Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
- 2026 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
- PNP Roles in New York: Primary Care vs Acute Care
- New York PNP Pathways: MSN vs DNP vs Post-Master's Certificates
- Online, Hybrid, and Campus PNP Options In New York
- New York Clinical Training Examples for PNP Students
- Certification Basics: What PNP Students Typically Prepare For
- New York NP Practice and Licensure Considerations
- Salary and Outlook: Why PNP Demand Remains Strong
- FAQs
- Latest Articles & Guides
With its diverse population, New York is one of the most dynamic states in the country to train to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). From high-acuity children's hospitals in NYC to pediatric primary care and community health programs across Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Upstate, and Western NY, the state offers a wide range of patient populations and clinical settings.
In this article, you'll learn:
- The difference between MSN, DNP, and post-master's PNP certificates
- How New York programs structure online, hybrid, and campus learning
- New York-specific clinical training examples (primary care, specialty, and acute care)
- How PNP certification works (including PNCB exams) and how that connects to NY practice
- What to look for when comparing "best" PNP programs in New York
2026 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - Public 4-Year - stonybrook.edu
BSN to MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a 45-credit hybrid program that prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare to children and families. This rigorous distance education program focuses on developing expert providers who can promote, maintain, and restore child health across various settings. Students learn to identify health risks, diagnose and manage acute and chronic pediatric conditions, while developing critical skills in health promotion, leadership, and patient advocacy. The program requires an entrance exam for master's level admission. Graduates are equipped to function as educators, consultants, and change agents in pediatric healthcare.
- 45-credit distance education program
- Hybrid learning with on-site requirements
- Prepares pediatric nurse practitioners
- Advanced clinical practice courses
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership and advocacy training
- Comprehensive pediatric health management
BSN to MSN - Nursing, MS (Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's Nursing, MS program with a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses as expert providers of primary healthcare to children and families. This 45-credit campus-based program focuses on promoting health, identifying risks, and managing acute and chronic illnesses through advanced health assessment, clinical pharmacology, and evidence-based practice. The program develops skills for roles as educators, leaders, consultants, advocates, and change agents. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam for admission. The curriculum includes comprehensive clinical practice courses and specialized pediatric nursing theory.
- Pediatric Primary Care concentration.
- 45 total credits required.
- Distance education format.
- On-site requirements included.
- Prepares expert healthcare providers.
- Focuses on children's health.
- Covers acute and chronic illnesses.
- Includes clinical practice courses.
- Advanced health assessment training.
- Clinical pharmacology coursework.
RN to MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Stony Brook University offers an online Master of Science in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program designed for nurses aiming to specialize in pediatric care. This flexible program equips students with skills to provide comprehensive healthcare to children from infancy through adolescence, perfect for working professionals. The curriculum covers advanced pediatric nursing practices, health assessment, and disease prevention. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and relevant experience. This master's level program requires an entrance exam. Graduates are prepared for certification and rewarding careers in pediatric healthcare settings.
- Online Master of Science
- Pediatric Primary Care focus
- Flexible for working professionals
- BSN and RN license required
- Prepares for certification
- Comprehensive pediatric curriculum
- Financial aid available
- Advanced nursing practices covered
- Health assessment training
- Disease prevention strategies
New York University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - nyu.edu
BSN to MSN - Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care (Primary Care/Acute Care)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
NYU's hybrid Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care program prepares registered nurses to become advanced practitioners specializing in comprehensive pediatric care. This program equips students to assess, diagnose, and treat infants through young adults across primary, specialty, and acute care settings. Combining online coursework with clinical immersion, it emphasizes critical thinking and evidence-based practice, requiring a minimum of 415 clinical hours. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can pursue prescription privileges and DEA certification. The curriculum includes interprofessional education and advanced procedural training, with no entrance exam required as per the provided information.
- Hybrid learning model
- Clinical placements with expert PNPs
- National certification preparation
- Interprofessional education opportunities
- Advanced procedural skill training
- Minimum 415 clinical hours
- Multiple certification options
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Telehealth principles integrated
BSN to MSN - Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
NYU's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program offers MS or DNP degrees in a hybrid format, preparing RNs for advanced roles in pediatric primary care. The curriculum includes core and advanced courses in areas like pathophysiology and pharmacology, with clinical placements in primary and specialty settings. Admission requires a BSN and pediatric experience. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and interprofessional education, preparing graduates for national certification and state licensure. It includes simulation training and focuses on family-centered care, with eligibility for prescription privileges and DEA certification. No entrance exam is required based on the provided information.
- Hybrid program format.
- MS or DNP degree options.
- Prepares for national certification.
- Clinical placements arranged.
- Requires BSN and experience.
- Core and advanced courses.
- Focus on pediatric primary care.
- Evidence-based practice emphasis.
- Interactive educational experiences.
- Expert faculty support.
Graduate Certificate - Advanced Certificate: Pediatric NP Acute Care (Acute Care)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
New York University's Advanced Certificate in Pediatric NP Acute Care is a hybrid post-master's program designed for experienced nurses seeking specialization in acute pediatric care. This 11-13 credit program combines online learning with two on-campus intensives, focusing on managing complex and chronic illnesses in pediatric settings. Starting in spring, it can be completed in one year and prepares graduates for the CPNP-AC certification exam and New York State licensure. Admission requires a master's degree and at least one year of pediatric experience. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional education, and includes clinical placements arranged by faculty, with eligibility for prescription privileges and DEA certification upon graduation.
- Post-master's advanced certificate program.
- Hybrid model with online and on-campus components.
- 11-13 credits required.
- Can be completed in one year.
- Spring semester entrance.
- Distance learning with two on-campus intensives.
- Prepares for CPNP-AC certification exam.
- Meets New York State licensure requirements.
- Clinical placements arranged by faculty.
- Individualized attention and goals.
Graduate Certificate - Advanced Certificate: Pediatric NP Acute Care (Primary Care)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
NYU's Advanced Certificate in Pediatric NP Acute Care with a Primary Care concentration enables experienced Primary Care and Family Nurse Practitioners to transition into pediatric critical care roles. This hybrid program requires 11-13 credits and features distance learning complemented by two 2.5-day campus intensives. Designed for NPs with at least one year of pediatric experience, it prepares graduates to manage complex healthcare needs in settings like emergency departments and intensive care units. The program focuses on developing advanced acute care skills through interactive learning and clinical simulations, meeting national certification requirements for the CPNP-AC exam. It can be completed in one year with spring semester entry.
- 11-13 credit distance learning
- Two 2.5-day campus intensives
- Hybrid learning model
- Prepares for CPNP-AC exam
- Completed in one year
- Spring semester entry
- Clinical placement support
- Pediatric certification preparation
- Individualized clinical experiences
- Expert faculty interaction
MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Campus Based - Visit Website
New York University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is a campus-based program that prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical leadership roles in pediatric healthcare. This comprehensive program requires 72 credits and 1000 clinical hours, focusing on evidence-based practice, health policy, and interprofessional leadership to address complex pediatric health challenges. Admission typically requires a 3.5 GPA, an active RN license, and relevant clinical experience. The DNP program includes a project completion and offers multiple entry pathways, with no entrance exam required as indicated in the provided data. Graduates are equipped to lead healthcare transformation and improve patient outcomes.
- 72 total program credits
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Multiple entry pathway options
- Advanced clinical leadership training
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Interprofessional healthcare approach
- 3.5 GPA minimum requirement
- Active RN license needed
- DNP project completion required
- Healthcare policy integration
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu
BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rochester's hybrid Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program trains nurses to deliver comprehensive pediatric care across diverse settings, from primary care offices to hospitals. Students develop expertise in managing conditions from routine screenings to complex health issues, with specialized training in behavioral health like ADHD. The program prepares graduates for national certification through multiple degree pathways, emphasizing holistic physical and mental well-being for children. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam unless otherwise stated by the school.
- Hybrid program format
- National certification preparation
- Multiple degree pathways
- Comprehensive pediatric care focus
- Advanced behavioral health training
BSN to MSN - Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (Neonatal)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This hybrid Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner master's program at the University of Rochester focuses specifically on neonatal care, preparing nurses for advanced roles in NICU settings with low- and high-risk infants. Students gain clinical experience at the Gosnell Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and complete a curriculum tailored to neonatal specialties. Graduates are eligible for dual national certification. The program requires a BSN degree and relevant experience for admission. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam unless otherwise stated by the school.
- Hybrid program format.
- Neonatal concentration available.
- Master's degree option.
- Clinical experience at Gosnell NICU.
- Dual national certification eligibility.
- Prepares for NICU settings.
- Focus on low- and high-risk infants.
- Pediatric and neonatal specialties combined.
- Advanced nursing care training.
- Curriculum includes neonatal pathways.
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, NY - Public 4-Year - lehman.edu
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Lehman College's Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical leadership. This 39-credit campus-based DNP requires a master's degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA, current nursing licensure, and one year of advanced practice experience. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and complex systems management specifically tailored to pediatric care. No entrance exam is required for admission to this doctoral program.
- 39-credit practice-focused DNP
- Family/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Minimum 3.2 graduate GPA
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
- Requires current nursing license
- One year advanced practice experience
- Complex healthcare systems curriculum
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Health policy coursework included
BSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (BS TO DNP PROGRAM) (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Lehman College's BS to DNP program features a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for bachelor's-prepared nurses transitioning to doctoral-level practice. This campus-based program requires a BSN with a 3.2 GPA, current national certification, and at least one year of advanced practice nursing experience. The 39-credit curriculum focuses on pediatric advanced practice, healthcare leadership, and evidence-based clinical methodologies. No entrance exam is required for this doctoral pathway.
- Campus-based program
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 39 credits coursework
- Requires baccalaureate degree
- Minimum GPA 3.2
- Current national certification needed
- One year APN experience required
- Three letters of reference
- Personal statement required
- Nursing essay part of application
Molloy University
Rockville Centre, NY - Private 4-year - molloy.edu
BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (Primary Care)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Molloy University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care master's program delivers specialized training in comprehensive healthcare for infants through young adults. This hybrid program requires the GRE entrance exam and emphasizes health maintenance, illness prevention, and patient education within a primary care concentration. Students complete 42 credits with advanced clinical training and multiple practicum courses, supported by INACSL-endorsed simulations. The program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of clinical experience, preparing graduates for national certification with near-perfect exam pass rates across diverse healthcare settings.
- 42 total credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical training
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- One year clinical experience required
- INACSL Clinical Simulation endorsement
- Multiple practicum courses
- National certification preparation
- Primary care pediatric focus
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY - Private 4-year - columbia.edu
MSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced nursing professionals with specialized skills for comprehensive pediatric healthcare. Through rigorous academic training and extensive clinical experiences, students master evidence-based practices for diagnosing, treating, and managing pediatric populations. This campus-based program emphasizes patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality pediatric interventions. As a military-friendly institution, Columbia requires entrance exams for this doctoral-level program, ensuring candidates meet the high standards of advanced nursing education.
- Advanced Pediatric Nursing Specialization
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Evidence-Based Pediatric Healthcare
- Specialized Patient Care Skills
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY - Public 4-Year - upstate.edu
BSN to DNP - Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Upstate Medical University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track in the BS to DNP program provides comprehensive training for aspiring advanced practice nurses. This three-year hybrid program requires 87 credit hours and 200 project hours, with tuition at $25,120 annually for NYS residents. Students gain extensive clinical experience while developing advanced skills in evidence-based practice and leadership, preparing graduates to deliver holistic pediatric care in various healthcare settings. The program requires an entrance exam for doctoral-level admission.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specialization
- 3-year hybrid program
- 87 credit hours total
- 200 clinical project hours
- $25,120 annual tuition for NYS residents
- Advanced leadership training
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Multiple workplace options
- Inter-professional education opportunities
Teachers College at Columbia University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - tc.columbia.edu
MSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's Teachers College offers a rigorous Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program at the doctoral level, preparing advanced nursing professionals for comprehensive pediatric healthcare. This campus-based program emphasizes evidence-based practice and advanced clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and treat children from infancy through adolescence. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse settings like pediatric clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. As a doctoral program, it may require entrance exams such as the GRE, though specific requirements should be verified directly with the institution.
- Doctoral-level nursing program
- Pediatric primary care focus
- Advanced clinical training
- Comprehensive child healthcare
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
PNP Roles in New York: Primary Care vs Acute Care
Most PNP programs align to one of two tracks:
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC)
Focused on outpatient and longitudinal care, including:
- Well-child visits, immunizations, screenings
- Common pediatric illnesses and chronic conditions (asthma, ADHD, diabetes)
- Growth/development, school and behavioral concerns
- Family education and care coordination
Common New York Settings: pediatric primary care offices, school-based health centers, FQHC/community health clinics, pediatric specialty outpatient practices.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)
Focused on high-acuity and hospital-based pediatrics, including:
- Inpatient pediatrics, ED/urgent consults, specialty services
- Complex conditions, acute deterioration, post-op care
- PICU/NICU-aligned team care (program-dependent)
- Rapid diagnostics, procedures (scope varies), discharge planning
Common New York Settings: children's hospitals, academic medical centers, specialty inpatient units, pediatric EDs, complex care programs.
New York PNP Pathways: MSN vs DNP vs Post-Master's Certificates
MSN PNP Programs
Best for BSN-prepared RNs seeking the most direct path to advanced pediatric practice.
Typical outcomes:
- Graduate NP education in a pediatric population focus
- Preparation for national certification aligned to your track
- Strong fit for students seeking faster entry into clinical practice
DNP PNP Programs
Best for students who want pediatric NP preparation plus doctoral-level training in:
- Evidence-based practice and outcomes improvement
- Leadership, quality/safety, and systems thinking
- Population health and program development
Why New York students choose DNP: strong alignment with large, complex health systems and pediatric specialty networks across NYC and major Upstate metros.
Post-Master's PNP Certificates
Best for MSN-prepared nurses or APRNs changing or adding a pediatric population focus (PC or AC).
Common reasons NY nurses choose this route:
- Transitioning from another NP population (e.g., family) into pediatrics
- Expanding into pediatric specialty or hospital-based practice
- Aligning credentials to a pediatric role requirement
Explore nurse practitioner schools in New York.
Quick Comparison Table: Which PNP Degree Makes Sense?
| Pathway | Best For | Typical Timeframe | End Result |
| MSN | BSN RNs entering pediatric advanced practice | ~2–3 years | PNP track prep + certification eligibility |
| BSN to DNP | RNs wanting doctoral training + pediatrics | ~3–4 years | PNP track prep + DNP credential |
| Post-Master's PNP Certificate | MSN/APRN adding pediatrics | ~1–2 years | New pediatric population focus + certification eligibility |
| Post-MSN DNP | Certified APRNs who want the DNP | ~1–2+ years | DNP credential (role typically stays aligned with existing cert) |
Online, Hybrid, and Campus PNP Options In New York
Most New York students will see one of these formats:
Online Coursework + In-Person Clinicals
- Didactic courses online (case work, discussions, exams)
- Clinicals completed in-person at approved New York sites with qualified preceptors
Hybrid Programs
- Online learning with required on-campus intensives (skills, simulation, assessments)
- Often a strong fit for nurses balancing shifts across NYC/Long Island/Upstate
Campus-Based Programs
- In-person classes and labs
- Clinical rotations commonly supported through regional partnerships
Scheduling Tip: If you're commuting (e.g., Westchester ↔ NYC, Long Island ↔ Manhattan, or Capital Region ↔ Hudson Valley), confirm how often intensives occur and whether dates are published far in advance.
New York Clinical Training Examples for PNP Students
New York offers unusually broad pediatric clinical variety. Strong clinical planning typically includes multiple settings to meet age-range and acuity requirements.
Primary Care Clinical Examples (PNP-PC)
- Pediatric primary care practices (well-child + acute visits)
- School-based health centers (adolescents, behavioral screening, chronic disease support)
- Community clinics/FQHCs serving diverse families and languages
- Pediatric specialty clinics (endocrine, pulmonary, GI, developmental pediatrics)
Acute Care Clinical Examples (PNP-AC)
- Inpatient pediatrics and specialty units
- Pediatric ED consult experiences (program-dependent)
- Children's hospital service lines (cardiology, neuro, hem/onc)
- Complex care and medically fragile pediatrics programs
Clinical Placement Tip: Ask programs exactly how they support affiliation agreements and preceptor approvals in New York. Even when students find sites, schools often require formal contracts and credential verification; start outreach early.
Certification Basics: What PNP Students Typically Prepare For
PNP certification is typically administered through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) for primary care (CPNP-PC) and acute care (CPNP-AC), aligned with your educational track.
PNCB also outlines eligibility requirements and time-limited eligibility policy updates (important for planning exam timing).
Choosing Programs with Certification in Mind:
When comparing PNP programs, confirm that the curriculum and clinical experiences align with the certification exam you plan to take (PC vs. AC).
New York NP Practice and Licensure Considerations
New York's NP credentialing is handled through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions, which outlines NP certification requirements and application steps, including that applicants must be licensed as an RN in NY (or apply for NY RN licensure first).
New York also describes NP practice requirements, including written practice protocols and a written practice agreement with a collaborating physician until the NP completes 3,600 hours of experience as a licensed/certified NP.
NY Planning Tip: If you're early-career, ask programs how they prepare students for New York's practice agreement/protocol expectations and how employers typically structure onboarding for new NPs.
Salary and Outlook: Why PNP Demand Remains Strong
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35% employment growth for nurse practitioners (and related APRN roles) from 2024–2034. While PNP earnings vary by region and setting, New York's pediatric demand is driven by a blend of high-volume metro care, specialty pediatrics, and access needs in many Upstate communities.
FAQs
Q: Do New York PNP Programs Offer Online Options?
A: Many programs offer online or hybrid coursework, but clinicals are always in-person and must be completed at approved sites, often within New York for students planning to work in-state.
Q: What's the Difference Between PNP-PC and PNP-AC?
A: PNP-PC focuses on outpatient and long-term pediatric care, while PNP-AC focuses on inpatient and high-acuity pediatrics (children's hospitals, specialty units, complex care).
Q: Can I Become a PNP if I Already Have an MSN?
A: Often, yes. Many nurses pursue a post-master's PNP certificate to add a pediatric population focus without completing another full degree.
Q: What Should I Ask Programs About Clinical Placements In New York?
A: Ask whether the school places, assists, or expects you to secure all preceptors, and how they handle affiliation agreements and timeline realities across NYC/Long Island/Upstate.
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