• On-Campus Component
    Yes
  • Cost
    $1,100.00 per credit (resident and nonresident)
  • Total Credits
    77
  • Credential
    Doctorate Degree
  • Admission GPA
    3.0
  • Application Deadlines
    Priority: November 1; Final: March 1
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    School of Nursing

The Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist is a clinical expert in pediatric nursing who, in addition to providing direct care, serves as a leader in education, research, quality improvement, outcome monitoring, and consultation with other nurses. They provide care to children and adolescents and their families within the context of family, community, and the health care system.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Information sessions

International Students

Applicants who are not US citizens or Permanent Residents should understand that the University of Minnesota’s DNP program does not meet the requirements for eligibility needed to obtain the appropriate F-1 student visa or status because the DNP has limited (fewer than four) face-to-face on-site classes per DNP course. During the application process, we ask that international students use ECE or WES credential services for the evaluations.

Program Format

The post-baccalaureate option of the DNP program is a three-year full-time program. All DNP students are required to come to campus for a four-day session (Tuesday through Friday) each semester that includes: core courses, enhancement programming, specialty courses, and meetings with their adviser.

In addition, beginning in the second year of the program, students are expected to be on campus for course work one to two days each week throughout the semester. Students also complete 1,000 hours at clinical sites arranged by the school.

Recommended Program Plans

Career Readiness

Our graduates are prepared to:

  • practice as pediatric clinical nurse specialists in inpatient and outpatient settings, schools, and community health settings.
  • lead system changes to improve health care for children and youth.
  • provide consultation to nurses, medical staff, and interdisciplinary colleagues.
  • advocate for children and families at organizational, state, and national levels.
  • implement evidence-based practice and quality improvement to all patient care.
  • educate pediatric nurses in clinical and academic settings.

Successful completion of required Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist coursework and practice hours meets the eligibility criteria to take the Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.