Top Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Programs near Columbus, OH

Columbus is no longer just a test market for new snack foods—it's also a proving ground for pediatric healthcare innovation. Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) recorded more than 1.9 million total patient visits, including 474,716 visits specifically to its Specialty Care Clinics on the Columbus campus, opened the $200 million Behavioral Health Pavilion in 2024, and announced a 42-bed Level IV NICU expansion slated for 2026. Meanwhile, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is piloting population-health dashboards that flag at-risk children for early PNP intervention. Add Franklin County's launch of district-wide telehealth hubs, and it's clear why the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services projects a significant surge in Nurse Practitioner positions across the state, with the overall occupation expected to grow by 43 percent between 2022 and 2032

For registered nurses with a BSN—or master's-prepared APRNs ready to specialize, Columbus offers on-campus, hybrid, and fully online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) pathways that blend evidence-based coursework with real-world clinical immersion. Below you'll find program highlights, admission tips, cost breakdowns, salary outlooks, and practical advice on juggling classes with 12-hour shifts and I-270 traffic.

2025 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs near Columbus, OH

#1

Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH - Private 4-year - cedarville.edu

Doctorate - DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

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

Cedarville University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, designed for nurses seeking to specialize in pediatric care from birth through adolescence. This hybrid program blends online coursework with practical experiences, requiring no entrance exam for admission. It emphasizes a faith-integrated approach, preparing graduates for national certification by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. With options for both part-time and full-time study, the program includes 800 supervised clinical hours and integrates a biblical worldview into advanced pediatric care training. Scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 are available for eligible students, making it an affordable option for those committed to serving pediatric populations with Christian compassion.

• Online DNP program format
• 800 supervised clinical hours
• Biblical worldview integration
• Flexible completion options
• National certification preparation
• Scholarships available
• Advanced pediatric care training
• Christian faculty mentorship

#2

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu

Master's - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website

Ohio State University's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program focuses on preparing nurses for comprehensive healthcare delivery to children from infancy through young adulthood. With a concentration in Primary Care, students learn to manage well-child care and acute or chronic illnesses in various settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, offering 600 clinical practice hours and pathways to national certification. Flexible scheduling accommodates both part-time and full-time students, with no entrance exam required for this master's level program.

• 600 clinical practice hours
• Multiple degree pathway options
• National certification preparation
• Nationwide Children's Hospital partnership
• Evidence-based curriculum design

Master's - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Ohio State University is designed for nurses aiming to specialize in the care of critically ill children. Concentrating on Acute Care, the curriculum covers complex pediatric conditions in intensive care and emergency settings, supported by 600 hours of clinical training. This master's program prepares graduates for national certification, offering flexible study options without the need for an entrance exam. It's ideal for experienced pediatric nurses seeking to advance their skills in acute care management and leadership.

• 600 hours clinical experience
• Multiple degree pathway options
• Certification preparation
• Full-time and part-time
• Advanced pediatric care focus

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#3

Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Master's - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kent State University at Kent offers a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner master's program designed for nurses seeking to specialize in pediatric healthcare. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. Focused on care from birth through adolescence, the curriculum covers preventative care, health promotion, and disease management. With CCNE accreditation and nationally certified faculty, the program supports customizable academic plans and offers both fall and spring start dates. No specific entrance exam is mentioned as required for admission, making it accessible for qualified candidates ready to advance their nursing careers in pediatric settings.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• Nationally Certified Faculty
• Customizable Academic Plans
• Online Course Options
• Fall and Spring Start Dates

*Institutional data extracted from: IPEDS 2023, NCES.

Why Columbus Is a Smart Choice for Aspiring PNPs

1. Pediatric Powerhouse Hospitals

Nationwide Children's ranks among U.S. News & World Report's top 10 children's hospitals in cardiology, neonatology, and neurology. Rotations there expose students to VV-ECMO, fetal surgery, and congenital heart ICU patients that few metro areas can match. OSU's Ross Heart Hospital gives PNPs hands-on experience in advanced congenital cardiology, while Mount Carmel St. Ann's provides Level II nursery exposure for primary-care–oriented students.

2. Research Meets Community Impact

OSU's College of Nursing partners with the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health to slash childhood obesity rates in Appalachian counties and pilot mobile asthma units in Linden. That means graduate PNPs finish with IRB-approved research credits and publishable quality-improvement projects—assets when applying for magnet-hospital positions.

3. Competitive Salaries & Loan Forgiveness

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Ohio NPs at a mean annual wage of $117,440, but Columbus recruiters report PNP offers of $ 121k–$ 128k plus $ 8k sign-on bonuses. Many employers participate in HRSA's Nurse Corps or Ohio's Primary Care Loan Repayment Program, wiping out $ 25k–$ 50k of graduate debt—details in Student Loan Forgiveness: 4 Options for Nurse Practitioners.

4. Modernized Practice Authority

Ohio's 2023 reform trimmed Standard Care Arrangement paperwork and expanded PNP telehealth privileges. Licensure and certification pathways are outlined in Nurse Practitioner Licensing & Certification, but Columbus hospitals further streamline onboarding with standardized credentialing packets.

5. Built-In Networking & CE

The Ohio chapter of NAPNAP hosts quarterly meet-ups at NCH's education center, and OSU's Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center offers discounted continuing-education labs—perfect for fulfilling the requirements in [Nurse Practitioner Continuing Education & CE Courses] without traveling out of state.

Program Formats & Columbus Clinical Rotations

Need a broader snapshot of delivery models and certification exam pass rates? Compare options in Best Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Programs.

Curriculum Deep-Dive

Bridge/Foundation (waived with prior coursework)

• Advanced Health Assessment
  
• Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice
  

Specialty Didactics

• Pediatric Growth & Development Across Cultures
  
• Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
  
• Pediatric Dermatology for Primary-Care NPs
  
• Acute Pediatric Resuscitation & Trauma (for AG-AC PNP tracks)
  

Integrated Practicum
600–750 supervised hours across outpatient, inpatient, and community settings. Columbus rotations emphasize interprofessional teamwork—PNP students round with pediatric pharmacists, child-life specialists, and social workers to hone holistic care skills.

Admissions Snapshot

• Prerequisites: CCNE- or ACEN-accredited BSN (MSN/DNP for certificate)
  
• GPA: 3.0 overall; 3.2 science preferred (GRE waived at OSU, UC)
  
• Licensure: Unencumbered Ohio RN; Ohio APRN for certificate students
  
• Experience: One year of pediatrics, NICU, or PICU strongly preferred
  
• Certifications: BLS & PALS (ACLS required for acute-care tracks)
  
• Supplementals: Two clinical references, résumé, 500-word goal statement, CASPer or Kira interview
  

Application timelines and essay tips are broken down in Guide to Nurse Practitioner School Applications.

Tuition & Funding Breakdown (2025)

*Published tuition only; fees add $35–$55/credit. Columbus metro nurses often offset costs with hospital tuition benefits (up to $5,250 per year) and state Workforce Development scholarships.

Cost-Cutting Tips

1. Transfer credit audits—waive up to 12 credits if you've completed graduate stats or pathophysiology.
   
2. Part-time pacing—stretch tuition across seven semesters to avoid new loan origination fees.
   
3. NCH fellowship offers $ 8k in stipends to underrepresented minority APRN students.
   
4. Employer flex-pay—schedule payroll deduction plans to avoid interest accrual.
   

Columbus PNP Salary & Job Market

Beyond paychecks, many employers cover CME for required contact hours—details in Nurse Practitioner Continuing Education & CE Courses.

Career Paths & Sub-Specialties

• Primary-Care PNP—Community clinics in Linden, Hilltop, and Reynoldsburg
  
• Acute-Care PNP—PICU and CVICU at NCH Main Campus
  
• Pediatric Cardiology NP—Congenital heart program at OSU Ross Heart Hospital
  
• Pediatric ER NP—Level I trauma bay (compare duties in Pediatric ER Nurse: Career Overview)
  
• Academic Faculty—Lecturers at OSU's Helene Fuld Simulation Center
  

Networking Tip: Join Ohio NAPNAP's mentorship circle—pair with a Columbus PNP preceptor months before clinicals begin.

Work-Life-Study Balance in the 614

• Clinical scheduling—Tues-Thurs rotations dodge OSU game-day traffic and shift peak.
  
• Transit hacks—Ride COTA's CMAX rapid buses; stream lectures during the 15-minute trip from Easton Town Center to downtown.
  
• Study hubs—Stauf's Coffee (Grandview) offers free meeting rooms; Kafé Kerouac hosts weekly medical-literature nights.
  
• PTO planning—Set aside two weeks of paid time for the 180-hour capstone immersion; preceptors prefer four straight weeks.
  

Additional survival strategies appear in 4 Tips to Succeed in Nurse Practitioner Clinical Rotations.

How to Choose the Right Columbus PNP Program

Ready to Shape Central Ohio's Youngest Lives?

Hospitals, suburban pediatric practices, and school-based clinics across Columbus are hiring PNPs. Request program brochures, run your transcript through a credit-waiver audit, and lock in your first clinical rotation today—then step into a career that keeps Buckeye kids smiling, learning, and thriving.

Sources

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. "Workforce Data – Ohio," 2024
  
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Employment and Wages: Nurse Practitioners (29-1171), May 2024"
  
• Ohio Department of Job & Family Services. "2024 Employment Projections for Advanced-Practice Nurses"
  
• Nationwide Children's Hospital. Community Benefit Report, 2024
  
• Ohio State University College of Nursing. Graduate Program Fact Sheet, 2025

• Author
• Recent Posts

Andrea Mosher, CPNP

Andrea Mosher, CPNP is a suburban emergency room RN turned rural primary care pediatric NP. With this drastic evolution in practice, there was a steep learning curve. Now her daily role is based significantly on educating patients and families, so writing freelance health content just seemed to be the perfect fit to share her knowledge with patients and other healthcare workers.

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