Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) treat children of all ages, from birth through childhood, adolescence, and into young adulthood. Like all nurse practitioners in Massachusetts, PNPs can practice independently. They do not need to have a cooperative relationship with a doctor, giving them plenty of options and control over their careers.
Nurses who want to pursue a PNP degree in Massachusetts have many options, whether they’re looking for on-campus or distance learning.
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RN to PNP Programs
RN to PNP programs are designed to make it more convenient for those with an associates or diploma to get advanced degrees in nursing without first completing a BSN.
Boston College
- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 112
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,804 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
This unique program allows RNs to pursue a doctorate without obtaining a BSN and an MSN first. Its RN to DNP PNP Primary Care program consists of 112 course credits: 42 in general education and 70 in specialty knowledge related to nursing. The program takes place on campus, where students can take advantage of state-of-the-art simulation and clinical labs with live actors and high-fidelity manikins to help them gain hands-on experience before clinical experiences.
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Unspecified
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $995 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Regis College’s RN to BSN to PNP track offers a unique opportunity for RNs to complete both a BSN and MSN as a PNP in one program. Most RN to MSN programs do not award a BSN, only an MSN at the completion of the program. RNs who already have a bachelor’s degree in another area may already meet some of the prerequisites for the program.
BSN to PNP Programs
These programs are for BSN-prepared nurses interested in pursuing a PNP. MSN and DNP options are available, as well as some programs that allow for distance learning.
Boston College
- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,804 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Boston College offers multiple options for nurses interested in pursuing a DNP in this field. In addition to the BSN to DNP PNP Primary Care and MSN to DNP Primary Care, there is also a Direct Entry DNP PNP Primary for students with a bachelor’s in a field other than nursing. The first five semesters of this program prepare students for the NCLEX exam, which they take before completing the PNP-level courses. All classes are on campus, and students get experience in simulation and clinical labs for hands-on learning.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1620 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MGH Institute of Health Professions offers a BSN to PNP and a Direct Entry PNP option. The BSN to PNP option is 48 credits and takes two years to complete, while the Direct Entry track is 91 credits and takes three years to complete. The Direct Entry option has multiple prerequisites that may be required, depending on the student’s previous education. MGH Institute of Health Professions also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate PNP for nurses with a master’s in another nursing specialty.
Northeastern University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $975 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Northeastern University offers a BSN to PNP for bachelor’s prepared nurses and a Direct Entry PNP for nurses with a bachelor’s in another field. A Post-Graduate Certificate PNP is also available. What is unique about these programs is that students can choose to dual specialize in primary care or both acute and primary care. Adding the acute care specialty adds 11 credits to the program.
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with in-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Various
Clinical Hours: Various
Tuition: $995 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Regis College has a wide variety of NP programs, including five options for those who wish to pursue a PNP, all of which feature online classes. The BSN to PNP track has 13 core classes with four specialty classes and 660 clinical hours. There are two DNP options: BSN to DNP PNP and MSN to DNP PNP. The length of the program and requirements may vary depending on previous experience and education. Regis also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate PNP and a Post-Graduate NP to PNP, which is an ideal option for nurses practicing as NPs in other areas who want to add pediatrics to their skill sets.
Online PNP Programs
Every PNP program has an in-person clinical requirement because NPs perform hands-on patient care in their day-to-day responsibilities. Most programs have on-campus requirements, sometimes in the form of lectures, simulation labs, or classes. If you’re looking for a program with minimal in-person requirements, consider those offered by Regis College and MGH Institute of Health Professions.
Best PNP Programs in Massachusetts
The best PNP program in Massachusetts depends on what you’re looking for. Boston College’s RN to DNP program is a unique opportunity for those without a BSN who wish to pursue a DNP, and the RN to PNP options at Regis College awards a BSN, unlike many comparable programs. MGH Institute of Health Professions and Northeastern University also have unique direct entry options for students with bachelor’s degrees in other areas.
Massachusetts Most Affordable PNP Programs
The most affordable options for PNP programs in Massachusetts. Note that this is based on per-credit costs. Each school and program has its own fees, which may increase costs.