Pediatric nursing is a fulfilling career dedicated to improving the health of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric nurse practitioners, or PNPs, are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide specialized care, diagnose and treat illnesses, promote wellness, and support families in various healthcare settings. There are two main types of pediatric nurses, acute care and primary care, each focusing on different aspects of children’s health.

Whether you’re interested in providing critical care in a hospital setting or long-term preventive care in a clinic, becoming a pediatric nurse allows you to develop specialized, sought-after skills and make a meaningful impact in children’s healthcare.

What Is a Pediatric Nurse and What Do They Do?

Becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner allows you to provide advanced medical care to children from infancy through young adulthood. PNPs conduct health assessments, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and educate families about disease prevention and health management.

Pediatric nurses work in various healthcare environments, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other specialists to provide comprehensive, family-centered care. Depending on their specialty, PNPs may focus on acute or primary care, each serving distinct patient populations.

What Does an Acute Care Pediatric NP Do?

Acute care pediatric nurse practitioners provide specialized, high-intensity care for children with critical illness, including life-threatening conditions. This type of pediatric nurse works in fast-paced environments where they must make quick decisions while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

• Typical work settings: Pediatric ICUs, emergency departments, surgical units, and specialty clinics
• Core skills: Crisis management, interprofessional collaboration, and advanced clinical decision-making in high-pressure situations
• Key responsibilities: Stabilizing critically ill patients, performing life-saving interventions, and supporting families during medical emergencies

What Does a Primary Care Pediatric NP Do?

The role of primary care pediatric nurse practitioners focuses on preventative care, long-term health management, and patient education. They work closely with families to ensure children meet developmental milestones and receive necessary screenings and treatments.

• Typical work settings: Outpatient clinics, schools, community health centers, and home health agencies
• Core skills: Long-term patient relationship building, health education, and disease prevention strategies
• Key responsibilities: Conducting wellness exams, managing chronic conditions, and providing guidance on pediatric health and development

Step-By-Step Guide to Become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner requires completing specialized education, gaining clinical experience, and obtaining board certification and licensure.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

For those interested in pursuing an advanced degree in pediatric nursing — such as Duke University’s Pediatric Acute Care NP MSN or Pediatric Primary Care NP MSN — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution is typically preferred. However, applicants with an associate degree in nursing may also apply if they hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Step 2: Obtain RN Licensure and Nursing Experience

Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to practice as a licensed registered nurse (RN). While Duke’s MSN programs do not require RN experience for most applicants, those applying to the Pediatric Acute Care NP MSN program must have at least one year of acute care pediatric nursing experience.

Step 3: Complete an MSN Pediatric Program

To become a pediatric nurse practitioner, ensure you meet all admissions requirements to the program you are applying for. Select the type of pediatric MSN program that best aligns with your career goals:

• Pediatric Acute Care NP MSN: Prepares NPs to care for critically ill children in hospitals, ICUs, and emergency settings.
• Pediatric Primary Care NP MSN: Focuses on preventative care, wellness, and chronic disease management in outpatient clinics, schools, and community health settings.

Most MSN programs take two to three years to complete, depending on whether you study full or part time. Throughout your program, you’ll complete advanced coursework, clinical training, and hands-on experience in pediatric healthcare settings.

Step 4: Obtain Certification and Licensure

After completing an MSN, graduates must pass a board certification exam to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Once certified, apply for state NP licensure to begin practicing.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook

The growing need for specialized pediatric care has fueled the demand for nurse practitioners in both primary and acute care settings. As more children require preventive care and complex medical services, PNPs are taking on expanded roles in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health settings.

Whether managing critically ill patients in acute care settings or focusing on prevention and long-term wellness in primary care, pediatric NPs are in high demand across various healthcare environments. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses, including PNPs, will increase by 40% over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.

Compensation for PNPs reflects their specialized expertise. The BLS recently reported a median annual salary of $129,480 for APRNs, with the top 10% earning up to $211,820. While salaries vary based on experience, location, and other factors, PNPs in hospital-based acute care roles often earn more than those in primary care settings.

Your Future as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Starts at Duke School of Nursing

With high certification pass rates, a world-class clinical network, and a commitment to nursing excellence, Duke University School of Nursing is the ideal choice for nurses ready to advance their careers as pediatric nurse practitioners. Duke offers two MSN degree options: the Pediatric Acute Care NP MSN and the Pediatric Primary Care NP MSN, both providing hands-on clinical experience and the flexibility of a distance-based learning model for working professionals.

For those pursuing the primary care MSN, Duke provides a unique advantage: Starting in 2025, graduates are eligible for dual certification in pediatric mental health. Both pediatric MSN programs emphasize evidence-based practice, leadership, and health equity, ensuring you are well-prepared for board certification and career success.

Explore our Pediatric Acute Care NP MSN and Pediatric Primary Care NP MSN programs today and take the first step toward becoming a skilled and compassionate pediatric nursing leader.