This introductory course, designed for pediatric advanced practice nurses, introduces students to pediatric development and behavior. The course focuses on developmental and behavioral milestones, family systems, parenting styles, screening, surveillance, and assessment of infants, children, and adolescents. Management strategies, referral options as well as legal, ethical, and policy issues are discussed for children with normal development and behavior. The course also focuses on strategies for promoting wellness through anticipatory guidance of the child and family at each stage of development.

 In this didactic course, pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) students expand advanced knowledge and clinical expertise for managing common health conditions encountered in pediatric primary care settings across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic pediatric illnesses from birth through young adulthood. Students refine clinical reasoning and diagnostic decision-making through the integration of pathophysiology, pharmacology, developmental theory, and family-centered principles. The course prepares learners to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive, culturally responsive care plans that promote health, wellness, and optimal outcomes for children, adolescents, and families in primary care environments. 

In this didactic course, pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) students advance their knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for specialized pediatric populations from birth through young adulthood. Emphasis is placed on identifying and addressing the unique healthcare needs of subpopulations through best practices in the management of complex developmental, behavioral, and psychosocial conditions. Topics include adolescent health, sexuality and contraception, eating disorders, behavioral and mental health concerns, bullying, LGBTQ+ youth, child maltreatment, and the care of foster children. Students integrate theoretical frameworks, cultural competence, and current research to design holistic, family-centered approaches that promote wellness, resilience, and optimal outcomes for children and adolescents in diverse care environments. 

In this advanced practicum course, pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) students expand clinical competencies and apply advanced knowledge to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care for pediatric populations from birth through young adulthood. Emphasis is placed on strengthening clinical reasoning, diagnostic decision-making, and management skills for acute, chronic, and complex pediatric health conditions commonly encountered in primary and specialty care settings. Through immersive clinical experiences, students refine their ability to obtain health histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, and implement individualized pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management plans. Learners demonstrate professional accountability, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration while progressing toward clinical autonomy and readiness for independent practice. 

In this final didactic course, students synthesize advanced professional knowledge to support the transition from registered nurse to advanced practice nurse. Emphasis is placed on professional identity formation, leadership development, ethical and legal decision-making, and regulatory preparation for certification and licensure. Students explore practice management, interprofessional collaboration, and strategies for delivering safe, high-quality, and equitable care. Learning activities foster self-assessment, reflective practice, and the development of individualized career and professional transition plans. The course prepares learners for successful entry into advanced clinical practice and lifelong professional growth as nurse practitioners.