What to Look for in a PNP Program
Ready to explore pediatric nurse practitioner educational programs? PNCB can't endorse a particular program, but we offer a list of questions to consider when preparing for the next step in your education.
Are you a nurse practitioner considering a PNP post-graduate certificate? Also see our FNP-to-PNP page for guidance.
See the lists of programs in primary care, acute care, and dual AC/PC PNP that participate in Program Resources, an annual process where educational programs share information with us about their curriculum.
Programs listed on our website are recognized by PNCB as being in compliance with the APRN Consensus Model and the National Task Force Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (NTFC). In return for program participation, their students benefit from expedited exam application processing with less paperwork.
Questions to Consider
- Is the program accredited by one of the following?
- What is the program’s certification pass rate?
- Accreditation typically requires that this information be included on the school’s web page. If you don't see it, ask the program what their first-time and overall pass rate is for the current year and for the past 2 years.
- How long has the program been in existence?
- If the program is fairly new, ask about faculty experience and plans for accreditation.
- What is the final degree offered?
- How are preceptors/clinical placements determined?
- Are there enough preceptors and clinical sites for everyone in the program?
- Do you find preceptors on your own, or does your school provide them?
- What is the school’s national ranking?
- How is the curriculum delivered? Which method best fits your learning style?
- Traditional classroom?
- Online/distance?
- Hybrid (online and classroom)?
- Is your lead faculty member certified in the role (nurse practitioner) and population (pediatric acute or primary care)?
