Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Acute-Chronic
The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Acute-Chronic Master of Science program at Pennsylvania University is designed for registered nurses aiming to specialize in managing both acute and chronic conditions in pediatric populations. This one-year, full-time program offers an advanced curriculum that blends theoretical instruction with intensive clinical practice, focusing on the comprehensive care of children across a wide spectrum of health needs. From managing short-term hospitalizations to supporting long-term conditions like asthma, epilepsy, or diabetes, students develop diagnostic, therapeutic, and procedural skills essential to high-quality pediatric care.
What makes this program especially valuable is its dual emphasis on acute interventions and chronic disease management, giving graduates a unique edge in pediatric healthcare environments. Through simulation labs, hands-on rotations, and case-based learning, students learn to assess, stabilize, and monitor pediatric patients across a variety of settings. Ethical care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and communication with families are core components, ensuring practitioners can deliver not just effective treatment but also compassionate support. With faculty who are experts in clinical pediatric practice, the program provides a robust and deeply practical foundation for advancing in this critical nursing specialty.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Acute-Chronic
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Nursing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Pediatric Care Foundations
- Pediatric Pathophysiology and Assessment
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Prescribing
- Clinical Management of Acute Pediatric Conditions
- Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning
Semester 2 – Chronic Care and Clinical Practice
- Chronic Pediatric Illness and Long-Term Management
- Pediatric Procedures and Emergency Response
- Clinical Practicum in Acute and Chronic Settings
- Capstone: Integrated Pediatric Case Management
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for specialized clinical roles in a variety of healthcare environments, including children’s hospitals, outpatient pediatric clinics, specialty care centers, and rehabilitation units. They are equipped to provide high-level, continuous care to children suffering from both acute episodes and chronic health conditions. Roles such as pediatric nurse practitioner, care coordinator, hospitalist, or subspecialty clinic provider are common paths, with additional opportunities in health education and care policy for pediatric populations. Their interdisciplinary training and clinical versatility allow them to thrive in roles that demand both rapid intervention and long-term management, making them essential contributors to integrated pediatric healthcare systems.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for nurses who want to develop expertise in both immediate and sustained pediatric care, offering a rare opportunity to build broad, high-impact clinical competence in just one year. With its focused curriculum, real-world clinical placements, and emphasis on both technical skills and family engagement, the program fosters the development of compassionate, knowledgeable, and versatile practitioners. The university’s partnerships with top healthcare institutions provide exceptional access to cutting-edge practices and mentorship from experienced professionals. Whether your goal is to serve in high-intensity hospital environments or support long-term pediatric wellness in community settings, this program provides the preparation and confidence to lead in pediatric nursing care.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
