This will depend largely on the board of nursing stipulations in your state. In some instances, it may be permissible for PNPs to see patients past the 18-21 age range who are typically transitioning from pediatric to adult care.

Current RNs can potentially become a pediatric nurse practitioner in 2-3 years.

• Associate degree RNs can complete our Accelerated RN to MSN-PNP program in as few as 28 months
• Bachelor’s degree RNs can earn an MSN-PNP in as few as 24 months, or 2 years. BSN nurses may also elect a BSN to DNP-PNP program, which can be completed in as few as 32 months.
• Master's degree RNs can earn a post master's certificate in as few as 20 months

For those who have yet to become an RN, you’ll need additional time to first earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master's degree in nursing before pursuing an MSN.

The primary difference between pediatric nurse practitioners and family nurse practitioners is the patient population. Pediatric NPs focus their care on only pediatric patients, while FNPs provide care across the lifespan, including adults and elderly patients.

If you are also interested in treating older patients—and not only children—you may choose to work towards becoming a family nurse practitioner.

While there are many different types of nurses who work with the pediatric patient population, there are two specific types of pediatric nurse practitioners: primary care pediatric NPs (PNP-PC) and acute care pediatric NPs (PNP-AC).

The PNCB Pediatric Nursing Demographic Report, published in December 2022, states there were 20,254 certified CPNP-PC professionals and 4,419 certified CPNP-AC professionals. Most CPNP-PCs work in private practice, while most CPNP-ACs work in inpatient treatment at children’s hospitals.

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