Lehman College Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Most Affordable PNP Program in New York City

Lehman College offers five Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • MS – PNP (45 credits, BSN entry, 480 clinical hours, 2.5 years full-time)
  • BS-to-DNP – PNP (85 credits, BSN entry, 1,100 clinical hours, 5.5 years full-time)
  • Post-Master’s-to-DNP – PNP (69 credits, MSN entry, 1,100 clinical hours)
  • PNP-to-DNP (39 credits, certified PNP entry, 500 clinical hours, 2.5 years full-time)
  • Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate – PNP (30 credits, MSN entry)

All programs use a cohort model and require full-time in-person attendance at Lehman’s campus in the Northwest Bronx. DNP change-based projects must be implemented at the student’s current work site.

ProgramEst. Tuition (NY Resident)Est. Duration
MS – PNP$21,150 2.5 years full-time
BS-to-DNP – PNP$39,9505.5 years full-time
Post-Master’s-to-DNP – PNP$32,430 Not clearly stated
PNP-to-DNP$18,3302.5 years full-time
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate – PNP$14,100 Not clearly stated

Students may select their own preceptors or work with the nursing department’s Clinical Coordinator to secure appropriate clinical sites — the clinical site cannot be the student’s current employer.

Transfer credits may be accepted: up to 12 credits for students without a prior graduate degree (B or higher required), or up to 9 credits for those with a graduate degree.

Application opens the first week of November each year.

Fall entry only — no spring or rolling admissions.

Program Tracks Overview

MS – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The MS PNP at Lehman College is estimated at approximately ~$21,150 at $470/credit (45 credits) for NY residents, or approximately ~$27,725 if billed at the full-time semester rate ($5,545 × 5 semesters).

Program duration is 2.5 years full-time. Students complete 480 supervised clinical hours across three clinical courses, beginning in the second year.

Graduates must submit proof of passing the national certification exam in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to graduate.

The catalog references the ANCC certification exam — the primary PNP-PC certification is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Confirm current certification requirements with the program before applying.

MS Curriculum

The MS PNP totals 45 credit hours across 12 required courses (plus the NUR 600 biostatistics prerequisite) organized across 7 semesters. The first four semesters are theory-focused; clinical courses begin in the fifth semester.

Prerequisite (required before or during first semester):

  • NUR 600 – Biostatistics in Health Research (must be completed with B or higher)

Semester I:

  • NUR 720 – Concepts and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)

Semester II:

  • NUR 721 – Essentials of Clinical Research (3 cr.)
  • NUR 723 – Strategies for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)

Semester III:

  • NUR 726 – Health Planning and Policy Making: Leadership Issues (3 cr.)
  • NUR 766 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)

Semester IV:

  • NUR 767 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)
  • NUR 773 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)

Semester V (clinical begins):

  • NUR 769 – Family Developmental Theory (3 cr.)
  • NUR 770 – Advanced Practice I (6 cr. / 80 clinical hrs)

Semester VI:

  • NUR 771 – Advanced Nursing Practice II (6 cr. / 200 clinical hrs)

Semester VII:

  • NUR 772 – Advanced Nursing Practice III (6 cr. / 200 clinical hrs)
  • NUR 787 – Advanced Professional Seminar (3 cr.)

All core requirements must be completed before starting specialty clinical courses. Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 after 9 credits are not granted automatic probationary status — continuation requires successful appeal to the Office of Graduate Studies with a letter of support from the program director.

The catalog states the program can be completed in 3–5 years; the department FAQ states 2.5 years for the full-time cohort model. The 2.5-year timeline reflects the cohort structure.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

MS Clinicals

Students complete 480 supervised clinical hours across three clinical courses beginning in the second year of the program. Students may select their own preceptors or work with the nursing department’s Clinical Coordinator to secure placement. Clinical experiences are available throughout the NYC metropolitan area and lower Westchester in hospitals, community health centers, physician’s offices, and other primary care facilities.

  • NUR 770 – Advanced Practice I (80 clinical hrs) — first clinical course; begins second year, fall semester
  • NUR 771 – Advanced Nursing Practice II (200 clinical hrs)
  • NUR 772 – Advanced Nursing Practice III (200 clinical hrs)
  • Total: 480 supervised clinical hours
  • Students may self-select preceptors; Clinical Coordinator assists when needed
  • Clinical site cannot be the student’s current workplace
  • Clinical sites span hospitals, community health centers, physician’s offices throughout NYC and lower Westchester

MS Admissions

No GRE required. Personal interview required. Application opens November 1 annually. Deadline: May 15 for MS PNP. Fall entry only. $75 application fee.

  • BSN from a CCNE-, ACEN-, or CNEA-accredited program
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of B (3.0) in nursing and overall
  • Current unencumbered NY State RN license
  • At least 1 year of RN work experience
  • NUR 600 (Biostatistics in Health Research) completed with B or higher — before or during first semester
  • Two letters of recommendation (one from a former instructor or academic advisor; one from a recent employer or supervisor preferred)
  • One-page essay outlining career goals, intellectual and academic interests, and accomplishments related to the MS in Nursing
  • Interview with a member of the graduate curriculum committee
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (CUNY alumni exempt — information available via CUNYfirst)
  • TOEFL IBT ≥ 61, IELTS ≥ 6.0, or Duolingo ≥ 85 for non-English-speaking country applicants
  • MMR immunization documentation required before registration (public health law mandate)
  • $75 application fee
  • No GRE required
  • Application opens: November 1 annually | MS PNP deadline: May 15 | Fall entry only
  • Contact: nursing.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu | 718-960-8374

BS-to-DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The BS-to-DNP PNP at Lehman College is estimated at approximately ~$39,950 at $470/credit (85 credits) for NY residents — or approximately ~$60,995 at the full-time semester rate ($5,545 × ~11 semesters).

Program FAQs reference 81 credits; the catalog states a minimum of 85 credits — confirm current credit requirements before applying. The program spans 5.5 years full-time and requires a minimum of 1,100 clinical hours.

Students complete the MS-level PNP curriculum (NUR 700-level courses) in the first four semesters, then transition to DNP-level courses (NUR 800-level). DNP change-based projects must be implemented at the student’s current work site. Cohort size is limited to 15 students.

BS-to-DNP Curriculum

The BS-to-DNP PNP totals a minimum of 85 credit hours across two phases. Phase one covers the full MS PNP curriculum (see MS curriculum above). Phase two covers DNP-level coursework.

Phase One — MS PNP Curriculum (NUR 700-level, ~4 semesters): Same sequence as the MS PNP — see MS curriculum above for the full course listing. Includes 480 clinical hours across NUR 770, 771, and 772.

Phase Two — DNP Courses (NUR 800-level):

  • NUR 800 – Leadership in Complex Health Care Systems
  • NUR 801 – Evidence Based Practice I: Methods
  • NUR 802 – Evidence Based Practice II: Implementation and Evaluation
  • NUR 803 – Theories in Transcultural Nursing and Health
  • NUR 805 – Epidemiology
  • NUR 806 – Genomics
  • NUR 807 – Financial Management and Budget Planning
  • NUR 808 – Health Policy
  • NUR 809 – Practicum I: Health Literacy and Primary Care
  • NUR 810 – Practicum II
  • NUR 811 – Practicum III

DNP practicum courses are 6 credits each. The program FAQ references 4 DNP-level practicums; the catalog lists 3 (NUR 809, 810, 811) — confirm the current practicum sequence with the program.

Students take 3 courses per semester in the DNP phase. The final year focuses on the three DNP practicum courses and the change-based project.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

BS-to-DNP Clinicals

Students complete a minimum of 1,100 clinical practice hours — 480 hours through the MS PNP clinical sequence plus additional hours through the DNP practicum courses.

  • NUR 770, 771, 772 — MS-level clinical sequence (480 combined clinical hrs)
  • NUR 809, 810, 811 — DNP practicum courses (additional hrs toward 1,100 total)
  • Total: 1,100 clinical practice hours minimum
  • Program can provide preceptors for MS-level FNP/PNP coursework if needed
  • DNP change-based projects must be implemented at the student’s current work site

BS-to-DNP Admissions

Higher GPA threshold than the MS. Three letters of recommendation required. Interview required. DNP deadline: ⚠️ conflicting sources indicate either March 15 or May 15 — contact the program to confirm. $75 application fee.

  • BSN from a CCNE-, ACEN-, or CNEA-accredited college or university
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 (B) in nursing and overall (higher than MS requirement)
  • Current unencumbered NY State RN license
  • At least 1 year of RN work experience
  • NUR 600 (Biostatistics in Health Research) completed within 5 years of application date
  • Personal statement specifying career goals and how the DNP will advance clinical practice
  • A 2–4 page description of a common clinical occurrence the applicant would like to see changed (forms the basis of the DNP change-based project)
  • Three letters of reference addressing academic ability, professional competency, and personal character
  • Current resume or CV (uploaded via e-portfolio)
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Face-to-face interview with the graduate admissions committee
  • TOEFL IBT ≥ 61, IELTS ≥ 6.0, or Duolingo ≥ 85 for non-English-speaking country applicants
  • $75 application fee
  • No GRE required
  • Cohort size: 15 students
  • Fall entry only | DNP deadline: March 15 or May 15 — confirm with nursing.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu

Post-Master’s-to-DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master’s-to-DNP PNP at Lehman College is available to MSN-prepared nurses who want to reach the doctoral level. It is estimated at approximately ~$32,430 at $470/credit (69 credits) for NY residents.

Program duration is not clearly stated in available source materials.

The program requires a minimum of 1,100 clinical hours. The curriculum includes the full clinical practice sequence (NUR 770, 771, 772) plus all DNP-level courses.

Students must complete four prerequisite courses prior to entry if not already completed in their MSN: advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and family developmental theory.

Post-Master’s-to-DNP Curriculum

The Post-Master’s-to-DNP totals a minimum of 69 credit hours. Prior graduate coursework is evaluated for potential transfer credit (up to 9 credits with B or higher for students with a prior graduate degree).

Required Courses:

  • NUR 766 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
  • NUR 767 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)
  • NUR 769 – Family Developmental Theory (3 cr.)
  • NUR 773 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
  • NUR 770 – Advanced Practice I (6 cr. / 80 clinical hrs)
  • NUR 771 – Advanced Nursing Practice II (6 cr. / 200 clinical hrs)
  • NUR 772 – Advanced Nursing Practice III (6 cr. / 200 clinical hrs)
  • NUR 800 – Leadership in Complex Health Care Systems
  • NUR 801 – Evidence Based Practice I: Methods
  • NUR 802 – Evidence Based Practice II: Implementation and Evaluation
  • NUR 803 – Theories in Transcultural Nursing and Health
  • NUR 805 – Epidemiology
  • NUR 806 – Genomics
  • NUR 807 – Financial Management and Budget Planning
  • NUR 808 – Health Policy
  • NUR 809 – Practicum I: Health Literacy and Primary Care
  • NUR 810 – Practicum II
  • NUR 811 – Practicum III

The four prerequisites (NUR 766, 767, 769, 773) must be completed prior to entry if not already taken in the MSN program.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

Post-Master’s-to-DNP Clinicals

  • NUR 770, 771, 772 — clinical practice sequence (480 combined clinical hrs)
  • NUR 809, 810, 811 — DNP practicum courses (additional hrs toward 1,100 total)
  • Total: 1,100 clinical practice hours minimum
  • DNP change-based projects must be implemented at the student’s current work site

Post-Master’s-to-DNP Admissions

  • MSN from a nationally accredited CCNE-, ACEN-, or CNEA-accredited program
  • Current unencumbered NY State RN license
  • Minimum 1 year of experience as an advanced practice nurse
  • Minimum graduate GPA of 3.2 (B) in nursing and overall MS study
  • Completion of advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and family developmental theory prior to entry
  • Personal statement specifying career goals and how the DNP will advance clinical practice
  • A 2–4 page description of a clinical occurrence the applicant would like to change
  • Three letters of reference (academic ability, professional competency, personal character)
  • Current resume or CV (uploaded via e-portfolio)
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Face-to-face interview with the graduate admissions committee
  • $75 application fee
  • Fall entry only | DNP deadline: March 15 or May 15 — confirm with nursing.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu

PNP-to-DNP

The PNP-to-DNP at Lehman College is designed for certified PNPs holding an MSN who want to reach the doctoral level without repeating PNP specialty coursework.

It is estimated at approximately ~$18,330 at $470/credit (39 credits) for NY residents — or approximately ~$27,725 at the full-time semester rate.

Program FAQs reference 36 credits; the catalog states a minimum of 39 credits — confirm current requirements before applying. Duration is 2.5 years full-time.

Students complete 500 clinical practice hours through the DNP practicum sequence. The DNP change-based project must be implemented at the student’s current work site.

PNP-to-DNP Curriculum

The PNP-to-DNP totals a minimum of 39 credit hours consisting entirely of DNP-level (NUR 800-level) courses. No repetition of MS PNP specialty courses is required.

Required Courses:

  • NUR 800 – Leadership in Complex Health Care Systems
  • NUR 801 – Evidence Based Practice I: Methods
  • NUR 802 – Evidence Based Practice II: Implementation and Evaluation
  • NUR 803 – Theories in Transcultural Nursing and Health
  • NUR 805 – Epidemiology
  • NUR 806 – Genomics
  • NUR 807 – Financial Management and Budget Planning
  • NUR 808 – Health Policy
  • NUR 809 – Practicum I: Health Literacy and Primary Care
  • NUR 810 – Practicum II
  • NUR 811 – Practicum III

Students take 3 courses per semester for the first three semesters; the final year focuses on the three practicum courses and the change-based project.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

PNP-to-DNP Clinicals

  • NUR 809, 810, 811 — DNP practicum sequence (500 clinical practice hours)
  • DNP change-based projects must be implemented at the student’s current work site

PNP-to-DNP Admissions

  • MSN from a nationally accredited CCNE-, ACEN-, or CNEA-accredited program
  • Current unencumbered NY State RN license
  • Must hold current national certification and state licensure as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (APRN)
  • Minimum 1 year of experience as an advanced practice nurse
  • Minimum graduate GPA of 3.2 in nursing and overall MS study
  • Personal statement specifying career goals and how the DNP will advance clinical practice
  • A 2–4 page description of a clinical occurrence the applicant would like to change
  • Three letters of reference
  • Current resume or CV (uploaded via e-portfolio)
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Face-to-face interview with the graduate admissions committee
  • $75 application fee
  • No prior coursework prerequisites beyond existing PNP certification — no repeat of specialty courses required
  • Fall entry only | DNP deadline: March 15 or May 15 — confirm with nursing.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu

Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate PNP at Lehman College is estimated at approximately ~$14,100 at $470/credit (30 credits) for NY residents. The 30-credit program is designed for MSN-prepared nurses adding the PNP specialty.

Students must consult with an adviser before starting and plan their program with an adviser in the first semester. Students must complete all 30 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Graduates must submit proof of passing the national certification exam in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

The catalog references the ANCC certification exam — confirm current certification body requirements (PNCB is the primary PNP certification body) with the program before applying.

Certificate Curriculum

The Advanced Certificate PNP totals 30 credit hours across 5 semesters, covering the clinical sciences and full clinical practice sequence.

Semester I:

  • NUR 766 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
  • NUR 773 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)

Semester II:

  • NUR 767 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)
  • NUR 769 – Family Developmental Theory (3 cr.)

Semester III:

  • NUR 770 – Advanced Practice I (6 cr. / 80 clinical hrs)

Semester IV:

  • NUR 771 – Advanced Nursing Practice II (6 cr. / 200 clinical hrs)

Semester V:

  • NUR 772 – Advanced Nursing Practice III (6 cr. / 200 clinical hrs)

Students must consult with an adviser before starting the program. During the first semester, matriculated students are required to plan their full program of study with an adviser.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

Certificate Clinicals

  • NUR 770 – Advanced Practice I (80 clinical hrs)
  • NUR 771 – Advanced Nursing Practice II (200 clinical hrs)
  • NUR 772 – Advanced Nursing Practice III (200 clinical hrs)
  • Total: 480 clinical hours (same clinical sequence as MS PNP)
  • Students may self-select preceptors; Clinical Coordinator assists when needed
  • Clinical site cannot be the student’s current workplace

Certificate Admissions

  • MSN from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Current NY State RN license
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview with the director of the graduate program or designee
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • TOEFL IBT ≥ 61, IELTS ≥ 6.0, or Duolingo ≥ 85 for non-English-speaking country applicants
  • $75 application fee
  • Application deadline for Advanced Certificate (MS-FNP and Adv Cert): March 15
  • Advanced Certificate deadline: March 15 | Fall entry only
  • Contact: nursing.admissions@lehman.cuny.edu | 718-960-8374

Tuition

Lehman College charges graduate students as part of the CUNY system. Rates below are current and subject to change by action of the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York.

  • NY State resident (part-time, per credit): $470
  • NY State resident (full-time, per semester): $5,545
  • Non-NY State resident / international (per credit): $855
  • Graduate application fee: $75 (non-refundable)

Mandatory fees per semester (in addition to tuition):

  • Student Activity Fee: $98.15 (full-time) / $65.15 (part-time)
  • Consolidated Service Fee: $15.00
  • Technology Fee: $125.00 (full-time) / $62.50 (part-time)
  • Student Senate Fee: $1.45

Estimated total tuition by program (NY resident):

  • MS PNP (45 cr.): ~$21,150 at $470/credit; or ~$27,725 at full-time rate (5 semesters)
  • BS-to-DNP PNP (85 cr.): ~$39,950 at $470/credit; or ~$60,995 at full-time rate (~11 semesters)
  • Post-Master’s-to-DNP PNP (69 cr.): ~$32,430 at $470/credit
  • PNP-to-DNP (39 cr.): ~$18,330 at $470/credit; or ~$27,725 at full-time rate (~5 semesters)
  • Advanced Certificate PNP (30 cr.): ~$14,100 at $470/credit

Actual billing depends on credit load per semester and whether students qualify as full-time (typically 12 credits). Since most semesters in these programs involve fewer than 12 credits, the part-time per-credit rate may apply in many cases.

Contact the Bursar’s Office or Student Financial Services to confirm current billing rates for your enrollment status.

Excess contact hours (class hours exceeding credit hours) are charged separately at $65/hour (NY resident) or $85/hour (non-resident). Transfer credits may reduce total tuition — up to 12 credits may be accepted for students without a prior graduate degree (9 credits with a prior graduate degree), with a grade of B or higher.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The Master’s degree program in Nursing at Lehman College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP program fulfills the requirements of the New York State Education Department and is accredited by CCNE.

Graduates of the MS PNP and Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate PNP tracks are eligible for NY State APRN licensure and the national certification exam in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

The catalog references the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for PNP certification — the primary PNP national certification exam is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Confirm current certification eligibility requirements with the program before applying.

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