Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are knowledgeable APRNs who are qualified to provide care to children. With patients ranging from newborns to young adults, PNPs must be well-versed in the management of varying pediatric conditions.
PNPs may choose to specialize in either primary care or acute care.
Nurses who wish to pursue any of these specialty tracks may do so through any of the PNP programs offered by the following Florida-based institutions:
Table of Contents
RN to PNP Programs
In the ‘Sunshine State,’ residents and non-residents alike can become pediatric nurse practitioners without enrolling in a separate BSN degree. This is made possible by an RN to PNP program, such as the one featured below:
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 64
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $755 per credit for 64 units – $48,320 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Higher Learning Commission, Herzing’s 28-month RN to PNP program comes with online coursework and clinical practicum opportunities. With its stackable credentials and credit transfer options, nurses can fast-track their way toward a career in pediatric nursing.
BSN to PNP Programs
BSN graduates, meanwhile, pursue their PNP aspirations through the aptly-named BSN to PNP program. In Florida, four institutions offer the said pathway:
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 45 credits – $16,802.10 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 45 credits – $58,529.70 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FIU’s MSN program features six specialties, one of which is Pediatric Primary Care NP. The said track is designed to help nurses become specialists in diagnosing, treating, and providing well-child care for infants, children, and adolescents. The university also offers a dual PNP track with a Nurse Educator certificate option.
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 68
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $755 per credit for 68 units – $51,340 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Herzing’s 32-month BSN to PNP program is comprised of online didactic classes, clinical rotations, and a DNP practice project. All in all, these requirements help prepare students for the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care certification exam administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + Campus
Modality: Hybrid (online learning with periodic campus visits)
Credit Hours: 78
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $531 per credit for 78 credits – $41,418 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,255 per credit for 78 credits – $97,890 plus other fees
Program Overview:
At UF, nurses can specialize in either Pediatric Primary Care or Acute Care. The former involves providing care to patients aged up to 21 years old in specific situations, while the latter deals with the care of acutely and chronically ill patients. Both pathways can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 45
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $431.43 per credit for 45 credits – $19,414.35 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $877.17 per credit for 45 credits – $39,472.65 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USF’s BSN to FNP program transforms nurses into primary care NPs who are capable of providing direct and indirect care to patients aged 21 and below. Available in full-time or part-time tracks, the degree provides students with the eligibility qualifications for the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination.
Online PNP Programs
Herzing University offers online RN to PNP and BSN to PNP programs. The same modality is offered by Florida International University to applicants of its MSN program.
Best PNP Programs in Florida
The University of South Florida is ranked 24 by the US World & News Report in its list of the best schools that offer a Master’s degree in Nursing. FIU is ranked 34th nationally, making it the third-best Florida school on the list.
The University of Florida, which offers a BSN-DNP program, is ranked as the second-best Nursing Doctorate institution in Florida. As per the US World & News Report, it is the top 31 DNP school in the country.
MSN to PNP Post-Graduate Certifications
Graduates of MSN programs may expand their practice horizons even more with the help of MSN post-graduate certifications. In Florida, aspiring pediatric nursing practitioners may obtain the said qualification through:
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 32
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 32 credits – $11,948.16 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 32 credits – $41,621.12 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Apart from its MSN and DNP programs, FIU also offers a PNP post-masters certification program for nurses who have an existing MSN degree. The online program is designed to help students who wish to expand their careers and become licensed pediatric primary care nurse practitioners.
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $755 per credit for 33 units – $24,915 plus other fees
Program Overview:
In as short as 20 months, nurses with master’s degrees can specialize in another field with Herzing’s post-master’s PNP certification program. The curriculum covers a total of 33 credits and 585 clinical hours. Students may also earn dual credit towards a DNP degree.
Rasmussen University
- Various locations in Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 53 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $26,525 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The CCNE-accredited program takes pride in its Online Empowered Learning pathway, which allows students to learn with the help of pace-managed education and real-world projects. With the help of their doctorally-prepared faculty, Herzing can help RNs transform into capable PNPs in as quick as 21 months.
Most Affordable PNP Programs in Florida
Florida International University offers the cheapest PNP program for Florida residents, with the tuition only amounting to $16,802.10 plus other fees. As for non-residents, the most affordable school is the University of South Florida, which costs $39,472.65 plus other fees.