420 | +$360 | +0.25% |
| Oregon | $142,340 | +$440 | +0.31% |
| Massachusetts | $141,420 | +$1,360 | +0.96% |
| New York | $140,260 | +$2,520 | +1.80% |
| Connecticut | $134,510 | +$8,270 | +6.15% |
| New Mexico | $134,310 | +$8,470 | +6.31% |
| Minnesota | $132,580 | +$10,200 | +7.69% |
| District of Columbia | $132,420 | +$10,360 | +7.82% |
| Rhode Island | $131,060 | +$11,720 | +8.94% |
| Hawaii | $130,220 | +$12,560 | +9.65% |
| Arizona | $130,170 | +$12,610 | +9.69% |
| Delaware | $128,750 | +$14,030 | +10.90% |
| Iowa | $128,460 | +$14,320 | +11.15% |
| New Hampshire | $128,380 | +$14,400 | +11.22% |
| Texas | $127,670 | +$15,110 | +11.84% |
| Wisconsin | $126,020 | +$16,760 | +13.30% |
| Maryland | $125,680 | +$17,100 | +13.61% |
| Utah | $125,520 | +$17,260 | +13.75% |
| North Dakota | $125,460 | +$17,320 | +13.81% |
| Pennsylvania | $125,150 | +$17,630 | +14.09% |
| Illinois | $124,610 | +$18,170 | +14.58% |
| Alaska | $123,900 | +$18,880 | +15.24% |
| Vermont | $123,830 | +$18,950 | +15.30% |
| Montana | $122,390 | +$20,390 | +16.66% |
| Idaho | $122,310 | +$20,470 | +16.74% |
| Oklahoma | $122,090 | +$20,690 | +16.95% |
| Wyoming | $121,330 | +$21,450 | +17.68% |
| Indiana | $121,100 | +$21,680 | +17.90% |
| Maine | $120,720 | +$22,060 | +18.27% |
| Ohio | $120,660 | +$22,120 | +18.33% |
| Colorado | $119,790 | +$22,990 | +19.19% |
| Nebraska | $119,490 | +$23,290 | +19.49% |
| North Carolina | $119,400 | +$23,380 | +19.58% |
| Georgia | $118,970 | +$23,810 | +20.01% |
| South Dakota | $118,800 | +$23,980 | +20.19% |
| Virginia | $118,690 | +$24,090 | +20.30% |
| Michigan | $118,510 | +$24,270 | +20.48% |
| Florida | $117,550 | +$25,230 | +21.46% |
| Kansas | $117,120 | +$25,660 | +21.91% |
| Louisiana | $116,530 | +$26,250 | +22.53% |
| Mississippi | $115,370 | +$27,410 | +23.76% |
| South Carolina | $114,830 | +$27,950 | +24.34% |
| Missouri | $114,580 | +$28,200 | +24.61% |
| West Virginia | $111,410 | +$31,370 | +28.16% |
| Arkansas | $111,370 | +$31,410 | +28.20% |
| Kentucky | $108,380 | +$34,400 | +31.74% |
| Alabama | $108,040 | +$34,740 | +32.15% |
| Tennessee | $101,850 | +$40,930 | +40.19% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN WASHINGTON
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $246,350 | -$103,570 | -42.04% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $142,780 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $130,990 | +$11,790 | +9.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $111,030 | +$31,750 | +28.60% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $85,320 | +$57,460 | +67.35% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $75,410 | +$67,370 | +89.34% |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,430 | +$96,350 | +207.52% |
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN WASHINGTON VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN WASHINGTON
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $216,280 | -$73,500 | -33.98% |
| Podiatrist | $191,870 | -$49,090 | -25.59% |
| Radiation Therapist | $155,820 | -$13,040 | -8.37% |
| Physician Assistant | $152,800 | -$10,020 | -6.56% |
| Pharmacist | $148,550 | -$5,770 | -3.88% |
| Optometrist | $143,750 | -$970 | -0.67% |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $142,780 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $140,510 | +$2,270 | +1.62% |
| Dental Hygienist | $123,510 | +$19,270 | +15.60% |
| Audiologist | $108,330 | +$34,450 | +31.80% |
| Occupational Therapist | $101,780 | +$41,000 | +40.28% |
| Physical Therapist | $101,480 | +$41,300 | +40.70% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $99,550 | +$43,230 | +43.43% |
| Chiropractor | $96,390 | +$46,390 | +48.13% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs In Washington?
| 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 Washington?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Hour In Washington?
| $68.64 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Week In Washington?
| $2,746 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Month In Washington?
| $11,900 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Pediatric NP Make Per Year In Washington?
| $142,780 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Pediatric Nurse Practitioners In Washington?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +45.06% |
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