Nurses who wish to pursue a career in pediatric nursing often seek an internship in a pediatric setting after completing an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. Internships are often offered through major medical centers and children's hospitals. Internships often include classroom and computer-based learning, case studies and clinical experience.
Students who complete a Master of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Degree are qualified to sit for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board. The master's curriculum focuses on health promotion, prevention and management in infant, child and adolescent medicine.
Seminars, conferences and courses offered through colleges, universities and other organizations provide continuing education credits for pediatric nurses. These conferences and courses provide instruction in specific topics related to pediatric nursing for which nurses can earn a specified number of continuing education and contact credits.
Pediatric nursing certification is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board. Both offer programs for Certified Pediatric Nurses and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. They also offer exam preparation materials and courses for the certification and recertification examinations.