Wright State University offers 4 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MSN PNP – Primary Care
- MSN PNP – Acute Care
- Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Primary Care
- Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Acute Care
Most coursework is online, with some synchronous requirements.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN PNP – Primary Care | $33K | Not clearly stated |
| MSN PNP – Acute Care | $37K | Not clearly stated |
| Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Primary Care | $12K | ~1 year |
| Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Acute Care | $7.5K | ~1 year |
The program is best suited for BSN-prepared RNs with pediatric or critical care experience who want a regionally accessible, clinically grounded NP credential — or for practicing NPs looking to add a pediatric specialty without re-earning a full degree.
MSN PNP – Primary Care
The estimated cost for the MSN PNP – Primary Care at Wright State University is approximately $33,320 for Ohio residents (49 credits × $680/credit), and program length is not clearly stated on the official page, though individualized full- and part-time plans are developed at admission.
MSN Curriculum
The primary care concentration totals 49 semester hours and builds on a core of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and family-centered care. Track courses focus specifically on pediatric health promotion, chronic care management, and primary care practicum. Supporting content covers genetics, population health, biostatistics, and advanced family nursing.
NUR 7001 – Role Development and Leadership (3 cr)
Focus on leadership principles and professional role development in advanced nursing practice.
NUR 7003 – Health Policy, Politics, and Issues (3 cr)
Examination of health policy and its impact on care delivery, considering political, economic, and social influences.
NUR 7005 – Nursing Research and Evidence for Practice (3 cr)
Evaluation of research methods and evidence to inform clinical decision-making and improve practice outcomes.
HLT 7001 or EDL 7510 – Biostatistics or Statistics and Research (3 cr)
Application of statistical concepts and research methods to support evidence-based healthcare practice.
NUR 7004 – Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice (3 cr)
Analysis of nursing theories and models to guide practice, education, and leadership.
NUR 7102 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 cr)
In-depth study of pathophysiological processes across the lifespan to support clinical decision-making.
NUR 7103 or NUR 7123 – Pharmacology Across the Lifespan or Pediatric Pharmacology (3 cr)
Study of pharmacologic therapies, focusing on safe prescribing, mechanisms, and patient education.
NUR 7104 or NUR 7124 – Advanced Health Assessment or Pediatric Health Assessment (3 cr)
Comprehensive health assessment techniques, including history-taking, physical exams, and clinical evaluation.
HLT 7121 – Human Genetics and Genomics (2 cr)
Introduction to genetics and genomics in healthcare, emphasizing their role in disease risk and treatment.
NUR 7105 – Population Health (3 cr)
Strategies for assessing population health and designing culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions.
NUR 7106 – Advanced Family Nursing (2 cr)
Application of family-centered care models to assess and support family health and functioning.
NUR 7550 – Health Promotion & Management of Pediatric Minor Illnesses & Injuries (6 cr)
Primary and acute care of pediatric patients, emphasizing health promotion, differential diagnosis, and collaborative care.
NUR 7551 – Chronic Care for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (6 cr)
Management of chronic pediatric conditions through evidence-based, multidisciplinary care approaches.
NUR 7552 – Practicum for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (6 cr)
Clinical practicum focused on delivering comprehensive primary care to pediatric populations across health conditions.
MSN Clinicals
The primary care MSN requires 560 total clinical hours distributed across three track courses. Students are precepted by pediatricians or PNPs across a variety of primary care settings.
- NUR 7550: 168 clinical hours (health promotion and minor illness management)
- NUR 7551: 168 clinical hours (chronic pediatric care)
- NUR 7552: 224 clinical hours (primary care practicum)
- Population focus: children birth to 21 years
- Settings include primary care, specialty pediatrics (cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and others)
MSN Admissions
Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution and meet a 3.0 GPA minimum. Pediatric or critical care experience is strongly preferred.
- BSN from an accredited institution required
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (undergraduate and any graduate work)
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 2 years full-time nursing experience; pediatrics or critical care preferred
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Meaningful clinical experience essay (2 pages maximum)
- Statement of professional goals (250 words maximum)
- Two letters of recommendation (supervisor + nursing faculty or employer)
- Clear BCI/FBI background check
- International students: TOEFL IBT ≥79, IELTS ≥6.0, or Pearson PTE ≥57
Deadline: December 1 (Spring), April 1 (Summer), July 31 (Fall).
MSN PNP – Acute Care
The estimated cost for the MSN PNP – Acute Care at Wright State University is approximately $36,720 for Ohio residents (54 credits × $680/credit), and program length is not clearly stated, with individualized plans developed at admission.
MSN Curriculum
The acute care concentration totals 54 semester hours. Core and supporting courses mirror the primary care track; the difference lies in the clinical specialty courses, which shift focus to acutely, chronically, and critically ill pediatric patients. An optional cardiology elective (3 additional credits) is available.
- NUR 7001 – Role Development and Leadership (3 cr)
- NUR 7003 – Health Policy, Politics, and Issues (3 cr)
- NUR 7005 – Nursing Research and Evidence for Practice (3 cr)
- HLT 7001 or EDL 7510 – Biostatistics or Statistics (3 cr)
- NUR 7004 – Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice (3 cr)
- NUR 7102 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 cr)
- NUR 7103 or NUR 7123 – Pharmacology or Pediatric Pharmacology (3 cr)
- NUR 7104 or NUR 7124 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr)
- HLT 7121 – Human Genetics and Genomics (2 cr)
- NUR 7105 – Population Health (3 cr)
- NUR 7106 – Advanced Family Nursing (2 cr)
- NUR 7550 – Health Promotion & Management of Pediatric Minor Illnesses & Injuries (6 cr)
- NUR 7551 – Chronic Care for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (6 cr)
- NUR 7512 – Acute Illness Management for Acute Care PNPs (5 cr)
- NUR 7513 – Practicum for Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (6 cr)
MSN Clinicals
The acute care MSN requires 672 total clinical hours across four track courses. Students are precepted in acute care settings by pediatricians or PNPs.
- NUR 7550: 168 clinical hours (health promotion and minor illness)
- NUR 7551: 168 clinical hours (chronic pediatric care)
- NUR 7512: 112 clinical hours (acute illness management)
- NUR 7513: 224 clinical hours (acute care practicum)
- Population focus: children birth to 21 years with acute, chronic, or critical illness
- Settings include emergency departments, ICUs, acute care units, and specialty clinics
MSN Admissions
Admissions requirements match the primary care MSN. Two years of pediatric or critical care nursing experience is preferred.
- BSN from an accredited institution required
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 2 years nursing experience; pediatrics or critical care preferred
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Meaningful clinical experience essay (2 pages maximum)
- Statement of professional goals (250 words maximum)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Clear BCI/FBI background check
- International students: TOEFL IBT ≥79, IELTS ≥6.0, or Pearson PTE ≥57
Deadline: December 1 (Spring), April 1 (Summer), July 31 (Fall).
Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Primary Care
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Primary Care at Wright State University is approximately $12,240 for Ohio residents (18 credits × $680/credit), completable in approximately 1 year. Total credit hours may vary based on individual gap analysis.
Certificate Curriculum
The primary care certificate targets the clinically-focused courses unique to the PNP-PC specialty. A gap analysis is performed first to identify which courses from the master’s program still need to be completed; additional courses may be added individually.
- NUR 7550 – Health Promotion & Management of Pediatric Minor Illnesses & Injuries (6 cr)
- NUR 7551 – Chronic Care for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (6 cr)
- NUR 7552 – Practicum for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (6 cr)
- Total: 18 credit hours (baseline; varies by gap analysis)
- A minimum of 9 credit hours is required; independent study may supplement if individualized plan falls below 9 hours
Most coursework is delivered online, with some synchronous sessions.
Certificate Clinicals
The primary care certificate includes 560 total clinical hours, distributed across the three track courses. Clinical experiences span a range of primary care pediatric settings, with a population focus on children birth to 21 years.
- NUR 7550: 168 clinical hours
- NUR 7551: 168 clinical hours
- NUR 7552: 224 clinical hours
Certificate Admissions
Applicants must hold a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner from a CCNE-accredited program. Non-PNP NPs may apply but should note that gap analysis may push total hours above 22 credits, reclassifying the program as a second master’s degree.
- Master’s degree as an NP from a CCNE-accredited program (official transcript required)
- Current, unencumbered APRN licensure in the state where clinicals will occur
- Interview with Program Director (in person or by phone)
- Clear OBI/FBI background check
- Apply through Wright State Graduate School (processing takes 2–6 weeks)
Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Acute Care
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate PNP – Acute Care at Wright State University is approximately $7,480 for Ohio residents (11 credits × $680/credit), completable in approximately 1 year. Total hours may increase based on gap analysis.
Certificate Curriculum
The acute care certificate is structured around two specialty courses unique to the PNP-AC track. Like the primary care certificate, a gap analysis is conducted to determine whether additional courses are needed.
- NUR 7512 – Acute Illness Management for Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (5 cr)
- NUR 7513 – Practicum for Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (6 cr)
- Total: 11 credit hours (baseline; varies by gap analysis)
- Programs exceeding 22 hours are reclassified as a second master’s degree
Certificate Clinicals
The acute care certificate requires 336 total clinical hours across its two courses. Clinical placements focus on acutely and critically ill pediatric patients in acute care settings.
- NUR 7512: 112 clinical hours (acute illness management)
- NUR 7513: 224 clinical hours (acute care practicum)
- Settings include acute care units, ICUs, emergency departments, and specialty pediatric clinics
Certificate Admissions
Applicants must hold a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner from a CCNE-accredited program. Non-PNP NPs may apply; gap analysis determines final credit requirements.
- Master’s degree as an NP from a CCNE-accredited program (official transcript required)
- Current, unencumbered APRN licensure in the state where clinicals will occur
- Interview with Program Director (in person or by phone)
- Clear OBI/FBI background check
- Apply through Wright State Graduate School
Tuition
Wright State graduate tuition is $680 per credit for Ohio residents and $1,245 per credit for out-of-state students (for loads of 1–10.5 credit hours per semester).
A flat semester rate applies for 11–18 credits: $7,363 (resident) and $12,357 (out-of-state). DNP students are assessed under the professional tuition rate — $10,368/semester (resident) and $16,568/semester (out-of-state) — but WSU does not currently offer a DNP-level PNP track in the source material.
Tuition does not differ by PNP specialty (PC vs. AC); differences in total cost reflect credit hour totals only.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The master’s degree program in nursing at Wright State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of the PNP-PC programs are eligible to sit for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care certification exam through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB); PNP-AC completers are eligible for the PNP-AC certification also through PNCB.
Other PNP Programs Based in Ohio
- Ohio State University - Columbus
- Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland