Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Schools
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Master’s Programs in Nashville, Tennessee
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Becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Nashville, Tennessee
Are you considering a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) in Nashville, Tennessee? This guide will walk you through the process of earning your PNP certification, exploring local options for PNP Master’s programs, and understanding the requirements specific to Tennessee. A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is a specialized role within nursing focused on providing primary and acute care to children from infancy through young adulthood. There are different educational paths to becoming a PNP, including pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in pediatrics.
About Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, known as the “Music City,” is a bustling hub of culture, education, and healthcare. With its rich history and diverse neighborhoods like East Nashville, The Gulch, and Germantown, Nashville offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. For more information about Nashville, visit the official Nashville city website.
PNP Master’s Programs in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is home to several esteemed institutions offering Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs. Here are three prominent options:
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Located in the Midtown neighborhood, Vanderbilt offers a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care MSN program. This program includes 630 hours of supervised clinical practice, preparing students for certification and practice in primary care settings. For more details, visit the Vanderbilt PNP program page.
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Though primarily based in Memphis, UTHSC offers a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program with opportunities for clinical placements in Nashville. This program emphasizes advanced clinical training and leadership in pediatric care. Learn more at the UTHSC program page.
- Belmont University School of Nursing
- Situated in the Hillsboro Village area, Belmont University provides an MSN program with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track. This program focuses on developing clinical expertise and leadership skills in pediatric healthcare. Visit the Belmont University Nursing page for more information.
PNP Employment Opportunities in Nashville
Nashville boasts a robust healthcare sector with numerous opportunities for PNPs. Here are some major facilities:
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
- Located in the Midtown area, this top-ranked children’s hospital offers comprehensive pediatric services and numerous employment opportunities for PNPs. Explore opportunities at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital careers page.
- TriStar Centennial Medical Center
- Situated in the West End neighborhood, TriStar Centennial provides a wide range of pediatric services. For job opportunities, visit the TriStar Centennial careers page.
- Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital for Children
- Located in the Midtown area, this facility offers specialized pediatric care and is part of the Ascension network. Check out their careers page for more information.
Prerequisites for PNP Master’s Programs
To enroll in a PNP Master’s program, candidates typically need:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- A minimum GPA as specified by the program
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
- Relevant work experience as an RN
- Completion of any required entrance exams or certifications
PNP Certification Requirements
After completing your graduate program, certification is essential. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC) certification, which is required for practice in primary care settings. For more information, visit the PNCB website.
Licensure Requirements
In Tennessee, PNPs must be licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). This involves obtaining RN licensure and then APRN licensure through the Tennessee Board of Nursing. For more details, visit the Tennessee Board of Nursing website.
Licensure Reciprocity
Tennessee is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice across state lines in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This is beneficial for PNPs looking to work in multiple states.
Get Started Today
Embarking on the journey to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Nashville, Tennessee, is a rewarding decision. With a variety of educational programs and employment opportunities, Nashville is an excellent place to start your career. Contact a school today to learn more about their PNP programs and take the first step towards your future in pediatric healthcare.
For more information on the job outlook for Nurse Practitioners, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page.