Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN

Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Minimum Required Credits: 43.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3801 
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1141

About the Program

The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC) program prepares graduates to deliver advanced, evidence-based, and family-centered care to infants, children, and adolescents with acute, critical, and complex health conditions. The curriculum emphasizes professional practice in the management of medical, surgical, and critical-care patient populations across a variety of acute and specialty healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, and specialty clinics. Students develop advanced diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision-making, and procedural competencies essential for stabilizing and managing rapidly changing pediatric conditions.

The program integrates pathophysiologic and pharmacologic foundations with interprofessional collaboration, ethical practice, and the use of health informatics to optimize quality and safety in pediatric acute care. Graduates emerge as expert clinicians and leaders who provide compassionate, developmentally appropriate, and evidence-based care to diverse pediatric populations while advocating for children and families within complex healthcare systems.

This program also offers a seamless pathway to advanced doctoral study. Students who elect to continue into Drexel’s Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program may apply two courses from the MSN curriculum (NURS 5000 and NURS 5001) toward the DNP program requirements, allowing them to accelerate their doctoral progression and build upon the strong academic foundation established in the MSN program.

Additional Information

For more information on this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

Technical Standards - Nursing

Degree:
BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

Standardized Tests:
N/A

Transcripts:
Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.
If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency

Prerequisites:
A minimum of one year nursing experience in a pediatric acute care setting.

References:
Two professional references required from previous or current supervisors, managers, nursing faculty members or program directors who can attest to applicant's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study. References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members.
You may use our electronic letter of recommendation service
If a recommender prefers to submit an original, hard copy letter, please remind them that it must include an ink signature and be submitted in a sealed envelope.

Personal Statement/ Essay:
Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of...
Why you are choosing this particular program of study
Your plans upon completion of the degree
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program

Interview/Portfolio:
Admissions interview may be required

CV/Resume:
Required.

Licenses:
A copy of your current, unrestricted United States RN license or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse and any advanced practice nursing licensure and certification documents.
License verification from your nursing license registry website is acceptable.
A copy of your current PALS certification

Clinical/Work/Volunteer Experience:
A minimum of one year nursing experience in a pediatric acute care setting.

International Students:
Requirements can be found here:
https://www.online.drexel.edu/support/international-students.aspx

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes