Georgia State University offers three Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MSN
- Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC)
- BSN to DNP
The MSN and certificate are web-enhanced — the first class of each semester meets on-site and is mandatory, followed by monthly synchronous online sessions and asynchronous coursework.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN PNP-PC | ~$25,800 | ~2–2.5 years full-time / 3–4 years part-time |
| Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC | ~$21,900 | Varies based on equivalency evaluation |
| BSN to DNP (PNP-PC) | Not published | 87 credits; length not published |
- Why choose it: $464 per credit for every residency status, about $25,800 for the MSN, and a clinical placement coordinator.
- Trade-off: Spring-only admission with a November 1 deadline, at least a year of pediatric experience, and a mandatory on-site class each semester.
Quick Facts
| Population Focus | Primary Care (CPNP-PC) only, covering children and adolescents |
| Format | Web-enhanced: a mandatory on-site class at the start of each semester, monthly synchronous online sessions, and asynchronous coursework in between |
| Clinical Hours | Minimum 600 hours across three sequential specialty courses (same for MSN and certificate) |
| Clinical Placement | Assisted by the program’s clinical placement coordinator, but students are also expected to help identify preceptors through professional networking; paid preceptors and fee-based placement services are not allowed |
| RN License Required | Active Georgia RN license (or documented application) for the MSN; active GA RN license plus a prior MSN for the certificate |
| RN/Prior Experience Required | At least 1 year of recent general pediatric clinical experience; 1-2 years preferred |
| Start Terms | MSN and certificate: spring only, November 1 deadline. BSN to DNP: fall (June 30) or spring (November 15) |
| Tuition | $464/credit for every residency status, plus an online learning fee of up to $660 per semester; MSN about $25,800 and certificate about $21,900 with fees, before equivalency waivers |
| Accreditation | CCNE-accredited; graduates eligible for PNCB certification (the sole body certifying PNPs) |
Program Tracks Overview
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN PNP-PC at Georgia State University is estimated at approximately ~$25,800, the same for every residency status.
Estimates based on 48 credits at $464/credit ($22,272) plus online learning fees of approximately $3,500 across 6 semesters.
Full-time students complete the program in approximately 2 to 2.5 years; part-time students typically take 3 to 4 years.
MSN Curriculum
The MSN PNP-PC totals 48 credit hours organized in two components:
- Required core (22 cr.): Covers advanced pathophysiological concepts, advanced health assessment, pharmacology for advanced practice, the culture of healthcare, research and theoretical foundations, advanced professional nursing practice issues, diagnostic reasoning and procedures, and interprofessional collaboration.
- PNP specialty courses (26 cr.): Three sequential clinical courses covering common health problems in children and adolescents, chronic health problems in children and adolescents, and an advanced practicum in child health.
Core Courses
NURS 7310 – Advanced Pathophysiology I
Explores foundational pathophysiology across the lifespan, focusing on genetics, cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, neurological systems, and fluid/electrolyte balance.
NURS 7320 – Advanced Pathophysiology II
Builds on Pathophysiology I with emphasis on hematologic, immune, endocrine, digestive, renal systems, and cancer-related processes.
NURS 7500 – Advanced Health Assessment
Develops advanced assessment skills across the lifespan, emphasizing data analysis, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making with hands-on practice.
NURS 7550 – Advanced Pharmacology
Covers pharmacologic therapies for diverse populations, focusing on drug mechanisms, prescribing practices, and treatment planning.
NURS 7600 – Culture of Healthcare
Introduces advanced practice nursing roles within diverse healthcare systems, highlighting population health and care delivery environments.
NURS 7940 – Advanced Nursing Practice Issues
Examines legal, ethical, and sociopolitical issues impacting advanced practice nurses in modern healthcare settings.
NURS 7950 – Theory and Research Methods
Prepares students to evaluate and apply research and theory to advanced nursing practice, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
CNHP 7800 – Interprofessional Collaboration
Focuses on teamwork, communication, and collaborative care strategies across healthcare disciplines, especially for complex patient needs.
Pediatric Primary Care NP Concentration
NURS 7420 – Pediatric Primary Care I
Covers common pediatric conditions and developmental considerations, emphasizing diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based management.
NURS 7430 – Pediatric Primary Care II (Chronic Conditions)
Focuses on managing chronic pediatric conditions through advanced assessment, care coordination, and patient/family education.
NURS 7330 – Diagnostic Reasoning Procedures
Introduces diagnostic reasoning frameworks and clinical decision-making processes for advanced nursing practice.
NURS 7440 – Advanced Practicum in Child Health
Provides extensive supervised clinical experience delivering primary care to children and adolescents in real-world settings.
Full-Time Plan of Study:
- Spring 1: NURS 7950 (3 cr.) + NURS 7315 (3 cr.) = 6 cr.
- Summer 1: NURS 7550 (3 cr.) + NURS 7600 (3 cr.) = 6 cr.
- Fall 1: NURS 7500 (3 cr.) + NURS 7330 (2 cr.) = 5 cr.
- Spring 2: CNHP 7800 (3 cr.) + NURS 7420 (9 cr. / 225 clinical hrs) = 12 cr.
- Summer 2: NURS 7430 (7 cr. / 135 clinical hrs) = 7 cr.
- Fall 2: NURS 7940 (2 cr.) + NURS 7440 (10 cr. / 240 clinical hrs) = 12 cr.
Advanced clinical courses must be taken in sequence. Dropping or rescheduling a clinical course may extend the program by up to one year.
NURS 7500 (Advanced Health Assessment) requires several mandatory on-campus lab days beyond the standard monthly on-site requirement.
View more curriculum details in the course catalog.
MSN Clinicals
MSN students complete a minimum of 600 total clinical hours across three sequential specialty courses.
Clinical placement assistance is available through the program’s clinical placement coordinator, though students are also asked to assist in identifying appropriate preceptors through professional networking in the pediatric community.
Students may not pay preceptors or use fee-based placement services.
- NURS 7420 – Common Health Problems and Issues Pertinent to Children and Adolescents (225 clinical hrs)
- NURS 7430 – Chronic Health Problems in Children and Adolescents (135 clinical hrs)
- NURS 7440 – Advanced Practicum in Child Health (240 clinical hrs)
- Total: minimum 600 clinical hours
- NURS 7500 also includes 23 scheduled on-campus clinical/lab hours
- Clinical placement assistance provided by the program’s placement coordinator
- Students are asked to assist with preceptor identification through pediatric professional networks
- State-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Center available for skills preparation
- Students may not pay preceptors or use fee-based preceptor placement services
- Prior to any clinical activities, a criminal background check and drug screen are required at the student’s expense
MSN Admissions
Admission is competitive and based on GPA, pediatric nursing experience, references, personal statements, and interview. Spring admission only — application deadline November 1.
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (selection is competitive; higher GPAs preferred)
- At least 1 year of recent general pediatric clinical experience (hospital or community setting); 1–2 years preferred
- Active Georgia RN license (or documentation of application to the Georgia Board of Nursing)
- No GRE or MAT listed in GSU’s current master’s requirements
- Two letters of recommendation — if within 5 years of nursing school, one must be from a former faculty member
- Statement of purpose/goal statement (educational and career goals)
- Writing sample — 2 pages on a current social or health issue
- Resume (education, work experience, professional development, community/volunteer activities, publications)
- Interview required
- $50 application fee to the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
- Official transcripts from every institution attended (GSU transcripts not required)
- TOEFL scores required for non-native English speakers
- Criminal background check and drug screen required before clinical activities (student’s expense)
- Current AHA BLS CPR certification, student liability insurance, Georgia RN license, OSHA documentation, and immunization records required throughout clinical enrollment
- Spring admission only — does not admit fall or summer
- Application deadline: November 1 for spring admission
Post-Master’s Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC at Georgia State University is estimated at approximately ~$21,900 at the 43-credit baseline (43 credits at $464 plus about $1,980 in online learning fees), before equivalency waivers.
Core courses from the student’s prior MSN will be evaluated for equivalency — actual credit load and cost may be significantly lower.
Program duration varies based on how many courses are waived and whether the student enrolls full-time or part-time.
Certificate Curriculum
The PMC PNP-PC baseline totals 43 credit hours before equivalency evaluation. Prior MSN core coursework is reviewed for equivalency to required PMC courses — students with equivalent prior coursework may have core courses waived, reducing the total credit load and cost.
The PNP specialty clinical sequence (NURS 7420, 7430, 7440) is not waivable.
Required Core Courses (16 cr. — subject to equivalency waivers):
- NURS 7315 – Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
- NURS 7330 – Diagnostic Reasoning and Procedures (2 cr.)
- NURS 7500 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
- NURS 7550 – Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 cr.)
- NURS 7940 – Advanced Professional Nurse Practice Issues (2 cr.)
- CNHP 7800 – Interprofessional Collaboration for Advanced Practice (3 cr.)
PNP Specialty Courses (26 cr. — required, not waivable):
- NURS 7420 – Common Health Problems and Issues Pertinent to Children and Adolescents (9 cr. / 225 clinical hrs)
- NURS 7430 – Chronic Health Problems in Children and Adolescents (7 cr. / 135 clinical hrs)
- NURS 7440 – Advanced Practicum in Child Health (10 cr. / 240 clinical hrs)
Past education and experience will be evaluated at admission to determine which core courses may be waived. Contact the program coordinator before applying to get a preliminary equivalency assessment.
View more program details on the official certificate page.
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete the same minimum of 600 clinical hours across the three PNP specialty courses. All clinical requirements, placement assistance procedures, and simulation center access are the same as the MSN track.
- NURS 7420 – Common Health Problems and Issues Pertinent to Children and Adolescents (225 clinical hrs)
- NURS 7430 – Chronic Health Problems in Children and Adolescents (135 clinical hrs)
- NURS 7440 – Advanced Practicum in Child Health (240 clinical hrs)
- Total: minimum 600 clinical hours
- Clinical placement assistance available through program coordinator
- Students asked to assist with preceptor identification through professional networking
- Students may not pay preceptors or use fee-based placement services
Certificate Admissions
Admission requires an MSN. The same equivalency evaluation, application materials, and spring-only admission timeline apply.
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Active Georgia RN license
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (competitive; higher preferred)
- At least 1 year of recent general pediatric clinical experience
- Entrance exam waived for post-master’s certificate applicants
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose and writing sample
- Resume
- Interview required
- $50 application fee
- Official transcripts from every institution attended
- Post-master’s certificate students may not be eligible for federal financial aid
- Spring admission only — does not admit fall or summer
- Application deadline: November 1 for spring admission
Tuition
Georgia State University charges online MS and certificate students $464 per credit hour, the same rate regardless of residency, plus an Online Learning Fee. Here is how the rates break down for FY27 (2026–2027):
- Tuition (all residencies): $464/credit
- Online Learning Fee — fall and spring: $110/credit (capped at $660/semester for 6+ credits)
- Online Learning Fee — summer: $73.66/credit (capped at $442/semester for 6+ credits)
- Effective rate at 9 credits per fall or spring semester: about $537/credit including the online learning fee
Additional one-time and annual expenses:
- Application fee: $50
- Drug screening and criminal background check: ~$85 (one-time, before clinicals)
- NURS 7500 clinical supplies (diagnostic set, stethoscope, etc.): ~$400–$800
- Typhon tracking system database: ~$100
- ACEMAPPING: ~$85
- GSU student name tag: ~$15
- Liability insurance: ~$13/year
- AHA CPR certification: ~$35–$100 (every other year)
- Georgia nursing license: ~$65 (every other year)
- Clinical agency badges and parking: ~$1–$50/semester
- Books: ~$50–$1,500/semester depending on course load
See the official tuition page for more details.
Why Choose This PNP Program?
Best suited for: Georgia RNs with at least a year of pediatric clinical experience who want a lower-cost, web-enhanced program with built-in placement support and can commit to a single spring start each year.
Below-Average Cost With Placement Support
At $464 per credit for every residency status and roughly $25,800 for the full MSN, Georgia State runs cheaper than many PNP programs. A clinical placement coordinator helps arrange sites, though students are still expected to network toward pediatric preceptors themselves, so placement is assisted rather than fully guaranteed.
Single Spring Admission Cycle
Both the MSN and the certificate admit only in spring, with a November 1 deadline. An applicant who misses that window waits a full year rather than applying for a fall or summer start, which is a real planning constraint compared to programs with multiple intakes.
Web-Enhanced, Not Fully Online
Each semester opens with a mandatory on-site class, followed by monthly synchronous online sessions and asynchronous work. Advanced Health Assessment (NURS 7500) adds several more required on-campus lab days on top of that, so a student who needs to stay off-campus entirely will not find that here.
Certificate Cost and Length Depend on Equivalency Review
The certificate’s 43-credit, roughly $21,900 baseline assumes no transfer credit. Prior MSN coursework is evaluated for equivalency, so a practicing NP’s actual cost and timeline could be meaningfully lower, but the 26-credit, 600-hour PNP specialty sequence itself is not waivable regardless of prior degrees.
The Verdict
A Georgia RN with pediatric experience who wants a budget-friendly, placement-supported program and can plan around a single spring start has the strongest reason to choose Georgia State. Someone who needs a fully remote program with zero campus travel, or who needs a fall or summer start, should look elsewhere.
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing program and the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Georgia State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Graduates of the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner option are eligible for national certification by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), the sole certifying body for pediatric nurse practitioners — ANCC closed its pediatric primary care exam to new candidates in 2020 and does not certify PNPs.
Reviw More Georgia PNP Programs
- Augusta University - Augusta
- Emory University - Atlanta