Top Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Programs
Ready to develop the skills you need to become a pediatric nurse practitioner? Explore top-rated programs and see how online learning can make earning your degree more convenient.
Becoming a PNP requires advanced training in the form of a master’s or a doctorate degree in the field, which can be a real barrier for RNs and other working professionals. Fortunately, quality online degree programs for PNPs exist, providing substantial flexibility to students as they begin their training. To help you find the right opportunity, we’ve researched and showcased the top online PNP programs for 2025. We considered affordability, accessibility, and student outcomes. See which programs stand above the rest by reading on to explore the schools that made it onto our list.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Public
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Public
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Public
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Public
Cedarville University
Cedarville, Ohio
Private
Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey
Private
Finding the Online PNP Program that Works for You
Every online PNP program is different, each with its own unique style, content emphasis, and student expectations. So, how do you know which program is the right one for you? Start by determining your own educational needs and career priorities. Then, carefully examine each program’s features, both in terms of content (degree levels offered, subjects emphasized, specializations available, etc.) and delivery (course format, in-person and practicum requirements, program length, cost, etc.). Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential programs, it’s a good idea to speak with counselors, faculty members, and (if possible) students at each school, to get a complete picture of what to expect.
How Online PNP Programs Work
- Synchronous:
These online programs require PNP students to log on at set times along with the rest of their class to participate in discussions and lectures. Students enrolled in these courses may have flexibility in where the coursework can be completed, but not when. PNP students enrolled in synchronous online programs may still be required to complete hands-on clinicals in person as well.
- Asynchronous:
PNP students enrolled in asynchronous programs have the most flexibility in their education. With these programs, students can complete their coursework where and when is convenient for them. Asynchronous PNP courses will give students weekly or monthly deadlines for their work, but may still require visits to campus or clinics for hands-on training.
Types of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degrees Offered Online
1. Masters of Science in Nursing
Curriculum requirements and program lengths for online PNP master’s degree programs vary substantially depending on whether the student chooses full-time or part-time study and the specific program’s structure. Some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, while a few part-time programs may allow up to five years for completion. However, the completion time for most programs range from two to three years. Didactic coursework in the majority of programs is accomplished entirely online, but a few programs include classes that require some level of on-campus participation or testing. And, virtually all online PNP master’s programs include a clinical experience which is normally completed at a location near the student’s home. Total clinical hours required also vary significantly from program to program, but most demand anywhere from 550 to 1000 hours.
2. Doctor of Nursing Practice
There are two basic types of online doctoral-level pediatric nurse practitioner degree programs available: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP. Most but not all schools with PNP doctorate degree programs offer both. As with master’s programs, program lengths for DNP PNP programs vary substantially depending on the choice of full-time or part-time study, and specific program allowances. For most MSN-to-DNP programs, students should expect to commit 18 to 42 months of study earning their degrees, while BSN-to-DNP programs normally require 36 to 42 months for degree completion. Most didactic courses are done entirely online, although some may include an on-campus component. Virtually all DNP degree programs additionally include a substantial clinical residency similar in length to those required in MSN programs. However, many MSN-to-DNP programs will apply clinical hours previously completed by applicants in earning their MSN degree to the DNP program requirement.
Understanding the Online PNP Curriculum
PNP degree program curriculums typically consist of two basic components: didactic coursework (case-based learning commonly presented through lectures and writings) and practical training (in-person, with hands-on active participation by students, including a substantial clinical experience requirement). First-year MSN students can expect to focus on a core curriculum for nurse practitioners geared toward the development of pediatric care knowledge, while second-year study will introduce courses covering a range of pediatric-specific topics. Below is a small sample of the types of courses PNP students can expect to encounter in their degree programs:
Consider a Subspecialty
Knowledge and skills focused on a particular area of practice can greatly enhance the value of any professional’s services, enhance your marketability, and may qualify you to obtain a corresponding professional certification. The availability of subspecialties should be an important factor in your choice of a PNP degree program. Most schools offer several subspecialty options for NPs, but be advised not all subspecialties are available specifically to PNP students specifically. Therefore, if you plan on pursuing a particular subspecialty with your PNP degree, be certain that it is available with the degree programs you’re considering.
Below are three of the subspecialties most commonly pursued by PNP students:
Emergency Medicine: This type of training for a nurse practitioner prepares a PNP to manage injured and acutely ill pediatric patients in diverse emergency care settings. Working conditions can be particularly stressful, calling on the nurse to make immediate critical decisions and diagnoses. Emergency PNPs are also typically required to work evening and graveyard shifts as needed, and may also need to be on-call. But, working in an emergency environment can also be one of the most rewarding for the nursing professional. Potential certification: Emergency Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification (AANPCB).
Nephrology: This area of specialty deals with issues concerning the kidneys. The majority of kidney-related health ailments are found in older adult patients often suffering from a number of complex health problems. Nevertheless, children may also suffer from kidney-related issues, including kidney or urinary tract disease, kidney stones, high blood pressure, and bladder problems. Nurses with specialized nephrology expertise assist in the care of pediatric kidney patients in need of a range of treatments, such as dialysis and even kidney transplantation. Potential certification: Certified Nephrology Nurse – Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP).
Surgery: Surgical PNPs perform a variety of tasks related to the care of pediatric surgery patients, including assessment of new patients, consultation regarding surgical options, administering medications, and performing tests both before and after surgery, as well as assisting surgeons and medical staff during the surgery itself. As with the emergency room environment, working in a surgical setting can be stressful and involve long, demanding hours in practice. Potential certification: Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN);
Admissions & Pre-Requisites
Admissions requirements for PNP degree programs vary from school to school, but a few are common to practically every program, MSN and DNP alike. Here are the main admissions pre-requisites that applicants should expect to meet:
- 1-3 years of relevant RN experience, preferably in pediatrics
- Active RN license
- GRE or MAT scores
- Official university transcripts
Most PNP degree programs also require applicants to have previously earned a BSN degree. There are exceptions, however, with some programs accepting students with either an associate degree in nursing, a nursing diploma, or in a few cases, a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Also, some online programs do not require GRE or MAT exam scores.
National PNP Certification
After completing their graduate or post-graduate degree, most PNPs seek a national certification, as most states require national certification as a prerequisite for state licensure. The role of such certification is to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills attained by certification holders while earning their PNP degrees and completing additional area-focused practice, as well as by passing the certification exam. Until recently, there were two associations offering national PNP certification: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board (PNCB). However, the ANCC is now in the process of phasing out its Pediatric Primary Care Nursing Certification, leaving the PNCB as the only current association offering PNP certification.
There are two types of PNP certification available from the PNCB:
Mental and Behavioral Health Certifications for PNPs
Primary care PNPs are eligible to apply for the Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) credential, also offered by the PNCB. The PMHS credential recognizes and validates the additional knowledge and skills of the certification holder in the care of children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health concerns. Receiving the credential requires taking and passing the PMHS exam. Requirements for taking the exam include a master’s or doctoral primary care PNP degree, current APRN PNP certification, 2,000 hours of clinical practice experience in pediatric developmental, behavioral and mental health, and completion of either one graduate-level DMBH course or 30 hours of DMBH continuing education within the past three years.
Funding Your Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
Earning a college degree is expensive. Fortunately, PNP degree students have a range of financial aid options to help pay for their educations, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. For more information on strategies and resources for obtaining financial aid for your PNP degree, check out EduMed’s Pay Less for Education: How to Take Charge of Your Financial Aid webpage.
Here are two organizations that sponsor scholarships specifically aimed at PNP degree students:
- Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN): The SPN awards two $2,500 Academic Education Scholarships annually for the purpose of advancing pediatric nursing training. An applicant must be an SPN member for at least two years with RN licensure, currently employed in pediatric nursing, and have completed at least one semester of a baccalaureate or higher nursing degree program with minimum 3.0 GPA.
- NAPNAP Grants and Scholarships: The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners offers a variety of scholarships and grants through its NAPNAP Foundation, including the $1,000 Elaine Gelman Student Scholarship and the $2,500 DNP/PhD Scholarship. Eligibility requirements vary by program.
Helpful PNP Resources
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) – Resources for Students: A clearinghouse of information and resources for nursing students, including its Graduate Nursing School Academy, which provides a range of programs, services, and resources for graduate students enrolled in AACN-member nursing schools.
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): The website for the 96,000-member national organization, including an excellent Student Resources page.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook: This is the BLS information site for nurse practitioners, which includes data on pay, job outlook, work environment, and much more.
- National Association of Pediatric Nurses (NAPNAP): This is a great resource for education, advocacy, and networking for PNPs.
