Most PNP Pathway Options of Any School in the Northeast — 6 Tracks Including a Unique Dual PC/AC MSN and Certificate
Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions offers six Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MSN – PNP-PC (52 quarter credits, BSN entry, 640 clinical hours, ~3 years)
- MSN – PNP-AC (quarter credits not published; BSN entry, 1 year pediatric acute care RN experience required)
- MSN – Dual PNP-PC/AC (62 quarter credits, BSN entry, 1,000 clinical hours, ~4 years)
- Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-PC (34 quarter credits, MSN entry, up to 2 years PT)
- Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-AC (39 quarter credits, MSN entry, up to 2 years PT)
- Post-Master’s Certificate – Dual PNP-PC/AC (quarter credits not published, MSN entry)
All programs are accredited by CCNE and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Students self-source their own preceptors and clinical sites across all programs — program resources are available to assist.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PNP-PC | ~$81,692 | ~3 years |
| MSN – PNP-AC | $1,571/QCH — (total quarter credits not published) | Not clearly stated |
| MSN – Dual PNP-PC/AC | ~$97,402 | ~4 years |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-PC | ~$53,414 | Up to 2 years PT |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – PNP-AC | ~$61,269 | Up to 2 years PT |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – Dual PNP-PC/AC | $1,571/QCH — (total quarter credits not published) | Not clearly stated |
Program Tracks Overview
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN PNP-PC at Drexel University is estimated at approximately ~$81,692 in tuition (52 quarter credits × $1,571/QCH) plus term fees.
The program spans approximately 3 years based on the sample plan of study and requires a minimum of 640 clinical hours across four sequential clinical courses.
The quarter system means students complete coursework in four 10-week terms per year rather than two traditional semesters. A mandatory 4-day on-campus intensive (OCI) is required during NURS 642 (PNP I), held during week one of the summer quarter.
This program is 100% online except for the required OCI — students must be able to travel to Philadelphia for this intensive.
MSN PNP-PC Curriculum
The MSN PNP-PC totals 52 quarter credits (equivalent to approximately 34.7 semester credits) organized across four components over three years.
- Core courses (15 QCH): Contemporary health care environments, ethical decision-making, quality and safety, research methods and biostatistics, and evaluation and translation of health research.
- Support courses (14 QCH): NP clinical orientation seminar (0 credit), advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology for the pediatric nurse practitioner, and professional issues for nurse practitioners.
- Clinical concentration courses (20 QCH): Four sequential PNP clinical courses covering primary care of infants and children, episodic care, management of adolescents, and primary care of children with special health care needs.
- Elective (3 QCH): One graduate-level nursing elective (NURS, NUPR, IPS, or CIT prefix, 500–699 range).
Core Courses (15 QCH):
- NURS 500 [WI] – Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments (3.0 QCH)
- NURS 502 – Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care (3.0 QCH)
- NURS 544 – Quality and Safety in Healthcare (3.0 QCH)
- RSCH 503 – Research Methods and Biostatistics (3.0 QCH)
- RSCH 504 – Evaluation and Translation of Health Research (3.0 QCH)
Support Courses (14 QCH):
- NUPR 520 – Nurse Practitioner Clinical Orientation Seminar (0.0 QCH)
- NURS 548 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3.0 QCH)
- NURS 549 – Advanced Pharmacology (3.0 QCH)
- NURS 550 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (4.0 QCH)
- NURS 646 – Pharmacology for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (3.0 QCH)
- NURS 664 – Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners (1.0 QCH)
Clinical Concentration Courses (20 QCH):
- NURS 642 – PNP I: Primary Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents (5.0 QCH) — Mandatory 4-day OCI, week one of summer quarter
- NURS 643 – PNP II: Episodic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents in Primary Care (5.0 QCH)
- NURS 647 – PNP III: Management and Care of Adolescents in the Primary Care Setting (5.0 QCH)
- NURS 648 – PNP IV: Primary Care of Children with Special Health Care Needs (5.0 QCH)
Elective (3.0 QCH): One nursing elective (NURS, NUPR, IPS, or CIT, course numbers 500–699; other graduate courses require department chair approval).
Sample Plan of Study:
- Year 1: NURS 500, 502, 544, RSCH 503, 504, NURS 548, 549, Elective (6 QCH/quarter, 4 quarters = 24 QCH)
- Year 2: NUPR 520, NURS 646, 664, NURS 550, NURS 642 OCI (0–5 QCH/quarter = 13 QCH)
- Year 3: NURS 643, 647, 648 (5 QCH/quarter, 3 quarters = 15 QCH)
NURS 646 and NURS 664 are taken together in Winter of Year 2 — this term (4 QCH total) falls below the 4.5 QCH FAFSA minimum. Students using loans will not receive aid disbursement this term.
View more curriculum details in the Drexel catalog.
MSN PNP-PC Clinicals
Students complete a minimum of 640 clinical hours across four sequential clinical courses. Students are responsible for identifying and coordinating their own preceptors and clinical sites — the Division of Graduate Nursing provides resources to assist.
- NURS 642 – PNP I: Primary Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents (clinical hours embedded)
- NURS 643 – PNP II: Episodic Care (clinical hours embedded)
- NURS 647 – PNP III: Management of Adolescents (clinical hours embedded)
- NURS 648 – PNP IV: Children with Special Health Care Needs (clinical hours embedded)
- Total: 640 clinical hours minimum
- Clinical settings span home care, ambulatory care, specialty care, urgent care, and rehabilitative care
- Students self-source preceptors — program provides resources; accessibility varies by state
- Students may be required to travel to access clinical sites
- PA RN licensure required before beginning clinical component
- Simulation preparation at the 18,000 sq ft CICSP during OCI — outpatient, inpatient, and community settings replicated
MSN PNP-PC Admissions
No GRE required unless GPA falls below 3.0. Application deadlines use the Drexel Online Application Deadline Tool — not published as fixed dates in available source materials.
- BSN from CCNE-, ACEN-, or NLN CNEA-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Current unrestricted US RN license
- No pediatric nursing experience required for admission — 1 year required before entering clinical sequence
- Two professional references from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to clinical knowledge, skill, and graduate aptitude (must include address, phone, and signature; submitted in sealed envelope or via electronic recommendation service)
- Personal statement (under 1,000 words) addressing: reasons for choosing this program, plans upon completion, and how current experience enhances the program
- CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions (sealed envelope with institutional seal)
- TOEFL iBT minimum 79 (combined listening/writing/reading) + speaking score 26+ for non-native English speakers
- No GRE required
- PA/NJ/DE RN licensure strongly recommended to maximize clinical site access
- Application deadlines: use the Drexel Online Application Deadline Tool
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN PNP-AC at Drexel University prepares practitioners for advanced practice across the continuum of acute care services — from high-acuity emergency and intensive care settings to specialty-based practices. Tuition is $1,571/quarter credit.
Total quarter credits for this program are not clearly published in available source materials — contact the CNHP Graduate Nursing Division at CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu for current credit count and total cost estimates.
The program is 100% online with mandatory on-campus and/or virtual intensives during clinical courses. A mandatory 1 year of RN experience in a pediatric acute care setting is required. Current PALS certification required.
View more program details on the official program page.
MSN PNP-AC Clinicals
- Clinical settings include medical, surgical, and critical care pediatric environments
- Students self-source preceptors — program provides resources; accessibility varies by state
- PA RN licensure required before beginning clinical component
MSN PNP-AC Admissions
- BSN from CCNE-, ACEN-, or NLN CNEA-accredited program; 3.0+ GPA
- Current unrestricted US RN license
- Current PALS certification required
- Minimum 1 year of RN experience in a pediatric acute care setting (required for admission)
- Two professional references from supervisors, managers, nursing faculty, or program directors — not from colleagues or family
- Personal statement (under 1,000 words)
- CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Admissions interview may be required
- TOEFL iBT minimum 79 + speaking 26+ for non-native English speakers
- No GRE required
- Application deadlines: use the Drexel Online Application Deadline Tool
MSN – Dual Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN Dual PNP-PC/AC at Drexel University is estimated at approximately ~$97,402 in tuition (62 quarter credits × $1,571/QCH) plus term fees.
The program spans approximately 4 years based on the sample plan of study and requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours.
A mandatory 5-day on-campus intensive (OCI) is required during NURS 642 (PNP I), held during week one of the summer quarter.
Graduates are eligible for both the CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC exams through PNCB. This is the most comprehensive PNP program at Drexel — and the only dual PC/AC MSN currently covered on this site that includes a community management course for medically fragile and technology-dependent children.
1 year of pediatric acute care RN experience is required for admission.
Dual MSN Curriculum
The Dual MSN totals 62 quarter credits (equivalent to approximately 41.3 semester credits). Core and support courses are shared with the PNP-PC MSN. The clinical sequence is expanded to cover both primary and acute care tracks.
Core Courses (15 QCH) — same as MSN PNP-PC: See MSN PNP-PC curriculum above.
Support Courses (14 QCH) — same as MSN PNP-PC: See MSN PNP-PC curriculum above.
Clinical Courses (30 QCH):
- NURS 642 – PNP I: Primary Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents (5.0 QCH) — Mandatory 5-day OCI, week one of summer quarter
- NURS 643 – PNP II: Episodic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents in Primary Care (5.0 QCH)
- NURS 647 – PNP III: Management and Care of Adolescents in the Primary Care Setting (5.0 QCH)
- NURS 649 – PNP AC I: Acute-Chronic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents Management (5.0 QCH)
- NURS 650 – PNP AC II: Acute-Chronic Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents Management (5.0 QCH)
- NURS 651 – PNP Management of the Medically Fragile and Technology Dependent Child in the Community (5.0 QCH)
Elective (3.0 QCH): One nursing elective (same eligibility as MSN PNP-PC).
Sample Plan of Study:
- Year 1: Core courses — NURS 500, 502, 544, RSCH 503, 504, NURS 548, 549, Elective (6 QCH/quarter)
- Year 2: NUPR 520, NURS 646, 664, NURS 550, NURS 642 OCI (0–5 QCH/quarter)
- Year 3: NURS 643, NURS 649, NURS 650, NURS 651 (5 QCH/quarter)
- Year 4 Fall: NURS 647 (5 QCH)
As with the PNP-PC MSN, the NURS 646 + NURS 664 winter term in Year 2 falls below the 4.5 QCH FAFSA minimum — loan disbursement will not occur that term.
View more curriculum details in the Drexel catalog.
Dual MSN Clinicals
Students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours across six clinical courses spanning primary care, acute care, and community-based settings for medically fragile children.
- NURS 642, 643, 647 — primary care clinical sequence
- NURS 649, 650 — acute care clinical sequence
- NURS 651 — community management of medically fragile and technology-dependent children
- Total: 1,000 clinical hours minimum
- Clinical settings: specialty clinics, primary care, pediatric acute care inpatient, step-down, and community sites
Dual MSN Admissions
- BSN from CCNE-, ACEN-, or NLN CNEA-accredited program; 3.0+ GPA
- Current unrestricted US RN license
- Minimum 1 year of RN experience in a pediatric acute care setting (required)
- Two professional references from supervisors, managers, nursing faculty, or program directors — not colleagues or family
- Personal statement (under 1,000 words)
- CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Admissions interview may be required
- TOEFL iBT minimum 79 + speaking 26+ for non-native English speakers
- Application deadlines: use the Drexel Online Application Deadline Tool
Post-Master’s Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC at Drexel University is estimated at approximately ~$53,414 in tuition (34 quarter credits × $1,571/QCH) plus fees. The program is completable in up to 2 years of part-time study.
It is delivered 100% online with mandatory on-campus and/or virtual intensives during clinical courses.
34 quarter credits = approximately 22.7 semester credit equivalents at ~$2,357/semester credit equivalent.
View more program details on the official program page.
Certificate PNP-PC Clinicals
- Clinical settings include home care, ambulatory care, specialty care, urgent care, and rehabilitative care
- Students self-source preceptors — program provides resources
- Total clinical hours not published in available source materials — contact program
- Simulation preparation available at Drexel’s CICSP
Certificate PNP-PC Admissions
- BSN from NLN-accredited program (non-nursing BSN considered individually); 3.0+ GPA overall or 3.25+ on last 60 BSN credits
- Current RN license
- No prior pediatric work experience required (but competitive)
- Two professional references from supervisors, managers, nursing faculty, or program directors — not colleagues or family
- Personal statement (800–1,600 words) addressing: reasons for this program, plans upon completion, and how current experience enhances the program
- CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Interview possible (phone or in-person)
- TOEFL iBT minimum 79 + speaking 26+ for non-native English speakers
- Application deadlines: use the Drexel Online Application Deadline Tool
Post-Master’s Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC at Drexel University is estimated at approximately ~$61,269 in tuition (39 quarter credits × $1,571/QCH) plus fees. The program is completable in up to 2 years of part-time study.
It is delivered 100% online with mandatory on-campus and/or virtual intensives during clinical courses.
39 quarter credits = 26 semester credit equivalents at ~$2,357/semester credit equivalent.
View more program details on the official program page.
Certificate PNP-AC Clinicals
- Clinical settings include medical, surgical, and critical care pediatric environments
- Students self-source preceptors — program provides resources
- Total clinical hours not published in available source materials — contact program
Certificate PNP-AC Admissions
- BSN from NLN-accredited program; 3.0+ GPA overall or 3.25+ on last 60 BSN credits
- Current RN license
- No prior work experience required (but competitive)
- Two professional references from supervisors, managers, nursing faculty, or program directors — not colleagues or family
- Personal statement (800–1,600 words)
- CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Interview possible
- TOEFL iBT minimum 79 + speaking 26+ for non-native English speakers
- No GRE required unless GPA below 3.0
- PA/NJ/DE RN licensure strongly recommended
- Application deadlines: use the Drexel Online Application Deadline Tool
Post-Master’s Certificate – Dual Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s Certificate Dual PNP-PC/AC at Drexel University prepares MSN-prepared APRNs for dual certification in both pediatric primary and acute care. Tuition is $1,571/quarter credit.
View more program details on the official program page.
Dual Certificate Admissions
- BSN from NLN-accredited program; 3.0+ GPA overall or 3.25+ on last 60 BSN credits
- Current RN license
- 1–2 years of recent experience in a clinically appropriate area
- Two professional references from supervisors, managers, nursing faculty, or program directors — not colleagues or family
- Personal statement (under 1,000 words)
- CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Interview possible
- TOEFL iBT minimum 79 + speaking 26+ for non-native English speakers
- No GRE required unless GPA below 3.0
- PA/NJ/DE RN licensure strongly recommended
- Application deadlines: use the Drexel Online Application Deadline Tool
Tuition
Drexel University uses a quarter credit system — four 10-week terms per year instead of two traditional semesters. Tuition is charged per quarter credit hour (QCH). To compare with semester-based programs: 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits; the effective per-semester-credit-equivalent rate is approximately $2,357.
- Standard graduate tuition rate: $1,571/quarter credit hour
- Semester credit equivalent rate: ~$2,357/semester credit (~$1,571 × 1.5)
- Full-time term fee: $280/term
- Part-time term fee: $140/term
Estimated total tuition by program:
- MSN PNP-PC (52 QCH): ~$81,692
- MSN PNP-AC: credits not published — contact program
- MSN Dual PNP-PC/AC (62 QCH): ~$97,402
- Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC (34 QCH): ~$53,414
- Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC (39 QCH): ~$61,269
- Post-Master’s Certificate Dual PNP-PC/AC: credits not published — contact program
These estimates reflect tuition only — term fees, compliance costs, and travel to on-campus intensives are additional.
FAFSA users must maintain a minimum of 4.5 quarter credits/term for loan disbursement — one term in the PNP-PC and Dual MSN plans of study (Year 2 winter, NURS 646 + 664 = 4 QCH) falls below this threshold.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The MSN programs and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Drexel University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Compare Drexel with Other PNP Programs in Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
- Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia
- Villanova University - Villanova