Best Colleges for Pediatric Nursing: Top Education Choices

The Certificate in Nursing Education, open to registered nurses with various qualifications, enhances educational expertise for those aspiring to teach in pediatric nursing schools and healthcare settings.

The Post-DNP Executive Leadership Specialty (ELS) certificate, part of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, equips seasoned pediatric nurse leaders with advanced skills for navigating complex healthcare organizations. A one-year, part-time, distance-based program, it focuses on organizational leadership, trend analysis, population care design, and crisis management. Duke University ensures flexibility to accommodate professional schedules, making this an ideal choice for those aiming to lead in pediatric healthcare.

Graduate pediatric nurses at this university showcase the ability to translate evidence into practice, perform advanced pediatric nursing skills for specialty practice, lead quality improvement initiatives, and leverage networks for professional advancement. The program emphasizes specific learning outcomes for MSN APRNs, including care planning for population-specific diagnoses and delivering educational interventions using advanced health assessment and other disciplines.

While preparing students for national certification, APRN program graduates may need to fulfill additional state-specific requirements. The University of Pennsylvania stands as a leader in shaping visionary MSN graduates poised to make impactful contributions to pediatric nursing.

Graduates at this university meet the academic requirements to sit for the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (CPNP-PC) Examination administered by the PNCB. Successfully passing this examination earns program graduates the esteemed credential of CPNP-PC. The university stands as a hub for nurturing professionals ready to excel in the direct care of infants and children across diverse healthcare settings.

SLU’s direct-entry program is for students beginning college immediately after high school or students who will transfer from another university or community college. The program allows for study abroad, offers clinical experience in numerous St. Louis area hospitals and provides access to their advanced simulation labs.

This direct entry 21-month program at this university is designed for those who are not registered pediatric nurses but have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field. Students will earn a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) and be prepared to sit for both the nursing licensure exam to become a registered nurse and certification as a clinical nurse leader (C.N.L.).

The university's partnerships with renowned institutions like Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital enrich the education of BSN Nursing students. Clinical rotations, talks, research, and employment opportunities with industry experts contribute to a well-rounded learning experience.

At the heart of healthcare at this university, the students are recognized as the best and brightest in their field. Whether pursuing graduate school or entering entry-level positions in acute inpatient units, community health centers, offices, homes, hospitals, or schools, BSN holders from Simmons are poised for impactful careers in the pediatric nursing profession.

This pediatric nursing program propels students to elevate their clinical competence and refine their application of theoretical frameworks for pediatric nursing practice. Beyond skill enhancement, MSN education at the University of Nevada, Reno, serves as a gateway to scholarly activities, laying the foundation for those considering pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing.

Participating in the MSN program not only nurtures increased clinical sophistication but also provides a platform for students to explore their creative potential and engage in collaborative endeavors with fellow healthcare professionals. The University of Nevada, Reno, stands as a cornerstone for those seeking to advance their pediatric nursing careers and contribute to the ongoing evolution of healthcare.

A notable feature is the requirement for graduates to complete 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in pediatric nurse practitioner roles. Clinical sites, including prestigious institutions like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and other pediatric clinics, provide diverse experiences.

Emory University's degree in nursing is tailored to individual student needs, offering personalized clinical placements and preceptors. Graduates are well-prepared for the pediatric nurse practitioner certification exam, leading to roles where they provide holistic, family-centered care in various healthcare settings, including ambulatory primary health care centers. Former students secure positions as coordinators in pediatric care units and NICUs, reflecting the program's success in producing skilled pediatric nurse practitioners.

The programs prioritize the development of healthcare providers grounded in scientific evidence, capable of analyzing unique needs, engaging in scholarly activities, and ensuring ongoing competence through continuous education. Graduate pediatric nurses at this university are not only equipped to create comprehensive, patient-centered plans of care but also to implement quality and patient safety principles for continuous improvement.

Upon completion of the program at The University of Rochester, students emerge with the ability to synthesize scientific knowledge, design care plans that promote health equity, collaborate effectively with interprofessional teams, and demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles.

The university's degree in pediatric nursing spans two years for full-time students or three years for part-time students, with graduates eligible for the primary care PNP certification exam administered by ANCC or PNCB.

The PNP-PC track builds on the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of BSN-prepared nurses, emphasizing community-based primary health care for pediatric patients. The curriculum covers acute illness identification, pediatric nursing and medical management of acute and chronic conditions, and the development of a knowledge base for community health promotion.

As a nursing major at this university, students focus on end-of-program student learning outcomes (EPSLOs), emphasizing the ability to implement the pediatric nursing process, utilize critical thinking for optimal wellness promotion, engage in effective communication and inter-professional collaboration, integrate culturally congruent care concepts, apply evidence-based findings for clinical decision-making, adhere to legal and ethical principles, and address the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations globally.

Bowie State University's nursing program prepares students to practice within the ethical and legal framework of professional pediatric nursing, emphasizing adaptability to changing healthcare needs and fostering leadership skills. The university provides pediatric nursing students with state-of-the-art technology and virtual simulation, enhancing learning through simulation activities, resource centers, and hands-on experiences with SimMan, SimBaby, and Noel—a pregnant female mannequin demonstrating the full life cycle of gestation and childbirth. With one-on-one support from qualified nursing faculty, students gain confidence in client care in a simulated, non-threatening setting.