Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that focuses on the care of children and adolescents. Pediatric nurses play a vital role in providing comprehensive care to children of all ages, from newborns to young adults. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centers.
If you are considering a career in pediatric nursing, you are embarking on a rewarding and challenging path. Pediatric nurses make a real difference in the lives of children and their families, providing care that is both compassionate and evidence-based.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 pediatric nursing schools in the United States and Canada. These schools are known for their high-quality programs, experienced faculty, and strong clinical placements. We will also discuss the factors to consider when choosing a pediatric nursing school.
Factors to consider when selecting a pediatric nursing school
To choose a pediatric nursing program, ensure the program offers hands-on experiences to understand children's needs and their circumstances. Choose pediatric nursing schools with research credibility to stay updated on pediatric care trends.
Faculty knowledge, skill, and experience are also crucial. Schools may offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs with pediatrics coursework, or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) degrees, although not typically focusing on pediatrics, are the most common for nurse practitioners of all specialties.
There are several other factors to consider. These include:
1- Program reputation
Research the reputation of the school's pediatric nursing program. Look for pediatric nursing schools that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
2- Faculty expertise
Make sure the school has a strong faculty of experienced pediatric nurses. Look for faculty members who are involved in research and have published in peer-reviewed journals.
3- Clinical placements
The quality of the school's clinical placements is essential. Make sure the pediatric nursing school has affiliations with a variety of hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
4- Curriculum
The curriculum should be comprehensive and cover all aspects of pediatric nursing care. Look for a curriculum that includes rotations in a variety of settings, such as neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric wards, and emergency departments (EDs).
5- Cost
The cost of tuition and fees can vary significantly from school to school. Make sure to factor in the cost of living in the area when making your decision.
10 best pediatric nursing schools
1- University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is one of the best pediatric nursing schools. This Philadelphia-based private institution offers 141 master's degrees in various formats, including the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner program.
This program provides experiential learning opportunities, internships, and research projects to enhance resumes and develop practical pediatric nursing skills.
Students can transfer previous credits into the program to graduate faster and reduce the cost of their master's degree. Prospective applicants can learn more about the institution's offerings through the admissions department.
The tuition & fees of University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is $63,452 for prospective students and the 2023 graduate school tuition & fees is $44,162.
The University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
2- Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University, a private institution in Nashville, offers 104 master's-level programs, including online options for distance students. The institution's pediatric nurse practitioner-primary care degree is popular among graduate students.
The curriculum is tailored to individual goals and interests, and graduates often secure more advanced roles in the field compared to bachelor's degree holders.
The tuition & fees of Vanderbilt University (Vanderbilt) is $60,348 for prospective students and the graduate school tuition & fees is $53,722.
Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
3- Duke University
Duke University is one of the schools that offer pediatric nursing. It is a private institution in Durham, North Carolina, that offers 92 master's degrees through both on-campus and online programs.
The pediatric nurse practitioner-primary care program is a popular graduate-level option, with a curriculum tailored to graduate students' nursing career goals. Faculty mentors assist in tailoring the curriculum to meet individual needs, ensuring graduates can advance in the pediatric nursing field or transition to another industry.
The tuition & fees of Duke University (Duke) is $62,688 for prospective students and the graduate school tuition & fees is $61,522.
Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
4- Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland and is considered one of the best pediatric nursing schools. Founded in 1876, JHU is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) option is one of 13 graduate programs. Students can pursue part-time MSN studies in pediatrics or another specialty during their residency.
If already having an MSN, they can take the post-master's pediatric primary care option. Other options include a joint MSN and Master of Public Health degree, a nurse educator certificate, or a Ph.D. Doctoral candidates have an MSN to Ph.D. option or either of two doctoral degrees.
The tuition & fees of Johns Hopkins University (Johns Hopkins) is $60,480 for prospective students and the graduate school tuition & fees is $62,962.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
5- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers 140 master's degrees, including a popular primary care pediatric nurse practitioner master's degree. This program provides a challenging curriculum, allowing students to develop high-level skills in the field.
Graduates can pursue advanced positions or apply for doctoral-level pediatric nursing programs, with faculty mentors helping them choose relevant courses. The program is popular for both online and on-campus degree-seekers.
The tuition & fees of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UM-Ann Arbor) are $17,786 for Michigan residents and $57,273 for out-of-state students.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
6- University of Colorado
UC-Denver's Anschutz hosts the Children's Hospital of Colorado, which pioneered the nurse practitioner concept and is one of the top pediatric schools. The Center for Nursing Research supports nursing research with facilities, computer and statistical resources, and consultation on projects.
The CU-UNITE program prepares pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), medical students, and students in the Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant program to address underserved populations.
The PNP program is one of nine graduate nursing specialties leading to an MSN, with two-thirds of coursework available online and 540 clinical hours.
Those with an MSN can pursue pediatric nursing through a post-master's certificate program, integrated MS and DNP program, or research-oriented MS and Ph.D. pediatric nurse practitioner or pediatric nursing leadership and special needs programs.
University of Colorado Denver's tuition is $12,366 for in-state and $35,106 for out-of-state students.
The University of Colorado (CU) system is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
7- University of Rochester
The University of Rochester offers 109 master's programs, including the pediatric nurse practitioner master's program, which caters to students from diverse backgrounds.
The program offers experiential learning opportunities, internships, and research projects, as well as advanced coursework. Students can customize their curriculum and choose classes that align with their goals.
Graduates of master's programs often secure more advanced roles in the pediatric nursing field compared to bachelor's degree holders.
The tuition & fees of University of Rochester (U of Rochester) is $61,678 for prospective students and the graduate school tuition & fees is $42,668.
The University of Rochester is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
8- Emory University
Emory University is a private institution located in Atlanta that offers 75 master's degrees in on-campus and online formats, including a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner degree. Graduates can conduct original research and complete the program with graduate-level coursework credits.
Faculty mentors help students choose classes based on their long-term professional goals. After completing a pediatric primary care master's program, graduates can pursue high-level leadership roles or doctoral studies.
The tuition & fees of Emory University (Emory) is $57,948 for prospective students and the graduate school tuition & fees is $46,700.
Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
9- Ohio State University
Ohio State University (OSU) is a large, public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is the flagship university of the Ohio State University system.
Ohio State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a variety of disciplines, including arts and sciences, engineering, business, law, medicine, and nursing.
Ohio State’s College of Nursing is highly ranked nationwide for its pediatric nursing program. Students train on campus and at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of America’s largest pediatric hospitals.
The Ohio State University's tuition is $12,485 for in-state and $36,722 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
10- Villanova University
Villanova University, a private institution in Pennsylvania, offers 45 master's programs for undergraduate and graduate students and is considered one of the best pediatric nursing schools.
One of its notable offerings is the pediatric nurse practitioner master's program, which caters to diverse degree seekers.
The program provides experiential learning opportunities like internships and research projects, and faculty mentors help students choose classes based on their professional goals. Graduates can advance their pediatric nursing careers or enter the field.
The tuition & fees of Villanova University (Villanova) is $61,618 for prospective students and the graduate school tuition & fees is $21,307.
Villanova University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the best pediatric nursing schools in the U.S. and Canada, it's important to recognize the profound impact these programs have on shaping the future of pediatric care. By delving into the intricacies of child development, fostering empathy and resilience, and equipping nurses with the skills to navigate complex medical scenarios, these institutions are nurturing a generation of dedicated professionals who will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of children worldwide.
