Rutgers University PNP Programs (Pediatric Nurse)

Only DNP-Level PNP Program in New Jersey — #12 Nationally

Rutgers School of Nursing offers four Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:

DNP – PNP-PC (67 credits, BSN entry, 780 clinical hrs)
DNP – Dual PNP-PC/AC (84 credits, BSN entry, 1,200 clinical hrs)
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-PC (32 credits, MSN/DNP entry, 765 clinical hours)
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-AC (22 credits, MSN/DNP entry, 540 clinical hours)

All programs admit students in the fall only. No GRE required for any program. Theory and practicum courses are co-requisites in all clinical specialties and must be taken and completed together for program progression.

Program Tracks Overview

Program	Est. Tuition (NJ Resident)	Est. Duration
DNP – PNP-PC	~$60,434	4 years
DNP – Dual PNP-PC/AC	~$75,768	4–5 years
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-PC	~$28,864	Not clearly stated
Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-AC	~$19,844	Not clearly stated

Program Tracks Overview

DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The DNP PNP-PC at Rutgers School of Nursing is estimated at approximately ~$60,434 in tuition (67 credits × ~$902/credit NJ resident) plus mandatory fees .

The program is completed over 4 years and requires a minimum of 780 precepted practicum hours plus 250 DNP project experience hours (1,030 minimum combined).

Graduates are eligible for the CPNP-PC exam through PNCB. This is the only DNP-level PNP-PC program in New Jersey. The curriculum uses a family and community-centered approach for patients birth to 21 years across offices, clinics, schools, specialty sites, and public health agencies.

DNP PNP-PC Curriculum

The DNP PNP-PC totals 67 credits organized across three components:

Core courses (9 cr.): Advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pediatric clinical pharmacology — the clinical science foundation.
DNP core courses (32 cr.): Role development, epidemiology and biostatistics, scholarly inquiry and writing, health data and informatics, strategic leadership, healthcare delivery and economics, evidence-based approaches, advanced population health and policy, and a four-course DNP project sequence (preparation through dissemination).
Specialty courses (26 cr.): Advanced pediatric physiology and assessment, three levels of pediatric care theory and practicum (foundational, episodic illness, advanced care), two intensive practicum courses, and a PNP primary care review.

Core Courses (9 cr.):

Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
Advanced Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology (3 cr.)

DNP Core Courses (32 cr.):

Role Development and Foundations of Practice (3 cr.)
Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.)
Scholarly Inquiry, Appraisal, and Writing (3 cr.)
Health Data, Informatics, and Technology (3 cr.)
Strategic Leadership and Partnerships (3 cr. / 35 DNP hrs)
Healthcare Delivery and Economics (3 cr. / 35 DNP hrs)
Evidence-Based Approaches to Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
Advanced Population Health, Policy, and Advocacy (3 cr.)
DNP Project Preparation (2 cr. / 30 DNP hrs)
DNP Project Planning and Proposal Development (2 cr. / 70 DNP hrs)
DNP Project Implementation (2 cr. / 100 DNP hrs)
DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination (2 cr. / 50 DNP hrs)

Specialty Courses (26 cr.):

Advanced Pediatric Physiology and Assessment (3 cr.)
Foundations of Pediatric Care 1 (4 cr. / 60 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Common and Mild/Episodic Illnesses Theory 2 (3 cr.)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum 2 (3 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum Intensive 1 (3 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Advanced Care Theory 3 (3 cr.)
Pediatric Advanced Primary Care Practicum 3 (2 cr. / 120 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Final Practicum Intensive 2 (4 cr. / 240 clinical hrs)
PNP Primary Care Review (1 cr.)

If the DNP project is not completed during project-related courses, students register for a 1-credit DNP Project Continuation course each term until completion.

View more curriculum details on the official program page.

DNP PNP-PC Clinicals

Students complete a minimum of 780 precepted practicum hours plus a minimum of 250 DNP project experience hours — totaling at least 1,030 combined hours. Students may be required to complete more than 1,000 hours to meet minimum competency requirements for graduation and certification.

Foundations of Pediatric Care 1 (60 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum 2 (180 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum Intensive 1 (180 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Advanced Primary Care Practicum 3 (120 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Final Practicum Intensive 2 (240 clinical hrs)
Total precepted practicum hours: 780 minimum
DNP project experience hours (embedded across DNP core courses): 250 minimum
Total combined minimum: 1,030 hours
Clinical settings include offices, clinics, school-based health centers, specialty sites, and public health agencies

DNP PNP-PC Admissions

No GRE required. Fall start only. Two deadlines: March 1 (priority) and July 1 (final rolling). Decisions typically within 2-3 weeks of complete application submission.

BSN from a nationally accredited program (minimum requirement)
Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
Current unencumbered RN license; NJ or Compact State RN license required by the first semester of study
Personal and goal statements (2 pages maximum) addressing: how personal qualities and experiences influenced career choice and will contribute to the degree; reasons for choosing this specialty and how the degree will impact care of the expected patient population
Two letters of reference attesting to academic ability, professional competency, and personal character; at least one letter must be from an individual in a supervisory role; letters may be from former faculty or professional colleagues
Resume/CV
Official transcripts from all prior college work (electronic recommended: transcripts_nursing@gradadm.rutgers.edu; paper: 65 Bergen St., Room 601, Newark, NJ 07107)
Paid application fee
Interview may be offered to qualified applicants
Criminal history background check required for all clinical courses
Priority deadline: March 1 | Final deadline: July 1 | Fall start only
Contact: snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu | (973) 972-3067

DNP – Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The DNP Dual PNP-PC/AC at Rutgers School of Nursing is estimated at approximately ~$75,768 in tuition (84 credits × ~$902/credit NJ resident) plus fees.

The program spans 4–5 years and requires a minimum of 1,200 precepted practicum hours plus 320 DNP project experience hours (1,520 minimum combined). This is the only dual pediatric NP program in New Jersey at the doctoral level.

Graduates are eligible for the CPNP-PC and/or CPNP-AC exams through PNCB. A minimum of one year of acute care pediatric nursing experience is required for admission.

PALS certification required.

Dual DNP Curriculum

The Dual DNP PNP-PC/AC totals 84 credits — the same 9-credit core and 32-credit DNP core as the PNP-PC DNP, plus an expanded 44-credit specialty sequence covering both primary and acute care.

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

Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
Advanced Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology (3 cr.)

DNP Core Courses (32 cr.) — same as DNP PNP-PC: See DNP PNP-PC curriculum above.

Specialty Courses (44 cr.):

Advanced Pediatric Physiology and Assessment (3 cr.)
Foundations of Pediatric Care 1 (4 cr. / 60 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum for Dual Students 1 (2 cr. / 120 clinical hrs)
Diagnostics, Procedures, and Clinical Reasoning for Acute Care (3 cr.)
Pediatric Common and Mild/Episodic Illnesses Theory 2 (3 cr.)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum 2 (3 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)
Introduction to Pediatric Acute Care Theory 1 (3 cr.)
Pediatric Acute Care Practicum Intensive for Dual Students 1 (5 cr. / 300 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Acute Care Theory 2 (3 cr.)
Pediatric Advanced Care Theory 3 (3 cr.)
Pediatric Advanced Care Practicum for Dual Students 3 (4 cr. / 240 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Final Practicum Intensive for Dual Students 2 (5 cr. / 300 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Review (1 cr.)
Pediatric Acute Care Review (1 cr.)

View more curriculum details on the official program page.

Dual DNP Clinicals

Students complete a minimum of 1,200 precepted practicum hours plus 320 DNP project experience hours — totaling at least 1,520 combined hours. The minimum number of combined clinical practicum and DNP project hours is 1,000 — students may be required to complete more. Clinical settings span inpatient, outpatient, and specialty practice settings.

Foundations of Pediatric Care 1 (60 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum for Dual Students 1 (120 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary Care Practicum 2 (180 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Acute Care Practicum Intensive for Dual Students 1 (300 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Advanced Care Practicum for Dual Students 3 (240 clinical hrs)
Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Final Practicum Intensive for Dual Students 2 (300 clinical hrs)
Total precepted practicum hours: 1,200 minimum
DNP project experience hours: 320 minimum
Total combined minimum: 1,520 hours
Clinical settings include specialty clinics, urgent care, emergency departments, inpatient and outpatient pediatric settings

Dual DNP Admissions

Same general requirements as the DNP PNP-PC with three additional requirements:

Preferred GPA of 3.2 (noted as “preferred” rather than “minimum” — slightly different language than DNP PNP-PC)
Minimum 1 year of acute care pediatric nursing experience (required)
Current PALS certification required
All other requirements same as DNP PNP-PC — see above
No GRE required
Priority deadline: March 1 | Final deadline: July 1 | Fall start only
Contact: snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu | (973) 972-3067

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

The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC at Rutgers School of Nursing is estimated at approximately ~$28,864 in tuition (32 credits × ~$902/credit NJ resident) plus fees.

Students complete 765 clinical hours across four theory-practicum course pairs. In-person classes are held at the Newark campus. Theory and practicum courses are co-requisites and must be taken together. Graduates are eligible for the CPNP-PC exam through PNCB.

Certificate PNP-PC Curriculum

The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC totals 32 credits / 765 clinical hours across 11 courses organized in four sequential theory-practicum pairs plus two prerequisite courses.

PNP 5105 – Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology (3 cr.)
PNP 5103 – Pediatric Advanced Physiology and Assessment (3 cr.)
NMID 6407 – Nurse-Midwifery Theory 5: Management of the Neonate and Breastfeeding (2 cr.)
PNP 6560 – Primary Care of Children Theory 1: Health Promotion (3 cr.)
PNP 6570 – Primary Care of Children Practicum 1: Health Promotion (3 cr. / 225 clinical hrs)
PNP 6540 – Primary Care of Children Theory 2: Common Mild/Acute Illnesses (3 cr.)
PNP 6550 – Primary Care of Children Practicum 2: Common Mild/Acute Illnesses (3 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6580 – Primary Care of Children Theory 3: Chronic Conditions (3 cr.)
PNP 6590 – Primary Care of Children Practicum 3: Chronic Conditions (3 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6710 – Primary Care of Children Theory 4: Complex Challenges (3 cr.)
PNP 6720 – Primary Care of Children Practicum 4: Complex Challenges (3 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)

NMID 6407 (Nurse-Midwifery Theory 5) is a required course within the PNP-PC certificate — covers management of the neonate and breastfeeding.

View more curriculum details on the official program page.

Certificate PNP-PC Clinicals

PNP 6570 – Practicum 1: Health Promotion (225 clinical hrs)
PNP 6550 – Practicum 2: Common Mild/Acute Illnesses (180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6590 – Practicum 3: Chronic Conditions (180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6720 – Practicum 4: Complex Challenges (180 clinical hrs)
Total: 765 clinical hours
In-person classes at Newark campus; clinical settings include primary and specialty pediatric care

Certificate PNP-PC Admissions

Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing
Full admissions requirements for the post-master’s certificate programs are not fully detailed in available source materials — contact snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu for current requirements, GPA minimums, experience requirements, and application deadlines
Contact: snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu | (973) 972-3067

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

The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC at Rutgers School of Nursing is estimated at approximately ~$19,844 in tuition (22 credits × ~$902/credit NJ resident) plus fees —

Students complete 540 clinical hours across three clinical practicum courses. In-person classes at the Newark campus. Theory and practicum courses are co-requisites.

A minimum of one year of current experience as a pediatric nurse practitioner is required for admission. Graduates are eligible for the CPNP-AC exam through PNCB.

Certificate PNP-AC Curriculum

The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC totals 22 credits / 540 clinical hours across 7 courses.

PNP 5105 – Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology (3 cr.)
PNP 5110 – Diagnostic Assessment and Procedures (3 cr.)
NMID 6407 – Nurse-Midwifery Theory 5: Management of the Neonate and Breastfeeding (2 cr.)
PNP 6610 – Acute Care of Children Theory (3 cr.)
PNP 6620 – Acute Care of Children Practicum (3 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6630 – Advanced Care of Children Practicum 3: Chronic Conditions (4 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6640 – Advanced Care of Children Practicum 4: Contemporary Issues (4 cr. / 180 clinical hrs)

NMID 6407 (Nurse-Midwifery Theory 5) is also a required course within the PNP-AC certificate — covers management of the neonate and breastfeeding.

Applicants must have a minimum of one year of current experience as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

View more curriculum details on the official program page.

Certificate PNP-AC Clinicals

PNP 6620 – Acute Care of Children Practicum (180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6630 – Advanced Care Practicum 3: Chronic Conditions (180 clinical hrs)
PNP 6640 – Advanced Care Practicum 4: Contemporary Issues (180 clinical hrs)
Total: 540 clinical hours
In-person classes at Newark campus; clinical settings include acute, complex, and chronic pediatric care

Certificate PNP-AC Admissions

Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing
Minimum 1 year of current experience as a pediatric nurse practitioner
Full admissions requirements are not fully detailed in available source materials — contact snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu for current GPA minimums, application deadlines, and full requirements
Contact: snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu | (973) 972-3067

Tuition

Rutgers School of Nursing is a New Jersey public university — tuition rates are substantially lower for NJ residents than for out-of-state students. Rates are assessed per credit for part-time students.

Estimates below use approximately $902/credit (NJ resident, part-time, Graduate Schools Newark). Confirm exact rate with the program.

Estimated NJ resident part-time rate: ~$902/credit
Out-of-state part-time rate (approximate): ~$1,549/credit

Estimated total tuition (NJ resident) by program:

DNP PNP-PC (67 cr.): ~$60,434
DNP Dual PNP-PC/AC (84 cr.): ~$75,768
Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC (32 cr.): ~$28,864
Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC (22 cr.): ~$19,844

Mandatory fees per semester (part-time students, approximate):

Student Fee: ~$312/semester
School Fee: ~$98–$106.50/semester
Off-Site Fee: $320/semester
Technology Fee: varies by credit hours (~$132–$214.50/semester)
Matriculation Continued Fee: $20/semester
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): $1,233 (Fall) / $1,709 (Spring) for domestic and international students

All tuition and fee estimates are approximations based on available published rates and require direct verification with Rutgers School of Nursing before use in financial planning.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

Rutgers School of Nursing’s programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP program is ranked #12 nationally by U.S. News and World Report 2026; the MSN program is ranked #16 nationally. Additional recognitions include the Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award 2025, designation as a Best School for Men in Nursing by the American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN), and membership in the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence.