Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP

Our Approach

You learn from faculty who are active practitioners at top-tier academic medical centers and rural clinics.

This means many program advisers and clinical faculty are practicing nurse practitioners who have clinical experience that will enrich your learning.

We offer tracks for both bachelor’s and master’s-prepared nurses. 

Program Length and Location

Our BSN to DNP program takes 2 ½ (full-time) to 3 ½ (part-time) years to complete for students with a bachelor’s degree.  

The MSN to DNP program takes 2 ½ years to complete. 

All courses take place online. 

Students must make a minimum of two visits to campus to complete the following: 

• Health assessment: Students can elect to complete all work in the course remotely or make a campus visit. 
• Simulation experiences: Two experiences, one per trimester during the fall and spring term of clinical courses. Each usually lasts one full day. 

Clinical experience

Clinical experiences are available in a wide variety of settings – from pediatric primary care clinics to outpatient subspecialty hospital practice – at Rush and throughout the Chicago area.  

Local and distance students work collaboratively with faculty and our clinical site project coordinator to identify and obtain clinical practicum sites. 

We have successfully negotiated most distance practicum contracts, but success is not guaranteed. Due to state regulations, we can’t guarantee clinical practicum placement if you move after matriculating. 

Certification

Completion of the program makes you eligible for certification as a primary care nurse practitioner by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. 

Program Tuition

At Rush University, we know your education is a big investment. We want to make sure you have all the information to be able to make the best financial decisions for you and your family. 

Tuition for the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program is $1,344 per credit hour.

Learn about student financial aid options. 

Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP Career Opportunities 

There are a wide variety of career options in this field. Our graduates work with patients and families in many settings: 

• Fast-track emergency care settings 
• Pediatric primary care offices 
• School-based clinics 
• Specialty services 
• Step-down units 

Pediatric nurse practitioners conduct the following: 

• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions in infants, children and adolescents 
• Emphasize preventive care and promote healthy lifestyle choices, including well-child exams 
• Educate and collaborate with patients in managing chronic health issues 
• Lead teams to implement quality improvement strategies in health care settings 

Employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 40% from 2021-31. This is much faster than the average for other professions.  

Salaries average $115,600, according to salary.com, with salaries higher in larger cities.