- 1 School with an on campus format
Connecticut offers one of the most established Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) programs in the country through the Yale School of Nursing, located in West Haven.
Yale provides both primary care (PNP-PC) and acute care (PNP-AC) tracks at the MSN and post-master’s certificate levels, with all coursework and clinical coordination delivered in-person.
Because Yale’s programs are campus-based and among the highest-cost options nationally, some Connecticut nurses compare online PNP programs for flexibility or lower tuition.
Quick Comparison: Connecticut PNP Programs
| School | Est. Tuition | Format | Key Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University | $103K–$106K (MSN) | In-Person | Primary Care, Acute Care |
| Maryville University | $42K | 100% Online | MSN, DNP, Certificate |
| Walden University | $45K | Online | MSN, DNP, Certificate |
| Rasmussen University | $51K | Online | MSN, Certificate |
Best PNP Program in Connecticut
Yale School of Nursing
Yale School of Nursing offers one of the most comprehensive and clinically supported PNP programs in the United States, with both primary care and acute care pathways.
Available Tracks
Primary Care PNP (PNP-PC):
- MSN (RN or GEPN entry)
- Post-Master’s Certificate
Acute Care PNP (PNP-AC):
- MSN
- Post-Master’s Certificate
A unique feature is Yale’s GEPN pathway, which allows students without a nursing degree to enter directly into advanced practice preparation.
Format and Structure
All Yale PNP programs are:
- delivered in-person only at West Campus
- structured over 4 semesters (full-time)
- supported by faculty-arranged clinical placements
There is no online option, which is a key distinction from most national programs.
Clinical Training
Yale provides one of the most structured clinical experiences available:
- 756 clinical hours (PNP-PC)
- 752 clinical hours (PNP-AC)
- placements arranged by faculty across:
- Connecticut
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
Students rotate through:
- primary care clinics
- school-based health centers
- specialty pediatric services
- inpatient and acute care settings (for AC track)
The program maintains a 1–2:1 student-to-faculty clinical ratio, which is significantly more hands-on than most programs.
Cost and Time Commitment
- MSN PNP-PC: ~$106,657 | 2 years
- MSN PNP-AC: ~$103,550 | 2 years
Additional costs include:
- annual tuition (~$51,748 per year)
- health insurance (~$3,400/year, waivable)
- lab and technology fees
Yale is one of the highest-cost PNP options, but it also offers:
- structured clinical placement
- strong academic reputation
- high certification readiness
Admissions Highlights
Admissions are highly competitive and include:
- BSN (or GEPN entry for non-nurses)
- RN license (for RN-entry applicants)
- 3.0 GPA recommended
- 3 letters of recommendation
- personal statement
- interview + writing assessment
- NursingCAS application
Prior pediatric experience or shadowing is strongly encouraged.
Choosing a PNP Program in Connecticut
Choose Yale if you want a highly structured, in-person program with faculty-arranged clinical placements and strong academic support.
Choose an online program if you need:
- a fully remote format with no campus visits
- lower total tuition
- more flexible pacing while working
Additional Online PNP Programs to Consider
Even though Yale offers a strong in-state option, some Connecticut nurses compare online programs for flexibility or cost.
Maryville University PNP Programs
St. Louis | $900 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN to DNP / BSN to MSN / DNP
Maryville University’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program gives Connecticut nurses a flexible way to advance into pediatric primary care through fully online MSN, DNP, and post-master’s options. Connecticut students complete clinical hours locally, which makes the program practical for working nurses who need to stay in-state while they study. The program also stands out for its no-GRE admissions, multiple annual start dates, and strong certification outcomes.
Purdue University PNP Programs
West Lafayette | $500 to $600 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
For nursing professionals located in Connecticut, Purdue University’s PNP tracks offer flexible MS, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s credentialing pathways. Designed for working RNs, the hybrid structure integrates online coursework with mandatory clinical preceptorships in pediatric health promotion and illness management. Connecticut graduates emerge with the 630+ clinical hours required for national PNP certification, ready to meet growing primary care needs.
Rasmussen University PNP Programs
Bloomington | $915 cpc | Certificate / BSN to MSN
In Connecticut, Rasmussen University’s Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs offer flexible online learning paired with in-person clinical practice in the student’s community. The MSN-NP and Post-Graduate Certificate tracks both emphasize pediatric health promotion, development, assessment, and treatment across infancy through young adulthood. Students also complete four sequential practicums and a required on-campus residency, which adds a hands-on component to the otherwise online format.
Walden University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Minneapolis | $785 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
Walden University’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program offers Connecticut nurses fully online DNP, MSN, and post-master’s certificate tracks with Practicum Pledge® support for local clinical placements. Connecticut students benefit from structured field placement assistance, virtual skills labs, and case reviews via Walden Grand Rounds to build pediatric expertise without campus visits. With estimated costs from $35,690 for the certificate to $76,415 for DNP and CCNE accreditation, the program prepares graduates for state licensure in pediatric primary care.