Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Tennessee

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Pediatric Primary Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate program prepares Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for primary pediatric care through a hybrid format combining online coursework with mandatory on-site sessions. This program requires 840 clinical hours and applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing with current APRN certification. The holistic admissions process emphasizes applicant essays rather than entrance exams. This competency-based curriculum focuses on comprehensive pediatric healthcare across diverse clinical settings.

• Hybrid program format.
• 840 clinical hours required.
• APRN certification needed.
• Master's degree prerequisite.
• Holistic admissions process.
• Mandatory on-site sessions.
• Primary pediatric care focus.
• Prerequisite courses required.
• Competency-based curriculum.
• State licensure considerations.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate provides specialized training for APRNs to manage critically ill children in acute care settings. This hybrid program requires 840 clinical practice hours and is designed for certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioners seeking advanced acute care skills. Applicants need a master's degree from an accredited nursing program with recent prerequisite coursework. No entrance exam is specified for this graduate-level certificate program.

• Hybrid program format
• 840 clinical practice hours
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Specialized pediatric acute care
• Requires prior pediatric certification

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner program offers comprehensive training for managing both acute and chronic pediatric conditions across multiple healthcare settings. This hybrid program addresses critical pediatric provider shortages through a curriculum that includes high-fidelity simulation, clinical rotations with mentorship, and synchronous online meetings. Students attend on-campus visits twice per semester while developing expertise in emergency departments, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics. No entrance exam requirement is specified for this graduate-level dual concentration program.

• Hybrid online curriculum
• High-fidelity simulation center
• Clinical rotations with mentorship
• Addresses pediatric provider shortage
• Multiple healthcare settings training
• On-campus visits twice semester
• Synchronous online course meetings

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver holistic, evidence-based pediatric healthcare through a hybrid curriculum. Students complete 600-840 clinical hours with mentored rotations across multiple healthcare settings and benefit from high-fidelity simulation training. This program addresses pediatric provider shortages while preparing graduates for Pediatric Nursing Certification eligibility. The hybrid format includes synchronous online course meetings and positions graduates for meaningful roles in pediatric healthcare. No entrance exam requirement is specified for this graduate-level program.

• Hybrid online curriculum
• 600-840 clinical hours
• High-fidelity simulation training
• Pediatric Nursing Certification eligible
• Multiple healthcare settings
• Advanced practice registered nurse
• Synchronous online course meetings
• Mentored clinical rotations

Tennessee Technological University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is a campus-based program requiring 23 credit hours and 510 clinical hours. Designed for nurses with a master's degree and current RN licensure, it focuses on pediatric health assessment and management. This certificate program builds on existing nursing expertise to prepare graduates for specialized pediatric roles. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this post-graduate certificate program.

• 23 credit hours.
• 510 clinical hours.
• Campus-based program.
• Post-graduate certificate level.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner focus.
• Requires master's in nursing.
• RN licensure needed.
• College of Nursing department.

Tennessee Tech's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Concentration offers flexible pathways including BSN-DNP (89-92 credits) and MSN-DNP (35 credits) options. This hybrid program provides intensive training in pediatric primary care, emphasizing evidence-based practice and leadership skills. As a terminal professional nursing degree, it prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive pediatric patient care. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctoral program.

• Terminal professional nursing degree
• Pediatric Primary Care Concentration
• Flexible DNP pathway options
• 89-92 credit hour program
• Advanced practice nurse training

Tennessee Technological University's hybrid DNP program with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Concentration blends online and campus learning for working professionals. Offering both BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP tracks, the program includes core requirements, concentration courses, and a DNP project focused on children's healthcare needs. This flexible pathway allows nurses at different career stages to specialize in pediatric primary care. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctoral program.

• Hybrid learning format.
• Focus on pediatric primary care.
• BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP tracks available.
• Includes DNP project.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Prepares for advanced practice roles.
• Core and concentration courses.
• Admission requires nursing background.
• Cost varies by track.

Vanderbilt University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care program is a hybrid graduate program designed for experienced RNs seeking specialization in acute pediatric care. This intensive program focuses on comprehensive, family-centered care for critically ill children up to age 21, requiring 560 clinical hours in acute care settings. The curriculum integrates current nursing education standards, preparing graduates for roles in pediatric emergency departments, ICUs, and specialized clinics. The program boasts a high certification exam pass rate above national averages. As a master's level program, entrance exam requirements should be verified with admissions, though none are explicitly mentioned as not required.

• 4 Full-time Semesters
• Online/Hybrid Learning Format
• 560 Clinical Practice Hours
• For Experienced RNs Only
• High PNCB Exam Pass Rate
• Small Cohort Size
• Clinical Placements Nationwide

Vanderbilt University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care program offers an MSN with a primary care concentration through a hybrid format combining online coursework with seven in-person sessions. Students complete 630 clinical hours in pediatric primary care settings, following AACN Essentials standards to prepare for CPNP-PC certification. Full-time students can finish in four semesters (16 months), with part-time options available. Ranked #2 nationally for MSN-level PNP-PC programs, it emphasizes health promotion and family-centered care. For this master's program, entrance exam requirements should be confirmed with admissions, as none are explicitly stated as not required.

• Hybrid online/in-person format.
• 630 clinical practice hours.
• Full-time: 4 semesters.
• Part-time plans available.
• Prepares for CPNP-PC certification.
• Low faculty-to-student ratios.
• Clinical placements in preferred areas.
• Focus on pediatric primary care.
• AACN Essentials curriculum.
• Accelerated specialty option.

East Tennessee State University's DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care program delivers a rigorous hybrid curriculum focused on comprehensive pediatric healthcare. This concentration emphasizes evidence-based practice through advanced clinical training and multiple practicum experiences, preparing graduates for national certification. The program requires an unencumbered RN license, two years of nursing experience, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and includes an interview and personal statement in admissions. With 77 total credits for BSN-DNP students, it develops leadership skills for diverse healthcare settings without requiring an entrance exam.

• 77 total credits for BSN-DNP
• Comprehensive pediatric care focus
• National certification preparation
• Multiple practicum experiences
• Advanced clinical training
• Unencumbered RN licensure required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA mandatory
• Two years nursing experience needed
• Interview part of admission
• Personal statement required

ETSU's hybrid DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care program prepares nurses for advanced pediatric practice through a curriculum covering health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. This concentration specifically targets rural and underserved populations, aligning with the university's mission. The program requires a BSN or MSN, nursing licensure, and work experience, with graduates eligible for national certification. Students complete a DNP project as part of the comprehensive training. No entrance exam is required for admission to this pediatric-focused advanced practice program.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on pediatric primary care
• Eligible for national certification
• BSN or MSN required
• Emphasizes rural and underserved populations
• Includes advanced health assessment
• Covers pathophysiology and pharmacology
• DNP project required
• Nursing licensure needed
• Work experience required

South College's online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Post-Graduate Certificate program is designed for nurses with a graduate degree seeking specialization in advanced pediatric care. This 44-credit program focuses specifically on pediatric primary care, covering health assessments, pharmacology, and chronic condition management. The curriculum includes clinical practicums and a residency component, preparing graduates for national certification. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license and a master's in nursing, with GPA and professional experience considered. As a master's-level program, it does not require entrance exams like the GRE. The program emphasizes holistic care and aligns with national accreditation standards.

• Online program delivery.
• 44 total credits required.
• Post-graduate certificate level.
• Focus on pediatric primary care.
• Includes clinical practicum courses.
• Requires RN license for admission.
• Admission based on GPA review.
• Transfer credit up to 3 courses.
• Program not accepting new students.
• Prepares for national certification exams.