Northeastern University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Northeastern University Bouvé College of Health Sciences offers four Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • MSN PNP – Primary Care concentration
  • MSN PNP – Dual Acute & Primary Care concentration
  • CAGS PNP – Primary Care
  • CAGS PNP – Dual Acute & Primary Care

All four tracks are delivered on-ground in Boston — no online option is available, and the program does not meet F-1 visa requirements. Clinical experiences occur at premier Boston-area institutions with a deliberate emphasis on urban, underserved, and at-risk pediatric populations.

Program Tracks Overview

ProgramEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN PNP – Primary Care$79,7862–3 years
MSN PNP – Dual AC/PC$101,1922–3 years
CAGS PNP – Primary Care$46,704~2 years
CAGS PNP – Dual AC/PC$68,110~2 years

The School of Nursing has been designated an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. These programs are best suited for nurses who want clinically intensive, in-person training in one of the country’s leading pediatric healthcare ecosystems and access to a credential no other New England program can offer.

MSN PNP – Primary Care Concentration

The estimated cost for the MSN PNP Primary Care at Northeastern is approximately $79,786 (41 credits × $1,946/credit). The program would take approximately 2 to 3 years to complete. Graduates are eligible to sit for the PNCB Pediatric Primary Care certification exam.

MSN PC Curriculum

The primary care concentration totals 41 semester credit hours, including a professional and research core, clinical core courses, clinical theory courses, and clinical practicum courses. The professional and research core covers research, epidemiology, advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, healthcare systems, and health assessment — shared across all MSN NP concentrations.

The PNP primary care specialty adds pediatric pharmacology, well child and adolescent health promotion, pediatric health problems, and a community health and health promotion course with a clinical component, plus two five-credit practicum courses.

Clinical Core Courses:

  • NRSG 6115 – Health Assessment (3 cr.)
  • NRSG 6262 – Pediatric Pharmacology (2 cr.)

Clinical Theory Courses:

  • NRSG 6264 – Care of Well Child/Adolescent Health Promotion (3 cr.)
  • NRSG 6265 – Care of Child/Adolescent Health Problems (3 cr.)
  • NRSG 6275 – Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics in the Context of Community Health (4 cr., includes clinical component)

Clinical Practicum Courses:

  • NRSG 6460 – Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5 cr.)
  • NRSG 6461 – Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5 cr.)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

MSN PC Clinicals

Clinical hours are embedded within the practicum courses and the community health course (NRSG 6275). Northeastern’s long-standing partnerships with top Boston-area institutions provide clinical placements across hospitals, community health centers, school-based clinics, neighborhood health centers, child care centers, homeless shelters, and private practices.

Clinical sites have included Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Franciscan Hospital for Children. Total clinical hours are not explicitly published on the program page — contact the program for specific hour requirements.

  • NRSG 6275 – Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics (includes clinical component)
  • NRSG 6460 – Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5 cr.)
  • NRSG 6461 – Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5 cr.)
  • Settings: hospitals, community health centers, school-based clinics, neighborhood health centers, and private practices
  • Focus on urban, underserved, and at-risk pediatric populations

MSN PC Admissions

Admission is competitive and requires a BSN from an accredited U.S. nursing program and a current RN license. The application window closes July 1 for fall entry.

  • BSN from an accredited nursing program (U.S.)
  • Current RN licensure
  • Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
  • Personal statement
  • Résumé
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (international transcripts require course-by-course evaluation from WES or ECE)
  • Application fee
  • TOEFL iBT minimum 100 (for exams before January 21, 2026) or minimum 5 on the new 1–6 scale (for exams on or after January 21, 2026), or IELTS — required for applicants without a U.S. degree whose native language is not English
  • Minimum grade of B required in all courses; minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Fall entry only | Deadline: July 1

MSN PNP – Dual Acute & Primary Care Concentration

The estimated cost for the MSN PNP Dual AC/PC at Northeastern is approximately $101,192 (52 credits × $1,946/credit), and the program would take approximately 2 to 3 years to complete.

Graduates are eligible to sit for both the PNCB Primary Care and Acute Care certification exams. This is the only program in New England offering this dual preparation.

MSN Dual Curriculum

The dual concentration totals 52 semester credit hours — 11 credits more than the primary care track — adding neonatal and infant health assessment, acute and critical care pediatric theory, and a dedicated acute care practicum.

The dual track prepares students for the full PNP scope: well-child care and primary care prevention through to managing acute, complex, critical, and chronic pediatric conditions in ICUs, emergency departments, and specialty inpatient settings.

Clinical Core Courses

NRSG 6115 – Health Assessment (3)
Builds advanced assessment skills across the lifespan, emphasizing comprehensive examinations, cultural considerations, interviewing, documentation, and the ability to distinguish normal from abnormal findings. Introduces diagnostic reasoning within the advanced practice nursing role.

NRSG 6116 – Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant (3)
Develops specialized assessment skills for neonates and infants through physical examination, family history review, and clinical reasoning. Focuses on recognizing normal and abnormal findings and building a foundation for advanced diagnostic thinking.

NRSG 6262 – Pediatric Pharmacology (2)
Explores pediatric pharmacology, major drug classifications, and their use in treating health problems in children and adolescents. Addresses medication effects on pathophysiology and psychopathology, along with implications for practice.

Clinical Theory Courses

NRSG 6275 – Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics in the Context of Community Health (4)
Examines pediatric health promotion and prevention for at-risk children and families within community and high-risk settings. Emphasizes health disparities, underserved populations, and collaborative strategies that support culturally responsive care.

NRSG 6264 – Care of Well Child/Adolescent Health Promotion (3)
Focuses on preventive care for newborns, children, adolescents, and their families in community and primary care settings. Covers screenings, developmental concerns, family dynamics, confidentiality, and the impact of cultural, psychological, and physiological factors on health.

NRSG 6265 – Care of Child/Adolescent Health Problems (3)
Builds skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute and chronic pediatric health problems across care settings. Emphasizes evidence-based practice, family-centered care, and consultation and referral within the nurse practitioner role.

NRSG 6267 – Care of the Critically Ill Child (3)
Addresses the care of children with complex acute, chronic, and critical conditions, including trauma, organ failure, and life-threatening illness. Focuses on intensive management, care transitions, and the needs of medically fragile children.

Clinical Practicum Courses

NRSG 6460 – Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5)
Provides clinical experience in primary care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Emphasizes comprehensive assessment, health promotion, maintenance, and identification of at-risk individuals and families.

NRSG 6461 – Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5)
Expands clinical practice in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of pediatric acute and chronic conditions. Focuses on care coordination and delivery within the context of culture and community.

NRSG 6463 – Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum (5)
Offers clinical experience in the care of children with complex acute, chronic, and critical conditions across multiple settings. Builds skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of high-acuity pediatric health issues.

Program Credit Requirement

A total of 52 semester hours is required, including all program core requirements.

Concentration in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care

NRSG 6115 – Health Assessment (3)
Develops advanced lifespan assessment skills with emphasis on clinical reasoning, comprehensive exams, and cultural awareness.

NRSG 6262 – Pediatric Pharmacology (2)
Covers pharmacologic principles and drug classifications used in pediatric care.

NRSG 6264 – Care of Well Child/Adolescent Health Promotion (3)
Focuses on preventive care and health maintenance for children and adolescents in primary care.

NRSG 6265 – Care of Child/Adolescent Health Problems (3)
Addresses evidence-based management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions.

NRSG 6275 – Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics in the Context of Community Health (4)
Explores community-based strategies for promoting pediatric health and reducing risk in underserved populations.

NRSG 6460 – Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5)
Provides clinical experience in pediatric primary care and preventive services.

NRSG 6461 – Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5)
Strengthens advanced clinical skills in pediatric assessment, diagnosis, and care delivery.

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

MSN Dual Clinicals

In addition to the primary care clinical placements, dual-track students complete a dedicated acute care practicum (NRSG 6463) in high-intensity pediatric settings including hospital units, pediatric ICUs, and emergency departments. Clinical partners include Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, among others.

  • NRSG 6275 – Health Promotion and Preventative Care (includes clinical component)
  • NRSG 6460 – Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5 cr.)
  • NRSG 6461 – Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5 cr.)
  • NRSG 6463 – Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum (5 cr.)
  • Settings include PICUs, emergency departments, inpatient specialty units, community health centers, and school-based clinics

MSN Dual Admissions

Admission requirements are identical to the MSN Primary Care track. See MSN PC Admissions above. Fall entry only; deadline July 1.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study PNP – Primary Care

The estimated cost for the CAGS PNP Primary Care at Northeastern is approximately $46,704 (24 credits × $1,946/credit), and the program would take approximately 2 years to complete.

This certificate is designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking PNP-PC specialization. Graduates are eligible to sit for the PNCB Pediatric Primary Care certification exam.

CAGS PC Curriculum

The CAGS PC totals 24 semester credit hours, consisting of the PNP specialty courses only — the professional and research core from the MSN program is waived for students who already hold an MSN.

Three prerequisite courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of B before beginning specialty coursework:

  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice
  • Health Assessment.

Two graduate NRSG elective credits complete the program.

Prerequisites (not counted toward 24 credits — must have a grade of B or better):

  • NRSG 5117 – Advanced Pharmacology (or equivalent)
  • NRSG 5126 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice (or equivalent)
  • NRSG 6115 – Health Assessment (or equivalent)

Required CAGS PC Courses (22 cr.):

  • NRSG 6262 – Pediatric Pharmacology (2 cr.)
  • NRSG 6264 – Care of Well Child/Adolescent Health Promotion (3 cr.)
  • NRSG 6265 – Care of Child/Adolescent Health Problems (3 cr.)
  • NRSG 6275 – Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics in the Context of Community Health (4 cr., includes clinical component)
  • NRSG 6460 – Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5 cr.)
  • NRSG 6461 – Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5 cr.)

Elective (2 cr.):

  • 2 credits of graduate NRSG coursework (advisor-selected)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

CAGS PC Clinicals

Clinical hours are embedded within NRSG 6460, 6461, and the clinical component of NRSG 6275, mirroring the MSN primary care practicum sequence. Northeastern arranges placements through its network of Boston-area partners.

CAGS PC Admissions

The CAGS requires an MSN in nursing in addition to the standard application materials. Minimum B grade required in all courses; minimum 3.0 GPA required throughout.

  • MSN degree in nursing required
  • BSN from an accredited nursing program (U.S.)
  • Current RN licensure
  • Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
  • Personal statement
  • Résumé
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended (international transcripts: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation required)
  • Application fee
  • TOEFL or IELTS (see MSN requirements above) for non-native English speakers without a U.S. degree
  • Prerequisites completed with a minimum grade of B: Advanced Pharmacology, Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice, Health Assessment
  • Fall entry only | Deadline: July 1

Certificate of Advanced Graduate PNP – Dual Acute & Primary Care

The estimated cost for the CAGS PNP Dual AC/PC at Northeastern is approximately $68,110 (35 credits × $1,946/credit), and the program would take approximately 2 years to complete.

The dual track adds 11 credits to the primary care CAGS, covering neonatal and infant assessment, care of the critically ill child, and the acute care practicum. Graduates are eligible to sit for both the PNCB Primary Care and Acute Care certification exams.

CAGS Dual Curriculum

The CAGS Dual totals approximately 35 semester credit hours — the 24-credit primary care certificate base plus 11 additional credits for the acute care specialization.

The additional courses mirror the acute care additions in the MSN dual track: Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant, Care of the Critically Ill Child, and the Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum.

Additional Dual Track Courses (11 cr.):

  • NRSG 6116 – Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant (3 cr.)
  • NRSG 6267 – Care of the Critically Ill Child (3 cr.)
  • NRSG 6463 – Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum (5 cr.)

View more curriculum details in the course catalog.

CAGS Dual Clinicals

In addition to primary care clinical placements, dual CAGS students complete the acute care practicum (NRSG 6463) in high-intensity pediatric settings. All clinical placements are arranged through Northeastern’s Boston-area network of clinical partners.

CAGS Dual Admissions

Admissions requirements are identical to the CAGS Primary Care track. See CAGS PC Admissions above. Fall entry only; deadline July 1.

Tuition

Graduate tuition at Northeastern University is $1,946 per credit hour for the standard MSN Nursing program and all CAGS certificates.

Note that Northeastern’s online MSN is priced separately at $1,035 per credit — however, the PNP program is on-ground only and the standard $1,946 rate applies. No resident/non-resident distinction is listed; the same rate applies regardless of state of origin.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The nursing programs at Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

The School of Nursing has also been designated an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. Graduates of the primary care tracks are eligible for the PNCB Pediatric Primary Care certification exam; graduates of the dual tracks are eligible for both the PNCB Primary Care and Acute Care certification exams.

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