- 2 Schools with Mostly Online formats
Alabama has two universities offering pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) programs with tuition ranging from $594 to $744 cost per credit (mostly online format). Both schools offer MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate options.
The biggest difference is care focus.
- The University of South Alabama offers both Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care pathways.
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on Pediatric Primary Care.
Alabama PNP Program Comparison
| School | Format | Cost per Credit | Degrees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama Mobile | Mostly Online | $594 | MSN BSN-DNP MSN-DNP Post-Grad Certificate: | Dual-track affordability |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Mostly Online | $744 | MSN BSN-DNP Post-Grad Certificate | Structured clinical support |
Estimated costs reflect current in-state tuition.
Alabama PNP Programs At a Glance
- Cheapest MSN: University of South Alabama (~$26,730)
- Cheapest DNP: University of South Alabama (~$40,986 BSN entry; ~$21,384 post-master’s)
- Only Acute Care PNP Tracks: University of South Alabama (MSN, DNP, and certificate)
- Structured Clinical Coordination: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Most DNP Clinical Hours: University of South Alabama (1,140)
- No Non-Resident Premium: both schools (flat online rates)
PNPPrograms.com Study Format Guide
- Online: Coursework is completed online with no regular campus attendance.
- Mostly Online: Classes are online, but students must attend one or more required campus visits or intensives.
- Hybrid: The curriculum combines scheduled online coursework with recurring on-campus classes or labs.
- Campus: Most instruction is delivered in person on campus.
These study format classifications reflect each program’s actual attendance requirements and clinical expectations, rather than the terminology used in university marketing material
The in-state comparison below focuses on Alabama’s two universities. National online schools are included separately for nurses who want additional flexibility or start dates.
How to Choose an Alabama PNP Program
University of South Alabama is the value option and the flexibility leader, undercutting UAB at every level ($594/credit flat) while offering Alabama’s only acute care pediatric tracks alongside primary care, an RN-to-MSN entry for non-nursing bachelor’s holders, and a 5-semester post-master’s DNP for around $21K.
Choose South Alabama if you:
- want the lowest tuition
- need Pediatric Acute Care
- want more pathway choices
- want part-time DNP availability
University of Alabama at Birmingham is the strongest choice if clinical structure matters most: faculty coordinate practicum experiences rather than leaving placement to students, and training connects to one of the Southeast’s major academic medical centers.
Choose UAB if you:
- want an academic medical center
- prefer faculty-assisted clinical placements
- only plan to practice in pediatric primary care
Alabama DNP-PNP Programs
Both Alabama universities offer BSN-to-DNP pediatric NP pathways with flat online tuition regardless of residency. South Alabama is the value leader with both primary care and acute care specialty options plus a short post-master’s DNP, while UAB pairs its academic medical center with structured, faculty-coordinated clinical experiences.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | BSN-to-DNP (Primary Care) | ~$59K | 79 | $744 | 3–3.5 years PT | 20 clinical credit hours (clock hours not clearly stated) |
| University of South Alabama | BSN-to-DNP (Primary or Acute Care) | ~$41K | 69 | $594 | 10–12 semesters | 1,140 hrs |
| University of South Alabama | MSN-to-DNP (same specialty) | ~$22K | 36 | $594 | 5 semesters FT | Residency hours completed in home region (total not clearly stated) |
| University of South Alabama | MSN-to-DNP (adding PNP specialty) | $36K–$41K | 60–69 | $594 | 10–12 semesters | Specialty clinicals + DNP residency (total not clearly stated) |
Highlights
- Lowest BSN-DNP tuition: University of South Alabama (~$40,986)
- Shortest, cheapest doctorate for current PNPs: South Alabama MSN-to-DNP (~$21,384, 5 semesters)
- Only acute care pediatric DNP in Alabama: University of South Alabama
Alabama MSN-PNP Programs
Both universities offer MSN pediatric NP tracks online with campus intensives. South Alabama costs about $6,800 less and is the state’s only school offering an acute care pediatric option, while UAB provides faculty-coordinated clinical placement.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Primary Care | ~$34K | 45 | $744 | 2–2.5 years PT | 10 clinical credit hours (clock hours not clearly stated) |
| University of South Alabama | Primary Care or Acute Care | ~$27K | 45 | $594 | Not clearly stated | 600 hrs |
Highlights
- Lowest MSN tuition: University of South Alabama (~$26,730)
- Only acute care pediatric MSN in Alabama: University of South Alabama
- Faculty-coordinated clinical experiences: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- RN-to-MSN entry available for non-nursing bachelor’s holders: University of South Alabama
Alabama Post-Graduate Certificate PNP Programs
Both universities offer post-master’s certificate pathways scoped by gap analysis. UAB publishes a baseline cost, while South Alabama’s pricing varies entirely by individualized plan — and remains the only route to an acute care pediatric certificate in the state.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Primary Care | ~$20K+ | 27 minimum | $744 | ~4 semesters PT | Three specialty practica (hours not clearly stated) |
| University of South Alabama | Primary Care or Acute Care | Varies by plan | Not clearly stated | $594 | Not clearly stated | Aligned with national certification requirements |
More Online Programs for Alabama Residents
Maryville University PNP Programs
St. Louis | $900 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN to DNP / BSN to MSN / DNP
Maryville University provides Alabama nursing professionals with four distinct PNP pathways, including MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate options. Alabama students can complete their 750 required clinical hours locally in their own communities while benefiting from a 100% online curriculum with no campus visits. The program is designed for flexibility with six annual start dates and an admission process that requires no GRE or GMAT.
Purdue University PNP Programs
West Lafayette | $500 to $600 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
For registered nurses in Alabama, Purdue University offers three flexible Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) pathways including MS, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s options. The programs range from $15,000 to $30,000 in estimated total tuition, combining distance-friendly coursework with 630 to over 1,000 clinical preceptorship hours. Alabama clinicians can build advanced expertise in pediatric assessment, pharmacology, and health management without having to relocate to complete their degree.
Rasmussen University PNP Programs
Bloomington | $915 cpc | Certificate / BSN to MSN
Rasmussen University’s Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is not a good fit for Alabama because the school states that it does not meet licensure requirements in Alabama. The fully online MSN-NP and Post-Graduate Certificate tracks still offer competency-based coursework, community-based practicums, and a required on-campus residency. Alabama students who want a pediatric NP path will need to consider programs that specifically align with Alabama APRN requirements.
Walden University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Minneapolis | $785 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
Walden University’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs are available to Alabama nurses through fully online MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate pathways. The curriculum includes pediatric primary care coursework, virtual skills support, and supervised practicum experiences designed to build clinical readiness. Alabama students should still confirm state licensure and certification requirements before enrolling, since Walden notes that requirements vary by state.