Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Career and Education Profile

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Pediatric nurse practitioners perform advanced nursing skills while working with children who are ill or injured and their families.

Job Responsibilities

Nurse practitioners have advanced education, which allows them to take on duties above and beyond what you’d expect from a registered nurse. In many states, nurse practitioners are allowed to prescribe medication, assess patients and develop treatment plans without consulting a doctor, and more. You may also do general nursing tasks such as checking vital signs, communicating with the patient’s family, and recording patient history. Pediatric nurse practitioners work specifically with children, which presents a number of challenges since their bodies are smaller and still developing. As a licensed nurse practitioner, you can also work in a leadership position in the nursing world, serving as a manager or administrator.

Salary and Career Options

According to Payscale.com, pediatric nurse practitioners make an average of $76,778 annually. Before becoming a nurse practitioner in this field, many nurses work as pediatric RNs or work in another specialty, such as surgical or oncology, but specialize in pediatrics. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, you also have the option of working in an education or research role, though these roles typically require additional education.

Educational Requirements

To become a pediatric nurse practitioner, you must first earn a bachelor of science in nursing, or BSN, which you can do through a general BSN program or through an LPN-to-BSN program if you are already working as a nurse. after you’re licensed as an RN with a BSN, you can become an advanced practice nurse by earning a master of science in nursing and specializing in pediatrics. Your classes will cover both general nursing skills and skills specific to pediatric care. In addition to earning a nursing license, you can also seek pediatrics certification through organizations like the Society of Pediatric Nurses.

LPN to RN College Programs

With some additional schooling, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can become a registered nurse (RN), opening doors to more job opportunities and higher salaries. The following is a list of schools with the best online LPN to RN degree programs offered by accredited colleges. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

LPN to RN (BSN)	Indiana State University—ISU’s LPN to BSN degree program is the only online LPN to RN training program in the United States. LPNs and LVNs who complete this program can earn their NLNAC-approved Bachelor of Science degree in nursing entirely online. Upon completion, graduates should meet all of the prerequisites for becoming an RN. Read an in-depth review of Indiana State University.
LPN to RN LPN to ADN LPN to BSN	The College Network—Earn your LPN to RN (ADN) degree completely online with no campus attendance and no wait list. Learn from the convenience of home at your own pace, and earn an NLNAC-accredited associate’s degree in less time and for less money than traditional campus programs. Read an in-depth review of The College Network.
	Select a subject and degree level, then click "Find My Degree" to browse 100+ online nursing schools offering relevant accredited programs.
BS in Nursing RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Informatics MSN in Nurse Management	Walden University—Founded in 1970, Walden University is dedicated to providing education for a higher purpose. The Nursing School confers degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level, which provides further study in health informatics, nursing education, and nursing leadership/management. Walden is one of the biggest providers of online master and doctorate programs with over a hundred degrees offered at each level.
RN to BSN MS in Nursing (MSN) MSN in Adult Health RN to MSN in Nurse Education Accelerated RN to MSN	South University—South University’s College of Nursing offers numerous degree programs for aspiring nurses. Those looking for a BSN degree can enter into the RN to BSN and complete it within 18 months. South also offers the following master’s degree-level programs: MS in Nursing (MSN), MSN in adult health nurse practitioning, MSN in nurse education, and an accelerated RN to MSN.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Administration MSN in Nurse Education	Kaplan University—Kaplan University’s RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs feature curriculums that provide registered nurses with the tools to graduate with BSN and MSN degrees. The MSNs in Nurse Administration or Nurse Education feature curriculums that teach methods in management and education in order to prepare students for leadership and educator positions with in the nursing field.