The Online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program at Rutgers School of Nursing prepares nurses to provide advanced care to children and adolescents with acute, complex, and critical health conditions. Rigorous online coursework and hands-on clinical training prepare graduates for national certification and advanced practice in high-acuity pediatric settings.
Program Overview
Why Choose the Pediatric Acute Care DNP Program at Rutgers?
Specialized Pediatric Acute Care Training
Develop advanced expertise caring for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with acute, critical, and complex health conditions through specialized coursework and diverse clinical experiences.
Prepare for High-Acuity Pediatric Practice
Build the clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and manage complex pediatric conditions in hospital, intensive care, specialty, and other high-acuity settings.
Lead the Future of Pediatric Healthcare
Develop the leadership, collaboration, and evidence-based practice skills to improve outcomes, advance pediatric care, and make a lasting impact on children and families.
Flexible Learning for Working Nurses
Balance your professional and personal commitments through asynchronous online coursework and coordinated clinical experiences while receiving rigorous preparation for advanced pediatric practice.
All Pediatric Nursing Programs
Graduate Testimonial
“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 sharper, practice with greater precision, and elevate my clinical expertise far beyond what I imagined.”
Jessica Brown, CPNP, AC/PC
Curriculum
The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Program admits students every fall and has the following requirements for graduation:
- 4-year plan of study (11 semesters)
- 73 Credits
- 780 Clinical Hours (min.)
- The minimum number of combined clinical practicum and DNP project experience hours is 1000. Students, however, may be required to complete more than 1000 hours to meet minimum competency requirements for graduation and certification (when applicable).
- Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination as a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
More information about the program:
- Classes are held online with required on-campus immersions.
- Immersions are on-campus experiences that provide hands-on skills and simulation activities at the Stanley-Bergen Building in Newark, New Jersey, required at strategic points in the program. View the immersion schedule below.
Immersions (On-Campus Experience)
On-campus immersions are a signature learning experience of this program. During these immersive sessions, you’ll strengthen your clinical skills through hands-on training, simulation, and skills assessments while collaborating with expert faculty and connecting with classmates. These experiences help build the confidence, competence, and professional relationships essential for success in nursing. Learn more about immersions.
Quick Facts
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Immersions | 3 |
| Length | 3-4 days each |
| Location | Newark, NJ |
Immersion Schedule
| Semester | Course | Days (10 am – 5 pm) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Year 3 (2028) | Foundations of Pediatric Care | Week 3 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday |
| Summer Year 3 (2029) | Pediatric Acute Care Intensive | Week 3 Wednesday Thursday Friday |
| Spring Year 4 (2030) | Final Practicum | Week 10 Monday Tuesday Wednesday |
Four-Year Plan of Study: Fall Start
YEAR 1
Fall (6 credits)
NCOR 6010G Role Development & Foundations of Practice (3.00)
NCOR 6020G Epidemiology & Research for Evidence-Based Practice (3.00)
Spring (6 credits)
NCOR 6030G Scholarly Inquiry, Appraisal & Writing (3.00)
NCOR 6040G Health Data, Informatics & Tech (3.00)
Summer (3 credits)
NCOR 6050G Strategic Leadership & Partnerships (3.00)(35 DNP project hours)
YEAR 2
Fall (6 credits)
NCOR 6060G Healthcare Delivery & Economics (3.00)(35 DNP project hours)
NCOR 6070G Evidence-Based Approaches to Advanced Nursing Practice (3.00)
Spring (9 credits)
NCOR 6080G Advanced Population Health & Advocacy (3.00)
NCOR 5020G Advanced Health Assessment (3.00)
NCOR 5010G Advanced Pathophysiology (3.00)
Summer (6 credits)
NCOR 5040G Advanced Pediatric Pharmacology (3.00)
PED 5045G Advanced Pediatric Physiology and Assessment(3.00)
YEAR 3
Fall (9 credits)
PED 6210G Foundations of Pediatric Care 1 (4.00)(60 clinical hour)***
PED 6120G Diagnostics, Procedures, and Clinical Reasoning for Acute Care (3.00)
NCOR 7000G DNP Project Preparation (2.00)(30 DNP project hours)
Spring (8 credits)
PED 6310G Introduction to Pediatric Acute Care Theory 1 (3.00)
PED 6315G Pediatric Acute Care Practicum 1 (3.00) (180 clinical hours)
NCOR 7010G DNP Project Planning & Proposal Development (2.00)(70 DNP project hours)
Summer (6 credits)
PED 6320G Pediatric Acute Care Theory 2 (3.00)
PED 6325G Pediatric Acute Care Practicum 2 (3.00)(180 clinical hours)***
YEAR 4
Fall (7 credits)
PED 6230G Pediatric Advanced Care Theory(3.00)
PED 6335G Pediatric Advanced Acute Practicum (2.00)(120 clinical hours)
XXXX 0000 DNP Project Implementation (2.00)(100 DNP Project hours)
Spring (7 credits)
PED 6350G Pediatric Acute Care Review (1.00)
PED 6355G Pediatric Acute Care Final Practicum Intensive (4.00)(240 clinical hours)***
NCOR 7030G DNP Project Evaluation & Dissemination (2.00)(50 DNP project hours)
Total Program Credits: 73.00
Total Clinical Hours: 780
Total DNP Project Hours: 320*
Total DNP Program Hours: 1,100**
*Please refer to the Division of Advanced Nursing Practice Student Handbook for more details surrounding DNP Project courses, progression, and program completion timeline.
**The minimum number of combined clinical practicum and DNP project experience hours is 1,000. Students, however, may be required to complete more than 1000 hours to meet minimum competency requirements for graduation and certification (when applicable).
***This course requires in-person attendance for on-site immersions.
BS-to-DNP students must complete all program requirements within six (6) years of admission.
Four-Year Plan of Study: Spring Start
YEAR 1
Spring (9 credits)
NCOR 6020G Epidemiology & Research for Evidence-Based Practice (3.00)
NCOR 6030G Scholarly Inquiry, Appraisal & Writing (3.00)
NCOR 6040G Health Data, Informatics & Tech (3.00)
Summer (6 credits)
NCOR 6010G Role Development & Foundations of Practice (3.00)
NCOR 6050G Strategic Leadership & Partnerships (3.00)(35 DNP project hours)
YEAR 2
Fall (6 credits)
NCOR 6060G Healthcare Delivery & Economics (3.00)(35 DNP project hours)
NCOR 6070G Evidence-Based Approaches to Advanced Nursing Practice (3.00)
Spring (9 credits)
NCOR 5010G Advanced Pathophysiology (3.00)
NCOR 5020G Advanced Health Assessment (3.00)
NCOR 6080G Advanced Population Health & Advocacy (3.00)
Summer (6 credits)
NCOR 5040G Advanced Pediatric Pharmacology (3.00)
PED 5045G Advanced Pediatric Physiology and Assessment(3.00)
YEAR 3
Fall (9 credits)
PED 6210G Foundations of Pediatric Care 1 (4.00)(60 clinical hour)***
PED 6120G Diagnostics, Procedures, and Clinical Reasoning for Acute Care (3.00)
NCOR 7000G DNP Project Preparation (2.00)(30 DNP project hours)
Spring (8 credits)
PED 6310G Introduction to Pediatric Acute Care Theory 1 (3.00)
PED 6315G Pediatric Acute Care Practicum 1 (3.00) (180 clinical hours)
NCOR 7010G DNP Project Planning & Proposal Development (2.00)(70 DNP project hours)
Summer (6 credits)
PED 6320G Pediatric Acute Care Theory 2 (3.00)
PED 6325G Pediatric Acute Care Practicum Intensive (3.00)(180 clinical hours)***
YEAR 4
Fall (7 credits)
PED 6230G Pediatric Advanced Care Theory(3.00)
PED 6335G Pediatric Advanced Acute Practicum (2.00)(120 clinical hours)
XXXX 0000 DNP Project Implementation (2.00)(100 DNP Project hours)
Spring (7 credits)
PED 6350G Pediatric Acute Care Review (1.00)
PED 6355G Pediatric Acute Care Final Practicum Intensive (4.00)(240 clinical hours)***
NCOR 7030G DNP Project Evaluation & Dissemination (2.00)(50 DNP project hours)
Total Program Credits: 73.00
Total Clinical Hours: 780
Total DNP Project Hours: 320*
Total DNP Program Hours: 1,100**
*Please refer to the Division of Advanced Nursing Practice Student Handbook for more details surrounding DNP Project courses, progression, and program completion timeline.
**The minimum number of combined clinical practicum and DNP project experience hours is 1,000. Students, however, may be required to complete more than 1000 hours to meet minimum competency requirements for graduation and certification (when applicable).
***This course requires in-person attendance for on-site immersions.
BS-to-DNP students must complete all program requirements within six (6) years of admission.
Admissions
Fall (September) Start Deadlines
- Priority Application Deadline: March 1 – Apply by this date for priority consideration and to receive your admission decision sooner.
- Final Application Deadline: July 1 – Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until this date, with full consideration for all applicants.
Spring Start Deadline: December 1
Ready to take the next step? Here’s what you need to apply to the DNP Pediatric Acute Care DNP program at Rutgers School of Nursing:
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Preferred GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Current unencumbered RN license. A New Jersey or Compact State RN license will be required after acceptance to the program and within the first semester of study. Students are required to maintain current licensure throughout the program.
- Minimum of 1 year acute care pediatric nursing experience
- PALS certification
- Resume/CV
- Official transcript(s) of all prior college work
- Fully submitted online application, including paid application fee
- A Personal Statement, limited to two pages, which includes the following:
- How have your personal qualities and experiences influenced your career choice, and how will they contribute to attaining this degree?
- Discuss your reasons for choosing this specialty in relation to your career goals. How will this degree impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation?
- Two letters of reference that speak to the candidate’s skills, abilities, and experiences that support their success in this program.
- One reference must be provided by a former faculty member or a professional colleague.
- At least one letter should be from an individual in a supervisory role.
- If necessary, an interview may be offered to qualified applicants.
*Please note that GRE testing is not required.
Transcripts
Applicants are required to submit official transcripts for all previous college work.
- Electronic transcripts (recommended) can be sent to transcripts_nursing@gradadm.rutgers.edu
- Paper transcripts can be sent to Office of Admissions & Recruitment – School of Nursing, 65 Bergen St. (Room 601), Newark, NJ 07107
Newly admitted students must submit updated official transcripts/documents verifying completion of all “in progress” degrees, coursework, or licensure before starting the program. Failure to comply will result in admission being rescinded.
For Rutgers Graduates Only: The School of Nursing Admissions Office will automatically obtain your Rutgers academic transcript after you submit your online application. You do not need to provide it yourself. However, you must still submit transcripts from any non-Rutgers schools you attended.
Application Tips
- Applicants can view their most current admissions status through the online application system.
- The online application contains an admissions checklist which must be completed in order to be considered for admission to the program.
- Applicants are required to submit admission documents through the online application system (the applicant checklist).
- Once the admissions process begins, applicants with fully completed applications (all supporting documentation received) generally receive their admissions decision within 2-3 weeks.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
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.
Licensure & Clinical Compliance for Nursing Programs
At Rutgers School of Nursing, we are dedicated to preparing ethical and skilled nursing professionals. To be licensed in most states, a criminal history background check is a prerequisite for licensure as a registered professional nurse (RN) per the state’s Board of Nursing. Since eligibility criteria may vary, applicants should check with the Board of Nursing of the state in which they plan to apply for licensure to determine the eligibility criteria.
See our Nursing Licensure Requirements page for more information
All nursing students in clinical courses are required to complete a criminal history background check. Depending on your program, clinical sites may require additional screening, such as drug testing and/or fingerprinting, to ensure compliance with their policies and standards. Please review Clinical Clearance Requirements for individual Rutgers nursing programs. These practices reflect the nursing profession’s commitment to trust, accountability, and community safety. If you have questions or need support, our team is here to help guide you on your journey.
Accessibility Accommodations
Many students have questions about disclosing their disability needs when they apply to Rutgers Health programs. The short answer is you don’t have to disclose if you’re not comfortable sharing that information with us at the application stage. Some examples of accommodations needed may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpreters, interviewing accommodations, or accommodations during visitation. If you need accessibility accommodations during the application or interview process for admissions at Rutgers Health, you can explore your options by contacting the Rutgers Health Office of Disability Services or by calling 973-640-0058.
Rutgers Health doesn’t discriminate against students with disabilities, and students are not required or expected to disclose disabilities when they apply to Rutgers Health Programs, unless accommodations are needed during the application process. You can rest assured that we are committed to creating an equal-access environment and supporting your needs during your time at Rutgers.
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.
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.