A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is a health care provider who is dedicated to improving children’s health. A PNP has an advanced degree in pediatric nursing and serve children and their families in an broad range of practice settings.
PNP Role
The role of nurse practitioner has evolved since the 1960s when it was started in Colorado. A nurse practitioner is a specially trained nurse that, with the approved education and credentialing, can assess, diagnose, and prescribe drugs limited by national and state regulations. In pediatrics, the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) fills a role between a pediatrician and a nurse. In primary care, such as a pediatrician’s office, the PNP may see either ill or well children by themselves, unless the illness or problem warrants the pediatrician being asked to intervene.
Our program at the UAMS College of Nursing qualifies the graduate to take the national certification examination as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Once this examination is passed, the PNP may apply for both an Advanced Practice License and then Prescriptive Authority in the State of Arkansas.
Students in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner chose whether they will follow one of the following two tracks:
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post Masters Certification Program
The PNP program will be offering limited slots in a post-master program of study for Acute Care or Primary Care Population Foci.
If you are already certified as a Primary Care PNP or an Acute Care PNP and have an interest in returning to sit for dual certification then this is the program for you. Most prior UAMS graduates should be able to complete in approximately 18 months.
However, the final program of study and acceptance will be based on a gap analysis of previous coursework. All normal application requirements must be completed and met prior to consideration for the program.
More Information
Contact
Dr. Albrey Love, DNP,APRN,PNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice Director
Email: allove@uams.edu