What is the career path for Pediatric Nurse Practioner?

Hi Molly. I'm so glad to hear that you want to become a pediatric nurse practitioner! The path to become a pediatric nurse practitioner starts with studying hard in math and science. After graduating from high school, you would go to a 4-year college to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After completing your BSN you can take the national exam to become a registered nurse. You can also complete a 2-year degree program to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)and take the national exam to become a registered nurse. If the ultimate goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, the best choice would be to earn your BSN instead of an ADN. After you earn the BSN, you would go to graduate school to either earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) that would prepare you as a pediatric nurse practitioner or you can also attend graduate school to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. After you earn either the MSN or the DNP you would take the national certification exam to be licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse and be certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner. I know it sounds like a lot, but the reward is being able to do what you love and love what you do! Let me know if you have more questions.