Pediatric Acute Care

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board (PNCB) Acute Care certification exam. Graduates have opportunities to practice in a variety of acute care settings, including emergency departments, subspecialty clinics, hospitals and intensive care units.

A minimum of one year of nursing practice is required for program admission. A basic working knowledge of pediatric growth and development, family dynamics and pediatric assessment are cornerstones for moving toward the role of the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

A minimum of 616 clinical hours will be completed in several pediatric acute care centers. These hours are separate from the DNP hours, which are specific to the DNP project. Experienced pediatric preceptors work one-on-one with students and, along with pediatric specialty faculty, guide students through their clinical experiences.

The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis and is offered in a hybrid format with periodic meetings on campus. Full-time students can complete the program in nine semesters (three calendar years). Part-time options allow students to complete the program in 12 semesters (four calendar years). Part-time schemas are developed by the DNP program director and PNP specialty director.

Students are required to attend classes onsite one week each semester.

Additional information on the role of the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner may be found through national organizations such as:

• The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• The Pediatric Nurse Certification Board
• American Nurses Credentialing Center
• The Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties

If you have specific questions about the program, contact the Office of Student Recruitment at 513-558-8400 or nursingbearcats@uc.edu.