Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP)

The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP) program at the Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive, high-acuity care for pediatric patients from infancy through young adulthood. The PACNP program focuses on the acute, complex, critical, and chronic health needs of children, equipping graduates with the specialized knowledge and skills required for dynamic healthcare environments.

OSN offers both MSN and DNP degree options, as well as a post-master’s certificate, allowing students to select the advanced practice pathway that best suits their career goals. Through a blend of focused coursework and intensive clinical practice, students acquire expertise in managing critical and complex pediatric health conditions. The program includes 780 clinical hours (500-780 hours for post-master’s) across settings secured by OSN, so students can concentrate on learning and development without the stress of arranging placements. DNP students complete additional residency hours for a total of 1000 hours.

Scope of practice and career opportunities

Graduates of the PACNP program are prepared to diagnose, manage, and treat high-acuity and chronic health conditions in pediatric patients. PACNPs work in high-intensity pediatric settings such as hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, and specialty clinics, where they are integral to the delivery of high-quality, family-centered care.

Upon completion of the PACNP track, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Synthesize theoretical, scientific, and clinical knowledge to manage complex pediatric health conditions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal care and recovery for pediatric patients.
• Advocate for the unique healthcare needs of pediatric populations, supporting both patients and their families.
• Implement evidence-based practices aimed at improving pediatric health outcomes across care settings.

Curriculum and clinical experience

The PACNP curriculum provides a rigorous combination of theoretical learning and 780 hours of hands-on clinical experience arranged by OSN. Sample courses include the following:

• Advanced Pediatric Health Assessment and Diagnostic Skills
• Pediatric Acute and Critical Care Management
• Pharmacology for Pediatric Acute Care
• Pediatric Health Promotion and Family Support in Acute Settings

Clinical experiences include placements in pediatric intensive care units, emergency departments, specialized pediatric clinics, and other high-acuity settings.

Certification and accreditation

Graduates of the PACNP program are eligible to sit for the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board). Orvis graduates regularly exceed the national first-attempt pass rate, with most cohorts achieving a 100% pass rate. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), underscoring OSN’s dedication to excellence in nursing education.