Augusta University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Georgia’s First DNP Program + 100% Board Pass Rate

Augusta University College of Nursing offers two Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Post-BSN DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master’s Certificate – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Program Tracks Overview

ProgramEst. TuitionEst. Duration
Post-BSN DNP – PNP~$34,265 in-state 3 years full-time / 4 years part-time
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP~$9,345~1 year (part-time only)

Both programs are hybrid — primarily online with required on-campus experiences including the MEGAI (Mastering Engagement Gaining Awareness through campus Intensive Experiences) multi-day skills event, a mandatory face-to-face orientation, and a face-to-face defense.

The MEGAI intensive provides hands-on clinical skills training including suturing, joint injections, ultrasounds, and casting. A gap analysis is conducted for certificate students to determine the final course and clinical hour requirements.

Post-BSN DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The Post-BSN DNP PNP at Augusta University College of Nursing is estimated at approximately ~$34,265 for Georgia and South Carolina residents (77 credits × $445/credit) or ~$96,173 for out-of-state students (77 credits × $1,249/credit).

Full-time students complete the program in 3 years; part-time students in 4 years.

DNP Curriculum

The Post-BSN DNP PNP totals 77 credit hours organized across two components:

  • Major/DNP core courses (55 cr.): Covers epidemiology and biostatistics, evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, diagnostic and clinical reasoning, population health, psychopharmacology, healthcare management, health IT, interprofessional leadership, healthcare policy, practice change strategies, and the DNP project sequence.
  • PNP concentration courses (22 cr.): Lifespan development and three progressive PNP didactic/clinical course pairs covering health promotion and supervision, management of acute and common health problems, and management of chronic health problems — from birth through young adulthood.
Major Courses

MINF 6620 – Management of Information Technology
Examines how managers use information technology to support operations, competitive advantage, leadership, vendor relations, and ethical decision-making.

NURS 7150 – Evidence-Based Practice: Principles and Process
Introduces evidence-based practice through case studies, emphasizing problem identification, literature review, critical appraisal, synthesis, and clinical recommendation development.

NURS 7251 – Advanced Psychopharmacology
Builds on pharmacology foundations to examine evidence-based psychopharmacologic treatment across the lifespan, with emphasis on assessment, prescribing, monitoring, and patient education.

NURS 7257 – Health Care Management
Explores strategic management, resource use, quality improvement, risk management, and innovation in current and emerging health care systems.

NURS 7425 – Advanced Pathophysiology
Reviews major pathophysiologic concepts and common disease processes to support differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning, and patient management.

NURS 7430 – Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
Covers major drug classes and their clinical application, including mechanisms, expected effects, and pharmacotherapeutic use in advanced nursing practice.

NURS 7450 – Advanced Practice Nursing Roles in Society
Examines advanced practice nursing roles, legal definitions, and professional perspectives in relation to outcomes, cost, and resource use.

NURS 7460 – Diagnostic and Clinical Reasoning for Advanced Practice Nurses
Develops diagnostic reasoning and advanced assessment skills for comprehensive primary care evaluation across the lifespan.

NURS 7470 – Advanced Health Assessment
Strengthens comprehensive assessment skills through physical, mental, developmental, and nutritional evaluation, history taking, and selected diagnostic procedures.

NURS 7475 – Population Health and Emerging Disease
Applies public health and epidemiologic concepts to population health, prevention, policy, advocacy, and program planning.

NURS 7550 – Leadership in Interprofessional Collaboration and Health Care
Prepares students to use leadership skills to improve health outcomes through interprofessional collaboration at local, regional, and national levels.

NURS 8250 – Health Care Policy: Implications for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Analyzes health policy, delivery systems, reimbursement, disparities, and advocacy strategies from the advanced practice nurse perspective.

NURS 8550 – Evidence-Based Practice: Translation and Application
Focuses on applying evidence-based practice methods to clinical decision-making and health care delivery.

NURS 8551 – Complex Issues in Health Care Delivery
Examines ethical, social, and bioethical issues in health care, including disparities, vulnerable populations, justice, advocacy, and patient rights.

NURS 9050 – Strategies for Effective Practice Change
Guides students through planning, implementing, and evaluating a practice change project grounded in evidence, standards, and policy considerations.

NURS 9051 – DNP Project Inquiry and Change
Supports development, implementation, and evaluation of the DNP project through supervised scholarly practice and collaboration with key stakeholders.

NURS 9191 – APRN Practice Synthesis
Synthesizes advanced practice knowledge and skills while preparing students for the full APRN role and certification review.

NURS 9192 – Advanced Practice Nursing Program Practicum
Provides terminal clinical practicum experience in advanced practice nursing with emphasis on preceptor-guided, collaborative care.

STAT 6300 – Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Introduces basic epidemiology and biostatistics concepts, including study design, data summary, hypothesis testing, and core statistical methods.

Concentration Courses

NURS 7465 – Advanced Studies in Lifespan Development
Examines biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional development across the lifespan and the impact of developmental stages on families and society.

NURS 8321 – PNP I: Health Promotion and Supervision
Prepares pediatric nurse practitioners to support health promotion, maintenance, development, immunization, and family-centered care from birth through adolescence.

NURS 8322 – PNP Practice I
Provides clinical experience in pediatric health promotion, maintenance, developmental assessment, and family-centered care.

NURS 8324 – PNP II: Management of Acute and Common Health Problems
Focuses on diagnosis and management of common pediatric conditions, including prevention, education, family involvement, and culturally responsive care.

NURS 8325 – PNP Practice II
Offers clinical experience in managing acute and common pediatric conditions through diagnosis, treatment planning, and family-centered care.

NURS 8327 – PNP III: Management of Chronic Health Problems
Prepares pediatric nurse practitioners to assess and manage chronic childhood conditions with emphasis on education, coordination, and long-term care.

NURS 8328 – PNP Practice III
Provides clinical experience focused on chronic pediatric conditions, comprehensive management, and family-centered support.

Full-Time Plan of Study:
  • Year 1, Fall (9 cr.): STAT 6300, NURS 7450, NURS 7430 — 0 clinical hours
  • Year 1, Spring (11 cr.): NURS 7150, NURS 7425, NURS 7257, NURS 7475 — 0 clinical hours
  • Year 1, Summer (9 cr.): NURS 7550, NURS 7470, NURS 7251, NURS 8250 — 45 clinical hours
  • Year 2, Fall (10 cr.): NURS 7460, MINF 6620, NURS 8550, NURS 9051 — 105 clinical hours
  • Year 2, Spring (11 cr.): NURS 8321, NURS 8322, NURS 9050, NURS 7465 — 225 clinical hours
  • Year 2, Summer (9 cr.): NURS 8324, NURS 8325, NURS 9051 — 300 clinical hours
  • Year 3, Fall (9 cr.): NURS 8327, NURS 8328, NURS 9051 — 300 clinical hours
  • Year 3, Spring (9 cr.): NURS 9051, NURS 9191, NURS 9192, NURS 8551 — 300 clinical hours

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

DNP Clinicals

Post-BSN DNP students complete 1,183 total hours including direct clinical hours, lab hours, and DNP residency hours distributed across Years 1 through 3. Clinical experiences emphasize primary care of children from birth through young adulthood in ambulatory practices in Georgia or South Carolina.

  • Year 1 Summer: 45 clinical hours (NURS 7470 — Advanced Health Assessment)
  • Year 2 Fall: 105 clinical hours (NURS 7460 — Diagnostic and Clinical Reasoning)
  • Year 2 Spring: 225 clinical hours (NURS 8322 — PNP Practice I)
  • Year 2 Summer: 300 clinical hours (NURS 8325 — PNP Practice II)
  • Year 3 Fall: 300 clinical hours (NURS 8328 — PNP Practice III)
  • Year 3 Spring: 300 clinical/residency hours (NURS 9192 — APRN Practice Practicum + DNP residency)
  • Total: 840 direct clinical hours + 135 lab hours + 300 DNP residency hours = 1,183 total hours
  • Clinical experiences at ambulatory practices in Georgia or South Carolina only
  • MEGAI multi-day on-campus skills intensive required (suturing, joint injections, ultrasound, casting)
  • All clinical sites must be located in Georgia or South Carolina

Post-BSN DNP Admissions

No GRE or MAT required. Two separate applications required — NursingCAS ($85) and AU Supplemental ($25). Application deadline June 15, 2026 for Fall 2026.

  • BSN or MSN from an accredited program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA at baccalaureate level; minimum 3.0 graduate GPA if applicable
  • Unencumbered RN license — Georgia RN or multi-state RN license required before enrollment
  • Statistics or biostatistics course (3 credits, grade B or higher) — undergraduate or graduate
  • One year of professional nursing experience recommended but not required
  • Three letters of recommendation — one must be from a supervisor (charge nurse, unit manager, etc.)
  • CV or resume (include date of most recent revision; uploaded to NursingCAS)
  • Personal essay (completed within NursingCAS; AI-generated responses not permitted)
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended (sent to NursingCAS only — not directly to AU)
  • No GRE or MAT required
  • Face-to-face orientation and face-to-face defense required upon acceptance
  • Criminal background check and drug screen required — must be received at least 4 weeks before semester start
  • TOEFL minimum 79 (internet-based) or IELTS minimum 6.5 for non-native English speakers
  • NursingCAS application: $85 | AU Supplemental Application: $25
  • Must reside in Georgia or South Carolina
  • Application deadline: June 15, 2026 | Fall 2026 start

Post-Master’s Certificate – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP at Augusta University College of Nursing is estimated at approximately ~$9,345 for Georgia and South Carolina residents based on 19 certificate credits plus the 2-credit prerequisite (NURS 7465) at $445/credit.

The program is designed to be completed in approximately 1 year and is offered on a part-time basis only (fewer than 9 credits per semester).

Clinical hours range from a minimum of 549 to up to 750, determined by an individualized gap analysis.

A gap analysis is required to determine each student’s final plan of study and clinical hour requirement.

Certificate Curriculum

The Post-Master’s Certificate totals 19 credit hours plus a 2-credit prerequisite that must be completed before the program begins. The certificate uses separate practice course numbers (NURS 8355–8357) distinct from the DNP practice courses (NURS 8322, 8325, 8328). A gap analysis is conducted for each student upon admission to determine whether additional coursework is needed beyond the standard 19 credits.

Prerequisite (must be completed before start):

  • NURS 7465 – Advanced Studies in Lifespan Development (2 cr.)

Certificate Courses (19 cr.):

  • NURS 8321 – PNP I: Health Promotion and Supervision: Birth through Adolescence (3 cr.)
  • NURS 8324 – PNP II: Management of Acute and Common Health Problems of Children from Birth through Adolescence (3 cr.)
  • NURS 8327 – PNP III: Management of Chronic Health Problems of Children from Birth through Adolescence (3 cr.)
  • NURS 8355 – PNP Practice I: for Post-Graduate Certificate (4 cr.)
  • NURS 8356 – PNP Practice II: for Post-Graduate Certificate (3 cr.)
  • NURS 8357 – PNP Practice III: for Post-Graduate Certificate (3 cr.)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

Certificate Clinicals

Certificate students complete a minimum of 549 clinical hours, up to a maximum of 750 clinical hours, based on the individualized gap analysis required by National Taskforce Standards. All clinical experiences are at ambulatory practices in Georgia or South Carolina.

  • NURS 8355 – PNP Practice I: for Post-Graduate Certificate (clinical hours embedded)
  • NURS 8356 – PNP Practice II: for Post-Graduate Certificate (clinical hours embedded)
  • NURS 8357 – PNP Practice III: for Post-Graduate Certificate (clinical hours embedded)
  • Total: 549 minimum clinical hours; up to 750 based on gap analysis
  • Clinical experiences at ambulatory practices in Georgia or South Carolina only
  • MEGAI on-campus skills intensive required⚠️ Individualized gap analysis may require additional clinical hours beyond the 549 minimum
  • All clinical sites must be located in Georgia or South Carolina

Certificate Admissions

Admission requires current NP certification and an MSN or doctoral degree. Same application process and restrictions as the DNP track apply.

  • Current nurse practitioner certification (APRN-certified)
  • MSN or doctoral degree from an accredited program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN license — Georgia RN or multi-state RN license required before enrollment
  • Three letters of recommendation — one from a supervisor
  • CV or resume, personal essay, official transcripts (all submitted via NursingCAS)
  • Criminal background check and drug screen required before clinical start
  • Face-to-face orientation and defense required
  • NursingCAS application: $85 | AU Supplemental Application: $25
  • Part-time study only — fewer than 9 credits per semester
  • Application deadline: June 15, 2026 | Fall 2026 start

Tuition

Augusta University charges the DNP-PNP program on a per-credit-hour basis for enrollments of 1–11 credits per semester. Rates below are current published rates — confirm with Augusta University for the most recent figures.

  • In-state (GA/SC residents) — 1 to 11 credit hours: $445/credit
  • In-state — 12 or more credit hours: $5,340/semester flat rate
  • Out-of-state — 1 to 11 credit hours: $1,249/credit
  • Out-of-state — 12 or more credit hours: $14,988/semester flat rate
  • Out of country — 1 to 11 credit hours: $1,284/credit
  • Out of country — 12 or more credit hours: $15,408/semester flat rate

The full-time DNP curriculum is structured at 9–11 credits per semester — all below the 12-credit flat rate threshold — so all semesters are billed at the per-credit rate for most students. Additional fees (application, criminal background check, drug screen) apply separately.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post-Master’s Certificate programs at Augusta University College of Nursing are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Augusta University established Georgia’s first Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2005. The PNP concentration has reported a 100% board pass rate in 4 of the last 5 years. Graduates are eligible for national certification by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

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