UTA Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Most Track Options for PNP + One of the First PNP-AC Programs in the U.S.

The University of Texas at Arlington CONHI offers five Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • MSN – PNP-PC
  • MSN – PNP-AC
  • Dual MSN – PNP-PC/AC
  • Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-PC
  • Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-AC

All online programs share the same $654/credit tuition rate and multiple start dates throughout the year. Campus-based options are also available. Clinical placement assistance is provided when students experience difficulty finding a preceptor.

Program Tracks Overview

ProgramEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN – PNP-PC$26,814 29–33 months
MSN – PNP-AC$29,430 31–33 months
Dual MSN – PNP-PC/AC~$35,316 est. Not clearly stated; est. ~36–40 months
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-PC~$11,772–$13,080 As few as 5 courses
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-AC~$15,696 As few as 5 courses

Students are asked to locate a preceptor aligned with program requirements as the primary effort — the program provides assistance secondarily.

Program Tracks Overview

MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The MSN PNP-PC at UTA is $26,814 total tuition (41 credits × $654/credit).

Full-time students typically complete the program in 29–33 months. The program is 100% online with multiple start dates. A tuition lock guarantee is available for students who enroll and complete without interruption.

MSN PNP-PC Curriculum

The MSN PNP-PC totals 41 credit hours organized across three components:

  • MSN core (9 cr.): Exploration of science and theories for nursing, principles of nursing research, and evidence-based practice.
  • PNP-PC specialization (29 cr.): Advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pediatric assessment lab, primary pediatric care, pediatric complex care, and three sequential clinical practice courses.
  • Functional role (3 cr.): Role of the nurse in advanced practice.

MSN Core Courses (9 cr.):

  • NURS 5327 – Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing (3 cr.) — 5 weeks
  • NURS 5366 – Principles of Nursing Research (3 cr.) — 5 weeks
  • NURS 5367 – Evidence Based Practice (3 cr.) — 5 weeks

PNP-PC Specialization Courses (29 cr.):

  • NURS 5315 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5334 – Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5220 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (2 cr.) — 5 weeks
  • NURS 5130 – Pediatric Assessment Lab (1 cr.) — 3 weeks
  • NURS 5465 – Primary Pediatric Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5467 – Pediatric Complex Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5371 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5372 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5685 – Pediatric Primary Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-clinical-hour ratio) — 13 weeks

Functional Role (3 cr.):

  • NURS 5350 – Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice (3 cr.) — 5 weeks

View more curriculum details in the UTA catalog.

MSN PNP-PC Clinicals

Students complete a minimum of 720 total clinical hours distributed across three sequential clinical courses. Clinical placement is a collaborative process — students are asked to identify a preceptor aligned with program requirements, with program assistance available when needed.

  • NURS 5371 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr. — 11 weeks)
  • NURS 5372 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr. — 11 weeks)
  • NURS 5685 – Pediatric Primary Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-hour ratio — 13 weeks)
  • Total: 720 clinical hours
  • Clinical placement management system: Exxat
  • Students are asked to locate a preceptor; program provides assistance when needed
  • Students may not be preceptored by individuals they have a personal or financial relationship with
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA is required before enrolling in clinical courses

MSN PNP-PC Admissions

Rolling admissions with multiple start dates. No GRE required for unconditional admission. Two years of RN experience required.

  • BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of the BSN (as calculated by UTA Admissions) — unconditional admission
  • Probationary admission available for 2.8–2.99 GPA with qualifying GRE scores (min. 430/149 Verbal, 430/141 Quantitative, 3.5 Analytical Writing)
  • Two years of clinical experience as an RN (international students must have 2 years in a U.S. or equivalent healthcare system)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license verified through NURSYS
  • Statistics course with a minimum grade of C
  • CPR certification (AHA Basic Life Support)
  • Online application, official transcripts, and application fee
  • Criminal background check and drug screen ($80 + $38 if further screening required) — paid to third-party vendor
  • EXXAT clinical management system enrollment ($133 one-time fee)
  • Employment of no more than 16–20 hours/week strongly recommended during the program
  • Multiple start dates throughout the year — check the academic calendar for current deadlines

MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The MSN PNP-AC at UTA is $29,430 total tuition (45 credits × $654/credit). Full-time students complete the program in 31–33 months.

100% online with multiple start dates.

The program was developed from UTA’s on-campus PNP-AC program, one of the first of its kind in the U.S. when founded in 2004. Graduates are eligible for the PNP-AC National Certification Exam through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

Two years of high-acuity direct patient care in the last 5 years is required — in addition to the standard 2-year RN experience requirement.

MSN PNP-AC Curriculum

The MSN PNP-AC totals 45 credit hours. The curriculum shares the same MSN core and functional role courses as the PNP-PC track, with a distinct PNP-AC specialty sequence that adds an acute care management course.

MSN Core Courses (9 cr.) — same as PNP-PC:

  • NURS 5327 – Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5366 – Principles of Research in Nursing (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5367 – Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.)

PNP-AC Specialization Courses (33 cr.):

  • NURS 5315 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5334 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5220 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (2 cr.) — 5 weeks
  • NURS 5130 – Pediatric Assessment Lab (1 cr.) — 3 weeks
  • NURS 5465 – Pediatric Primary Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5467 – Primary Complex Chronicity (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5466 – Pediatric Acute Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5373 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5374 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5680 – Pediatric Acute Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-clinical-hour ratio) — 13 weeks

Functional Role (3 cr.):

  • NURS 5350 – Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice (3 cr.) — 5 weeks

View more curriculum details in the UTA catalog.

MSN PNP-AC Clinicals

Students complete clinical hours across three sequential acute care clinical courses. Total clinical hours are not explicitly published for the PNP-AC track — contact the program for a specific hour count. The 1:4 credit-to-clinical-hour ratio applies to the Advanced Practicum (NURS 5680). Clinical placement follows the same collaborative model as the PNP-PC track.

  • NURS 5373 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr. — 11 weeks)
  • NURS 5374 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr. — 11 weeks)
  • NURS 5680 – Pediatric Acute Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-hour ratio — 13 weeks)
  • Total clinical hour count not published — contact the program
  • Clinical placement management system: Exxat
  • Students are asked to locate a preceptor; program provides assistance when needed
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required before enrolling in clinical courses

MSN PNP-AC Admissions

Admission requirements are the same as the MSN PNP-PC (see above) with two additional requirements specific to the acute care track:

  • Two years of clinical experience in a high-acuity direct patient care setting within the last 5 years — required (in addition to the standard 2-year RN experience requirement)
  • TOEFL minimum 79 (internet-based), 550 (paper-based), or 213 (computer-based) for international applicants; IELTS minimum 7.0; TSE minimum 40
  • All other requirements are the same as the MSN PNP-PC track — see MSN PNP-PC Admissions above
  • Apply by June 5, 2026 for June 29, 2026 start | Multiple start dates available

Dual MSN – Pediatric Acute and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The Dual MSN PNP-PC/AC at UTA is estimated at approximately ~$35,316 (54 credits × $654/credit). Program duration is not explicitly stated, but estimated at approximately 36–40 months based on the expanded credit load.

This is a campus-based program; online availability should be confirmed with the program.

Graduates are eligible for both the CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC certification exams through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board — the only UTA PNP track that prepares students for dual certification in a single program.

Dual MSN Curriculum

The Dual MSN totals 54 credit hours and 1,260 clinical hours. It combines the full PNP-PC and PNP-AC specialty sequences into one streamlined program, sharing common foundation courses and adding both sets of clinical management courses.

MSN Core Courses (9 cr.):

  • NURS 5327 – Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5366 – Principles of Nursing Research (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5367 – Evidence Based Practice (3 cr.)

Shared Foundation Courses (20 cr.):

  • NURS 5315 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5334 – Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5220 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (2 cr.)
  • NURS 5130 – Pediatric Assessment Lab (1 cr.)
  • NURS 5350 – Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5465 – Primary Pediatric Care (4 cr.)
  • NURS 5466 – Pediatric Acute Care (4 cr.)

Dual Specialty Courses (25 cr.):

  • NURS 5467 – Pediatric Complex Care (4 cr.)
  • NURS 5372 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5373 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5374 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5680 – Pediatric Acute Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-clinical-hour ratio)
  • NURS 5685 – Pediatric Primary Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-clinical-hour ratio)

NURS 5371 (Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice I) does not appear in the dual program course list — confirm the full course sequence with the program before enrolling.

View more curriculum details on the official program page.

Dual MSN Clinicals

Students complete 1,260 total clinical hours across both the primary care and acute care practicum sequences. This is the most clinically intensive PNP track at UTA.

  • NURS 5372 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice II (clinical hours embedded)
  • NURS 5373 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice I (clinical hours embedded)
  • NURS 5374 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice II (clinical hours embedded)
  • NURS 5680 – Pediatric Acute Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 ratio)
  • NURS 5685 – Pediatric Primary Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 ratio)
  • Total: 1,260 clinical hours
  • Students are asked to locate preceptors in both primary and acute care settings

Dual MSN Admissions

Admission requirements are the same as the MSN PNP-PC track (see above) with one additional specialty requirement:

  • Two years of pediatric nursing experience required
  • All other requirements are the same as the MSN PNP-PC track — see MSN PNP-PC Admissions above
  • Confirm online vs. campus-based availability with the program before applying
  • Contact CONHI Graduate Advising for current application deadlines: admiss@upstate.edu

Post-Master’s Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC at UTA is estimated at approximately ~$11,772–$13,080 at the published $654/credit rate (18–20 core credits × $654).

The program overview states 18 credits while the catalog shows 20 certificate foundation credits — confirm the current credit requirement with the program. Actual credits may be lower after gap analysis waivers.

This program is 100% online, completable in as few as 5 courses, with multiple start dates. A tuition lock guarantee applies for students who complete without interruption.

Certificate Curriculum

The PNP-PC certificate is individually created based on a gap analysis of each student’s MSN transcript and experience. Core courses may be waived; the specialty clinical sequence is required. Additional NP core courses may be required based on gap analysis.

NP Core Courses (may be required based on gap analysis):

  • NURS 5315 – Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 5334 – Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners
  • NURS 5220 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
  • NURS 5130 – Pediatric Assessment Lab
  • NURS 5350 – Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice

Certificate Foundation Courses (18–20 cr. — required):

  • NURS 5467 – Pediatric Complex Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5465 – Primary Pediatric Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5371 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5372 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5685 – Pediatric Primary Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-clinical-hour ratio) — 13 weeks

Gap analysis determines final plan of study — actual credit load and cost may be less than the baseline if prior MSN coursework covers some NP core requirements.

View more curriculum details in the UTA catalog.

PNP-PC Certificate Clinicals

Certificate students complete clinical hours through the same three-course primary care clinical sequence as the MSN PNP-PC track. Total clinical hours are not published separately for the certificate — contact the program for specifics.

  • NURS 5371 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5372 – Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5685 – Pediatric Primary Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 ratio)
  • Total clinical hours not published for certificate track — contact program
  • Clinical placement management system: Exxat

PNP-PC Certificate Admissions

  • MSN from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited program
  • BSN from a regionally accredited university with CCNE- or ACEN-accredited nursing program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in MSN program
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Statistics course with minimum grade of C
  • Gap analysis required — contact a graduate advisor before applying to determine course requirements
  • State authorization varies — confirm eligibility before applying
  • Apply by May 22, 2026 for June 29, 2026 start | Multiple start dates available

Post-Master’s Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC at UTA is estimated at approximately ~$15,696 (24 core credits × $654/credit).

Actual credits may be lower after gap analysis waivers. 100% online, completable in as few as 5 courses, with multiple start dates.

Graduates are prepared to sit for the CPNP-AC exam through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

Two years of high-acuity direct patient care in the last 5 years is required.

Certificate Curriculum

The PNP-AC certificate is individually created based on a gap analysis. NP core courses may be waived; the acute care specialty sequence is required.

NP Core Courses (may be required based on gap analysis):

  • NURS 5315 – Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 5220 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
  • NURS 5130 – Pediatric Assessment Lab
  • NURS 5334 – Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners
  • NURS 5350 – Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice

Certificate Foundation Courses (24 cr. — required):

  • NURS 5465 – Primary Pediatric Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5466 – Pediatric Acute Care (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5467 – Primary Complex Chronicity (4 cr.) — 8 weeks
  • NURS 5373 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5374 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.) — 11 weeks
  • NURS 5680 – Pediatric Acute Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 credit-to-clinical-hour ratio) — 13 weeks

View more curriculum details in the UTA catalog.

PNP-AC Certificate Clinicals

Certificate students complete clinical hours through the same three-course acute care clinical sequence as the MSN PNP-AC track. Total clinical hours are not published separately for the certificate.

  • NURS 5373 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice I (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5374 – Pediatric Acute Care Clinical Practice II (3 cr.)
  • NURS 5680 – Pediatric Acute Care NP Advanced Practicum (6 cr. / 1:4 ratio)
  • Total clinical hours not published for certificate track — contact program
  • Clinical placement management system: Exxat

PNP-AC Certificate Admissions

Same requirements as the PNP-PC Certificate (see above) with one additional requirement:

  • Two years of high-acuity direct patient care in the last 5 years — required for acute care certificate
  • All other requirements are the same as the PNP-PC Certificate — see PNP-PC Certificate Admissions above
  • Apply by May 22, 2026 for June 29, 2026 start | Multiple start dates available

Tuition

All UTA online PNP programs are priced at a flat rate of $654 per credit hour, regardless of residency. There is no out-of-state surcharge for online programs. A tuition lock guarantee is available — students who enroll and complete their program without interruption can lock in the current tuition rate for the duration of their program.

  • MSN PNP-PC (41 cr.): $26,814 total
  • MSN PNP-AC (45 cr.): $29,430 total
  • Dual MSN PNP-PC/AC (54 cr.): ~$35,316 est.
  • Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC (18–20 cr.): ~$11,772–$13,080 est. before gap analysis waivers
  • Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC (24 cr.): ~$15,696 est. before gap analysis waivers
  • Per course (3-credit): $1,962

Additional one-time and recurring expenses include:

  • Criminal background check and drug screen: ~$80 (+ $38 if additional screening required)
  • AHA Basic Life Support certification: ~$60
  • EXXAT clinical management system: $133 (one-time)
  • Books: ~$1,200/semester
  • UTA graduation fee: $40

Campus-based programs have different tuition rates — contact the program for current campus tuition. Financial aid assistance is available through the UTA Financial Aid, Scholarships, and MAV ScholarShop resources.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Graduates of the PNP-PC tracks are eligible for national certification exams offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Graduates of the PNP-AC tracks are eligible for the CPNP-AC National Certification Exam through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

Graduates are eligible to be licensed as advanced practice nurses by the Texas Board of Nursing and applicable boards in authorized states.

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