Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers four Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MSN PNP – Primary Care
- MSN PNP – Acute Care
- MSN PNP – Dual Primary Care + Acute Care
- Post-Graduate Certificate – PNP
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN PNP – Primary Care | $89,349 | 18 months FT |
| MSN PNP – Acute Care | $98,885 | 2 years FT |
| MSN PNP – Dual PC + AC | $109,971 | 2 years FT |
| Post-Graduate Certificate – PNP | $7,152–$21,456 est. | 1–3 additional courses typical |
MSN PNP – Primary Care
The MSN PNP Primary Care at CWRU requires 40–41 credit hours and approximately 600 clinical hours, typically completed in 18 months (four semesters) by full-time students.
Estimated total tuition is approximately $89,349. Heavy-load semesters hit the published per-term tuition cap, which keeps costs lower than a straight per-credit calculation would suggest. Budget an additional ~$4,800/year for the Student Medical Plan and mandatory fees. Graduates are eligible for the PNCB Primary Care PNP certification exam.
MSN PC Curriculum
The 41-credit curriculum spans four semesters and integrates core MSN content with pediatric primary care specialty courses.
PNP specialty courses build through pediatric growth, development, and health supervision; common and acute health problems of pediatric patients; and advanced management in pediatric primary care.
Intensive courses are offered in hybrid format with online content and short on-campus sessions. Clinical courses must be taken in sequence.
Fall Semester 1 (14 cr.)
NURS 405 – Inquiry I: Theoretical Foundations (2 cr.) *Intensive
Introduction to nursing theory, knowledge development, and conceptual frameworks guiding practice and research.
NURS 453 – Advanced Pathophysiology (4 cr.)
Examination of disease processes and physiological alterations across the lifespan influencing health and illness.
NURS 459 – Advanced Physical Assessment (3 cr.)
Advanced assessment skills across the lifespan, emphasizing data interpretation, communication, and diagnostic reasoning.
NUNP 410 – Health Promotion Across the Life Span (2 cr.) *Intensive
Focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and reducing disparities through evidence-based, lifespan approaches.
NUNP 401 – Pediatric Growth, Development, and Health Supervision (3–4 cr.) ^Clinical
Study of pediatric growth, development, and preventive care with emphasis on family-centered and culturally responsive practice.
Spring Semester 1 (13 cr.)
NURS 425 – Inquiry II: Research Process (3 cr.) *Intensive
Overview of the research process, including design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.
NURS 430 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)
Application of pharmacologic principles, including pharmacokinetics and therapeutics, to support safe, evidence-based prescribing.
NUNP 402 – Common and Acute Health Problems of Pediatric Patients (6 cr.) ^Clinical
Management of common and acute pediatric conditions using integrated clinical reasoning and evidence-based care strategies.
NURS 444B – Health Care Delivery and Finance in Advanced Practice (1 cr.) *Intensive
Introduction to healthcare systems, finance, and business practices including billing, coding, and reimbursement.
Summer Semester 1 (6 cr.)
NURS 502 – Inquiry III: Evidence-Based Practice (2 cr.) *Intensive
Application of research evidence to clinical practice, focusing on appraisal and implementation strategies.
NURS 451 – Leadership for Quality Healthcare within Organizations and Systems (3 cr.) *Intensive
Leadership strategies to improve healthcare quality, outcomes, and system performance.
NURS 444A – Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice (1 cr.) *Intensive
Exploration of ethical decision-making and the nurse’s role in addressing complex care dilemmas.
Fall Semester 2 (8 cr.)
NURS 431 – Psychosocial and Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice (2 cr.) *Intensive
Assessment and integration of psychosocial and spiritual factors in patient care, including counseling and risk evaluation.
NUNP 403 – Advanced Management in Pediatric Primary Care (5 cr.) ^Clinical
Advanced management of pediatric patients, including chronic and complex conditions, within family and community contexts.
NURS 444C – Health Policy, Legislation and Legal Issues in Advanced Practice (1 cr.) *Intensive
Analysis of healthcare policy, legal issues, and strategies for influencing policy in advanced nursing practice.
View more curriculum details in the course catalog.
MSN PC Clinicals
Students complete approximately 600 clinical hours embedded within the three clinical (^) courses. Advanced practice core courses (NURS 430, 453, 459) must be completed as co-requisites or prerequisites before clinical nursing courses. Clinical courses must be taken in the semester and sequence listed, and availability is based on enrollment.
- NUNP 401 – Pediatric Growth, Development, and Health Supervision (^Clinical)
- NUNP 402 – Common and Acute Health Problems of Pediatric Patients (^Clinical)
- NUNP 403 – Advanced Management in Pediatric Primary Care (^Clinical)
- Total: approximately 600 clinical hours
- Settings include private practice, primary care clinics, community health centers, and hospitals
MSN PC Admissions
MSN admission is competitive; the essay is emphasized as important to the Admissions Committee. Fall deadline is March 15; fall, spring, and summer starts are available.
- BSN or equivalent from an accredited institution
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Essay: two paragraphs (~250 words each, half page, single-spaced, 12-point font) — (1) career progress and reason for applying; (2) something about yourself not apparent from your application
- Three recommenders (names and email addresses) — preference for RNs in supervisory positions, advanced-degree professional colleagues, and nursing instructors who know your clinical work
- Resume/CV including employment history, fellowships, memberships, and publications
- Official transcripts from BSN or equivalent and all previously attended universities
- $75 application fee
- GRE not mentioned as required — confirm with admissions
- TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants — confirm requirements with admissions
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (APRN GPA of 2.5 or higher required in core APRN courses throughout program)
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis (September through May)
- Fall deadline: March 15 | Spring and Summer: contact admissions for deadlines
MSN PNP – Acute Care
The MSN PNP Acute Care at CWRU requires 50 total credits (45 MSN credits + a 5-credit post-MSN clinical component) and over 600 clinical hours, typically completed in approximately 2 years (five semesters) by full-time students.
Estimated total tuition is approximately $98,885 . Two of the five semesters hit the per-term tuition cap, moderating the overall cost. Budget an additional ~$4,800/year for the Student Medical Plan and mandatory fees.
One year of recent acute care pediatric nursing experience is required for admission. Graduates are eligible for the PNCB Acute Care PNP certification exam.
MSN AC Curriculum
The AC-PNP curriculum shares Years 1 and 2 Fall coursework with the PC-PNP track — the same three semesters of core and foundational courses plus the first two clinical courses (NUNP 401 and 402).
The acute care specialty diverges in Fall Semester II with the addition of Management of Complex Acute Problems in Children and Adolescents I, followed by a Spring Semester II post-MSN component covering Management of Complex Acute Problems II. The post-MSN component is available to anyone who is primary care PNP certified, with a gap analysis performed for students from other programs.
Fall Semester 1 — same as PC track (14 cr.):
- NURS 405, 453, 459, NUNP 410, NUNP 401 (see PC curriculum above)
Spring Semester 1 — same as PC track (13 cr.):
- NURS 425, 430, NUNP 402, NURS 444B (see PC curriculum above)
Summer Semester 1 — same as PC track (6 cr.):
- NURS 502, 451, 444A (see PC curriculum above)
Fall Semester 2 (7–12 cr., depending on dual enrollment):
- NUNP 455 – Management of Complex Acute Problems in Children and Adolescents I (4 cr.) ^Clinical
- NURS 444C – Health Policy, Legislation and Legal Issues in Advanced Practice (1 cr.) *Intensive
- NURS 431 – Psychosocial and Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice (2 cr.) *Intensive
- NUNP 403 – Advanced Management in Pediatric Primary Care (5 cr.) ^Clinical — Dual Program only
Spring Semester 2 — Post-MSN (5 cr.):
- NUNP 456 – Management of Complex Acute Problems in Children and Adolescents II (5 cr.) ^Clinical
See the official curriculum page for more details.
MSN AC Clinicals
Students complete over 600 clinical hours across the clinical courses. The acute care track emphasizes diagnosis and treatment of acute, critical, and chronic illness in children, with clinical experiences in inpatient, ICU, emergency, and specialty settings. Clinical courses must be taken in sequence; availability is based on enrollment.
- NUNP 401 – Pediatric Growth, Development, and Health Supervision (^Clinical)
- NUNP 402 – Common and Acute Health Problems of Children and Adolescents (^Clinical)
- NUNP 455 – Management of Complex Acute Problems in Children and Adolescents I (^Clinical)
- NUNP 456 – Management of Complex Acute Problems in Children and Adolescents II (^Clinical)
- Total: 600+ clinical hours
MSN AC Admissions
- All standard MSN admissions requirements (see PC Admissions above)
- One year of recent acute care pediatric nursing experience required for admission
- Fall deadline: March 15 | Spring and Summer starts available
MSN PNP – Dual Primary Care + Acute Care
The Dual MSN PNP PC+AC at CWRU is one of the most efficient dual-certification pathways available nationally — just one additional course (NUNP 403, 5 cr.) and 200 additional clinical hours beyond the standard AC-PNP curriculum unlocks eligibility for both PNCB certification exams.
Estimated total tuition is approximately $109,971 across five semesters. Three semesters hit the per-term tuition cap, which meaningfully limits costs given the heavier credit load. Budget an additional ~$4,800/year for the Student Medical Plan and mandatory fees.
One year of recent acute care pediatric nursing experience is required for admission. Graduates are eligible to sit for both the PNCB Primary Care PNP and PNCB Acute Care PNP certification exams.
Dual Curriculum
The dual track follows the full AC-PNP curriculum across five semesters, adding NUNP 403 (Advanced Management in Pediatric Primary Care) in Fall Semester II.
This single course, combined with the additional 200 clinical hours in primary care settings, satisfies the requirements for PC-PNP eligibility without requiring a separate degree or program.
Additional course for Dual track (Fall Semester II):
- NUNP 403 – Advanced Management in Pediatric Primary Care (5 cr.) ^Clinical
- 200 additional primary care clinical hours beyond AC-PNP requirements
See the official curriculum page for more details.
Dual Admissions
Admissions requirements are identical to the AC-PNP track, including the one-year recent acute care pediatric nursing experience requirement.
Post-Graduate Certificate – PNP (Primary Care or Acute Care)
The Post-Graduate Certificate PNP at CWRU is available for both Primary Care and Acute Care specialties, and is fully individualized through a gap analysis conducted upon admission.
Because requirements are built around each student’s prior education and certifications, cost and duration vary — FPB describes these as achievable “in as few as one to three additional classes” for some students.
Certificate Curriculum
The gap analysis determines which components of the full MSN PNP curriculum the student must complete. Post-graduate certificate completion requirements are based on the chosen MSN major’s requirements, the student’s prior education, and any existing certifications. Students are given an individualized program plan based on the gap analysis results.
For AC-PNP-certified nurses, the post-MSN acute care component (NUNP 456, 5 cr.) is available as a defined entry point.
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical hours required are determined by the gap analysis and individualized program plan. Clinical courses must be taken in the required sequence consistent with the MSN program. Settings and preceptor arrangements mirror the MSN tracks.
Certificate Admissions
- MSN from an accredited institution and current APRN certification (for post-NP certificate applicants)
- All standard MSN application materials — essay, three recommenders, resume/CV, transcripts, $75 fee
- Gap analysis conducted upon admission to determine individualized program plan
- For AC-PNP post-graduate track: must be primary care PNP certified; gap analysis performed for students from other programs
- Contact admissionsfpb@case.edu for deadlines and start terms
Tuition
Graduate tuition at CWRU is $2,384 per credit hour for fall and spring semesters and $2,316 per credit hour for summer.
A per-term tuition cap applies — $27,774 in fall and $28,607 in spring — meaning students enrolled in 12 or more credits in a given semester pay no additional tuition above those ceilings. This cap meaningfully reduces the cost of heavy-load semesters across all PNP tracks.
In addition to tuition, mandatory fees total approximately $587.50 per academic year (Graduate Student Fee $12, Graduate Student Council Fee $40, RTA Transportation Fee $140, Sales Tax $27, Fitness Membership $187.50, and One to One Fee $150 — some of these vary by term).The Student Medical Plan adds approximately $4,220 per academic year and is subject to approval/waiver.
The published total annual Cost of Attendance — including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses — is approximately $61,990.50.
See the official tuition page for more details.
More Ohio PNP Programs
- Ohio State University - Columbus
- Wright State University - Dayton