Specialty Highlights
Completed in 4 Full-time Semesters
A part-time plan is also available
Online/Hybrid Learning Format
- Online classes during first semester
- 5-6 brief in-person, on-campus sessions over remaining semesters plus coursework online between sessions
- Hands-on simulation experiences during on-campus sessions
Robust Clinical Experience
- 560 hours of clinical practice
- Variety of clinical rotations with experienced preceptors
- Robust, well-rounded clinical experience
For Experienced Nurses Only
For RNs with at least two years of nursing experience in acute, inpatient pediatrics or one year in a pediatric critical care or emergency department setting.
Being a graduate of Vanderbilt's PNP acute care program gave me the knowledge and confidence to start my nurse practitioner career in the PICU.
Prestigious Program with Exceptional Outcomes
- Vanderbilt was one of the first schools to develop a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care program, recognizing the growing need for care among our nation’s acutely and critically ill children.
- The small cohort size provides low faculty-to-student ratios and personalized attention.
- Students learn from experienced faculty who themselves continue to practice in the pediatric acute care setting as NPs.
- Hands-on experience during on-campus sessions facilitate confidence in skills and professional communications—invaluable as a professional PNP-AC after graduation.
- Average first-time pass rate on the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) exam is nearly 20 points above national average.
Curriculum & Objectives
Course content and clinical practica prepare students to use clinical judgment and critical thinking to perform advanced physical assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and a comprehensive plan of care for children with complex medical problems. Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are prepared to participate in multi-disciplinary patient rounds and engage in collaborative practice managing acutely, critically and chronically ill children. The curriculum balances interactive, online learning with in-person classes that feature hands-on sessions to learn clinical skills and simulations in VUSN's state-of-the-art simulation lab. Clinical hours are completed in acute care settings with knowledgeable preceptors and faculty guidance. The PNP-AC curriculum integrates nursing theory, research and evidence-based practice.
The PNP-AC curriculum incorporates the 2021 AACN Essentials, assuring students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education that meets the highest standards in nursing education and assures they are well-prepared for practice.
Explore the MSN full-time, MSN part-time, sample Post-Master's Certificate and DNP curriculums.
Clinical Experience
The School of Nursing’s full-time clinical placement team partners with students and faculty to identify and facilitate clinical practicums, ensuring each student receives robust training in an enriching PNP-AC specific environment. Where possible, clinical placements are made in the student’s preferred geographic area. Clinical practicums may be completed at the Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt or arranged in or near your home town, whenever possible.
Time Commitment
This intensive specialty is best suited for motivated, self-directed learners who can master large amounts of complex material in a short time. Balancing full-time work with the program’s rigorous, full-time, accelerated curriculum is not recommended, although the specialty can be completed on a part-time basis.
Outcomes
PNP-AC graduates deliver care in settings that include pediatric emergency departments, pediatric hospitalist services, pediatric ICUs, pediatric cardio-vascular ICU, and community agencies caring for technology-dependent children. In addition, they provide inpatient management for various sub-specialty clinics such as cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology, hematology-oncology and trauma. Graduation from Vanderbilt's PNP-AC specialty program prepares you to take the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care exam offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
Our graduates emerge as skilled, confident practitioners ready to make a significant impact in pediatric acute care settings.
Take the Next Step
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Specialty is available as part of the Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Master's Certificate and BSN to DNP programs. Request information about the program or contact your admissions counselor.