Pediatric Primary 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 Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP) MSN program prepares graduates to provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and family-centered primary care to children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric primary care nurse practitioners deliver advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare services to meet the specialized physiologic and psychological needs of pediatric patients and their families.

The curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, early intervention, and the management of well-child care as well as complex, acute, and chronic healthcare conditions within a family-centered model. Students develop advanced clinical reasoning, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills to care for diverse pediatric populations in primary care, school-based, and community health settings. The program integrates interprofessional collaboration, cultural competence, and the use of health informatics to enhance quality and safety in pediatric care. Graduates emerge as expert clinicians, leaders, and advocates who promote child health equity, support family engagement, and advance innovation in pediatric primary care delivery.

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 about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

Technical Standards - Nursing

Note: It is highly recommended for applicants seeking admission into the graduate Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track to obtain nursing licensure in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware to enhance preceptor and clinical site selection during the clinical practicum courses. Prior to starting clinical rotations, students must provide license verification in the appropriate state in which they will complete their clinical rotations. Please note all submitted materials become the property of Drexel University.

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:
One year of pediatric nursing care experience is required for applicants prior to entering the clinical sequence in the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner track.

References:
Two professional references required from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to applicant's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study. Recommendation letters must include address, phone number, and signature of recommender. The envelope must be submitted unopened.

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 graduate degree, and
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this M.S.N. program.

CV/Resume:
Required.

Licenses:
A copy of your current, unrestricted United States RN license or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse. License verification from your nursing license registry website are acceptable.

Clinical/Work/Volunteer Experience:
One year of pediatric nursing care experience is required for applicants prior to entering the clinical sequence in the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner track.

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

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes