Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Critical Care
The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Critical Care Master of Science program at Pennsylvania University is designed for registered nurses who are passionate about advancing their skills in acute pediatric care. This one-year, full-time program focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of high-acuity conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. Through a curriculum that blends advanced theoretical instruction with rigorous clinical immersion, students develop the ability to manage critically ill pediatric patients in dynamic healthcare environments. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic accuracy, critical thinking, pharmacological decision-making, and mastering complex interventions within intensive care and emergency settings. Faculty with real-world experience guide students through simulation labs and clinical rotations, fostering both confidence and technical expertise.
The program places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to work alongside physicians, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals in high-pressure situations. Students are trained in the ethical dimensions of pediatric care, cultural competency, and family-centered practices, all of which are essential for delivering quality outcomes. Graduates are expected not only to be competent clinicians but also to become strong advocates for young patients in vulnerable health conditions. The integration of technology, evidence-based practice, and clinical leadership ensures that students are equipped to provide specialized, responsive, and compassionate care in today’s complex medical systems.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Critical Care
- 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 Critical Care Foundations
- Advanced Pediatric Pathophysiology
- Pediatric Pharmacotherapeutics
- Principles of Acute Pediatric Care
- Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making
Semester 2 – Advanced Clinical Application
- Pediatric Critical Care Practicum
- Leadership and Ethics in Pediatric Nursing
- Pediatric Procedures and Emergency Interventions
- Capstone: Case Studies in Critical Pediatric Practice
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue advanced clinical roles in a wide range of acute care environments, including pediatric intensive care units, emergency departments, children’s hospitals, and specialized transport or trauma teams. Their training enables them to independently assess and manage life-threatening conditions, initiate time-sensitive treatments, and work seamlessly within fast-paced healthcare teams. Opportunities also exist in academic medical centers, surgical recovery units, and cardiology or neurology ICUs where pediatric expertise is essential. As demand continues to grow for acute care nurse practitioners with focused pediatric training, graduates are not only well-positioned for employment but are often sought after for leadership and preceptorship roles. The program also lays the foundation for future doctoral studies or specialization in pediatric subfields, giving graduates multiple paths to further advancement in their careers.
Why Choose This Program
This program stands out for its targeted, high-intensity training, designed to elevate licensed nurses into expert-level pediatric acute care providers in just one year. It combines access to top-tier clinical sites with a curriculum that mirrors real-world complexity, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for immediate entry into demanding healthcare settings. The faculty’s strong clinical backgrounds and the university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical care, and hands-on experience offer a rich learning environment for students who thrive under pressure and aspire to make a significant difference in pediatric health. Whether the goal is to serve in leading children’s hospitals or to advance into roles involving policy, advocacy, or education, this program provides the academic and practical grounding to take that next step with confidence.
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
