Pediatric Nursing Colleges in Delaware - DE

By Susan Maphis, allied health world contributing writer
Published: December, 13 2010

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Delaware students who are interested in becoming pediatric nurse practitioners (PNP) should examine the requirements of pediatric nurse practitioner programs in the state. Education for PNPs goes beyond the traditional nursing degree. In Delaware, a PNP must have a master’s degree or a post-basic nursing training certificate as well as a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Educational choices for PNPs are available at traditional schools of nursing such as colleges and universities in Delaware as well as online through distance education.

Beyond undergraduate schooling, most PNP programs take about two additional years to complete. Students in PNP programs will attend traditional classroom or online courses as well as fulfill practical, clinical requirements that vary from program to program. In Delaware, in order to obtain prescriptive authority, PNPs must provide proof that they have completed courses in advanced health assessment, diagnosis and management of pediatric problems, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology.

After completion of PNP education, Delaware requires that PNPs become certified with a nationally recognized organization. These include the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification involves taking an examination that tests the skills and knowledge you have gained through your education. Those who pass the PNCB certification tests may use the initials Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) or Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC), depending upon the test passed; or the ANCC’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified (PNP-BC) credentials.