Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) treat children of all ages, from birth to adolescence and even into young adulthood. They generally specialize in either acute or primary care. Like all NPs, the scope of practice of PNPs is defined by state law. As of 2022, New York began granting full practice authority to NPs with over 3,600 hours of practice, meaning that PNPs in the state can practice independently after getting the required amount of experience. Explore all New York nurse practitioner programs, or browse other specialties like FNP, AGNP, and DNP programs. Learn more about what pediatric nurse practitioners do and how to become one.
Nurses who want to pursue a PNP degree have many options in New York, whether they’re looking for on-campus or distance learning.
New York BSN to Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Programs
BSN-prepared nurses have several options when pursuing a PNP degree in New York, including doctorate programs for those who want to advance their education.
Columbia University
- New York, New York
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 82 to 83
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $25,312 per term plus fees
Program Overview:
Columbia University’s BSN to DNP PNP Primary Care program takes about two years to complete. Classes take place on campus, and the university partners with a wide range of permanent and temporary clinical sites in the tri-state area. Students learn hands-on skills in the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center, which features multiple simulation facilities and other labs.
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, New York
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
Lehman College’s BSN to PNP with 45 credits over 12 courses. The school also offers a BSN/MSN to DNP PNP program with 85 credits for nurses with a BSN and 69 credits for those with an MSN. DNP programs are offered on campus, and students go through the program as a cohort. Classes meet in person just one day a week. Nurses with an MSN who are already practicing PNPs can enter the 39-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to PNP program.
Molloy College
- Rockville Centre, New York
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,450 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Nurses have three PNP options at Molloy College. Bachelor’s-prepared nurses can choose between the BSN to PNP in Primary Care track, 42 credits with 600 clinical hours, and the BSN to DNP PNP track, 67 to 70 credits with 1000 clinical hours, and takes about five years to complete part-time. For MSN-prepared nurses, there is an MSN to DNP FNP option with 37 credits and a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to PNP program that is 27 credits, with 500 clinical hours.
New York University
- New York, New York
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $2,400 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
NYU offers options for nurses who want to focus on acute care, primary care, or a dual specialization. For BSN-prepared nurses, there is the 39-credit BSN to PNP in Primary Care program for BSN-prepared nurses and the 50-credit BSN to PNP Acute/Primary Care program. Classes are held on campus, and students get the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning in the Clinical Simulation Learning Center. There are also two post-graduate options: a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to PNP Primary Care and a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to PNP Acute Care.
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, New York
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies per program; ranges between $471 and $1,047 + fees for residents and $1,097 and $1,394 + fees for non-residents.
Program Overview:
Stony Brook University offers multiple PNP options and entry points for nurses interested in working in acute or primary care. The 45-credit BSN to PNP Acute Care and 45-credit BSN to PNP Primary track offers online courses with some on-campus requirements. It also accepts RNs with a diploma or associate’s degree and a bachelor’s in another field. The BSN to DNP PNP Acute Care track and BSN to DNP PNP Primary Care track each has 87 credits with 1000 clinical hours and only accept BSN-prepared students. There is also a Post-Graduate MSN to PNP Acute Care program and a Post-Graduate MSN to PNP Primary Care program.
University of Rochester
- Rochester, New York
- Online + Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Online or hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,740 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
There are several PNP options at the University of Rochester. The first is a BSN to PNP Primary Care program with 45 credits and 616 clinical hours. BSN-prepared nurses can also enroll in the BSN to DNP PNP program, which is offered online but requires on-campus intensives throughout the program. Nurses with an MSN have two options: an MSN to DNP PNP track and a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to PNP. The University of Rochester also offers a unique BSN to PNP/NNP program that prepares students to dual specialize as pediatric and neonatal NPs. This program is 54 to 58 credits with 976 to 1216 clinical hours.
Upstate Medical University
- Syracuse, New York
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
The PNP tracks at Upstate Medical University offer terminal degrees with entry points for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses. The BSN to DNP PNP option requires 87 credits and 1000 clinical hours with classes offered in a hybrid format. The MSN to DNP PNP option is 40 credits with 500 project hours and 575 clinical hours and is offered entirely online. There is also a hybrid Post-Graduate MSN to PNP option for nurses with an MSN in another specialty.
Online New York PNP Programs
All NP programs have some type of in-person requirement because precepted clinical experiences are required for program completion. However, they vary in how classes are offered. Some programs have online courses, some are hybrid, and some are a mix of the two, with on-campus requirements occurring at various points throughout the program.
There are no online PNP programs in New York, except for the MSN to DNP PNP option at Upstate Medical University. Other programs with minimal on-campus requirements are those at Stony Brook University and the University of Rochester.
Best PNP Programs in New York
What is the best program for you will depend on what you are looking for in a PNP program, but some of the most unique programs in the state are the BSN to PNP Acute/Primary Care dual specialty program at New York University and the BSN to PNP/NNP at the University of Rochester.
New York Most Affordable PNP Programs
It is difficult to determine the cost of each PNP program as each school or university has different fees. They may charge residents and non-residents different amounts, and MSN- and DNP-level courses may be different rates. Looking only at the cost per credit, Stony Brook University and Molloy College are the most affordable.
PNP Licensure Requirements in New York
To practice as a pediatric nurse practitioner in New York, candidates must hold a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited NP program with a pediatric focus. After graduating, PNPs must pass a national certification exam through either the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). New York requires NPs to complete 3,600 hours of supervised practice before gaining full practice authority, after which they can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications independently.
Career Outlook for PNPs in New York
New York is one of the strongest job markets for pediatric nurse practitioners in the country, with major pediatric hospitals and health systems concentrated in New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo. PNPs work in settings such as pediatric primary care clinics, children’s hospitals, neonatal intensive care units, school-based health centers, and specialty practices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners in New York earn a median annual salary that is among the highest in the nation, and demand continues to grow as the state expands access to pediatric healthcare in underserved communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PNP-PC and a PNP-AC?
A PNP-PC (Primary Care) focuses on well-child visits, preventive care, and managing chronic conditions in outpatient settings. A PNP-AC (Acute Care) works with critically ill or injured children, typically in hospital or emergency settings.
How many PNP programs are available in New York?
New York currently has 7 universities offering pediatric nurse practitioner programs, including Columbia University, New York University, Stony Brook University, and the University of Rochester.
Can PNPs prescribe medication in New York?
Yes. After completing 3,600 hours of collaborative practice, PNPs in New York gain full practice authority and can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, independently.
What is the average salary for a PNP in New York?
Pediatric nurse practitioners in New York earn competitive salaries, with median pay well above the national average for NPs. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and experience, with New York City-area PNPs typically earning the most.