Azusa Pacific University offers 3 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care tracks:
- MSN PNP-PC
- MSN PNP-PC + School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC)
- Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC
All three tracks share a Christian faith-integrated curriculum and include evening lecture options and part-time study to accommodate working nurses.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN PNP-PC | $39,380–$50,120 | ~2–2.5 years (FT) |
| MSN PNP-PC + School Nurse Services Credential | $47,435–$49,225 | ~2.5 years (FT) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC | $29,535–$33,115 | ~1.5–2 years |
The dual MSN/SNSC track is APU’s most distinctive offering — it prepares graduates for both the California Board of Registered Nursing NP certification and the California School Nurse Services Credential in a single program. Up to 9 units of approved graduate transfer credit can be applied toward the MSN degree.
MSN PNP-PC
The estimated cost for the MSN PNP-PC at Azusa Pacific University is $39,380–$50,120 (44–56 units at $895/unit), and the program takes approximately 2–2.5 years to complete full-time. The credit range reflects elective and concluding course options.
MSN Curriculum
The 44–56 unit MSN is structured across three course blocks: a 10-unit academic core, a 14-unit advanced practice core, and a 19-unit specialty sequence. The academic core integrates bioethics, spiritual concepts in healthcare, and research and theory.
The advanced practice core covers family theory, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and APRN role development. The specialty sequence builds clinical expertise in pediatric primary care through three paired didactic/clinical courses, including advanced nursing practice in pediatrics, competencies in pediatric primary health, and primary health care of the young family.
Students conclude with either a comprehensive exam or a thesis. A faith-integrated course, Spiritual Concept Analysis in Health Care (GNRS 506), is embedded in the academic core.
Academic Core Courses (10 units)
GNRS 504 – Bioethics and Healthcare Policy (3 units)
Analyzes bioethical principles, moral decision-making, and healthcare policy from a Christian worldview for leadership roles.
GNRS 506 – Spiritual Concept Analysis in Health Care (3 units)
Examines Judeo-Christian spiritual care concepts through scholarly research, personal reflection, and comparative faith traditions.
GNRS 508A – Research and Theory in Advanced Practice Nursing (4 units)
Prepares nurses to apply theory, critique research, and integrate evidence into advanced clinical practice with statistical analysis.
Academic and Advanced Practice Core Courses (14 units)
GNRS 510 – Family Theory in Health Care (2 units)
Studies family as core health unit, examining patterns, caregiving, and health responsibilities during chronic illness.
GNRS 511 – Advanced Pediatric Health Assessment and Health Promotion 1 (4 units: 3/1)
Develops pediatric assessment skills from newborn through adolescence, emphasizing culturally relevant health promotion strategies.
OR GNRS 612 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (4 units)
Lifespan assessment incorporating traditional/nontraditional therapies, health promotion, and diagnostic reasoning across family contexts.
GNRS 513 – Advanced Nursing Practice Role (2 units)
Explores APRN roles (clinician, educator, manager, consultant, researcher) within reformed healthcare systems and policy.
GNRS 610 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 units)
Advanced analysis of pathophysiologic mechanisms, genetic disorders, diagnostic reasoning, and population health epidemiology.
GNRS 611 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 units)
Covers pharmacogenomics, drug mechanisms, interactions, and prescribing guidelines across the lifespan for APRN practice.
Advanced Practice Specialty Courses (19 units)
GNRS 532 – Advanced Nursing Practice in Pediatrics (6 units: 3/3)
Focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and management of critical/chronic pediatric conditions with cultural/spiritual considerations.
GNRS 542 – Advanced Concepts and Competencies in Pediatric Primary Health Care (3 units: 1/2)
Synthesizes pediatric NP competencies through seminar and clinical practicum covering acute/chronic care and prevention.
GNRS 590A – Primary Health Care of the Young Family (6 units: 3/3)
Theory/clinical management of children birth-adolescence and families, emphasizing cultural influences on health/development.
GNRS 590B – Clinical Practicum in Pediatrics (4 units: 0/4)
Expands skills in comprehensive pediatric assessment, illness management, and wellness promotion.
Optional Specialization: GNRS 543 – Transitions Across the Care Continuum (4 units: 2/2)
Concluding Courses (1-3 units)
GNRS 597 – Comprehensive Examination Directed Study (1 unit)
Integrates theoretical, clinical, and research knowledge through comprehensive exam preparation seminar.
OR GNRS 598 & GNRS 514 – Thesis and Research Proposal Writing (3 units)
Develops thesis research through sequential proposal writing and research execution.
View more curriculum details in the course catalog.
MSN Clinicals
Clinical hours are embedded within the specialty courses. Total program clinical hours are not clearly stated on the official program page, but the specialty sequence includes 13 clinical units across four courses. The program is available at the Azusa main campus, Inland Empire, and San Diego locations.
- Total clinical hours not clearly stated; 13 clinical units embedded across specialty and assessment courses
- Clinical content distributed across GNRS 511 (1 clinical unit), GNRS 532 (3 clinical units), GNRS 542 (2 clinical units), GNRS 590A (3 clinical units), and GNRS 590B (4 clinical units)
- Population focus: infants, children, and families in primary health care settings
- Emphasis on direct client assessment, diagnosis, management, client advocacy, and family education
- Evening lecture options available for working professionals
- Customizable clinical placement options
MSN Admissions
Applicants need a BSN from a NLN- or CCNE-accredited program, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an active California RN license. No GRE is required.
- BSN from a NLN- or CCNE-accredited program at a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (provisional admission possible for lower GPA with evidence of competency through multiple measures)
- Active California RN license (status verifiable via CA.gov Breeze system)
- Prerequisite undergraduate courses: health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing research, statistics, nursing leadership, and community health nursing
- Online application with $45 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Written statement (1–2 pages) describing professional nursing goals and personal definition of nursing
- Current résumé including employment, education, honors, and volunteer activities
- Two professional references (managers, supervisors, or faculty preferred; not coworkers)
- Application deadlines: April 1 priority / June 15 final for Fall; October 20 priority for Spring; April 10 priority for Summer (new for 2026)
- No GRE required
- Up to 9 units of approved graduate transfer credit may be applied toward the MSN
MSN PNP-PC + School Nurse Services Credential
The estimated cost for the MSN PNP-PC + SNSC at Azusa Pacific University is $47,435–$49,225 (53–55 units at $895/unit), and the program takes approximately 2.5 years to complete full-time.
MSN + SNSC Curriculum
The 53–55 unit combined program builds on the standard MSN PNP-PC curriculum by adding a school nursing specialization block. The academic and advanced practice cores are identical to the standalone MSN. The specialty block expands to 28 units with the addition of three school nursing-focused courses: Theory and Practice in School Nursing (GNRS 550A), Curriculum Development (EDUC 537), and a California-approved audiometry course required for SNSC credential eligibility. Graduates are eligible to apply for both the California Board of Registered Nursing NP certification and the California School Nurse Services Credential, opening dual career pathways in clinical and educational settings.
Academic Core (10 units):
- GNRS 504 – Bioethics and Healthcare Policy (3 units)
- GNRS 506 – Spiritual Concept Analysis in Health Care (3 units)
- GNRS 508A – Research and Theory in Advanced Practice Nursing (4 units)
Advanced Practice Core (14 units):
- GNRS 510 – Family Theory in Health Care (2 units)
- GNRS 511 – Advanced Pediatric Health Assessment and Health Promotion (4 units / 1 clinical unit) or GNRS 612 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- GNRS 513 – Advanced Nursing Practice Role (2 units)
- GNRS 610 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 units)
- GNRS 611 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 units)
Advanced Practice Specialty Courses (28 units):
- EDUC 537 – Curriculum Development, Revision, and Evaluation Process (3 units)
- GNRS 532 – Advanced Nursing Practice in Pediatrics (6 units / 3 clinical units)
- GNRS 542 – Advanced Concepts and Competencies in Pediatric Primary Health Care (3 units / 2 clinical units)
- GNRS 550A – Theory and Practice in School Nursing (6 units / 3 clinical units)
- GNRS 590A – Primary Health Care of the Young Family (6 units / 3 clinical units)
- GNRS 590B – Clinical Practicum in Pediatrics (4 units / 4 clinical units)
Concluding Course (1–3 units):
- GNRS 597 – Comprehensive Examination Directed Study (1 unit), or
- GNRS 598 + GNRS 514 – Thesis and Research Proposal Writing (3 units)
Note: Students must also complete a California-approved audiometry course to meet SNSC requirements.
View more curriculum details in the course catalog.
MSN + SNSC Clinicals
Clinical hours span both the pediatric NP specialty sequence and the school nursing courses. Total clinical hours are not clearly stated on the official program page.
- Total clinical hours not clearly stated; clinical units distributed across GNRS 511 (1), GNRS 532 (3), GNRS 542 (2), GNRS 550A (3), GNRS 590A (3), and GNRS 590B (4)
- School nursing clinical experiences embedded in GNRS 550A, preparing students for K-12 school health settings
- Pediatric primary care clinical experiences cover direct assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and family education
- Available at the Azusa main campus only
MSN + SNSC Admissions
Admissions requirements are identical to the standalone MSN PNP-PC track. The same BSN, GPA, RN license, and prerequisite course requirements apply.
- BSN and all study leading to it from NLN- or CCNE-accredited programs at a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Active California RN license
- Prerequisite undergraduate courses: health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing research, statistics, nursing leadership, and community health nursing
- Online application with $45 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Written statement (1–2 pages)
- Current résumé
- Two professional references
- Application deadlines: April 1 priority / June 15 final for Fall; October 20 priority for Spring
- No GRE required
Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC at Azusa Pacific University is $29,535–$33,115 (33–37 units at $895/unit), and the program takes approximately 1.5–2 years to complete.
Certificate Curriculum
The 33–37 unit post-master’s certificate is a nondegree course credit program for MSN-prepared nurses. It shares the advanced practice core and specialty sequence with the MSN tracks but does not include the academic core courses (bioethics, spiritual concepts, research). Current California-certified NPs, nurse midwives, and CNS-certified nurses may petition to challenge or waive specific coursework based on their existing specialty — petitions must be initiated at admission and approved by the MSN chair. Up to 9 units of graduate transfer credit may also be applied.
Advanced Practice Core (12 units):
- GNRS 511 – Advanced Pediatric Health Assessment and Health Promotion (4 units / 1 clinical unit) or GNRS 612 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- GNRS 513 – Advanced Nursing Practice Role (2 units)
- GNRS 610 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 units)
- GNRS 611 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 units)
Advanced Practice Specialty Courses (21 units):
- GNRS 510 – Family Theory in Health Care (2 units)
- GNRS 532 – Advanced Nursing Practice in Pediatrics (6 units / 3 clinical units)
- GNRS 542 – Advanced Concepts and Competencies in Pediatric Primary Health Care (3 units / 2 clinical units)
- GNRS 590A – Primary Health Care of the Young Family (6 units / 3 clinical units)
- GNRS 590B – Clinical Practicum in Pediatrics (4 units / 4 clinical units)
Optional Specialization Course:
- GNRS 543 – Transitions Across the Care Continuum (4 units / 2 clinical units)
View more curriculum details in the course catalog.
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical hours are embedded within the specialty and assessment courses. Total hours are not clearly stated in the available source material. Clinical customization options and evening lecture availability support working nurses in managing their schedules.
- Total clinical hours not clearly stated; 13 clinical units distributed across GNRS 511 (1), GNRS 532 (3), GNRS 542 (2), GNRS 590A (3), and GNRS 590B (4)
- Population focus: infants, children, and families in primary health care settings
- Customizable clinical placement options
- Evening lecture format supports working professionals
- Available at Azusa main campus, Inland Empire, and San Diego locations
Certificate Admissions
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing and meet standard APU graduate admission requirements. A graduate research course and undergraduate health assessment course are required prerequisites.
- Master’s degree in nursing from a NLN- or CCNE-accredited program at a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of a graduate research course
- Completion of an undergraduate health assessment course
- Prerequisite undergraduate courses: health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing research, statistics, nursing leadership, and community health nursing
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Active California RN license
- Online application with $45 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (BSN and MSN)
- Written statement (1–2 pages)
- Current résumé
- Two professional references
- Application deadlines: April 1 priority / June 15 final for Fall; July 15 priority / September 30 final for Spring
- No GRE required
Tuition
APU charges $895 per unit for all MSN and certificate nursing programs. Additional fees include a $600 clinical fee per semester (includes malpractice insurance) and a $275 advanced practice lab fee per course.
Based on published unit ranges, the MSN PNP-PC totals $39,380–$50,120; the MSN PNP-PC + SNSC totals $47,435–$49,225; and the post-master’s certificate totals $29,535–$33,115.
These figures cover tuition only — APU’s 8-month cost of attendance estimate adds approximately $27,784 in living expenses on top of tuition. APU is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at APU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The traditional BSN, upper-division transfer, entry-level master’s, and nurse practitioner programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates of the PNP-PC programs are eligible to apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing for NP certification and may sit for national PNP-PC certification through examination.