Post-Master's Certificate in Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Certificate Level: Graduate
Certificate Type: Post-Master's
Number of Credits to Completion: 34.0
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141

About the Program

The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC) Post-Master's Certificate 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.

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing and/or Doctorate of Nursing Practice from program fully accredited by National League of Nursing (NLN) and/or American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN.) The accrediting body for NLN is ACEN and the accrediting body for the American Association Colleges of Nursing is CCNE.

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)

Graduate GPA of 3.0 or above

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

Current, unrestricted United States RN license

Current PALS certification

Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended

Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former nursing faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill and potential aptitude for graduate study. References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members

Personal statement (800 to 1,600 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of:
Why you are choosing this particular track
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program, and
Your plans upon completing the degree

Resume including specific details of your responsibilities and job experiences

International Students:
Additional information can be found here.

Program Requirements