Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post Master's) Online
This program offers MSN-prepared nurse practitioners an accelerated pathway toward becoming a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified. Learn how to improve pediatric health both locally and globally.
Program Overview
Gain insights into our online CPNP-AC program
Develop the skills and knowledge you need to work with the growing number of children with complex, high acuity healthcare needs with this 100% online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate program from The University of Texas at Arlington. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, this accelerated program can help prepare you to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care (CPNP-AC) in as few as five courses.
This post-graduate program is individually created based on a gap analysis of each student's MSN transcript and experience. Taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, the program emphasizes research and theoretical knowledge to implement therapies that restore health, minimize complications, reduce risk factors and improve the growth and development of the child.
This program provides a background to:
- Provide pediatric care and case management for pediatric patients and their families through management of acute, chronic, complex and unstable illness
- Develop interprofessional and collaborative relationships to address health problems related to economic, psychosocial, cultural and environmental factors in the quality improvement of healthcare delivery to the pediatric population
- Coordinate the acute care of the child in collaboration with other healthcare professionals with attention to principles of ethics, advocacy for the child and family, and an understanding of varying constructs of culture
This post-graduate program emphasizes health restoration, management of complex, acute and chronic illness and complex health management of adolescents, and can lead to expanded roles in clinical settings such as:
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PACU)
- Pediatric Sedation Service Operations
- Pediatric Sub Specialty Clinic (Hematology, Nephrology)
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PACU)
- Pediatric Sedation Service Operations
- Pediatric Sub Specialty Clinic (Hematology, Nephrology)
Clinical Requirements
The clinical requirements included in the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate program at UTA are intended to provide students with experiential learning opportunities to enable them to transition successfully into the role of the nurse practitioner. An essential part of each clinical experience is active, hands-on practice, guided by a licensed preceptor with expertise in their advanced nursing practice specialty.
Clinical placement at The University of Texas at Arlington in the graduate nursing department is a collaborative process with each student. Students are asked to locate a preceptor which is aligned with their program requirements; however, the Graduate Nursing Department will provide assistance with clinical placement when a student is experiencing difficulty. Clinical placement policies are available in the Graduate Nursing clinical management system, Exxat, and are available to all students upon admission.
The clinical requirements included in the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate program at UTA are intended to provide students with experiential learning opportunities to enable them to transition successfully into the role of the nurse practitioner. An essential part of each clinical experience is active, hands-on practice, guided by a licensed preceptor with expertise in their advanced nursing practice specialty.
Clinical placement at The University of Texas at Arlington in the graduate nursing department is a collaborative process with each student. Students are asked to locate a preceptor which is aligned with their program requirements; however, the Graduate Nursing Department will provide assistance with clinical placement when a student is experiencing difficulty. Clinical placement policies are available in the Graduate Nursing clinical management system, Exxat, and are available to all students upon admission.
State Authorization
Residents of certain states may not be eligible to enroll in all UTA accelerated online programs. See program map for details. Currently enrolled students who reside in ineligible states will need approval to continue uninterrupted in their programs in accordance with applicable state laws. Approval is not guaranteed.
Also available:
UTA offers a wide variety of nursing programs online. Check out all of our online nursing programs.
Not looking for an online program?
We also offer this program on campus!Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate program in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at The University of Texas at Arlington are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Tuition
Pay affordable tuition at UTA
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing students with a quality, affordable education. That's why this online program offers pay-by-the course options.
To determine the cost of additional course materials
required, check with the
UTA
Bookstore.
Tuition Guarantee
Did you know if you enroll now and complete your program without interruption, you can lock in your tuition rate? Read more
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Jot down the milestones that will guide your student journey
The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate online program offers multiple start dates to accommodate your professional and personal schedule.
| 8-week courses | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer II | 6/30/25 | 5/30/25 | 5/30/25 | 6/25/25 | 6/27/25 |
| Fall I | 8/18/25 | 7/18/25 | 7/18/25 | 8/13/25 | 8/15/25 |
| Fall II | 9/29/25 | 8/29/25 | 8/29/25 | 9/24/25 | 9/26/25 |
| Fall III | 11/3/25 | 10/3/25 | 10/3/25 | 10/29/25 | 10/31/25 |
| Spring I | 1/12/26 | 12/12/25 | 12/19/25 | 1/7/26 | 1/9/26 |
| Spring I | 2/16/26 | 1/23/26 | 1/23/26 | 2/11/26 | 2/13/26 |
| Spring II | 3/30/26 | 3/6/26 | 3/6/26 | 3/25/26 | 3/27/26 |
Now enrolling:
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your degree?
Admissions
Know the qualifications for our online CPNP-AP program
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation admission process is the first step toward changing your life and enriching the lives of others. Familiarize yourself with these admission requirements, along with information on required documentation.
Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Active RN license
- 2 Years experience
Online Admission Requirements
- MSN from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited program
- Two years of clinical experience as an RN
- Acute care certificate options must have 2 years of high acuity direct patient care in the last 5 years
- Active/Unencumbered RN license
- Undergraduate (basic) statistics course with a minimum grade of "C"
- 3.0 GPA in MSN degree program
Visit Graduate Nursing Advising for a list of AO Graduate advisors.
Have a question? Call us at 866-489-2810.
Courses
Gain the knowledge you need
This Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner online program is individually created based on a gap analysis of each student's MSN transcript and experience. A gap analysis is a process that evaluates your current academic career versus what you need to be eligible for certification in your new area of study. You may need more than the minimum number of courses listed, or you may need less than the number of courses listed. Some courses listed may be waived based on the gap analysis.
Additional Information
To see which courses are going to be offered on each start date, download the course schedule.
*Per-course tuition based on 3 credit-hour courses.
