Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Certificate
Grand Rapids • Hybrid • 16-21 Credits
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate at Grand Valley State University.
Overview
This post-graduate certificate enables practicing pediatric and family nurse practitioners (NPs) to expand their certification and scope of practice by earning an acute care specialization. Students benefit from improving their clinical skills, meeting employer certification requirements, and qualifying to sit for the PNCB board certification for acute care pediatric nurse practitioners.
Students engage in a curriculum that blends theory, simulation, and clinical practice. They study human development across the lifespan, health promotion, and risk management, while gaining expertise in managing both common and complex pediatric health problems. Hands-on learning is emphasized through progressive simulation courses that build procedural skills, alongside extensive clinical practicums that provide real-world experience in acute care settings. The program also highlights interprofessional collaboration and care transitions, preparing graduates to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care to children with diverse and critical health needs.
This certificate opens opportunities for advanced roles in hospital-based pediatric care, filling a critical gap by preparing NPs to manage complex inpatient pediatric cases and meet work force demands. The certificate offers a clear and flexible pathway for professional growth, allowing adult leaders to build on prior education and experience without repeating foundation coursework.
Admission Information
Admission requirements: Be a graduate of an accredited Advanced Practice Registered Nurse program and licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Michigan. Have a minimum of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in previous coursework. Must have completed the following pre-requisite courses or their equivalent at another program:
- Clinical Pathophysiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
Acute Care Track C/A focused students must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time acute care experience as a bedside nurse or advanced practice nurse; subject to review before admission (ICU, ER, surgery, hospital-based, etc). Must have an unencumbered license for the state where clinical learning will occur.
gvsu.edu/kcon
DeVos Center
for Interprofessional Health
333 Michigan St NE, Ste. 410
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
(616) 331-7160
Kirkhof College of Nursing Office of Student Services
(616) 331-7160
[email protected]
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 65,128.48 | 10% |
| $122,096.40 | 25% |
| $183,770.76 | 50% |
| $236,180.05 | 75% |
| $318,127.00 | 90% |
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
Top skills- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 69,724.73 | 10% |
| $ 79,658.84 | 25% |
| $ 85,436.93 | 50% |
| $101,145.32 | 75% |
| $107,298.64 | 90% |
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 69,724.73 | 10% |
| $ 79,658.84 | 25% |
| $ 85,436.93 | 50% |
| $101,145.32 | 75% |
| $107,298.64 | 90% |
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 69,724.73 | 10% |
| $ 79,658.84 | 25% |
| $ 85,436.93 | 50% |
| $101,145.32 | 75% |
| $107,298.64 | 90% |
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 69,724.73 | 10% |
| $ 79,658.84 | 25% |
| $ 85,436.93 | 50% |
| $101,145.32 | 75% |
| $107,298.64 | 90% |
94%
Graduates Employed After Graduation
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
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