What are Some Well-Known Colleges for Pediatric Nurses?

Pediatric nursing schools prepare students to care for infants, children, and adolescents across various healthcare settings. This specialized field blends advanced clinical knowledge with empathy and communication skills to support young patients and their families. Pediatric nurses work in hospitals, schools, and clinics, where they assess health needs, administer treatments, and educate caregivers.

This article highlights 10 of the best pediatric nursing schools, recognized for their accreditation, clinical training, and graduate outcomes. You'll also learn about degree paths, admission requirements, and the rewarding career options available in pediatric nursing.

Top Schools for Pediatric Nursing

These top pediatric nursing programs were selected for their accredited curricula, hands-on clinical experiences, and strong preparation for pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) certification. Each provides academic rigor along with meaningful clinical partnerships to help students thrive in child and family healthcare.

1. University of Pennsylvania

At the University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing, you'll study in the pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) program, with both primary care and acute care tracks available. The curriculum offers rigorous coursework in child health assessment, pharmacology, and developmental care with immersive clinical experiences at the renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), giving you hands-on exposure across pediatric care settings.

The program is offered at the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) level, with post-master's certificate options available, and prepares you to pursue PNP certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in pediatric healthcare and advanced clinical practice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,890 per course unit
• Financial aid opportunities: Need-based scholarships, institutional grants, and federal student loans are available through the School of Nursing.
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University's pediatric nurse practitioner-primary care (PNP-PC) MSN program can be completed in as few as four full-time semesters and includes 630 hours of supervised clinical practice in primary and specialty pediatric settings. The curriculum offers online coursework with seven brief on-campus intensives and emphasizes pediatric pharmacotherapeutics, pathophysiology, and health behavior across developmental stages.

Recognized among the top PNP-PC programs nationally, Vanderbilt's curriculum aligns with the 2021 AACN Essentials and prepares graduates to qualify for certification through the PNCB. Small class sizes, dedicated clinical placement support, and mentorship from expert faculty ensure a personalized and high-impact learning experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,057 per credit hour
• Financial aid opportunities: Merit-based scholarships, employer tuition benefits, and federal aid are available to eligible students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. Duke University

The Duke University School of Nursing's pediatric primary care nurse practitioner (PPCNP) MSN program prepares you to provide family-centered, equitable care for children from infancy through adolescence. You'll study pediatric health assessment, behavioral management, and pathophysiology while learning to manage both acute and chronic conditions through evidence-based practice. Graduates also qualify for dual certification in pediatric behavioral mental health.

This distance-based program features flexible online coursework, over 600 supervised clinical hours at partner sites nationwide, and short campus-based intensives for advanced simulation training. Personalized mentorship and faculty guidance ensure that you graduate ready for PNP certification and leadership in pediatric healthcare.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,250 per credit hour
• Financial aid opportunities: Scholarships, federal aid, and limited graduate assistantships are available.
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University's (PPCNP) program prepares you to deliver comprehensive healthcare to children and adolescents across hospitals, schools, and community settings. Coursework covers pediatric pathophysiology, health promotion, and family-centered care while developing your leadership and communication skills for advanced practice.

Students complete around 600 clinical hours through partnerships with Nationwide Children's Hospital and other regional facilities. The program, offered in both hybrid and on-campus formats, meets PNCB certification standards and NONPF competencies. Graduates emerge ready to design and implement evidence-based interventions that improve child health outcomes.

• Estimated tuition cost: $972.50 per credit hour (in-state); $2,847 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid opportunities: Federal aid, university fellowships, and tuition assistance programs are available.
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh's PNP-PC Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program trains nurses to deliver comprehensive, family-centered care from infancy through young adulthood. You'll complete coursework in advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based practice while developing leadership and research skills.

Clinical experiences take place through partnerships with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and other regional facilities. Graduates are eligible for PNCB certification and Pennsylvania licensure as Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs). The program's focus on quality improvement and population health prepares you to advance pediatric outcomes across healthcare settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,198 per term (in-state); $26,477 per term (out-of-state)
• Financial aid opportunities: Scholarships, federal financial aid, and graduate fellowships are available for qualified students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. University of Colorado

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers a Master of Science (MS) in PNP-PC program that provides evidence-based learning along with leadership development. You'll study preventive healthcare, pediatric assessment, and the management of acute and chronic conditions while completing hybrid coursework online and in person.

Students fulfill required clinical hours across leading healthcare systems in the Denver and Aurora areas, including Children's Hospital Colorado. The eight-semester program prepares graduates to sit for the PNCB's PNP-PC exam and pursue licensure in advanced practice nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $801 per credit hour (in-state); $1,298 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid opportunities: Federal aid, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement programs are available.
• Accreditation: CCNE

7. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida's MSN in pediatric health program trains you to provide comprehensive, family-centered care for children from birth through adolescence. Coursework includes pediatric health assessment, pharmacology, and developmental health management, through classroom learning and simulation-based clinical experiences.

Students complete 57 credits in a structured, lock-step sequence, preparing for PNP certification through the PNCB. Clinical experiences are supported by partnerships with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and other regional facilities, giving you the expertise to promote lifelong health and wellness in pediatric populations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $347.91 per credit hour (in-state); $814.88 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid opportunities: Federal and state aid, institutional scholarships, and graduate assistantships are available.
• Accreditation: CCNE

8. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's PPCNP program prepares you to assess, diagnose, and manage pediatric health conditions in diverse populations. Coursework integrates advanced pharmacology, developmental screening, and leadership in evidence-based practice.

UAB's hybrid MSN format offers flexible scheduling for working nurses, with clinical experiences arranged through Children's of Alabama and community health partners. Graduates are eligible for PNP certification through the PNCB and are prepared for advanced clinical and leadership roles in pediatric nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $723 per credit hour
• Financial aid opportunities: Scholarships, grants, and federal aid are available to qualifying students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

9. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama's PPCNP MSN program provides a flexible, online pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. You'll complete 45 credit hours that include core MSN courses, pediatric specialty courses, and a clinical skills intensive for hands-on instruction in advanced pediatric assessment.

Clinical placements are arranged locally under faculty supervision, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge directly in your community. Graduates are prepared to pursue certification and licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and advance pediatric healthcare through evidence-based practice and leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $423 per credit hour (in-state); $846 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid opportunities: Federal aid, military benefits, and institutional scholarships are available.
• Accreditation: CCNE

10. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's PNP-PC program offers a pathway from MSN to DNP, focusing on leadership and evidence-based clinical practice. You'll learn to assess, diagnose, and manage health concerns in infants, children, and adolescents while engaging in scholarly projects that strengthen pediatric healthcare delivery.

Students gain practical experience through the Stead Family Children's Hospital and other affiliated sites. Graduates are eligible for certification through the PNCB and are prepared to serve as expert clinicians, educators, and leaders in pediatric healthcare settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $52,875 for the program (Iowa resident); $89,702 for non-resident (MSN to DNP)
• Financial aid opportunities: Scholarships, federal loans, and assistantship opportunities are available to qualified students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

Our rankings are based on factors that reflect both academic excellence and real-world career preparation. The following criteria were used to evaluate and rank the best pediatric nursing schools:

• Accreditation: Programs accredited by CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) meet national academic and clinical standards.
• Clinical partnerships: Schools offering rotations in children's hospitals or pediatric clinics provide valuable hands-on experience.
• Graduate outcomes: Rankings consider NCLEX-RN pass rates, PNP certification success, and job placement rates.
• Affordability and aid: Tuition costs, scholarships, and financial aid availability were factored into overall program value.

Degree Options in Pediatric Nursing

Students can pursue multiple degree paths in pediatric nursing, from BSN programs to advanced MSN and DNP tracks. Each degree level builds specific skills and qualifications for different career goals, from registered nurses (RNs) to advanced practice nurse practitioners (NPs).

Regardless of the path, pediatric nursing programs emphasize child health assessment, developmental care, and family-centered approaches that promote holistic wellness for young patients. These programs also teach communication, cultural sensitivity, and clinical decision-making skills that prepare graduates to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a variety of pediatric settings.

Common Courses in Pediatric Nursing Programs

Pediatric nursing programs provide foundational nursing education along with specialized child and adolescent care training. Once you choose your pediatric nursing degree path, you'll complete a mix of general nursing and pediatric-focused coursework. These classes help you build the medical, communication, and clinical skills needed to provide care across pediatric healthcare settings.

• Pediatric health assessment: This course teaches students how to conduct physical and developmental evaluations for infants, children, and adolescents.
• Family-centered care: Students learn strategies for effective communication and collaboration with families in pediatric healthcare environments.
• Pharmacology for children: This course covers medication safety, dosage calculation, and side effect management for young patients.
• Pediatric pathophysiology: Students examine common childhood diseases, disorders, and developmental conditions that affect pediatric patients.
• Developmental psychology: This course explores the emotional, social, and cognitive growth that occurs from infancy through adolescence.
• Acute and chronic pediatric care: Students learn to manage both routine and complex health conditions that impact children and teens.
• Evidence-based nursing practice: This course introduces research and data-driven approaches that improve child and family healthcare outcomes.
• Pediatric practicum or clinical rotation: Students gain hands-on training through supervised clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings.

Pediatric Nursing Career Paths and Salaries

Graduates from pediatric nursing programs can pursue several rewarding roles in healthcare. Common positions include RN, PNP, pediatric intensive care nurse, and school nurse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pediatric nurses earn a median salary of about $132,000 per year, depending on their education level, certifications, and clinical specialization.

Experienced nurses often advance to leadership roles or continue their education to become clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, or pediatric NPs. Others choose to specialize further in areas like neonatal or critical care nursing, where advanced expertise allows them to take on greater responsibility and make a broader impact in pediatric healthcare.

FAQs About Pediatric Nursing Schools

These frequently asked questions cover degree requirements, certification, and clinical expectations for students interested in pediatric nursing. Understanding these details can help you choose the best path toward your professional goals.

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Pediatric Nurse?

Most pediatric nurses start by earning a BSN and obtaining licensure as an RN. Advanced practice roles, such as PNPs, typically require a MSN or DNP. These advanced degrees allow nurses to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children in clinical settings.

Are Pediatric Nursing Programs Accredited?

The best pediatric nursing schools hold accreditation from the CCNE or ACEN. Accreditation ensures that the program meets national academic standards, prepares students for licensure exams, and maintains high-quality clinical experiences.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Pediatric Nurse?

Becoming a pediatric nurse generally takes about four years for a BSN, which qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Those pursuing advanced roles, such as pediatric nurse practitioners, may spend an additional two to four years earning an MSN or DNP. Program length depends on whether you study full-time, part-time, or through an accelerated track.

What Certification Do Pediatric Nurses Need?

Pediatric nurses can earn certification through the PNCB or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). These credentials demonstrate expertise in child and adolescent healthcare. Certification can enhance job prospects and is often preferred by hospitals and pediatric clinics.

What Is the Job Outlook for Pediatric Nurses?

The job outlook for pediatric nurses remains strong, especially in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and primary care facilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for registered nurses and nurse practitioners over the next decade. As pediatric healthcare expands, demand for specialized nurses who care for children continues to increase.

Explore Nursing Degrees

Explore accredited nursing and pediatric nurse practitioner programs on Learn.org to find one that matches your career goals. Compare tuition, degree levels, and clinical options to start your journey toward a meaningful career in pediatric healthcare.