University of Arkansas PNP Programs (Pediatric Nurse)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing offers 4 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks:

Post-BSN to DNP – Pediatric NP (Primary Care, Acute Care, or Dual Certification sub-tracks)
Post-Master’s Second Specialty DNP – Pediatric NP (for certified APRNs adding a PNP specialty)
Post-Graduate Certificate – Acute Care Pediatric NP (post-master’s)

UAMS programs are offered primarily in-person at the Little Rock campus, with clinical rotations arranged locally; students from other states are welcome but must obtain an Arkansas or compact state RN license.

Program Tracks Overview

Program	Est. Tuition (Resident / Non-Resident)	Est. Duration
Post-BSN to DNP – PNP	$48,000–$76,000 based on gap analysis	3 years (FT) / 4 years (PT)
Post-Master’s Second Specialty DNP – PNP	Varies by gap analysis; $525/cr resident	~18 months (estimated)
Post-Graduate Certificate – Acute Care PNP	$9,450	~18 months

_{Tuition estimates use FY 2025–2026 rates of $525/credit (resident) and $888/credit (non-resident). Border state residents (LA, MO, MS, OK, TN, TX) are charged in-state rates. Mandatory per-semester institutional fees (technology $124, university services $500, student health $145, transportation $78, student activity $25) plus graduate program fee ($166), simulation fee ($90), and liability insurance ($20) add approximately $1,148/semester during fall and spring terms. See the UAMS tuition page for full fee schedules.}

The flagship pathway is the Post-BSN to DNP, a 3–4 year program that takes students directly from a BSN to a doctoral degree across six pediatric NP sub-specialty options — including a unique Dual Certification track covering both primary and acute care. A Post-Graduate Certificate option exists for already-certified APRNs seeking to add acute care PNP certification without re-enrolling in a full degree program.

Post-BSN to DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The estimated cost for the UAMS Post-BSN to DNP PNP program is not publicly broken down by total credit hours in the supplied materials; tuition is billed at $525/credit (resident) or $888/credit (non-resident), and the program is completed in approximately 3 years full-time (8 semesters) or 4 years part-time (11 semesters).

DNP Curriculum

The program is a direct BSN-to-DNP pathway that does not award an intermediate master’s degree. Students select one of three sub-tracks at the time of admission.

Core content covers advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and systems leadership, with pediatric-focused specialty courses added by sub-track.

Sub-Track Options

Primary Care PNP – Focuses on health promotion and disease management for children birth through young adulthood in primary care and community settings.
Acute Care PNP – Focuses on assessment and management of life-threatening illnesses and organ dysfunction in acute, critical, and complex care settings.
Dual Certification PNP – Prepares students to practice across both primary and acute care settings; adds 2–3 semesters compared to a single-track pathway.

Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses:

NURS 51273: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Theory I – 3 Credits
This course introduces pediatric nurse practitioner practice and examines growth, development, and health needs of children from birth through young adulthood. Students learn assessment, diagnosis, and management strategies for common pediatric conditions while emphasizing health promotion and family-centered care.

NURS 52233: Acutely Ill/Hospitalized Child Theory I – 3 Credits
This course develops advanced nursing knowledge for caring for hospitalized or critically ill children. Students study clinical decision-making, ethical considerations, and family-centered approaches for managing complex pediatric conditions.

NURS 52293: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Theory II – 3 Credits
This course focuses on diagnosing and managing acute and chronic health problems in children and adolescents. Students apply developmental, pharmacologic, and nutritional interventions to support pediatric health outcomes.

NURS 53293: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Theory III – 3 Credits
This advanced course explores long-term management of complex and chronic pediatric conditions. Students analyze evidence-based strategies that support developmental health and guide clinical decision-making.

NURS 71275: Pediatric Primary Care Nursing Practicum I – 4 Credits (280 Clinical Hours)
This practicum provides supervised clinical experience in pediatric primary care and specialty clinics. Students perform assessments, manage acute and chronic conditions, and gain experience in adolescent health and high-risk newborn care.

NURS 72253: Pediatric Primary Care Nursing Practicum II – 2 Credits (140 Clinical Hours)
This practicum builds advanced pediatric primary care skills through supervised clinical practice. Students refine diagnostic, treatment, and patient education skills while managing pediatric conditions across clinical settings.

NURS 73256: Integrated Practicum for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners – 5 Credits (350 Clinical Hours)
This capstone practicum integrates pediatric nurse practitioner knowledge into advanced clinical practice. Students provide direct patient care while strengthening clinical judgment, care coordination, and role development.

Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses

NURS 52233: Acutely Ill/Hospitalized Child Theory I – 3 Credits
This course strengthens the clinical and theoretical foundation for managing hospitalized pediatric patients. Students study complex childhood illnesses while applying family-centered and ethical care principles.

NURS 51273: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Theory I – 3 Credits
This course introduces pediatric nurse practitioner practice with focus on developmental health, assessment, and management of common pediatric conditions. Students learn strategies that support preventive care and family-centered treatment.

NURS 52243: Acutely Ill/Hospitalized Child Theory II – 3 Credits
This course examines advanced management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions in hospital settings. Students analyze pathophysiology, epidemiology, and evidence-based treatment strategies for critically ill children.

NURS 52303: Acutely Ill/Hospitalized Child Theory III – 3 Credits
This course expands clinical reasoning for treating complex pediatric conditions in acute care environments. Students evaluate interventions, ethical considerations, and family factors that influence treatment outcomes.

NURS 71203: Pediatric Acute Care Practicum I – 4 Credits (280 Clinical Hours)
This practicum develops clinical decision-making skills for pediatric acute care practice. Students deliver care for children with acute and chronic health conditions while emphasizing early detection and quality treatment.

NURS 72203: Pediatric Acute Care Practicum II – 2 Credits (140 Clinical Hours)
This practicum focuses on implementing and evaluating care for pediatric patients with acute or chronic health conditions. Students incorporate legal standards, case management, and interdisciplinary resources into clinical practice.

NURS 73206: Integrated Practicum for Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners – Clinical Capstone
This capstone practicum prepares students for the pediatric acute care nurse practitioner role through supervised clinical practice. Students manage complex pediatric cases while developing advanced clinical judgment and professional role integration.

See the course catalog page for more curriculum details.

DNP Clinicals

PNP students complete a multi-semester practicum sequence with required hours distributed across Practicum I, Practicum II, an Integrated Practicum, and Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice. Total minimum hours align with or exceed AACN doctoral-level requirements.

PNP Practicum I: 180 clock hours
PNP Practicum II: 180 clock hours
Integrated Practicum: 360 clock hours
Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice: 360 clock hours
Students must NOT be working as an employee on days they are completing clinical coursework at the same facility
Students rotate to different clinical sites and facilities each semester to ensure diverse exposure
Faculty conduct two site visits per semester (one pre-midterm, one post-midterm) to evaluate student progress
PALS certification required prior to registering for any specialty clinical courses

DNP Admissions Requirements

BSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (calculated from last 60 undergraduate credit hours)
Current, unencumbered Arkansas RN license or compact state RN license
Minimum 2,000 verified RN clinical hours (required prior to enrolling in Advanced Health Assessment course; Verification of Employment form must be notarized)
Two years of clinical experience recommended (not required at admission)
Basic statistics course with grade of “C” or better
Health assessment course (academic or ANCC-COA continuing education approved)
Current CPR certification (AHA Health Care Provider or ARC Professional Rescuer only)
PALS certification required prior to specialty clinical coursework
Current TB test and completed Hepatitis B immunization series
Curriculum vitae or resume
Professional goals statement
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Individual interview and essay may be required
No GRE/MAT required
Admission preference given to Arkansas residents; selection based on GPA ranking and interview scores
Application deadline: March 1 (fall-only admission)
Up to 12 graduate transfer credits accepted (grade “B” or better)

Post-Master’s Second Specialty DNP – Pediatric NP

The estimated cost for the UAMS Post-Master’s Second Specialty DNP varies based on individual gap analysis; tuition is billed at $525/credit (resident) or $888/credit (non-resident), and most prior UAMS graduates complete this track in approximately 18 months.

DNP Curriculum

This track is designed for nurses already certified in an APRN role (NP, CNM, CNS, or CRNA) who wish to add Primary Care PNP, Acute Care PNP, or Dual Certification. The final program of study is determined by a gap analysis of prior coursework, meaning credit requirements vary by individual. Up to 18 graduate credits from the student’s previous APRN program may be applied toward this degree.

DNP Clinicals

Clinical requirements follow the same practicum structure as the Post-BSN to DNP track, adjusted for any hours already completed in prior APRN training. PALS certification is required before entering specialty clinical courses.

2,000 verified RN or APRN hours required prior to enrolling in the first NP specialty course
Proof of prior supervised graduate clinical hours must be submitted at admission
PALS certification required for PNP specialty coursework

Second Specialty DNP Admissions Requirements

Graduate degree in nursing leading to APRN certification eligibility (CNP, CNS, CNM, or CRNA)
Active national certification in current APRN role
Unencumbered APRN license
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from graduate coursework
Current, unencumbered Arkansas RN license or compact state RN license
2,000 verified RN or APRN experience hours (notarized Verification of Employment form required)
Proof of supervised graduate clinical hours from prior APRN program
PALS certification prior to specialty clinical courses
Current TB test and completed Hepatitis B immunization series
Basic statistics course with grade of “C” or better
Curriculum vitae or resume and professional goals statement
Individual interview and essay may be required
Application deadline: March 1 (fall-only admission)
Up to 18 graduate credits from prior APRN program may transfer

Post-Graduate Certificate – Acute Care Pediatric NP

The estimated cost for the UAMS Post-Graduate Certificate in Acute Care PNP is approximately $9,450 (resident) or $15,984 (non-resident) based on 18 credit hours, typically completed in approximately 18 months; individual requirements may vary based on gap analysis.

Certificate Curriculum

The certificate focuses solely on acute care PNP specialty coursework and is available to current APRNs or nurses holding a master’s or DNP degree in nursing. A gap analysis is conducted at admission to identify whether any additional foundational courses are required beyond the 18-credit specialty sequence.

Specialty Courses (18 credits)

NURS 51273 – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Theory I (3 cr)
NURS 52233 – Acutely Ill/Hospitalized Child Theory I (3 cr)
NURS 52243 – Acutely Ill/Hospitalized Child Theory II (3 cr)
NURS 52303 – Acutely Ill/Hospitalized Child Theory III (3 cr)
NURS 71203 – Pediatric Acute Care Nursing Practicum I (3 cr)
NURS 72203 – Pediatric Acute Care Nursing Practicum II (3 cr)

Certificate Clinicals

Students complete practicum hours across two clinical courses. The exact clock hours are not publicly detailed in the certificate-specific materials; practicum hour requirements from the MNSc acute care track suggest a minimum of 420 combined hours across Practicum I and II.

Two sequential acute care practicum courses (Practicum I and II)
Clinical sites arranged locally; students may not perform employee RN duties on the same days as clinical rotations
Faculty make two site visits per semester to evaluate student performance

Certificate Admissions Requirements

Master’s or DNP degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited institution
Current, unencumbered Arkansas RN license
2,000 verified RN clinical hours (evidence required)
Official transcripts from graduate nursing program
Gap analysis conducted to determine if additional foundational courses are required
Individual interview and essay may be required
Admitted on a space-available basis
Application: submit College of Nursing MNSc application and indicate Post-Graduate Certificate status on the Supplemental Question section

Tuition

UAMS charges graduate and DNP tuition at $525 per credit (resident) and $888 per credit (non-resident) for FY 2025–2026.

Residents of border states — Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas — are charged in-state rates.

Per-semester mandatory fees applicable to graduate nursing students include a Graduate Program Fee ($166), Simulation Fee ($90), and Student Liability Insurance ($20), plus institutional fees covering technology ($124), university services ($500), student health ($145), transportation ($78), and student activity ($25) — totaling approximately $1,148 in additional fees each fall and spring semester.

More tuition details are available here.

Accreditation

The UAMS College of Nursing graduate programs — including both the MNSc and DNP — are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP program has fall-only admission and is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Graduates meet eligibility requirements to sit for national PNP certification exams (Primary Care or Acute Care), and licensed APRNs in Arkansas may apply for Full Practice Authority after meeting requirements outlined by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.