A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is a specialized Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who cares for newborns, infants, toddlers, adolescents, and young adults.

Because their patients range in age from infants to young adults, PNPs work with both the patient and their family to provide the right resources and care, including education and emotional support.

Learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of pediatric nurse practitioners.

The biggest step to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in a PNP concentration. The basic steps include:

1. Understand the role of a PNP
2. Become an RN (if you aren’t already)
3. Choose primary or acute care
4. Enroll in an MSN program
5. Get certified
6. Meet all state requirements
7. Find your first PNP job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners across all specialties earn an average salary of $132,000 per year ($63.46 per hour).* Average pay can vary based on many different factors including prior experience, type of medical institution, state of employment, and much more.

Advancing to nurse practitioner allows you to expand your skillset and potentially earn greater autonomy in your work. While both types of nurses work with the pediatric patient population, most of the differences relate to the general difference between the RN and NP roles.

A few of the biggest differences between RN and NPs include:

• Nurse practitioners can act as a primary care provider, and can potentially spend more time with patients and build longer-term relationships
• Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications
• Nurse practitioners can diagnose patients and write treatment plans
• Nurse practitioners may enjoy a greater work/life balance, as they may have more control over their working schedule