Should I Enroll Into A Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board recognizes primary care pediatric nurse practitioner programs, as accredited by the CCNE or ACEN. Each of these recognized programs include coursework on advanced physiology and pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. Some of these programs are doctorate level degrees, others masters level degrees offering additional certifications post-graduation.
Explore Top Texas Online Nurse Practitioner Programs And Schools
Established in 1876 and now the second-largest university by enrollment in the United States, Texas A& M serves nearly 70,000 online and campus-based students each year.
The university offers a mostly online master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner program. New students must attend a one-day on-campus conference. Students also visit the campus once or twice per semester during certain courses and must make two overnight visits during the clinical portion of their advanced health assessment course. Students may complete their clinical practice hours in their own local community.
- Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Campus: College Station, Texas
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $6,464 per semester
- Admission Requirements: Texas residency, unencumbered RN license, official transcripts, essay, three references, one to two years’ RN experience, interview
- Minimum Time Commitment: 6 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Several 1-2-day visits throughout the program
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Not specified
Scholarships For Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Students
There are various nursing financial aid opportunities for future PNPs. Here are some scholarships for PNP students:
- AfterCollege/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund: This fund supports BSN, MSN and DNP students, including RN-to-MSN program and accelerated nursing program students.
- A Nurse I Am Scholarship: This annual scholarship is provided by Cherokee Uniforms to nursing students around the country. Some years, multiple winners have been selected.
- Elaine Gelman Student Scholarship: This $1,300 scholarship is awarded to nurse practitioner students who demonstrate academic achievement, pediatric healthcare advocacy and clinical competence.
- Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association Inc. General Scholarship: Scholarships of up to $7,500 per academic year are awarded to nursing students specializing in the nursing profession, such as in pediatrics.
- Society of Pediatric Nurses Scholarships: The Society of Pediatric Nurses presents two academic scholarships a year.
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Admission And Certification Requirements
Admission to a nurse practitioner program in Texas may vary slightly among the thirty schools, but applicants may be required to:
- Hold a BSN from an accredited school
- Have a current, unrestricted RN license
- Provide transcripts from all prior collegiate coursework
- Complete the Graduate Record Exam
- Complete a college-level statistics course
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Provide letters of professional reference
- Submit a current resume/ CV
- Provide a written statement of purpose of goal statement
- Provide proof of clinical practicum hours
Since the admission requirements vary, students are encouraged to thoroughly research each school to determine the necessary criteria before applying.
Advantages Of The Program
- Access to resources and experts in the largest medical center in the world
- On-line courses with concentrated on-campus class time
- Ability to pursue your degree while maintaining employment
- The DNP project may be conducted in your work environment or with community partners
- Students have access to clinical partnerships with Magnet and other high level clinical facilities
- Nationally recognized faculty with expertise and broad experience in advanced clinical practice, leadership, informatics, and quality improvement and safety
- Students have an advisor/mentor throughout the DNP program
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What Types Of Nurse Practitioner Programs Are Available In Texas
The main feature that differentiates each NP program is its area of focus. As a Masters or doctoral degree student, you have to choose which population you would like to work with. This decision shapes your curriculum, clinical experiences, and future career opportunities.
Texas has many choices, including family healthcare, geriatric care, mental health and psychiatric care, pediatric health, acute care, and emergency care. The courses below are similar to those that you may take as your core nursing classes.
Commonly Offered Courses in Texas:
- Research and Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing
- Pathophysiology in Advanced Nursing
- Public Healthcare Policy
- Chronic and Complex Healthcare Problems
No matter how long you have been a registered nurse, you need extensive clinical work as an NP student to graduate. There are many key differences between RN and NP duties, and only through clinical work can you grow into your nurse practitioner role.
Although Masters programs only require a minimum of 500 hours, many Texas schools require close to 1,000 hours for graduate students.
If you are considering online nurse practitioner programs, note that you still must fulfill all clinical obligations. With your school advisor, you may complete your hours at an approved local site.
Licensing And Practice Requirements For Nps In Texas
Nurse practitioner licensing goes through the Texas Board of Nursing, where you should already maintain a valid registered nursing license. They require proof of your license, a graduate nursing degree, and national NP certification before they allow you to become a licensed nurse practitioner.
Although Texas NPs currently have restricted practice rights, advocacy efforts may change that in the future .
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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.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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.
Accreditation By The Commission On Collegiate Nursing Education
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the publics health. A specialized/professional accrediting agency, CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs and of post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs. The baccalaureate and masters degree programs in nursing at Texas A& M University College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
FNP, PMHNP, PCPNP, and AG-CNS Programs:
Application Deadline: November 1Program Start: Fall, once a year onlyLength of Program: 1.5 – 2 years full-time Part-Time Study Available? YESDistance Learning Available? Not at this time
ACPNP Program:
Application Deadline: September 15 Extended to Dec. 31, 2021 for Jan. 18, 2022 start.Application Available: May 1Program Start: Spring, once a year onlyLength of Program: 4 consecutive semesters, part-time study Program Format: HybridACPNP Information Sessions
Potential Salary And Jobs
The number of jobs for nurse practitioners is projected to grow 52% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The 2019 median nurse practitioner salary was $109,820 per year, the BLS reports.
Since PNPs work with patients up to young adults, theres variety in the PNP career field. PNPs may work as primary care specialists performing wellness exams and providing medical care in NP offices, or they may work in hospitals or emergency treatment centers as acute care specialists. PNPs may also work in community healthcare clinics and surgical centers. Nursing salaries vary based on your work setting.
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Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Role
Pediatric nurse practitioner duties include a great deal of interaction with children and their parents, working alongside pediatricians to provide primary care for infants, young children and adolescents up to 21 years old. They analyze assessment data, lab work, and diagnostic tests to come to a diagnosis for their patients. Pediatric nurse practitioners are responsible for prescribing medication and require attention to detail since they deal with age- and weight-appropriate doses for children. Pediatric nurse practitioners will also need to assess the growth and development of their patients to determine if they are meeting the milestones relative to their age groups. Educating patients and their families is another important duty. There is a growing demand for pediatric nurse practitioners who can provide cost-effective health care for children.
Sponsored Online Nursing Programs
1 U.S. News & World Report, 2022 Best Nursing Schools: Masters. Ranked in 2021.
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Top 10 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
The demand for pediatric nurse practitioners is growing. Nurses who attend the best schools with have access to better opportunities upon graduation.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care is the most popular pediatric nurse practitioner option available at these schools. However, some schools also offer Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care programs as well.
Here are the 10 best pediatric nurse practitioner programs:
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Texas Nurse Practitioner Preceptors And Clinical Rotations
In order to be licensed as a nurse practitioner, and as an integral part of your curriculum, you will need to complete 500 or more hours of clinical rotations under a preceptor. Here are some locations in Texas for you to obtain clinical hours including contact information. Contact each of them to learn about how they can help you reach your preceptor goals in your APRN program.
Pediatric Np Pay Salary And Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment opportunities for all nurse practitioners would grow by 31% between 2016 and 2026. This is much faster than other occupations and a result of increasing demand for healthcare services. While there is no specific data released regarding pediatric nurse practitioners, the recent surge of births has dramatically increased the need for this specialty. Additionally, as the healthcare industry continues to change there will continue to be a need for PNPs.
The BLS doesnt have specific data regarding a pediatric nurse practitioners salary. However, the median pay for general nurse practitioners as of May 2018 was $107,030. Due to the expected increase in demand for capable pediatric nurse practitioners, median wages will likely increase over the coming years.
The BLS reports that in May 2018 the highest paying states for nurse practitioners were:
- California: $133,780
The top five non-metropolitan cities for nurse practitioner pay, according to the BLS, were:
- Big Thicket Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area: $143,480
- Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area: $141,380
- Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area: $128,410
- Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area: $127,370
- Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area: $125,260
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Blended And Hybrid Pnp Programs
Colleges and universities are increasingly offering blended or hybrid course formats that facilitate flexible learning. Blended and hybrid courses replace some traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning . Students in a blended PNP program may attend onsite course immersions and work with members of the faculty to set up clinical learning experiences within the programs network of clinical partners in the surrounding community.
Online Pediatric Np Program Rankings
Distance-based PNP programs typicallyoffer online coursework, flexibility in course load and time tocompletion, and a minimal number of required campus visits.Preceptorships are usually completed local to the student.
The NPSchools.com team compiled acomplete list of online PNP programs for the 2019-2020 academic yearand ranked them by an AdvanceU score that combines cost,admissions flexibility, and program variety. Our databasecontains entries for more than 700 online NP programs at the MSN,DNP, and post-masters certificate levels, including PNP-PC, PNP-ACand dual PNP-PC/PNP-AC programs. In order to qualify for inclusion inthe NPSchools.com rankings below, a PNP program must require no morethan nine campus visits in total.
Should you find a missing program or factual error, please contact us to bring it to our attention.
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Master Of Science In Nursing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner In Primary Care At Hbu
Earning your Master of Science in Nursing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care degree from Houston Baptist University will allow you to master the skills and knowledge necessary to take on new and expanded leadership roles as a nurse.
The PNP-PC program prepares you to sit for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care certification examination from either the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The 38-credit program includes 517 clinical contact hours and can be completed in 24 months. The program will prepare you for a wide range of pediatric primary care practitioner opportunities managing, diagnosing, and treat patients ages birth to 21 years old.
Offered through the School of Nursing and Allied Health, the MSN allows BSN-prepared nurses with a Texas Board of Nursing license to earn their degree without having to travel to class.* The flexible curriculum was developed in a competency-based education model and is delivered through a blend of online coursework and high quality clinical and practicum experiences at leading healthcare providers near you.
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification
- Masters degree or higher from a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner program
- 500 clinical hours of supervised direct care is required in primary care pediatrics
- Three graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
Fees: The Acute Care CPNP® Exam is $385, which includes a $130 non refundable registration fee.Renewal: To maintain your status, you will need to participate in the PNCBs recertification program between November 1 and January 31. Recertification ensures that youre staying current in your field.
Information on the PNCB certification for primary care certified pediatric nurse practitioner was retrieved as of October 2021. For the most up-to-date information, refer to PNCBs website.
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About The Aprn Certificate Programs
The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certificate programs are designed for those nurses who have a masters in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice and wish to complete the course work necessary to sit for national certification as an APRN. Students choose a certificate track as a 1) Family Nurse Practitioner, 2) Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, 3) Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, 4) Family Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or 5) Adult Gerontology – Clinical Nurse Specialist. Students in the APRN Certificate Programs will complete the didactic and clinical hours necessary to take the national exam in their specialty area. They will not, however, earn a second graduate degree.
Advanced Practice Nursing : Visit Advance Practice Nursing to learn about APN programs.
Pediatric Np Dnp Programs
The doctoral pediatric nurse practitioner program offers more coursework than the MSN level degree, with classes focused on management and leadership. This pathway is suited to those who want to enter the highest levels of pediatric nursing practice. The curriculum includes classes such as Management of Complex and Chronic Problems in Pediatric Care, Biostatistics, and Well Child Advanced Practicum. Arizona State University is an example of a school that offers a DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program.
RN to DNP Programs
For nurses with their BSN who want to advance their careers to the doctoral level of pediatric nursing, many schools offer an alternative path: the BSN to DNP program. These specialized bridge programs allow nurses to earn their master’s degree in nursing and doctoral degree in nursing simultaneously, in less time than two separate programs. Upon graduation from a BSN to DNP program, nurses will be prepared for leadership roles and advanced practice careers in their chosen field of nursing. For nurses who are interested in becoming pediatric nurse practitioners, schools like offer BSN to DNP programs with concentrated studies in pediatric nursing.
See our list of post master’s PNP graduate certificate programs.
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Applying To A Pediatric Np Program
Admission requirements for pediatric NP programs vary, depending on the school. Generally speaking, though, prospective students should possess an undergraduate degree in nursing with a minimum GPA ranging from 2.5-3.5. They should also hold registered nursing licensure.
Some pediatric NP programs operate as bridge programs, which means they accept applicants with an associate degree. However, most MSN degree programs require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. Work experience requirements vary too. Some programs require at least 1-2 years of experience, while other programs allow students to enroll immediately after completing a bachelor’s degree. Applicants may need to submit GRE or MAT scores, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
If you’re interested in distance learning, you can find a list of the best online MSN programs here. You can also learn more about how to become an NP with this resource.
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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