Are you a registered nurse in Missouri aspiring to elevate your career and specialize in pediatric acute care? The demand for skilled Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (AC PNPs) is rising, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) offers comprehensive programs designed to meet this critical need. UMKC’s advanced nursing programs provide rigorous academic preparation and clinical experiences to equip you for this rewarding and impactful role.
UMKC provides several pathways to become a certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with an acute care focus. These options include pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in primary care or acute care. For nurses who already hold an MSN, UMKC also offers post-MSN certificate options to specialize as an AC PNP or Primary Care PNP. These programs are structured to build your expertise in both independent and collaborative decision-making, essential for advanced clinical judgment in acute care settings.
Graduates from the UMKC PNP programs are well-positioned to address the increasing need for both primary and acute care pediatric nurse practitioners across the nation and within Missouri. The curriculum prepares graduates to successfully pass the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) certification exam to become certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Furthermore, UMKC encourages students to engage with leading national nurse practitioner organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), fostering professional growth and networking opportunities within the NP community. MSN graduates are also encouraged to consider advancing their education further through the post-MSN to DNP program.
The UMKC NP programs feature a robust curriculum incorporating three advanced core courses: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical/Health Assessment. Beyond these foundational courses, the program emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, alongside in-depth training in differential diagnosis and disease management, crucial for effective acute care practice.
To enhance the learning experience and provide essential hands-on training, UMKC PNP programs include an on-campus intensive requirement each semester during clinical courses. These intensives allow for focused interaction with faculty and peers, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. UMKC faculty and advisors provide campus dates well in advance to facilitate student scheduling.
UMKC’s online and hybrid distance education model is designed to offer flexibility for working professionals. Courses are primarily online, utilizing the Canvas web-based software platform, which allows students to access course materials, assignments, and interact with faculty and peers at their convenience. While most coursework is asynchronous, some courses may include scheduled class/chat times, typically on Thursdays or Fridays, with ample advance notice provided.
UMKC is part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), expanding accessibility to online programs for students in 48 states, including Washington, D.C. Prospective students are advised to review the state regulatory map to confirm program availability in their state before applying.
