This 17-credit post-master’s certificate prepares the currently certified pediatric primary care NP to expand their expertise beyond primary care to the acute care of children. Post Master’s Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate students will learn how to diagnose and treat pediatric acute, critical and chronic care conditions, gain clinical competency, and apply evidence-based practices. Students will experience a vigorous academic program and clinical experiences to provide acute care to children across a variety of care settings and throughout the continuum of care. With access to Hopkins faculty and learning resources, graduates will develop and apply advanced skills in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of health problems encountered in acutely ill children.
The development of the curriculum is based on:
- The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (AACN, 2021)
- The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) NP Role Core Competencies (2022)
- The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) NP Core Competencies with Curriculum Content (2017)
- The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies: Pediatric Acute Care (NONPF, 2013)
- The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)Statement on Acute Care and Primary Care Certified Nurse Practitioner Practice (NONPF, 2012)
- The National Task Force Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (2022)
- The National Task Force (NTF) Quality Nurse Practitioner Standards for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education, 6th ed. (2022)
Clinical practicum and number of clinical hours: Clinical experiences are diverse and occur in a variety of settings. 560 clinical hours are required for this certificate program (600 hours recommended). A gap analysis will be done for all students.
Certification: Certification: Graduates are eligible to apply for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board’s pediatric acute care certification exams: https://www.pncb.org/certifications.
Program Requirements
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Courses | ||
| NR.110.645 | Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Topics and Procedures | 3 |
| NR.110.648 | Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Practicum (112-224CL, repeatable each term) 1 | 2-4 |
| NR.110.646 | Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Topics | 3 |
| NR.110.649 | Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Topics and Roles | 1 |
| Total Credits | 9-11 | |
- 1
NR.110.648 Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Practicum Students must complete a minimum of 7 credits of Pediatric Acute Care Practicum (clinical) during the program. Based on a gap analysis, some students may need additional clinical hours. Specific credit hours and credit allocation by semester will be determined based on a gap analysis at the program start.
Program of Study
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NR.110.645 | Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Topics and Procedures | 3 |
| NR.110.648 | Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Practicum (224CL) 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| NR.110.648 | Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Practicum (224CL) 1 | 4 |
| NR.110.646 | Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Topics | 3 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| NR.110.648 | Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Practicum (112CL) 1 | 2 |
| NR.110.649 | Advanced Pediatric Acute Care Topics and Roles | 1 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
- 1
NR.110.648 Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Practicum Students must complete a minimum of 7 credits of Pediatric Acute Care Practicum (clinical) during the program. Based on a gap analysis, some students may need additional clinical hours. Specific credit hours and credit allocation by semester will be determined based on a gap analysis at the program start.
Program Total: 17 Credits [cr]/ 560 Clinical Hours [CL]