Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania
- 2026 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania
- Understanding PNP Education Pathways in Pennsylvania
- Choosing Your Program Format: Online, Campus-Based, or Hybrid
- What to Look for in a PNP Program
- Cost Considerations
- Clinical Training in Pennsylvania Pediatric Healthcare Settings
- Certification and Licensure Requirements in Pennsylvania
- Career Outlook and Salaries for PNPs in Pennsylvania
- Choosing Between MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificates
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Latest Articles & Guides
Pennsylvania’s diverse healthcare landscape creates abundant opportunities for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs). As the nation’s fifth most populous state, Pennsylvania faces growing demand for pediatric healthcare providers who can serve children from birth through young adulthood across varied settings and communities.
For registered nurses seeking to specialize in pediatric care, Pennsylvania offers multiple program formats to fit different learning styles and schedules: traditional campus-based programs with immersive clinical experiences, fully online programs for maximum flexibility, and hybrid models that combine the benefits of both. Pennsylvania’s collaborative practice model for nurse practitioners, combined with the state’s strong pediatric healthcare infrastructure and competitive salaries, makes it an attractive location for PNP practice.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The top PNP programs available to Pennsylvania residents (MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificates)
- Differences between online, campus-based, and hybrid program formats
- Clinical placement opportunities and costs
- Career outlook and salary expectations for PNPs in Pennsylvania
2026 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania
Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA - Private 4-year - gmercyu.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Gwynedd Mercy University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration, focusing on comprehensive healthcare for patients from birth to age 21. This graduate program develops advanced clinical competencies in diagnosis, treatment, and medication prescription for pediatric populations. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 46% job growth for nurse practitioners through 2031, graduates enter a high-demand field. The program requires an entrance exam, and as a Roman Catholic institution with military-friendly policies, it provides flexible online learning while preparing nurses for leadership roles in pediatric primary care.
- Online graduate nursing program
- Pediatric care from birth to 21
- Advanced clinical skills training
- 46% job growth projected
- Median salary around $94,841
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - drexel.edu
BSN to MSN - MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Drexel University's online MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers flexible, part-time advanced nursing education focused on comprehensive care for patients from infancy through adolescence. This CCNE-accredited program requires 52 credits at $1,134 per credit, featuring synchronous online lectures and mandatory on-campus intensives. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical assessment skills, preparing graduates for ANCC or PNCB certification. The program is military-friendly and ranked #4 by U.S. News, offering quarterly enrollment without entrance exam requirements.
- Online part-time MSN program
- 52 total credit hours
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Synchronous online lectures
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Tuition $1,134 per credit
- Clinical hours required
- Board-certified faculty
- Four 10-week quarters annually
BSN to MSN - MSN: Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care Dual Option Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Drexel University's online MSN Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to manage acute and critical health conditions in pediatric populations. This 57-credit CCNE-accredited program requires one year of pediatric experience, PALS certification, and a 3.0 BSN GPA. With synchronous online lectures and on-campus intensives, students develop specialized skills for acute care settings at $1,134 per credit. The program is military-friendly, ranked #41 for online nursing, and prepares graduates for PNCB certification without entrance exam requirements.
- Online part-time graduate program
- 57 total credit hours
- Accredited by CCNE
- Requires 1+ year pediatric experience
- PALS certification required
- BSN GPA minimum 3.0
- Synchronous online lectures
- Mandatory on-campus intensives
- Prepares for PNCB certification
BSN to MSN - MSN Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual Option)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Drexel University's dual MSN Pediatric Primary Care and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers comprehensive pediatric expertise through a 62-credit online curriculum. This CCNE-accredited program requires one year of pediatric acute care experience, PALS certification, and a 3.0 BSN GPA. With synchronous online lectures, simulation lab access, and quarterly enrollment at $1,134 per credit, students gain advanced clinical skills for both primary and acute care settings. The military-friendly program is ranked #41 for online nursing and has no entrance exam requirements.
- Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Option
- Online Part-Time Format
- 62 Total Credit Hours
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Synchronous Online Lectures
- State-of-the-Art Simulation Lab
- 3.0 GPA Minimum Requirement
- One Year Pediatric Experience
- Current PALS Certification Needed
Villanova University
Villanova, PA - Private 4-year - villanova.edu
BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Villanova University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program offers a rigorous 45-credit hybrid format, blending online coursework with hands-on clinical placements across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. This advanced practice track prepares graduates for pediatric primary care roles with physician and NP preceptors guiding clinical training. As a master's level program, it requires entrance exams such as the GRE, though applicants should verify current requirements. The curriculum emphasizes pediatric health management, patient advocacy, and collaborative care, with a post-master's DNP option available for further specialization.
- 45-credit advanced practice program
- Core courses offered online
- Clinical placements in PA/NJ/DE
- Physician and NP preceptors
- Post-master's DNP option available
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - jefferson.edu
BSN to MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Thomas Jefferson University's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a 45-credit hybrid curriculum that combines online learning with on-campus instruction at the Center City campus. This advanced practice program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive pediatric care in clinical practices, schools, home health, and public health environments. Students develop specialized skills in managing pediatric health across the lifespan, with graduates eligible to sit for the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care Examination. The master's-level program requires no entrance exam for admission, facilitating access for qualified nursing professionals.
- 45-credit MSN degree
- Hybrid learning format
- 2-5 year completion time
- Center City campus location
- Advanced pediatric care training
- CPNP-PC exam preparation
- Multiple healthcare settings
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Thomas Jefferson University's Post-Graduate Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program focuses specifically on primary care, delivering 18 rigorous credits through a hybrid format. This advanced program prepares nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare to infants and children across diverse clinical settings. Students develop expertise in evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, with graduates academically qualified to take the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (CPNP-PC) Examination. The program requires no entrance exam for admission, making it accessible to qualified advanced practice nurses seeking pediatric specialization.
- 18 graduate certificate credits
- Online program format
- Center City campus
- Prepares for CPNP-PC exam
- Advanced pediatric nursing practice
- Multiple healthcare settings
- Comprehensive patient care focus
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Interprofessional collaboration skills
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA - Public 4-Year - pitt.edu
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Pediatric Acute Care)
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Pittsburgh's Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a non-degree post-graduate program designed for MSN or DNP-prepared nurses seeking specialization in pediatric acute care. This intensive certificate requires 500 clinical hours and 18-21 credit hours, focusing on managing critically ill children from birth through emerging adulthood. The program prepares graduates for national certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and offers both full-time and part-time options. As a post-graduate certificate, it does not require entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT. The military-friendly program provides onsite clinical placements and maintains a 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Non-degree post-graduate certificate
- Minimum 500 clinical hours
- For MSN/DNP-prepared nurses
- National certification eligible
- Onsite clinical placements provided
- GPA requirement 3.0
- 18-21 total credit hours
- Full-time or part-time options
- Pediatric acute care focus
MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Pediatric Primary Care)
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Pittsburgh's BSN to DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a doctoral pathway for nurses pursuing specialized pediatric healthcare. This comprehensive program prepares graduates to provide holistic care for children from infancy through adolescence, emphasizing evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and leadership in pediatric settings. The curriculum develops advanced clinical skills for managing complex pediatric health conditions. As a doctoral-level program, it requires entrance exams such as the GRE. The military-friendly program focuses on pediatric primary care, training nurses to make significant contributions to children's health and wellness through advanced clinical practice.
- Doctoral-level pediatric nursing
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Comprehensive pediatric healthcare training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Leadership in pediatric care
Understanding PNP Education Pathways in Pennsylvania
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners specialize in providing primary and acute care to infants, children, and adolescents. Pennsylvania offers three educational pathways with PNP concentrations: MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate.
MSN in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- For RNs with a BSN seeking first advanced practice certification
- Available in two tracks: Primary Care PNP (PNP-PC) or Acute Care PNP (PNP-AC)
- Typically 2-3 years of part-time study
DNP with PNP Specialty
- Terminal degree combining clinical practice with leadership
- BSN to DNP programs: 3-4 years
- Increasingly preferred by major Pennsylvania health systems like UPMC and Penn Medicine
Post-Master’s PNP Certificate
- For nurses who already hold an MSN in another specialty
- Typically 1-2 years to complete
- Popular among FNPs wanting to specialize in pediatrics
Pennsylvania Context: Pennsylvania requires nurse practitioners to have collaborative agreements with physicians, though NPs have significant autonomy in practice. Most Pennsylvania pediatric practices and health systems have standardized collaborative agreement protocols.
Check out nurse practitioner schools in Pennsylvania.
Choosing Your Program Format: Online, Campus-Based, or Hybrid
Online Programs
Best for: Working nurses who need maximum flexibility, those living far from major universities, or students balancing family commitments.
Characteristics:
- Primarily asynchronous coursework accessible anywhere with internet
- Clinical placements arranged locally in Pennsylvania
- Occasional virtual synchronous sessions for case discussions
- May require 1-2 brief on-campus intensives for labs
- Self-directed learning requires strong time management
Considerations: Students must secure their own clinical preceptors in many programs, which can be challenging in competitive markets like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Campus-Based Programs
Best for: Students who prefer structured in-person learning, those who can relocate or commute, and new graduates seeking immersive academic experiences.
Characteristics:
- Regular on-campus classes (typically 1-2 days per week for part-time)
- Face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers
- Easier access to simulation labs and learning resources
- University often facilitates clinical placements through established partnerships
- Built-in networking with Pennsylvania pediatric healthcare community
Considerations: Requires commuting to campus locations in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or other cities. Less flexible for nurses working full-time or irregular shifts.
Hybrid Programs
Best for: Students seeking balance between flexibility and in-person interaction.
Characteristics:
- Combination of online coursework and periodic on-campus sessions
- Some courses fully online, others require campus attendance
- Clinical seminars may be in-person while theory courses are online
- Offers flexibility while maintaining connection to campus community
- Growing in popularity as universities adapt to student needs
Considerations: Requires planning around scheduled campus sessions but offers more flexibility than fully campus-based programs.
What to Look for in a PNP Program
Accreditation Status
Verify that any program holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires graduation from an accredited program for Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) licensure.
Primary Care vs. Acute Care Track
Primary Care PNP (PNP-PC)
- Focus on well-child care, developmental assessments, immunizations, and common childhood illnesses
- Work settings: pediatric offices, community health centers, school-based clinics
- Most common PNP specialty in Pennsylvania
Acute Care PNP (PNP-AC)
- Focus on hospitalized children with acute, critical, and chronic conditions
- Work settings: children’s hospitals, pediatric ICUs, emergency departments, specialty clinics
- Higher demand at major Pennsylvania children’s hospitals (CHOP, UPMC Children’s)
Clinical Hour Requirements and Placement Support
PNP programs require 600-720 clinical hours for MSN programs and 1,000+ hours for DNP programs. For Pennsylvania students, consider:
- Clinical Placement Assistance: Campus-based and hybrid programs often arrange placements through university partnerships. Online programs may require self-placement.
- Geographic Coverage: Can you complete clinical hours near your Pennsylvania location?
- Specialty Exposure: Ensure rotations include well-child care, acute illness management, and developmental assessments
Cost Considerations
Cost Ranges:
| Program Type | Typical Total Cost Range | Time to Complete |
| MSN PNP | $35,000 – $75,000 | 2-3 years |
| BSN-to-DNP PNP | $55,000 – $110,000 | 3-4 years |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | $20,000 – $45,000 | 1-2 years |
Financial Aid for Pennsylvania Students:
- Federal student loans and grants (FAFSA)
- Pennsylvania State Nurses Association scholarships
- Pennsylvania Primary Health Care Loan Repayment Program
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia nursing scholarships
- Graduate assistantships (often available in campus-based programs)
Cost-Saving Tip: Pennsylvania residents attending Pennsylvania public universities may qualify for in-state tuition rates. Campus-based programs may offer graduate assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends. Loan repayment programs exist for PNPs working in Pennsylvania’s underserved communities.
Clinical Training in Pennsylvania Pediatric Healthcare Settings
Pennsylvania offers exceptional pediatric clinical training opportunities:
Major Children’s Hospitals:
- Philadelphia: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), St. Christopher’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital
- Pittsburgh: UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
- Other Regions: Penn State Children’s Hospital (Hershey), Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital
Primary Care and Community Settings:
- CHOP Care Network and UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics practices
- Independent pediatric practices throughout Pennsylvania
- Community health centers with pediatric services
- School-based health centers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and rural areas
Campus-based programs typically have established relationships with these facilities, making clinical placement coordination smoother. Online students often arrange their own placements but have flexibility to complete rotations near their homes.
Certification and Licensure Requirements in Pennsylvania
After completing your PNP program, you must obtain national certification and Pennsylvania CRNP licensure:
Step 1: National Certification Pass the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification exam from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB):
- PNP-PC exam: For primary care graduates
- PNP-AC exam: For acute care graduates
Step 2: Pennsylvania CRNP Licensure Apply through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Requirements include:
- Current Pennsylvania RN license
- Graduation from accredited PNP program
- National PNP certification
- Collaborative agreement with Pennsylvania-licensed physician (within 6 months of beginning practice)
Step 3: Prescriptive Authority Pennsylvania CRNPs obtain prescriptive authority automatically with CRNP licensure once a collaborative agreement is established. DEA registration is required for prescribing controlled substances.
Career Outlook and Salaries for PNPs in Pennsylvania
Demand for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Pennsylvania is strong, driven by physician shortages in pediatric primary care and expansion of pediatric specialty services.
Average PNP Salaries in Pennsylvania:
- Entry-level PNPs: $95,000 – $110,000
- Mid-career PNPs: $110,000 – $130,000
- Experienced PNPs: $130,000 – $150,000+
- Acute care/specialty PNPs: $125,000 – $160,000+
Salary Variations by Pennsylvania Region:
| Metro Area/Region | Average PNP Salary | Cost of Living Factor |
| Philadelphia Metro | $115,000 – $135,000 | High |
| Pittsburgh Metro | $110,000 – $130,000 | Moderate |
| Lehigh Valley | $105,000 – $125,000 | Moderate |
| Central PA | $100,000 – $120,000 | Low-Moderate |
| Rural Pennsylvania | $105,000 – $130,000 | Low |
Higher salaries are typically found in acute care positions at major children’s hospitals, pediatric specialty practices, NICUs, and underserved rural areas with incentive packages.
Choosing Between MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificates
Choose MSN PNP if:
- You have a BSN and want the fastest route to practice
- You’re primarily interested in direct patient care
- Cost and time efficiency are priorities
Choose DNP PNP if:
- You aspire to leadership, education, or policy roles
- You work for a health system that prefers doctoral preparation
- You’re comfortable with a longer program commitment
Choose Post-Master’s Certificate if:
- You already hold an MSN in another specialty
- You want to specialize specifically in pediatrics
- You want the most efficient pathway to PNP certification
Pennsylvania Trend: While MSN-prepared PNPs remain highly employable, major academic medical centers increasingly prefer DNP preparation for leadership and specialty roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need pediatric nursing experience before applying?
A: Most programs prefer at least one year of pediatric nursing experience. Experience in pediatric units, PICUs, NICUs, or pediatric offices strengthens your application and provides valuable foundational knowledge for graduate study.
Q: What if I can’t find a preceptor in Pennsylvania?
A: Campus-based programs typically arrange placements through established partnerships. Online programs often require self-placement; start searching 3-6 months before rotations. Network through your current employer, contact Pennsylvania children’s hospitals and pediatric practices directly, and consider less saturated areas like central or rural Pennsylvania.
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