Northeastern University’s School of Nursing, part of the Bouvé College of Health Sciences in Boston, offers six Pediatric Nurse Practitioner pathways:
- BSN to MSN – Primary Care, CPNP-PC
- BSN to MSN – Dual Acute & Primary Care, CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC
- Post-Master’s CAGS – Primary Care, CPNP-PC
- Post-Master’s CAGS – Acute Care, CPNP-AC
- Post-Master’s CAGS – Dual Acute & Primary Care, CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC
- Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate – Acute Care, CPNP-AC
Every pathway requires a current RN license and admits for fall only. The dual MSN and the acute care graduate certificate are Boston-campus programs. The 2026-2027 catalog lists the primary care MSN concentration and the three CAGS options as primarily online, while the university’s program pages list them as on-ground in Boston. The clinical affiliations the university names are all Boston-area pediatric sites.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSN – PC | $82K | 2–3 yrs | 41 |
| MSN – Dual | $104K | 2–3 yrs | 52 |
| CAGS – PC | $48K | 2 yrs | 24 |
| CAGS – AC | $50K | 2 yrs | 25 |
| CAGS – Dual | $66K | 2 yrs | 33 |
| Cert – AC | $32K | 2 terms (est.) | 16 |
Tuition estimates multiply Northeastern’s 2026-2027 Bouvé College graduate rate of $1,995 per credit by the 2026-2027 catalog credit total for each pathway; fees are listed separately in the Tuition section.
Northeastern gives nurses three separate routes into pediatric acute care. A BSN-prepared nurse can take the 52-credit dual MSN, a nurse who already holds an MSN in another specialty can take the 25-credit acute care CAGS or the 33-credit dual CAGS, and a PNP or FNP already certified in primary care can add acute care through a 16-credit graduate certificate. That last option counts earlier pediatric coursework or a year of full-time pediatric practice toward its prerequisites, so it is the shortest acute care route the school publishes.
Cost and location limit who can use these options. At $1,995 per credit, the dual MSN runs about $103,740 in tuition alone. The clinical affiliations Northeastern names are all in the Boston area, and the dual MSN and acute care certificate are Boston-campus programs, so a nurse outside eastern Massachusetts should plan around regular time in Boston.
Northeastern suits nurses in the Boston area who want pediatric acute care preparation, whether through a dual MSN, a post-master’s CAGS, or a 16-credit add-on for certified primary care NPs.
Quick Facts
| Population Focus | MSN: Primary Care (CPNP-PC) or Dual PC/AC | CAGS: PC, AC, or Dual | Graduate Certificate: Acute Care (CPNP-AC) |
| Format | Dual MSN and graduate certificate: Boston campus | PC MSN and CAGS: primarily online per catalog, on-ground per program pages |
| Clinical Settings | Affiliations have included Boston Children’s, Boston Medical Center, Mass General, and Franciscan Children’s |
| RN License Required | Yes, current RN license for all pathways |
| Prior Certification | Graduate certificate only: primary care PNP or FNP certification |
| Start Terms | Fall only; MSN and CAGS deadline July 1 |
| Tuition | $1,995 per credit (2026-2027), same for all students |
| Accreditation | CCNE; approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing |
Clinical Education
All six pathways draw on the same pediatric practicum courses, each worth 5 credits. Primary care students complete NRSG 6460 (well-child primary care) and NRSG 6461 (acute and chronic problems across settings). Acute care and dual students add NRSG 6463, the Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum, which covers complex acute, complex chronic, and critical conditions. NRSG 6275, a 4-credit community health course required in every MSN and CAGS plan, also carries a clinical component.
Northeastern states that its clinical affiliations have included Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Franciscan Hospital for Children, along with neighborhood health centers, school-based clinics, child care centers, homeless shelters, and private practices. Students work with clinicians in these settings under faculty supervision. The school’s stated focus is at-risk children in urban settings, which shows up in where rotations take place.
The university expresses clinical requirements in practicum credits rather than hour totals. For its primarily online MS, the catalog says practicum hours are completed in an approved practice setting and does not name a location.
MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
The MSN in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care costs about $81,795 (41 credits × $1,995) and takes 2 to 3 years, full- or part-time. It prepares BSN-prepared RNs for pediatric primary care, and the university states graduates are eligible for the pediatric primary care certification exam (PNCB CPNP-PC).
A published conflict worth knowing about. The 2026-2027 catalog places this concentration in its Nursing, MS (Primarily Online) program, which it describes as mostly online coursework plus practicum hours in an approved setting. The graduate program page lists the PNP MSN, primary care track included, as on-ground at the Boston campus. This page follows the catalog on format. For tuition it uses the $1,995 Bouvé rate, because the university’s own 2026-2027 estimate for this track ($81,795) is built on that rate rather than the $1,061 rate the bursar lists for MS Nursing (Online).
MSN PC Curriculum
The 41 credits split into a 16-credit core shared with Northeastern’s other NP concentrations and a 25-credit pediatric concentration. The core covers health systems and role development, epidemiology, advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and two evidence-based practice courses. The pediatric concentration pairs each theory course with a practicum taken alongside it.
- NRSG 5117 Advanced Pharmacology (2)
- NRSG 5126 Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice (3)
- NRSG 6115 Health Assessment (3)
- NRSG 6262 Pediatric Pharmacology (2)
- NRSG 6264 Care of Well Child/Adolescent Health Promotion (3)
- NRSG 6265 Care of Child/Adolescent Health Problems (3)
- NRSG 6275 Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics in the Context of Community Health (4, includes clinical)
- NRSG 6460 Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5)
- NRSG 6461 Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5)
View the full curriculum in the 2026-2027 catalog.
MSN PC Clinical Requirements
- Two 5-credit practicums: NRSG 6460 (well-child primary care) and NRSG 6461 (acute and chronic problems)
- Clinical component inside NRSG 6275 (community health)
- Settings named by the university: neighborhood health centers, school-based clinics, child care centers, homeless shelters, private practices, and hospitals
MSN PC Admissions
- BSN from an accredited U.S. program
- Current RN license
- Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
- Personal statement and résumé
- Transcripts from all institutions; non-U.S. transcripts need a WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation
- TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers without a U.S. degree (TOEFL iBT 100 preferred, or 5 on the banded scale for tests from January 21, 2026)
- Fall entry only; deadline July 1
Once enrolled, students need a B or better in every course and a 3.0 cumulative GPA to graduate. The single fall intake means an applicant who misses July 1 waits a full year.
MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute and Primary Care
The MSN in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute and Primary Care costs about $103,740 (52 credits × $1,995) and takes 2 to 3 years. It is the Boston-campus MSN and prepares BSN-prepared RNs for both pediatric roles. The university states dual graduates can sit for both the primary care and acute care exams (PNCB CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC). The catalog describes the didactic courses as on-ground or online, with skills and clinical work on-ground.
MSN Dual Curriculum
The dual plan is the primary care MSN plus 11 credits of acute care content: neonatal and infant assessment, a critical care theory course, and a third practicum in critical and complex acute care. The same 16-credit core applies.
- All nine primary care concentration courses listed above (25)
- NRSG 6116 Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant (3)
- NRSG 6267 Care of the Critically Ill Child (3)
- NRSG 6463 Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum (5)
View the full curriculum in the 2026-2027 catalog.
MSN Dual Clinical Requirements
- Three 5-credit practicums: NRSG 6460, NRSG 6461, and NRSG 6463
- Clinical component inside NRSG 6275
- The program page aims acute care preparation at high-intensity settings such as hospitals and pediatric ICUs
The 6463 practicum can only follow a B or better in 6461, so the acute care rotation comes last in the sequence.
MSN Dual Admissions
Same requirements and July 1 fall deadline as the primary care MSN. The university does not list a PICU or acute pediatric experience requirement for the dual track.
CAGS, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in PNP, Primary Care costs about $47,880 (24 credits × $1,995) and takes about 2 years. It is for RNs who already hold an MS in nursing, and the university states completion qualifies graduates for the pediatric primary care certification exam (PNCB CPNP-PC).
CAGS PC Curriculum
The CAGS drops the MSN core. Students must have completed advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with a B or better before entry, then take the six pediatric primary care courses (22 credits) plus 2 credits of graduate NRSG electives.
- NRSG 6262 Pediatric Pharmacology (2)
- NRSG 6264 Care of Well Child/Adolescent Health Promotion (3)
- NRSG 6265 Care of Child/Adolescent Health Problems (3)
- NRSG 6275 Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics (4)
- NRSG 6460 Pediatric NP Practicum 2 (5)
- NRSG 6461 Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5)
- Graduate NRSG elective (2)
View the curriculum in the 2026-2027 catalog.
CAGS PC Clinical Requirements
The same two primary care practicums as the MSN (NRSG 6460 and 6461) plus the NRSG 6275 clinical component, in Boston-area sites.
CAGS Admissions
- MS in nursing, plus a BSN from an accredited U.S. program
- Current RN license
- Prior coursework, B or better: advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology for advanced practice, health assessment
- Two recommendations, personal statement, résumé, transcripts, and English testing where applicable, as for the MSN
- Fall entry only; deadline July 1
These requirements apply to all three CAGS options. An MSN holder missing any of the three prerequisite courses has to complete it before starting.
CAGS, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care
The CAGS in PNP, Acute Care costs about $49,875 (25 credits × $1,995) and takes about 2 years. It prepares MSN-prepared RNs for pediatric acute care only; the matching credential is PNCB CPNP-AC. The university’s 2026-2027 tuition breakdown lists this CAGS alongside the primary care and dual versions.
CAGS AC Curriculum
The acute care CAGS drops the well-child course and its practicum (NRSG 6264 and 6460) and adds the neonatal assessment, critical care theory, and critical care practicum courses. It keeps pediatric pharmacology, the child health problems course, the community health course, and Practicum 3.
- NRSG 6116 Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant (3)
- NRSG 6262 Pediatric Pharmacology (2)
- NRSG 6265 Care of Child/Adolescent Health Problems (3)
- NRSG 6267 Care of the Critically Ill Child (3)
- NRSG 6275 Health Promotion and Preventative Care in Pediatrics (4)
- NRSG 6461 Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5)
- NRSG 6463 Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum (5)
CAGS AC Clinical Requirements and Admissions
Two 5-credit practicums (NRSG 6461, then NRSG 6463) plus the NRSG 6275 clinical component. Admission follows the CAGS requirements above; the catalog lists no PICU or acute pediatric experience requirement.
CAGS, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute and Primary Care
The dual CAGS in PNP, Acute and Primary Care costs about $65,835 (33 credits × $1,995) and takes about 2 years. It prepares MSN-prepared RNs for both roles, and the university states completion of the dual curriculum allows graduates to sit for the acute care PNP exam as well as the primary care exam (PNCB CPNP-AC and CPNP-PC).
CAGS Dual Curriculum
The dual CAGS is the six primary care courses (22 credits) plus the three acute care courses (11 credits). It has no elective, which is why it totals 33 credits rather than the primary care CAGS’s 24 plus 11.
- The six required primary care CAGS courses (22)
- NRSG 6116 Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant (3)
- NRSG 6267 Care of the Critically Ill Child (3)
- NRSG 6463 Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum (5)
View the curriculum in the 2026-2027 catalog.
CAGS Dual Clinical Requirements and Admissions
Three 5-credit practicums (NRSG 6460, 6461, and 6463) plus the NRSG 6275 clinical component. Admission follows the CAGS requirements above.
Graduate Certificate, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care
The post-master’s Graduate Certificate in PNP, Acute Care costs about $31,920 (16 credits × $1,995) and is offered at the Boston campus. It is open only to PNPs or FNPs already certified in primary care who hold a master’s or doctoral degree. The university states graduates are eligible for the acute care PNP board exam (PNCB CPNP-AC).
Duration is an estimate: two terms (est.), based on the catalog’s sequencing, in which NRSG 6463 requires a completed NRSG 6461.
Certificate AC Curriculum
- NRSG 6116 Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant (3)
- NRSG 6267 Care of the Critically Ill Child (3)
- NRSG 6461 Pediatric NP Practicum 3 (5, direct clinical hours)
- NRSG 6463 Care of the Critically Ill Child Practicum (5, direct clinical hours)
Certificate AC Admissions
- Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution
- Current certification as a primary care PNP or FNP
- Within the past five years, B or better in advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, pediatric pharmacology, child/adolescent health problems, and pediatric community health, or equivalents
- Alternatively, active PNP or FNP practice with primary care PNP competencies, including at least one year of full-time pediatric experience
The five-year window on prerequisite coursework matters for NPs who finished school earlier. They qualify through the practice route only with a year of full-time pediatric work, which an FNP in a mixed-age practice may not have.
Tuition
For 2026-2027, Northeastern charges $1,995 per credit for Bouvé College graduate programs, up from $1,946 in 2025-2026. As a private university it charges every student the same rate.
The PNP program pages show two sets of figures. Their headline 2026-2027 ranges ($81,795 to $103,740 for the MSN and $31,920 to $65,835 for the certificates) use the new rate. Their per-track “tuition breakdown” lines still use the 2025-2026 rate: $101,192 for the dual MSN, for example, against $103,740 at the current rate, a gap of $2,548. This page uses the 2026-2027 rate throughout.
The bursar lists a separate $1,061 rate for MS Nursing (Online). Because the catalog files the primary care MSN under its primarily online MS, that rate could apply to that track, which would put it near $43,501 (est.). The university’s own estimate for the track uses the $1,995 rate, so this page does too.
Estimated Total Tuition
| Pathway | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|
| MSN – Primary Care (41 cr) | $81,795 |
| MSN – Dual AC/PC (52 cr) | $103,740 |
| CAGS – Primary Care (24 cr) | $47,880 |
| CAGS – Acute Care (25 cr) | $49,875 |
| CAGS – Dual AC/PC (33 cr) | $65,835 |
| Graduate Certificate – Acute Care (16 cr) | $31,920 |
Calculated from the published per-credit rate and catalog credit totals; these are estimates, not university-published totals.
Fees Beyond Tuition
- Comprehensive fee (Boston graduate): $200 per term full-time ($400 annual cap) or $100 per term part-time ($200 cap); not charged to online students
- Health and counseling fee: $225 per year
- Northeastern Student Health Plan: $3,049 per year, waivable with comparable coverage
- International student fee: $450, one time
The program pages note that some on-campus programs offer scholarships of up to 25% for domestic students. They do not say which programs qualify. See Northeastern’s official tuition and fees page.
Why Choose This PNP Program?
Best suited for: RNs and NPs in the Boston area who want pediatric acute care preparation, alone or combined with primary care, and can cover private-university tuition.
An Acute Care Route for Every Starting Point
BSN holders take the dual MSN, MSN holders in another specialty choose the acute care or dual CAGS, and certified primary care PNPs or FNPs take the 16-credit certificate.
Urban Pediatric Clinical Sites
Rotations draw on Boston children’s hospitals, academic medical centers, neighborhood health centers, and school-based clinics, with a stated focus on at-risk urban children. Nurses who want community pediatrics in underserved settings will see that emphasis throughout the primary care sequence.
Dual Preparation Adds About a Quarter to the Cost
Adding acute care costs 11 credits, about $21,945. The dual MSN totals about $103,740 against $81,795 for primary care alone. Nurses sure they want only ambulatory practice can save that amount, and a primary care graduate can add acute care later through the 16-credit certificate.
Drawbacks to Weigh
- The clinical affiliations the university names are all in the Boston area
- One fall intake with a July 1 deadline
- University sources disagree on whether the primary care MSN and CAGS are primarily online or on-ground
- Tuition runs about $32,000 to $104,000 depending on pathway
The Verdict
Northeastern makes the most sense for nurses who live in or can move to the Boston area and want pediatric acute care credentials, especially certified primary care PNPs or FNPs, for whom the 16-credit certificate is a short route to CPNP-AC eligibility. Nurses who need clinical placement far from Boston, or who only want primary care and are sensitive to cost, should compare programs with lower per-credit rates or clinical placement in their home state.
Accreditation
Northeastern’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. The National League for Nursing has designated the School of Nursing a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
Primary care graduates are eligible for the PNCB CPNP-PC exam, and dual graduates for both CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC. The university states graduates of the acute care graduate certificate are eligible for the acute care PNP board exam (CPNP-AC).
More PNP Programs Based in Mass
- Boston College - Chestnut Hill
- Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions - Boston
- Regis College - Weston
Compare all Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Massachusetts