The process of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is a challenging one. It includes registered nursing (RN) licensure, completion of both bachelor's and master's degrees and clinical residency. RN licensure is obtained by completing an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Holders of all the nursing degrees take the same NCLEX-RN. However; acceptance into a Master of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner program requires a bachelor's degree.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is offered at many public and private institutions of higher learning. This program includes courses in public health, nursing research, nursing leadership and other nursing theory courses. The bachelor's degree is designed to place nurses in careers such as public health, administration, management and teaching. The BSN provides more options for career advancement. In addition, it is a requirement to enter the master's program for pediatric nurse practitioner.
Nurse practitioner is one of four categories of advanced nursing offered through completion of a master's degree. Nurse practitioners receive education in a specific area, such as pediatrics. Upon completion of the master's program, NPs are eligible to apply for the American Nurses Credentialing Center certification exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners national certification examination as an adult, family, pediatric, geriatric, women's health, or neonatology nurse practitioner. These certifications require a residency program that is 24 months long. Nurse practitioners may then practice independently, work in hospitals or long-term care facilities or for various health care agencies.