Pediatric Nursing Graduate Programs in America

Are you interested in medicine and science? Do you enjoy working with children and families? Are you searching for a job that will help you make a meaningful impact every day? If you answered each of these questions with an enthusiastic “yes,” you should consider a career in pediatric nursing.

Pediatric nurse practitioners specialize in treating children and teenagers, along with their families. They perform many duties, such as diagnosing illnesses, educating patients and their parents, ordering laboratory tests, and prescribing medications.

Some nursing jobs in other fields only require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) certification. However, pediatric nurse practitioners complete graduate degrees to ensure they have the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to treat young patients. A master's in pediatric nursing can help you secure a great job in this exciting field.

What Is a Master of Pediatric Nursing?

A Master of Science in Nursing with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration (MSN-PNP) prepares students to provide routine care for healthy children and teenagers. Additionally, students learn how to treat young people with acute and chronic conditions.

MSN-PNP programs are demanding and rigorous. Students gain advanced practical and theoretical expertise through a combination of clinical practicums, coursework, and research. Some programs offer online learning options, while others have hybrid or in-person classes.

Generally, an MSN-PNP takes two to four years to complete. To gain admittance, students will need to hold a BSN and an RN license. Many grad schools also require students to have at least one year of clinical nursing experience before entering the program.

What Careers Can You Pursue With a Master of Science in Pediatric Nursing?

An MSN-PNP degree opens the door to many different career opportunities. Locations where pediatric nurse practitioners work include:

• Children’s hospitals
• Clinics
• Private family or pediatrician practices
• Schools
• Urgent care centers

Challenges of Masters of Pediatric Nursing Programs

All medical graduate degrees are challenging, laborious, and time-consuming. However, an MSN-PNP also poses unique emotional obstacles due to the patients' young ages.

Specific challenges that you may encounter include:

• Child abuse and neglect
• The deaths of children in your care
• Frightened children who don’t want to undergo medical procedures
• Stressed or upset parents

Despite these obstacles, a career in pediatric nursing can be very fulfilling and rewarding for people who are compassionate and emotionally resilient.

Selecting a Master of Science in Pediatric Nursing Program

Over two hundred graduate programs in the United States currently offer advanced degrees in pediatric nursing. Choosing the best program may feel overwhelming, but we at Niche can assure you that doing your research can help you find the right fit.

When choosing which grad programs to apply to, consider these questions:

• Do you need previous nursing experience to enter the program?
• Does the program offer certifications or coursework in your preferred area of specialty, such as pediatric oncology?
• How long is the program?
• What application materials does the program require?
• What opportunities does the program offer for clinical practice?
• What percentage of admitted students graduate from the program?

By carefully choosing the best MSN-PNP program for you, you will be well on your way to a fast-paced, meaningful career as a pediatric nurse.