Compare Affordable Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Lakeland, Florida

Last Updated/Verified: Sep 16, 2025
Compare Affordable Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland, Florida, located between Tampa and Orlando, is home to a rapidly expanding healthcare network that serves both urban and rural communities across Polk County. Families in the area are growing in number, and with them comes an increased demand for accessible and affordable pediatric care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nurse practitioners is projected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, one of the fastest rates across healthcare professions. This national trend is mirrored in Florida, where population growth and pediatric care shortages are driving the need for more specialized providers.

For nurses aspiring to become Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), Lakeland provides a strategic location to pursue graduate education. The city's healthcare system, which caters to both community clinics and larger hospital systems, offers a balanced environment for students seeking affordable pathways into advanced practice. Cost effective programs in the region ensure students can access comprehensive training without excessive financial strain, making this area an appealing destination for career advancement.

2026 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs Lakeland, Florida

If you're looking for pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Lakeland, Florida, you've come to the right place. Nursepractitioneronline.com provides rankings to help you find the best options for your education and career. Our team evaluates programs based on factors like accreditation, curriculum, and student support, making it easier for you to choose a path that fits your goals. For details on how we rank these programs, check out our methodology page at https://www.nursepractitioneronline.com/rankings-methodology/.
#1

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu

Master's - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner master's program at the University of South Florida trains advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for children, emphasizing health promotion and developmental care. This 45-credit program requires a graduate comprehensive exam and prepares graduates for PNCB certification, with flexible part-time or full-time enrollment. As a public institution, USF may offer affordable tuition rates, especially for in-state students, making it a cost-effective choice for registered nurses seeking pediatric specialization.

  • 45 total credit hours
  • Part-time or full-time options
  • Prepares for PNCB certification
  • Graduate comprehensive exam required
  • Advanced pediatric nursing focus

Doctorate - BSN to DNP Pediatric Health Concentration

Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website

The BSN to DNP Pediatric Health Concentration at the University of South Florida focuses on the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner role, providing training in preventive and acute care for children from birth to young adulthood. This program requires a graduate comprehensive exam and prepares students for PNCB certification, with flexible scheduling options. Affordability is enhanced by USF's public status, potentially offering lower tuition and financial aid opportunities for aspiring pediatric nurse practitioners.

  • Focus on Pediatric Primary Care
  • Prepares for PNCB certification
  • Flexible part-time and full-time options
  • Ambulatory care practice focus
  • Comprehensive pediatric health training
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*Data reference: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, NCES.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Their Role in Child Health

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are trained to deliver holistic care to children from infancy through adolescence. Their scope of practice includes conducting wellness exams, prescribing medications, managing chronic conditions, and supporting families with health education. In Central Florida, where pediatric physician shortages can limit access, PNPs play a critical role in bridging gaps in care.

The diversity of Lakeland's population, which spans both suburban and rural communities, makes the role of PNPs particularly important. Practitioners often encounter a wide range of cases, from preventive care to urgent management of pediatric illnesses, ensuring their training is applied across varied settings.

Keeping Education Affordable in Lakeland

The affordability of PNP programs is a key consideration for many nurses. Graduate education can be expensive, but programs near Lakeland offer options that balance tuition with high quality clinical training. Many programs are designed with working nurses in mind, offering part-time study and flexible scheduling.

To make education more affordable, students often pursue:

  • Scholarships and nursing grants available through state and national organizations
  • Tuition reimbursement from healthcare employers in Polk County and surrounding areas
  • Part-time enrollment to spread out tuition payments while continuing to earn an income
  • Lower cost public university options compared to private institutions nearby

These strategies reduce the financial burden while allowing aspiring PNPs to move forward with their careers.

Academic Pathways for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

PNP programs in Florida generally lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Both options prepare students for advanced practice and national certification. In Lakeland, programs combine classroom coursework with clinical placements in pediatric care facilities.

Key curriculum areas often include:

  • Advanced pediatric assessment and diagnostic reasoning
  • Pediatric pharmacology and safe prescribing practices
  • Child growth, development, and behavioral health
  • Family pediatric primary care
  • Evidence-based practice and health policy related to child populations

Clinical training typically occurs in pediatric clinics, family practices, or children's hospitals across Central Florida, giving students exposure to diverse cases and care settings.

Licensure and Certification Requirements in Florida

Graduates of accredited PNP programs must obtain national certification to practice. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) is the primary certifying body for PNPs. After certification, practitioners apply for state recognition through the Florida Board of Nursing.

The process includes:

  1. Holding an active Florida RN license
  2. Completing a graduate level PNP program
  3. Passing the national PNCB certification exam
  4. Applying for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing
  5. Requesting prescribing authority to provide full spectrum primary care

These licensure and certification steps ensure that PNPs entering practice are qualified to deliver high quality pediatric care across the state.

Career Opportunities for PNPs in Lakeland and Polk County

Lakeland's healthcare system offers a range of employment opportunities for new PNPs. The city's location between two major metropolitan areas gives practitioners access to a mix of local and regional healthcare employers.

PNPs may find roles in:

  • Pediatric outpatient practices serving families in Polk County
  • Community health clinics that address underserved populations
  • School health programs supporting student wellness
  • Pediatric urgent care and walk in clinics
  • Children's hospitals in Tampa, Orlando, and surrounding regions

The variety of options ensures PNPs can shape their careers around personal interests, whether focused on preventive care, school health, or acute pediatric services.

Salary Expectations for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Florida

PNPs in Florida earn salaries that reflect both the value of their specialized training and the growing demand for their services. While salaries vary by setting and experience, compensation remains competitive across Central Florida. According to BLS state data, Florida ranks among the states with strong employment levels for nurse practitioners.

Estimated Salary Ranges for Nurse Practitioners in Florida

Experience LevelEstimated Salary Range
Early Career (1–3 years)$100,000 – $110,000
Mid Career (4–7 years)$110,000 – $120,000
Experienced (8+ years)$120,000 – $130,000+

Employers in the Lakeland area often add benefits such as flexible scheduling, continuing education stipends, and family friendly policies. These benefits are particularly attractive for PNPs balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments.

Professional Development and Networking in Central Florida

Beyond graduate education, PNPs in Lakeland can grow their careers through professional organizations and continuing education. Groups such as the Florida Nurses Association and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners offer workshops, networking events, and policy updates.

Local and state conferences allow PNPs to connect with peers, learn about new clinical practices, and advocate for pediatric health initiatives. These opportunities help practitioners stay engaged and expand their professional networks across Florida.

Real World Context for Pediatric Care in Lakeland

Lakeland's healthcare needs highlight the importance of accessible pediatric services. For example, many families in Polk County rely on community clinics for preventive screenings and immunizations. PNPs working in these settings ensure children receive timely interventions that support long-term health outcomes.

School health programs in the region also demonstrate the real world application of PNP training. By providing care directly within schools, PNPs reduce barriers to access and improve student attendance and academic performance. These roles emphasize how PNPs directly impact both health and educational outcomes.

Supporting the Future of Pediatric Care in Lakeland

The path to becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is challenging but highly rewarding, particularly in a region like Lakeland where demand for providers for children continues to grow. Affordable nurse practitioner programs in Florida make it possible for nurses to advance their careers without overwhelming financial strain while contributing to community health.

For nurses ready to specialize in pediatrics, Lakeland offers a unique combination of affordability, practical training, and diverse career opportunities. Entering this field ensures a future of meaningful work that supports families, strengthens healthcare access, and builds healthier communities across Central Florida.

Sources

Antonette Montalvo, MSN, PNP-BC, BSN, RN
Latest posts by Antonette Montalvo, MSN, PNP-BC, BSN, RN (see all)

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