Which Nursing Schools Offer Specialized Tracks in Pediatric Nursing in the United States?

Pediatric nursing is one of the most rewarding and in-demand specialties in healthcare. As hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices expand their services for infants, children, and adolescents, the need for pediatric-trained registered nurses (RNs), pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), and advanced pediatric clinicians continues to grow.

If you are considering a career in pediatric nursing, choosing a nursing school with a specialized pediatric track is one of the smartest decisions you can make. This article explores the top nursing schools in the United States that offer pediatric-focused programs, what makes each program unique, and key things prospective students should know before applying.

Why Choose a Pediatric Nursing Track?

Pediatric nursing goes far beyond general nursing. A pediatric-focused curriculum offers:

• Specialized clinical rotations in children’s hospitals, NICUs, PICUs, and pediatric primary care clinics.

• Advanced coursework covering child development, pediatric pharmacology, neonatal care, childhood illnesses, and family-centered care models.

• Certification preparation for roles such as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care (PNP-PC), Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC), and Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).

Choosing a school with a strong pediatric track better prepares you for competitive job placements and higher earning potential after graduation.

Top U.S. Nursing Schools Offering Pediatric Nursing Specializations

Below is a curated list of reputable U.S. nursing schools known for robust pediatric tracks, pediatric nurse practitioner programs, or strong pediatric clinical placements. Each section highlights program strengths, admission details, and key features.

1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing) – Philadelphia, PA

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC)

• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)

• Dual Acute/Primary Care Pediatric NP Track

What Makes Penn Stand Out:
Penn Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the world. Their pediatric tracks offer extensive clinical partnerships with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the best children’s hospitals in the United States. Students receive hands-on training with complex pediatric cases, making the program ideal for those seeking advanced practice roles.

Key Advantages:

• World-class pediatric clinical sites

• Research opportunities in child health and development

• Dual-track option for expanded career opportunities

2. Duke University School of Nursing – Durham, NC

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Why Duke?
Duke’s MSN pediatric tracks emphasize evidence-based clinical practice, simulation labs, and access to Duke Children’s Hospital. Duke is known for producing highly skilled clinicians who excel in specialized pediatric care settings.

Highlights:

• Hybrid learning for flexibility

• Access to cutting-edge simulation facilities

• Strong employer recognition nationwide

Read Also: Top Nursing Schools for International Students in Canada

3. University of Washington School of Nursing – Seattle, WA

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)

Why It’s Popular:
UW Nursing partners with Seattle Children’s Hospital, one of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation. Their program is ideal for students who want strong clinical mentoring and research integration.

Program Strengths:

• Focus on pediatric population health

• Training in rural, urban, and underserved communities

• High national ranking and strong faculty expertise

4. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing – Baltimore, MD

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Why Hopkins?
Johns Hopkins is globally recognized for excellence in nursing education, research, and pediatric medicine. Students train through Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, gaining exposure to complex pediatric cases.

Key Features:

• Interprofessional education model

• Leadership training for advanced pediatric roles

• Access to world-class research facilities

5. Yale University School of Nursing – New Haven, CT

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

Why Yale?
Yale’s PNP program emphasizes holistic, family-centered care and prepares students to work in outpatient clinics, schools, and specialty pediatric practices. Clinical placements include Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.

Advantages:

• Small cohort sizes

• Faculty-led pediatric research opportunities

• Renowned Ivy-League clinical training environment

6. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing – Nashville, TN

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Why It’s a Top Choice:
Vanderbilt offers flexible scheduling, hybrid learning options, and extensive clinical training at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt — a nationally recognized pediatric hospital.

Program Benefits:

• Streamlined pathways for BSN-to-MSN students

• High certification exam pass rates

• Specialized pediatric simulation experiences

7. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care

What Makes UCSF Special:
UCSF focuses on child health equity, innovative pediatric research, and advanced clinical training at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.

Strengths:

• Strong focus on underserved pediatric populations

• Opportunities to engage in pediatric research and advocacy

• Outstanding clinical partnerships across California

8. University of Michigan School of Nursing – Ann Arbor, MI

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Why Students Choose Michigan:
The University of Michigan offers one of the most comprehensive pediatric NP curricula in the Midwest. Students train at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, a top-ranked pediatric facility.

Highlights:

• Large alumni network

• Advanced simulation technologies

• Strong interdisciplinary training

9. Rush University College of Nursing – Chicago, IL

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Why Rush?
Rush is known for excellent clinical training through Rush Children’s Hospital and multiple Chicago-area pediatric specialty clinics.

Strengths:

• Flexible online/hybrid options

• High job placement rates

• Emphasis on culturally competent pediatric care

10. Columbia University School of Nursing – New York, NY

Programs Offered:

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Why Columbia?
Located in New York City, Columbia offers diverse clinical rotations at top-ranked children’s hospitals, including NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.

Program Benefits:

• Ivy League prestige and strong faculty

• Focus on global child health

• Leadership and research opportunities

How to Choose the Best Pediatric Nursing Program

When selecting a pediatric nursing track, consider the following factors:

1. Type of Pediatric Specialization

• Primary Care PNP

• Acute Care PNP

• Dual PNP programs

• BSN with pediatric concentrations/rotations

2. Clinical Placement Partnerships

Look for schools connected to high-quality children’s hospitals.

3. Program Format

• On-campus

• Hybrid

• Online with local clinical placements

4. Certification Preparation

Does the program prepare you for:

• PNCB’s CPNP-PC

• CPNP-AC

• ANCC Pediatric Certifications

5. Faculty Expertise

Schools with active pediatric researchers and clinicians offer richer learning experiences.

Read Also: Nursing Schools Offering Accelerated BSN Programs in the USA

Career Opportunities After a Pediatric Nursing Track

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• Pediatric Nurse (RN)

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

• Neonatal Nurse

• PICU/NICU Nurse

• Pediatric Emergency Nurse

• School-Based Pediatric Nurse

• Pediatric Clinical Research Nurse

Advanced pediatric NPs often earn $110,000–$150,000+ annually, depending on state and clinical setting.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about helping children and want to build a meaningful, well-paid career in nursing, choosing a school with a specialized pediatric nursing track is the best first step. The United States has many high-quality programs, but schools like Penn Nursing, Duke, UCSF, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, and the University of Washington consistently rank among the best for pediatric specialty training.

These programs combine rigorous academic coursework, clinical experiences at top children’s hospitals, and strong preparation for certification — giving you every advantage as you enter the pediatric nursing workforce.