Best Online Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

You can expect a demanding curriculum built on three core pillars: advanced clinical coursework, extensive in-person clinical hours, and a final DNP project. This is a significant step up from previous nursing degrees.

The focus here shifts from direct patient care to systems-level leadership. You’ll find that your courses are less about advanced clinical tasks and more about evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and using data to improve quality of care.

Every accredited program requires a substantial number of supervised clinical hours, which are always completed in person at an approved healthcare facility. The program culminates in a DNP project, where you'll identify a real-world clinical problem and develop a practical, evidence-based solution. The goal is to prepare you to be a leader who can improve patient outcomes on a larger scale.

Where can I work with an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP degree?

The answer to this question comes down to one critical choice you'll make in your program: your sub-specialty. Your future work environment is directly determined by whether you pursue a primary care or acute care certification.

A Primary Care (PNP-PC) certification prepares you for outpatient settings. This includes community clinics, private pediatric practices, and school-based health centers. In these roles, your work centers on health maintenance, developmental screenings, and managing chronic conditions.

In contrast, an Acute Care (PNP-AC) certification is designed for inpatient hospital environments. This path leads to roles in pediatric intensive care units, emergency departments, and specialty surgical units where you manage critically ill or complex patients. This single decision fundamentally shapes your day-to-day professional life.

How much can I make with an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP degree?

With a DNP in pediatric care, you can expect to earn between $130,000 and $185,000 annually. Your specific salary within that range is largely determined by your specialization and work environment.

PNPs in primary care roles, often working in outpatient clinics or medical offices, typically earn salaries around $133,000.

In contrast, those with an acute care certification working in hospital inpatient settings can command salaries at the top of that range, often exceeding $184,000. This degree positions you to access the highest tiers of nursing income, and your strategic choices directly shape that potential.

List of the Best Online Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Programs for 2025

1. Florida International University - Post-BSN to DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Florida International University’s Post-BSN to DNP program prepares specialists to deliver primary care for patients from birth through young adulthood. The curriculum focuses on diagnosing and managing common pediatric illnesses and chronic conditions to support the optimal health of children within their communities.

• Program Length: 5 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 77
• Total Tuition: $48,394 (in-state); $87,208 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. University of Virginia - DNP Pediatric - Primary Care NP

The University of Virginia’s DNP in Pediatric Primary Care prepares practitioners to support children's emotional and physical well-being through comprehensive care. Graduates are equipped for autonomous practice and leadership roles, ready to influence public policy and improve pediatric health outcomes on a broad scale.

• Program Length: 3 years (full-time)
• Required Specialization Credits: 19
• Cost per Credit: $888 (in-state); $1,450 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. University of Iowa - DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)

The University of Iowa’s DNP-PNP program builds expertise through a rigorous curriculum that progresses from foundational learning to specialized pediatric coursework. Students gain vital clinical skills through 630 hours of practice, supported by strong clinical preceptors to ensure high-quality, hands-on learning experiences.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 77
• Total Tuition: $92,018 (resident); $169,015 (non-resident)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

4. Johns Hopkins University - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The DNP Pediatric Primary Care NP program at Johns Hopkins University leverages world-class resources to develop clinical experts and healthcare leaders. It combines advanced training in pediatric health management with skills in advocacy and system-level evaluation to transform patient care.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 74.5
• Cost per Credit: $2,057
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Pediatric Primary Care DNP

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Pediatric Primary Care DNP prepares graduates to provide care for patients from birth to age 21 in diverse settings. The program offers a unique LEND fellowship to deepen expertise in caring for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 71
• Cost per Credit: $1,150
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

6. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville - DNP Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers its DNP-PNP program in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with mandatory on-campus visits. These residencies provide crucial networking opportunities and hands-on skills assessment in the university's high-fidelity simulation center, preparing graduates for certification.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 69
• Total Program Fee: $67,277
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

7. University of Missouri-St Louis - DNP, Primary Care Pediatric Emphasis Area

The University of Missouri-St. Louis’s DNP program, with a Primary Care Pediatric emphasis, focuses on providing care within the context of family and community. It equips nurses with in-depth knowledge of well-child care and the management of common pediatric illnesses and chronic conditions.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 70
• Cost per Credit: $980 (resident); $1,913 (non-resident); $1,470 (Midwest Student Exchange)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

8. Maryville University of Saint Louis - BSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Maryville University's online BSN-to-DNP program focuses on empowering nurses to improve the well-being of children from birth to young adulthood. The curriculum is designed to fortify a nurse's professional standing by building specialized skills in preventive care and family health education.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Required Credits to Graduate: 71
• Cost per Credit: $947
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

9. Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP

The Pediatric Primary Care NP program at Rutgers University uses a family and community-centered approach to health promotion for patients up to 21 years old. The curriculum prepares graduates to translate evidence into practice across a variety of outpatient and public health settings.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 74
• Cost per Credit: $1,125 (in-state); $1,647 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

10. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP

The University of Minnesota’s DNP program prepares graduates as Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists, who serve as clinical experts and system leaders. Beyond direct care, the role emphasizes education, research, quality improvement, and consultation to enhance pediatric nursing practice within healthcare organizations.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Specialization: Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Required Credits to Graduate: 77
• Cost per Credit: $1,100
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

How long does it take to complete an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

The time it takes to complete the program depends entirely on your starting point. If you are entering with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can expect the program to take three to four years of full-time study.

For nurses who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the path is shorter. An MSN-to-DNP program typically takes one to two years to complete. Many universities also offer part-time options for working professionals, which can extend these timelines but provide valuable flexibility.

A Growing Path for Nursing Leaders

That time commitment is a significant investment, and it's one that tens of thousands of your peers are making. This reflects a major shift in the nursing profession.

With nearly 43,000 students enrolled in DNP programs nationwide, it's clear this degree is becoming the standard. It's the path for nurses who want to lead clinical teams, influence health policy, and command the highest levels of professional respect and compensation.

How does an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program compare to an on-campus program?

From the perspective of employers and licensing boards, there is no difference between an accredited online DNP and one earned on campus. The key word here is accredited.

As long as the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), it has met the same rigorous standards as a traditional program. You will complete the same curriculum, meet the same clinical hour requirements, and earn the exact same degree. The only difference is the delivery method for your classes; your clinical training will always be in person.

The New Standard in Clinical Education

Online learning for advanced degrees is no longer an alternative—it's a respected standard. The widespread adoption of remote education has solidified the legitimacy of online clinical doctorates from top-tier universities.

This shift isn't limited to nursing; you can see the same trend in the fastest online doctorate in pharmacy programs and other advanced clinical fields. Employers now understand that this format is designed for disciplined, working professionals, and they value the skills and dedication it takes to succeed.

What is the average cost of an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

The cost of a DNP program varies widely depending on the institution, but you should think of it as a significant investment in your future earning power. Total tuition can range from around $48,000 to over $160,000.

For example, a public university like Florida International University has a total estimated tuition of about $48,394 for in-state students. In contrast, a program like the one at the University of Iowa may cost closer to $92,000 for residents. It's essential to look at the cost not as a simple expense, but in terms of the return it will generate for your career. For more information on your options, consider exploring some of the best online nurse leadership DNP programs.

Calculating Your Return on Investment

The most effective way to evaluate the cost is to look at it as a long-term investment. The key is understanding how quickly you can recoup the initial expense through increased earning potential.

Data shows that nurses with a DNP earn, on average, 8% to 12% more than their non-doctoral counterparts. This significant salary increase means that the investment in your education can pay for itself throughout your career, all while opening doors to top-tier leadership positions.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

You don't have to fund your DNP education alone. A wide range of financial aid options is available to help you manage the cost of your degree. The key is to explore all of them to build a comprehensive funding plan.

Your primary options include:

• Federal Student Loans: Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal loans.
• Private Loans: Banks and credit unions offer private loans to cover costs that federal aid doesn't.
• Nursing-Specific Scholarships: Many professional organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for graduate nursing students.
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Check with your current employer. Many hospital systems offer tuition assistance programs to help their nurses advance their education.

Strategic Funding for Nursing Leaders

Beyond the standard options, there are powerful programs designed to attract nursing leaders to high-need areas. These can significantly reduce your educational debt.

One of the most impactful is the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. In exchange for a two-year service commitment in a Critical Shortage Facility, this program can pay off a substantial portion of your student loans. This is a strategic way to not only fund your degree but also make a significant impact in an underserved community right after graduation.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

To be a competitive applicant, you'll need to meet a set of core pediatric nurse practitioner DNP requirements. Admissions committees for online pediatric care nurse practitioner programs look for a strong academic and professional foundation.

The baseline prerequisites typically include:

• An active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the U.S.
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA, usually 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Why Your Experience Matters Most

While those are the official requirements, the most important factor for a competitive application is your clinical background. Most programs require at least one to two years of professional nursing experience, and they strongly prefer that experience to be in a pediatric setting.

Admissions committees want to see a demonstrated commitment to this specialty. Experience in a pediatric ICU, a general pediatric floor, or a busy pediatric clinic shows them you understand the unique demands of caring for children. Just as there are fast track EMT to RN online programs that build a specific foundation, your pediatric experience serves as the critical groundwork for this advanced degree.

What courses are typically in an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

Your curriculum will be divided into two main areas: advanced clinical knowledge and high-level leadership skills. The goal is to build upon your existing expertise to prepare you for a much broader role.

The core clinical coursework is what you might expect, but at a much deeper level. These courses include:

• Advanced pharmacology, focused on pediatric populations.
• Advanced pathophysiology, exploring complex disease processes in children.
• Advanced health assessment and diagnostics for infants, children, and adolescents.

Beyond the Bedside: Learning to Lead Systems

What truly distinguishes the DNP curriculum is its focus on preparing you to be a leader who can improve healthcare on a larger scale. This is where the degree moves beyond advanced clinical practice.

You will take courses in evidence-based practice, learning how to critically evaluate research and apply it to solve real-world clinical problems. You'll also study healthcare policy, data analytics for quality improvement, and interprofessional leadership. Just as the best online exercise science degree provides a deep understanding of human systems, these DNP courses give you the tools to understand and improve the complex systems of healthcare delivery.

What types of specializations are available in an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

Within online pediatric care nurse practitioner programs, your most important specialization choice is between primary care and acute care. This decision will define your patient population, your work environment, and your day-to-day responsibilities.

The two main tracks are:

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (PNP-PC): This prepares you for outpatient settings like clinics and private practices, focusing on wellness, chronic disease management, and common illnesses.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (PNP-AC): This prepares you for inpatient hospital settings, focusing on managing complex, critically ill, or unstable pediatric patients.

How Your Specialization Shapes Your Salary

Your choice has a direct and significant impact on your earning potential. The market places a premium on the advanced skills required for inpatient hospital care.

PNPs in outpatient clinics often earn around $133,000, while those with an acute care certification working in hospitals can command salaries upwards of $184,000. For those pursuing accelerated paths, programs such as 4 week college courses online accredited offer a fast, recognized route to gain the credentials needed for these high-demand roles.

The Critical Need for Acute Care PNPs

That salary difference is also driven by simple supply and demand. There is a critical shortage of acute care-certified PNPs. In fact, only 12% of all PNPs hold this certification. This scarcity creates a major opportunity for those who pursue it, offering greater job security and negotiating leverage. Just as there are shortest women's health nurse practitioner DNP programs online for a specific population, pediatrics has its own crucial divisions that the market rewards.

The chart below breaks down the average salaries by work environment, making the financial implications of this choice clear.

How to Choose the Best Online Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Program

Choosing the right program goes beyond rankings. The "best" program is the one that is the right fit for your career goals and provides the support you need to succeed. Start by evaluating programs based on a few key, objective factors.

First and foremost is accreditation. Ensure the program is accredited by the CCNE or ACEN, as this is non-negotiable for licensure. Next, look at the faculty. Are they recent, practicing clinicians with expertise in the specialty you want to pursue? Finally, confirm the program's structure fits your needs, offering the right entry point (BSN or MSN) and enrollment status (full-time or part-time).  For those looking to quickly advance their careers, consider exploring some of the best online nursing leadership graduate certificate programs.

Look for a Partner in Your Success

Beyond those basics, the single most important factor is the level of student support the program provides. A degree is worthless if you can't pass your boards, and a great program acts as a true partner in getting you across the finish line.

Ask admissions counselors direct questions about two critical areas. First, what kind of clinical placement support do they offer? Securing your own preceptors can be a major challenge, and strong support here is invaluable. Second, what are their board certification pass rates, and what resources do they provide for board preparation? Overcoming barriers like test anxiety is crucial, and a program that invests in your success here is a program worth choosing.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

While your immediate career path after graduation will be as an expert clinical provider, the DNP is designed to be a foundation for long-term growth. This degree opens doors to leadership and influence that go far beyond the clinical setting.

Over the course of your career, you can leverage your DNP to move into a variety of advanced roles. Many graduates of online pediatric care nurse practitioner programs progress into clinical leadership positions, such as a Director of Advanced Practice. Others find a passion for mentoring the next generation and move into academia as university faculty. A third path is to influence care on a systemic level through health policy and advocacy roles.  For those with a passion for science, a bachelor's in natural sciences online can also provide a solid foundation for a career in healthcare.

Your Earning Potential Over a Lifetime

Your salary potential is not static; it's designed to grow with your experience and leadership. As you gain expertise, your value to an organization increases, and your compensation should reflect that.

Nurses with 6-10 years of experience can expect to earn around $138,000. With 11-20 years of experience, that number rises to an average of $152,000, and it continues to grow from there. This shows a clear trajectory for sustained financial advancement over a full career.

Clinical vs. Administrative Leadership

The DNP prepares you for a specific type of leadership—clinical leadership. Your authority comes from your deep clinical expertise. This is different from the administrative path you might pursue with one of the top online MHA programs, which focuses more on the business and operational side of healthcare. The DNP positions you to lead care teams, drive quality improvement, and shape the clinical direction of your organization.

The chart below illustrates how your salary can grow as you gain valuable experience in the field.

What is the job market for graduates of an online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP program?

The job market for DNP-prepared pediatric nurse practitioners is exceptionally strong and secure. This isn't a temporary trend; it's a long-term reality driven by a national shortage of pediatric providers.

As we covered at the beginning, only 3.7% of all nurse practitioners in the country are certified in pediatrics. This fundamental scarcity of specialists is the primary driver of your job security and career potential. It means that you will be graduating with a skill set that is in high demand and short supply.

How Scarcity Creates Opportunity

A strong job market means more than just the availability of open positions. It means you graduate with significant negotiating leverage.

Because you are a scarce and valuable asset, you are in a much stronger position to negotiate for a higher starting salary, a more favorable schedule, or robust professional development support. The market financially rewards this specific expertise, which is why earning your specialty certification provides such a tangible boost. Adding a specialty certification can increase an APRN's annual salary by an additional $5,000 to $15,000. This is the market's way of paying a premium for the exact skills that are needed most.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Programs

Key Findings

Other Things You Should Know About the Best Online Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Programs

How do I find clinical placements in an online DNP program?

Most online DNP programs require students to find their own clinical sites and preceptors in their local area. However, the best programs offer significant support, providing students with a list of affiliated healthcare facilities or a dedicated clinical placement coordinator. You should always ask admissions counselors about their placement support process before you enroll.

What certification is required to be a pediatric nurse practitioner?

After graduating from your DNP program, you must pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP). The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) is the main organization that offers both the Primary Care (CPNP-PC) and Acute Care (CPNP-AC) certification exams. This national certification is required to get your state license.

What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal practice degree that prepares you for the highest level of clinical leadership. A PhD in nursing is a research doctorate that prepares you to become a nurse scientist and conduct original research. You should choose the DNP for a career in expert clinical practice and the PhD for a career in academic research and teaching.

Do I need physician supervision as a DNP-prepared PNP?

Whether you need physician supervision depends entirely on the state where you practice. Each state has its own laws regarding "scope of practice" for nurse practitioners. Some states grant "full practice authority," which allows DNP-prepared NPs to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients independently. Other states require a collaborative agreement with a physician.