Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or CNS

(Will need to be printed in landscape format.)

The curriculum leading to the Master of Nursing Science Degree can be completed through a full-time or part-time plan of study. Full-time study requires a minimum of 10 semester hours per semester. The number of semester hours for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or CNS specialty is 43. Under the Graduate School policy, a maximum of six (6) consecutive calendar years from date of first enrollment is allowed for completion of all degree requirements.

General Core Courses (11 semester hours)

• NUSC 5003: Theory in Nursing

• NUSC 5013: Research Methodology

• NUSC 5023: Research in Advanced Nursing Practice

• NUSC 5121: Advanced Professional Practice Management

• NUSC 5111: Introduction to Professional Practice Management

The curriculum leading to the Master of Nursing Science degree can be completed through a full-time or part-time plan of study. Full-time study requires a minimum of 10 semester hours per semester. The number of semester hours for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or CNS specialty is 43. Under the Graduate School policy, a maximum of six (6) consecutive calendar years from date of first enrollment is allowed for completion of all degree requirements.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (32 semester hours)

• NUSC 5033: Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology

• NUSC 5043: Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics in Advanced Nursing Practice

• NUSC 5052: Community Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing

• NUSC 5201: Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning Practicum

• NUSC 5222: Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning Theory

• NUSC 5503: Child Health Nursing I Theory

• NUSC 5512: Child Health Nursing Practicum I

• NUSC 5522: Advanced Pediatric Practicum II

• NUSC 5543: Acute Care/Hospitalized Child

• NUSC 5573: Special Populations in Pediatrics

• NUSC 5583: Management of Health Problems in Children

• NUSC 5603: Integrated Practicum for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

• NUSC 5991: Research Project* (Portfolio)

• Elective (1 semester hour)

* NOTE: All students will take 1 semester hour of research project the semester of graduation to complete the Comprehensive Examination required by the Graduate School.

Graduate Degree in Pediatric Nursing

Overview

UAMS offers a Master of Science degree with a pediatric specialty focus. This is a two-year, full-time program, or a part-time program that is usually completed in three to four years. Students may choose a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist option. Through our graduate program for nurse educators, the student may also choose a focus on pediatrics. This is a separate program in the College of Nursing. The Master's degree in pediatrics qualifies the graduate for a variety of roles. The recipient may function as an educator, administrator, or in other roles in pediatric nursing settings.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The role of nurse practitioner has evolved since the 1960's when it was started in Colorado. A nurse practitioner is a specially trained nurse that, with the approved education and credentialing, can assess, diagnose, and prescribe drugs limited by national and state regulations. In pediatrics, the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) fills a role between a pediatrician and a nurse. In primary care, such as a pediatrician's office, the PNP may see either ill or well children by themselves, unless the illness or problem warrants the pediatrician being asked to intervene. Our program at the UAMS College of Nursing qualifies the graduate to take the national certification examination as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Once this examination is passed, the PNP may apply for both an Advanced Practice License and then Prescriptive Authority in the State of Arkansas.

Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

A pediatric clinical nurse specialist is a Master's trained nurse who specializes in children. The focus is more on management of the family, discharge planning, assessment and care of psychological and social needs, and on family education. The graduate of this program will also be experienced in continuing education for staff or students. Much of the coursework is the same as for the PNP, although the CNS student will take education courses.

SUGGESTED PLAN OF FULL-TIME STUDY
(6/25/08)

Curriculum Plan for Advance Practice Nurses in Child Health Nursing
Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

SUGGESTED PLAN OF FULL-TIME STUDY
(6/25/08)

Curriculum Plan for Advance Practice Nurses in Child Health Nursing
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

Contact Specialty Coordinator, Dr. Ralph Vogel,
if you have questions about the above:
Office Phone - (501) 686-8001 or (501) 686-5374
E-mail:  vogelralphj@uams.edu