Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Oncology
The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Oncology Master of Science program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced clinical roles in the care of children and adolescents facing critical oncologic conditions. This intensive, one-year full-time program equips students with the medical expertise and leadership capabilities necessary to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care in high-stakes pediatric oncology settings. With an emphasis on the unique complexities of cancer treatment in young patients, the program combines theoretical coursework, advanced pharmacology, and hands-on clinical experiences across pediatric oncology units, emergency departments, and intensive care units.
Students engage in advanced studies of pathophysiology, tumor biology, diagnostic reasoning, and interprofessional communication. They also develop clinical decision-making and procedural skills specific to the pediatric cancer population. Emphasis is placed on family-centered care, palliative interventions, and long-term survivorship planning. Graduates leave the program with a comprehensive, practice-ready foundation to manage acute oncologic conditions, treatment complications, and critical care emergencies in a child-focused context.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Oncology
- 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 Acute Care Foundations
- Advanced Pathophysiology in Pediatric Oncology
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Treatment Protocols
- Pediatric Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Skills
Semester 2
- Pediatric Oncology Critical Care Management
- Symptom Control and Palliative Care in Children
- Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Leadership
- Practicum in Pediatric Acute Oncology Settings
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this specialized master's program are uniquely equipped to serve as pediatric acute care nurse practitioners (PNPs) in high-acuity oncology settings, including children’s hospitals, cancer centers, pediatric ICUs, and hematology-oncology units. They are qualified for roles that demand a high level of autonomy and critical thinking, such as oncology nurse practitioners, pediatric cancer care coordinators, infusion center clinicians, and educators within pediatric oncology nursing. The demand for PNPs with oncology expertise is growing due to the increasing complexity of treatments and the need for specialized care during both acute and survivorship stages. This program also offers a pathway for leadership roles in advanced clinical practice, care team coordination, and protocol development, giving graduates the tools to shape the future of pediatric cancer care on both a clinical and systemic level.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for nurses who aspire to specialize in high-impact pediatric oncology care while advancing their clinical skills in acute settings. The focused curriculum, immersive clinical rotations, and expert-led instruction provide a unique environment for mastering the challenges of cancer treatment in children. Students benefit from access to leading pediatric oncology institutions and mentorship from experienced practitioners, enabling them to apply theory to practice in emotionally complex and medically intensive environments. For those seeking a meaningful, advanced nursing role that blends clinical excellence with compassionate patient advocacy, this program offers both the professional development and clinical confidence to lead in one of the most critical areas of pediatric 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
