Rasmussen University offers 2 Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP) with PPCNP Specialization
- Post-Graduate Certificate – Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP Specialization)
Both tracks are delivered fully online through Rasmussen’s competency-based Empowered Learning® platform, allowing working nurses to set their own pace with no weekly deadlines.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN-NP (PPCNP) | $51,130 | 27 months |
| Post-Graduate Certificate (PPCNP) | $29,087 | 21 months |
The MSN-NP track is designed for BSN-prepared RNs entering advanced practice, while the Post-Graduate Certificate is built for nurses who already hold an MSN, MSN-NP, or DNP and want to add a PPCNP specialization.
Both programs include community-based practicum experiences coordinated by a dedicated clinical practicum coordinator, plus a required one-weekend on-campus residency.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP Specialization)
The estimated cost for the MSN-NP PPCNP program is $51,130 (tuition + fees) and takes approximately 27 months to complete on a full-time basis across nine 11-week quarters.
MSN Curriculum
The program totals 69 credit hours, split between 28 core MSN credits and 41 PPCNP specialization credits, all delivered as competency-based education (CBE) courses. A college-level Statistics course is required as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Core MSN Courses (28 credits)
- NGR5013 – Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice (4 cr)
- NGR5056 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (4 cr)
- NGR5101 – Research and Evidence-Based Practice (4 cr)
- NGR5149 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (4 cr)
- NGR5172 – Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan (4 cr)
- NGR5800 – Leading Healthcare Transformation (4 cr)
- NGR6900 – MSN Capstone
PPCNP Specialization Courses (41 credits)
Foundations of Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice (NGR 6021)
This course introduces the role and responsibilities of the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Students study scope of practice, professional standards, and clinical expectations. The course also examines ethical, legal, social, and cultural factors that influence pediatric primary care from infancy through young adulthood.
Principles of Pediatric Primary Care (NGR 6330)
This course explores healthcare delivery for children within the family context from birth through young adulthood. Students study growth and development, health promotion, and disease prevention. The course emphasizes strategies that support health maintenance and recovery in pediatric patients.
PPCNP Practicum I
This clinical practicum focuses on care of healthy infants and children. Students perform routine assessments, provide preventive care, and deliver health education to families. The course builds practical skills in well-child visits and early childhood health management.
PPCNP Practicum II
This practicum develops clinical skills for caring for infants and preschool-aged children. Students assess pediatric conditions, identify common disorders, and implement appropriate treatment plans. Clinical experiences increase exposure to more complex pediatric concerns.
PPCNP Practicum III
This practicum prepares students to manage healthcare needs of school-age children and adolescents. Students evaluate patient concerns, identify diagnoses, and provide education and treatment strategies. Clinical practice focuses on conditions that increase in complexity during later childhood and adolescence.
PPCNP Practicum IV
This advanced practicum allows students to focus on a specific pediatric population or clinical interest area. Students refine skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Clinical experiences strengthen decision making within the chosen pediatric specialty focus.
See the official curriculum page for more details.
MSN Clinicals
Practicum experiences are conducted in the student’s local community under the supervision of a master’s- or doctoral-prepared nurse preceptor. The program also requires a one-weekend on-campus residency.
- Four sequential practicum rotations (Practicum I–IV) covering the well-child visit through complex pediatric presentations
- Practicum I: primary care of the well-child
- Practicum II: patients from birth through pre-school with increasing disorder complexity
- Practicum III: school-age through young adult patients
- Practicum IV: chosen sub-population or clinical area of interest for focused skill refinement
- Virtual immersion and pre-clinical readiness activities prepare students before on-site rotations
- A dedicated clinical practicum coordinator helps locate and secure appropriate sites
MSN Admissions Requirements
- Conferred BSN from a regionally or nationally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (GPA of 2.8–2.99 may request exception via personal statement)
- Current, unencumbered RN license valid in the United States
- Two professional letters of reference
- Professional essay (as prescribed in the application packet)
- Completed program application form
- Cleared criminal background check (required prior to practicum placement)
- Statistics course prerequisite or corequisite (STA1625 or STA3215)
- No GRE required
Program not available in all states. Does Not Meet licensure requirements in: AL, ID, KS, MD, PA.
Post-Graduate Certificate – Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP Specialization)
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate PPCNP program is $29,087 (tuition + fees) and takes approximately 21 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Certificate Curriculum
The program totals 53 credit hours across 12 courses — 12 core credits and 41 specialization credits — all delivered as CBE courses. Students with an existing NP background may have some core course requirements waived via transfer credit review.
Core Courses (12 credits)
- NGR5056 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (4 cr)
- NGR5149 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (4 cr)
- NGR5172 – Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan (4 cr)
PPCNP Specialization Courses (41 credits)
- NGR6021 – Foundations of Pediatric Primary Care NP Practice (3 cr)
- NGR6330 – Principles of Pediatric Primary Care (4 cr)
- NGR6340 – Advanced Primary Care of the Pediatric Patient I (4 cr)
- NGR6350 – Advanced Primary Care of the Pediatric Patient II (4 cr)
- NGR6465 – PPCNP Practicum I (6 cr)
- NGR6466 – PPCNP Practicum II (6 cr)
- NGR6467 – PPCNP Practicum III (6 cr)
- NGR6468 – PPCNP Practicum IV (6 cr)
- Elective – Select 1 (2 cr):
- NGR6036 – Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
- NGR6168 – Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Advanced Practice Nursing
- NGR6767 – Practice Management for the Nurse Practitioner
See the official curriculum page for more details.
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical requirements mirror the MSN track’s practicum structure, with four community-based rotations supervised by a master’s- or doctoral-prepared preceptor, plus a required one-weekend on-campus residency.
- Four practicum rotations (Practicum I–IV) progressing from well-child to complex and specialized pediatric cases
- Proof of current immunizations and TB testing required before clinical placement (per course NGR6350)
- Individual clinical sites may require drug screening and CPR certification
- Practicum coordinator assists with site identification and placement
Certificate Admissions Requirements
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited institution (MSN, MSN-NP, or DNP accepted)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (2.8–2.99 may request exception via personal statement)
- Current, unencumbered RN or APRN license valid in the United States
- Two professional letters of reference
- Professional essay (as prescribed in the application packet)
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Completed program application form
- Cleared criminal background check (required prior to practicum placement)
- No GRE required
Program not available in all states. Does Not Meet licensure requirements in: AL, ID, KS, MD, PA.
Tuition
MSN core courses are billed at $290 per credit.
NP specialization courses (41 credits, shared across both the MSN-NP and Post-Graduate Certificate) are billed at $915 per credit for the MSN-NP track and $464 per credit for the Post-Graduate Certificate track.
Both programs became eligible for Title IV federal financial aid effective February 9, 2026 (Winter 2026 quarter onward). A 10% tuition grant is available for active-duty military, National Guard, Reserve, retired military, and veterans.
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
Rasmussen University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Both the MSN-NP and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs are programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).