Rutgers School of Nursing offers online pediatric nurse practitioner programs specializing in acute care, primary care, or dual acute and primary care. Specializing as a pediatric nurse practitioner allows you to make a lasting impact on children and families from infancy through young adulthood. Earn a doctor of nursing practice degree or post-master’s certificate and prepare for national certification.
Which Program Is Right For Me?
At Rutgers School of Nursing, there are multiple flexible paths to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Choose your degree and your specialization.
Why Rutgers Pediatric Nursing?
Rutgers School of Nursing prepares pediatric nurse practitioners to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that improves the health and well-being of children and families. As New Jersey’s only Dual Primary/Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program, we offer distinctive educational pathways that prepare graduates to practice across the full spectrum of pediatric healthcare and meet the growing demand for specialized providers throughout the region.
Unique Dual Certification Opportunities
Rutgers is the only school in New Jersey to offer a Dual Primary/Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program, giving students the opportunity to pursue both certification exams and expand their career options across primary, acute, specialty, and inpatient pediatric settings.
Personalized Clinical Experiences
Complete faculty-supported clinical placements at private practices, specialty clinics, hospitals, and medical centers. A wide range of experiences and expert preceptors help students build the skills and confidence needed to care for children across the pediatric lifespan.
Flexible Learning for Working Nurses
Designed with working professionals in mind, our program combines online coursework with coordinated clinical experiences to support work-life balance while maintaining a rigorous, high-quality educational experience.
Exceptional Career Preparation
Pediatric nurse practitioners are in growing demand, creating strong career opportunities for graduates. Rutgers alumni are well prepared to enter the workforce, providing specialized, family-centered care and helping address critical pediatric health needs across New Jersey and beyond.
Compare Programs
| Program | Credits | Years to complete |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | 67 credits, 780 Clinical Hours | 4 years |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | 73 Credits, 780 Clinical Hours | 4 years |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program | 84 credits, 1200 Clinical Hours | 4 years |
| Post Master’s Certificate Pediatric Primary Care NP | 32 credits*, 765 Clinical Hours | 2 years |
| Post Master’s Certificate Pediatric Acute Care NP | 22 credits*, 540 Clinical Hours | 1.5 years |
*If you already have a master’s degree and plan to enroll in our post-master’s certificate programs for Pediatric Primary Care or Pediatric Acute Care, your transcript will need to be reviewed, and a GAP analysis will be performed to determine what classes you may need. Each student is evaluated on an individual basis.
All Pediatric Programs
Application Information
Graduate Testimonials
“Completing the Rutgers Pediatric Acute Care Post-Master’s Certificate program was one of the most transformative experiences of my career. Even after years as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in a busy emergency department, this program pushed me to think more sharply, practice with greater precision, and elevate my clinical expertise far beyond what I imagined.”
Jessica Brown, CPNP, AC/PC
Pediatric Program Leadership
Margaret Quinn is a Clinical Professor and the Pediatric NP Program Specialty Director. She is a certified nurse educator and certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner whose academic and clinical focus is on issues impacting children’s health. Dr. Quinn is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and board member for the American Faculty of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (AFPNP).
Meghan Faulkner is the Pediatric Acute Care Track Coordinator and Clinical Instructor. She is a pediatric acute care certified nurse practitioner with over 13 years in advanced practice nursing and over 18 years in pediatric nursing in various surgical and critical care settings, both in the US and the United Kingdom.
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about Rutgers University tuition and fees – refer to “School of Nursing (Graduate)”.
Rutgers School of Nursing is proud to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities to support our undergraduate and graduate students.
International Applicants
The School of Nursing’s Division of Advanced Nursing Practice welcomes applications from international students. We encourage you to explore the resources available through Rutgers Global – International Students and Scholars. Please note: Our programs do not qualify for F-1 or J-1 visa sponsorship. Applicants should ensure that they hold or are eligible for another visa type before applying. View info for international applicants.