Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degrees
There are several pathways that lead to a degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Each program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who want to be PNPs and each program will vary in terms of coursework, clinical components, and focus. The following are the most common degrees that lead to a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner:
Best Pediatric Np Programs
Pediatric NP programs prepare students to work with children in a variety of healthcare settings. Find the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs with this guide.
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Many nurses choose to become a pediatric nurse practitioner to gain more independence and responsibility within their profession. As a type of advanced practice nurse, only about 5% of NPs are certified in pediatrics, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners . Becoming a pediatric NP can also lead to a higher salary pediatric NPs earn an average base salary of $108,500, according to the 2019 AANP Compensation Survey.
In order to become a pediatric NP, individuals first need a master of science in nursing . These programs traditionally last two years, although some pediatric NP schools offer accelerated or part-time programs. These degrees teach students advanced nursing skills and practice. They include several hundred supervised clinical hours as well.
If the idea of becoming a pediatric NP appeals to you, then you can find a list of the best pediatric NP programs below.
Where Does A Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Work
As a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, your work environment may vary from another nurse practitioner in the field. You may work in various hospital-based pediatric departments, such as pediatric intensive care units and emergency departments. You may also find yourself in various inpatient and outpatient settings as well.
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Types Of Nurse Practitioner Programs In Illinois
There are many types of programs for RNs to gain their NP education and certification. These include 2 year nurse practitioner programs, doctorate of Nurse practitioner program online and in traditional learning environments, Family nurse practitioner programs, and accelerated courses.
One example of a Illinois school’s NP program is at West Suburban College .
Please see the Nurse Practitioner Resources section at the bottom of this article for more links to local NP programs.
Np Program Prerequisites & Requirements
When you’re applying to nurse practitioner programs, prerequisites and requirements will vary depending on the school, but you can expect to generally need the following:
- A bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited college or university
- An active RN license and work experience, including a specified number of clinical hours
- A minimum undergraduate GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Application essay
- Statistics
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Np Licensures And How To Apply In Washington
Once you get your certification you can start applying for your licenses. This includes your NP license which comes from the state board of nursing like your RN license, your National Provider Identifier , and your Drug Enforcement Administration number. The NPI number is a national number to keep track of your medical records while your DEA number is necessary for prescribed controlled substances.
For Washington, you apply for your NP license through the department of health at . You will need to submit transcripts, your RN license, and proof of your certification in this application as well as complete background checks and fingerprinting. This can take a few months to be approved so do well in advance. WA state medical licensing is done through the Department of Health, requires an account be made, and a Nursys account. Nursys is a way for the Department of Health to confirm your RN license.
The NPI license application is located on a national website at . This is the same for all states. The DEA license application is also national and located on . Both of these licenses may take a few months as well and come with some hefty fees so incorporate that into your plans.
Are Online Rn To Msn Pnp Programs Available
Yep! A modest number of schools in our directory now offer Online RN to MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degrees. If youre debating between the Primary Care PNP and the FNP, have a look at Online RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Programs. Theres much more choice in that category.
- Undergraduate Phase: Whether its on-campus or distance, Schools of Nursing will expect you to earn credits in upper-level undergraduate courses before you can proceed to the MS or MSN. These courses are almost always offered online, so you can work while you study.
- Graduate Phase: You can take standard MS or MSN courses online, but you must participate in clinical practicums in order to graduate. Youll be able to complete your practicums in your own community. However, youll often be expected to find the worksite and a clinical preceptor who is willing to supervise you.
Another point to consider about online nursing programs? You may need to visit the campus at certain points in the masters degree. For example, at the University of Alabama Birmingham , MSN students take part in an orientation and three multi-day intensives. Some of UABs sub-specialty courses also require on-campus intensives.
Online RN to MSN PNP programs with on-campus components are fantasticthey offer in-depth training and networking opportunities that you wont get elsewherebut they do involve extra costs . Draw up a complete budget before you decide to go the distance.
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Types Of Np Programs In Washington
The first process of becoming a nurse practitioner is to become a registered nurse. The first step of this is to apply to either an RN program or BSN program for schooling. The difference between these is that the RN is an associates degree while BSN is a bachelors degree.
There are a variety of schools to attend that offer one, some, or all of these types of degrees. Washington state offers one NP program at the MSN level, six DNP level and two Post MSN NP Certificate level programs. This number is likely to change given the popularity of NP programs.
Nurse Practitioner Programs: Dnp Vs Msn
One of the first and most important decisions you need to make before applying to a Nurse Practitioner program is whether to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Each can lead to the same job title, but the additional doctorate-level credentials can make a significant difference in the position and type of organization you work within, your marketability, the respect you receive from physicians and other professionals, and the salary that you can earn.
While obtaining your DNP degree is being encouraged by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties as the appropriate minimum education for nurse practitioners, candidates for Nurse Practitioner education also need to weigh the additional investment of time and money that the terminal degree carries.
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Compare The 2021 Top Ranked Online Pediatric Np Post
Taking care of ill and injured newborns is an especially rewarding area of advanced-practice nursing, which is why many NPs wish to switch to this specialty. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate pathway makes it easy for nurses to prepare for practice within NICUs and beyond. Comparing programs is essential to success, and with so many online programs cropping up, it can be hard to find the right one. That’s why we have ranked the best online Pediatric NP Post-Master’s Certificate programs below. For more information on our rankings, check out our Methodology page.
- Online/Hybrid
Pediatric Np Admission Requirements
Admissions requirements for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs vary by school. Students should expect a challenging admissions process that includes a review of the students academic history, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and interview. Some programs may also require that students have a certain amount of pediatric nursing experience and prerequisite coursework.
The admissions criteria for PNP programs generally include the following:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college or university
- Cumulative scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Evidence of a current, unencumbered nursing license
- Minimum of one year of full-time experience as a registered nurse
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended
- Personal statement and at least one letter of recommendation specific
- Personal statement of goals and objectives
- Interview with program faculty
- Clinical experience in pediatric nursing
- CPR and AED certification
Is the PNP program accredited by one of the national accrediting organizations?
Accreditation is an indication of program quality and should be a key consideration when selecting a school. The accrediting bodies that accredit PNP programs include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
What is the certification pass rate for students in the program?
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Vanderbilt University Nashville Tennessee
Tuition: $1,716 per credit
Vanderbilt Universitys Adult-Gerontology Acute Care program is taught by doctorally-prepared faculty using traditional classroom settings as well as live streaming videos, online educational activities, simulated experiences and clinical training. The program offers specialization in cardiology, critical care, nephrology, pulmonology, endocrinology, trauma, rehabilitation and other areas.
Why Pursue An Online Nurse Practitioner Program In Illinois
Nurse Practitioners have completed a Master’s of Science in Nursing or doctoral degree as registered nurses. With growing trends and increased need for health care, NPs are quickly becoming a valuable and essential part of medical practice. Physicians often utilize NPs to perform well-checks and to oversee established therapies without requiring supervision, freeing the physician to focus on surgeries and other cases that fall outside the scope of a nurse practitioner.
NPs can perform needed medical tasks such as requesting and interpreting medical and lab tests, prescribing medication, and other necessary primary care tasks. In rural and remote areas where there might be a critical shortage of physicians, nurse practitioners can step in and provide an essential level of health care for residents within the state of Illinois. NPs will always be in demand, especially in caring for an aging population and patients who lack access to medical care.
RNs in Illinois who think they dont have the time to complete an NP program may be surprised at how online NP programs make it possible. Distance learning options give students the flexibility and convenience needed to juggle work, school, and even a personal life. Many online programs have part-time and full-time options, and sometimes RNs can even complete clinical requirements at their place of employment.
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Program Information: Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs In Illinois
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offers multiple part-time online programs for family nurse practitioners. The MSN program is a four-year program that educates students about disease management, health promotion, and health education. The BSN to DNP program is a six-year program designed for nurse practitioners with undergraduate nursing degrees who wish to obtain a doctorate in nursing. And the post-graduate certificate program is a four-year program for NPs with a masters degree in nursing.
All programs combine didactic coursework and hands-on experience. Students must go to campus once a semester during the practicum courses, which are typically held in the last two years of the programs. Each of the programs prepares students for the proper certification exams.
Coursework in the post-graduate certificate program includes topics such as epidemiology, family health care management, and both advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan. Please note that this program is not currently open to residents of Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, or Wisconsin.
Designed for working professionals, Chamberlains MSN program is offered 100 percent online with no mandatory login times or group work. For students wishing to attend full-time, the program can be completed in as few as eight semesters.
Licensing And Practice Requirements For Nps In Illinois
The licensing process in Illinois is supervised by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. They verify your registered nursing license, graduate degree, and clinical hours. When you begin working, keep in mind that Illinois nurse practitioners have a slightly reduced scope of practice . Its important to remain within your scope of practice at all times to avoid liability issues.
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Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
SLUs family nurse practitioner program prepares you to provide primary health care to patients of all ages. You will help prevent disease, assess and manage acute and chronic health problems, and consult and refer patients within the health care system. SLUs family nurse practitioner program emphasizes quality relationships with patients, families and communities, as well as education and coordination of services aimed at specific health outcomes.
Family nurse practitioners, also known as FNPs, work in a variety of settings and are also well-suited to rural populations, where specialty care may not always be available. Graduates are eligible for national certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program.
Rn To Msn Pediatric Np: Admissions
Regardless of the NP specialty, Schools of Nursing typically want you to have: a diploma or associates degree in nursing , a current RN license, at least one year of RN clinical experience, a baseline undergraduate GPA , and letters of professional reference. Visit our guide to RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs for more info.
A few general rules of thumb:
- For the PC PNP, it helps to have at least one year of RN experience in pediatric and/or neonatal settings. Schools may also ask to see a current Basic Life Support certificate.
- For the AC PNP, you will usually need to have at least one year of acute care pediatric nursing experience. .
Its also worth investing in Pediatric Advanced Life Support certificationa number of PC PNP and AC PNP programs include this as an additional prerequisite.
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Illinois Fnp Licensing Requirements
Advanced practice nurses with an FNP specialization can apply for licensure upon completion of their graduate program through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Advanced practice nurses can apply for initial, transfer and renewal licenses through this entity, either electronically or by U.S. mail. The following is required for an initial license as a certified nurse practitioner:
- Application and $125.00 fee
- Supporting document CCA
- Supporting document CT-APN from the state of original licensure and state of current licensure where one has been practicing within the last five years, if applicable
- A current copy of national nurse practitioner certification from one of the following agencies: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners American Nurses Credentialing Center Pediatric Nurse Certification Board National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties or the Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates
- Official transcripts with school seal as proof of graduation from an advanced practice nursing program in the FNP specialization or a post-masters FNP certificate from a graduate-level program
List Of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools In Illinois
Nurse Practitioners are nurses with further training, education, and certification. NPs who want to extend their skillset and knowledge may specialize in nursing fields like Womens Health Nurse Practitioner , Family Nurse Practitioner, or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Upon completion of an online nurse practitioner program, NPs can start practicing patient care as soon as they wish, a valuable option for rural areas that are critically lacking in healthcare.
NPs should know that online programs offer the same level of education and salary rates as brick and mortar accredited programs. Nurse practitioners typically earn a higher wage than registered nurses as a reflection of their advanced training and education. Specializing in a nursing field can also raise the salary level in the state of Illinois.
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Choosing A Nurse Practitioner Program
Accreditation
It is an absolute must to select a program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing while deciding on a program in the state of Illinois.
Program Length
MSN program length is two to three years at full time status. Some programs offer the option to complete as part-time status. DNP program length averages two years for MSN-DNP and approximately four years for BSN-DNP.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Pediatric NPs in the acute care setting provide care for complex, critical and chronic health concerns to children.
The acute care PNP program prepares graduates to provide care to infants, children, adolescents and young adults with acute, complex, critical and chronic illness in a variety of healthcare settings. PNPs work as part of an interprofessional team to provide care for these patients who may have life-threatening illness and organ dysfunction or failure. Practice settings include hospitals, intensive care units, subspecialty clinics, emergency departments and the patients’ homes.
At UIC Nursing, students are not responsible for finding their own clinical sites practicum sites and highly qualified preceptors are arranged for students by faculty.
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Overview Of Pnp Certification
First up, start with the first four steps outlined in How to Become a Nurse Practitioner. Once you have decided to enroll in a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner graduate program and looked into APRN state licensure , you can start planning for national certification.
The only organization that now offers PNP certification is the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board . The ANCC chose to retire its PPCNP-BC primary care credential as of December 31, 2018, so we have not included it as an option. A few things to keep in mind about PNCB credentials:
- PNCB has separate certifications for primary care and acute care .
- Graduates of Dual Primary Care & Acute Care PNP programs can apply for both exams at the same time .
- The CPNP-AC is not a walk-through. In 2017, the pass rate for the CPNP-PC exam was 90% the pass rate for the CPNP-AC exam was 80%.
Strong RN to MSN PNP programs are happy to talk about their PNCB exam pass rates. Be wary of programs that wont offer up those statistics.