What Makes Our Program Distinct?

Our students gain clinical experience with expert clinicians at highly-regarded children’s hospitals and a diverse array of primary care and specialty clinics.

Pediatric nurse practitioner primary care students are prepared for leadership roles to improve care and systems within the context of the family, the community, and health systems.

They have expertise in child and family development with an added emphasis on caring for children with special health care needs across settings of care. Their education emphasizes health policy, evidence-based practice, informatics and program evaluation.

Since 1993 the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care specialty at the University of Minnesota has prepared outstanding nurse leaders who have developed unique roles caring for infants, children, youth and young adults and their families.

The care of individuals and families from diverse backgrounds is emphasized, with a strong focus on caring for those who have chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Pediatric nurse practitioner primary care students gain clinical experience with expert clinicians where collaboration and care coordination are emphasized, including in schools and child care settings.

Our graduates are prepared to:

• Provide primary and specialty care to infants, children, adolescents and young adults
• Practice as pediatric primary care nurse practitioners in clinics, hospitals, schools and community health settings
• Serve as faculty members in schools of nursing
• Create policies and advocate for children and families at local, state and national level
• Expand the knowledge in the field through nursing scholarship
• Participate in and lead quality improvement initiatives in health care settings

All students who complete required coursework for the pediatric nurse practitioner primary care DNP program are also eligible for the Disability Policy & Services Certificate, offered through the Institute on Community Integration.