A BSN-to-MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program is the traditional route for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who want to become certified pediatric nurse practitioners.
It is usually the fastest and least expensive graduate path to PNP certification for BSN nurses. Graduates are eligible for the same PNCB certification exams as DNP graduates and can add a doctorate later.
Compare BSN-to-MSN PNP Programs
| School | Location | Est. Cost/Credit | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | $744 | Mostly Online |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | $609 | Mostly Online |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | $895 | Campus |
| CU Anschutz | Aurora, CO | $820 | Mostly Online |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | $2,175 | Campus |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | $913 | Mostly Online |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $430 | Mostly Online |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | $628 | Online |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | $464 | Mostly Online |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | $2,320 | Mostly Online |
| Chaminade University | Honolulu, HI | $1,205 | Mostly Online |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | $348 | Hybrid |
| University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | $761 | Hybrid |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA | $522 | Mostly Online |
| Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $307 | Hybrid |
| Northeastern University | Boston, MA | $1,995 | Campus |
| Regis College | Weston, MA | $1,061 | Online |
| Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | $1,952 | Campus |
| Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions | Boston, MA | $1,661 | Hybrid |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $1,746 | Mostly Online |
| Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI | $810 | Mostly Online |
| Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | $1,181.47 | Mostly Online |
| Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | $785 | Online |
| Rasmussen University | Bloomington, MN | $925 | Mostly Online |
| Maryville University | St. Louis, MO | $900 | Online |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | $803 | Mostly Online |
| University of Missouri | Columbia, MO | $681.30 | Mostly Online |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson, MS | $596.20 | Mostly Online |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $1,031.34 | Mostly Online |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | $2,345 | Mostly Online |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha, NE | $716 | Hybrid |
| Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | $1,585 | Online |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Reno, NV | $718.25 | Online |
| NYU | New York, NY | $1,800 | Campus |
| Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | $471 | Online |
| Molloy University | Rockville Centre, NY | $1,510 | Hybrid |
| Lehman College | Bronx, NY | $470 | Campus |
| University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | $1,740 | Mostly Online |
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | $1,055 | Hybrid |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | $2,449 | Mostly Online |
| Wright State University | Dayton, OH | $800 | Mostly Online |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | $1,790 | Campus |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | $1,298 | Mostly Online |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA | $1,390 | Mostly Online |
| Villanova University | Villanova, PA | $1,120 | Hybrid |
| Medical University of South Carolina | Charleston, SC | $835 | Mostly Online |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | $2,057 | Mostly Online |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock, TX | $408 | Mostly Online |
| Texas Woman's University | Denton, TX | $524 | Online |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | $654 | Online |
| Old Dominion University | Virginia Beach, VA | $672 | Mostly Online |
| Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | $1,450 | Campus |
Cost per credit reflects each school’s published graduate rate from its profile. Public school rates are in-state. Fees are not included; see each profile for full tuition estimates.
How BSN-to-MSN PNP Programs Work
Most programs follow the same two-part structure.
- Graduate core: Advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment, plus research, theory, and evidence-based practice.
- PNP specialty and clinicals: Pediatric diagnosis and management courses paired with supervised clinical hours in your population focus. PNCB requires at least 500 supervised hours for certification eligibility.
Clinical hours vary by school. Programs well above the 500-hour minimum give you more patient contact before certification but add time to the program.
Primary Care vs. Acute Care
The population focus decides which certification exam you can take and where you can practice.
- Primary care (CPNP-PC): Well-child care, acute minor illness, and chronic condition management in clinics and practices. Most BSN-to-MSN PNP programs offer it.
- Acute care (CPNP-AC): Hospitalized, critically ill, and medically complex children. Less common at the MSN level, and programs often require acute care pediatric RN experience.
Not every school on this list offers both populations at the MSN level. See our primary care, acute care, and dual care program lists to compare by population.
Typical Admission Requirements
Requirements vary by school. Expect most of the following:
- BSN from an accredited program
- Active, unencumbered RN license (some schools require licensure in a specific state)
- Minimum GPA, commonly around 3.0
- Undergraduate statistics
- RN work experience; pediatric experience is often preferred, and acute care tracks may require it
- Resume, references, and a goal statement; some programs interview
Cost Considerations
- Lowest total of the graduate pathways: Fewer credits than BSN-to-DNP means lower tuition and an earlier start to PNP earnings.
- Compare totals, not rates: Credit requirements differ between schools. A lower per-credit rate does not always mean a lower total.
- Fees and travel: Technology, clinical, and program fees add to tuition. “Mostly Online” and “Hybrid” programs include campus visits you will need to budget for.
- Employer support: Hospitals, especially children’s hospitals, often offer tuition reimbursement to RNs pursuing advanced practice.
BSN-to-MSN vs. BSN-to-DNP
Both lead to the same PNCB certification exams and the same scope of practice. The difference is the degree, the time, and the cost.
- Choose BSN-to-MSN if: Your goal is clinical practice as quickly and affordably as possible.
- Choose BSN-to-DNP if: You want leadership, faculty, or quality improvement roles, or want the doctorate without a second admission later.
Some schools have moved their PNP tracks to the DNP level only. If a school you like does not appear here, check our BSN-to-DNP list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MSN still enough to practice as a PNP?
Yes. MSN graduates are eligible for PNCB certification and state APRN licensure. You can add a DNP later if your goals change.
Can I complete a BSN-to-MSN PNP program online?
Many programs deliver coursework online. Clinical hours are completed in person, usually near where you live. Some programs also require campus intensives.
Can I work while enrolled?
Many students work part time, and many programs offer part-time plans. Clinical rotations become harder to balance with full-time work in the later terms.
Which certification exam will I take?
Primary care graduates take the PNCB CPNP-PC exam. Acute care graduates take the PNCB CPNP-AC exam.
How long does a BSN-to-MSN PNP program take?
Length depends on the program and on full- or part-time enrollment. It is typically the shortest graduate route to PNP certification for BSN nurses.
Choose Your Pathway
- RN-to-MSN PNP Programs: for associate degree and diploma RNs
- BSN-to-DNP PNP Programs: for BSN nurses who want the doctorate from the start
- MSN-to-DNP PNP Programs: for MSN-prepared nurses earning a DNP
- Post-Master’s PNP Certificates: for MSN- or DNP-prepared nurses adding the PNP role
- PNP Programs by State