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Dedicate yourself to a career advancing child and adolescent health with an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)-primary care emphasis. A choice of two formats 鈥� bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to DNP or a master of science in nursing (MSN) to DNP 鈥� starts where you are to build off your existing knowledge and experience and get you closer to your goal.
Both formats train you to provide comprehensive care to this population, including managing common and chronic conditions. In the process, you鈥檒l grow your leadership skills and understanding of technology in nursing and take on a broader view of health care, including the effects of access and quality on population health. Based on your schedule, you have the option of enrolling full or part time to progress at your own pace.
Students who complete this program combining online course work with in-person clinical assignments are eligible to sit for Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) exams.
Course work covers
Once you begin the PNP sequence, you鈥檒l learn about:
Health maintenance, promotion and diagnostic techniques for newborn through adolescent patients
Reproductive and sexual health relevant to this population
Conducting psychiatric, developmental and physiological assessments, including for chronically ill children
Advanced assessment, diagnostic and procedural skills
Identifying and responding to pediatric patient safety issues
Leadership and policy change in advanced nursing practice
Career prospects
A range of health care entities focusing on children and adolescents seek out pediatric nurse practitioners with a primary care specialty, including family practices, school health programs, specialty care, public health organizations, teen clinics and youth-focused rehabilitation, outpatient centers and home health agencies. Potential job titles include:
Primary care provider for children and youth
Health care services coordinator
Institutional health care consultant
Research nurse
Clinical instructor
September 2025
Sinclair School of Nursing
915 Hitt Street,
COLUMBIA,
Missouri,
65212, United States
Completed baccalaureate or master鈥檚 degree from a nationally accredited nursing program.
Minimum GPA of 3.5 for applicants with a master鈥檚 degree in nursing.
For applicants without a master鈥檚 degree, an average GPA of 3.3 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing course work.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements for their BSN or MS also may provide additional evidence documenting examples of outstanding professional leadership, practice and/or scholarship for special consideration.
If English is not your native language, please submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 6.5, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 59 or a Cambridge C1 Advanced score of at least 180.
Application Deadlines: Fall: January 31; Spring: September 30; Summer: January 31
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
