This program is a strategic investment in the future of pediatric health in South Carolina. We’re proud to be the first in the state to prepare nurse practitioners for this level of acute pediatric care.
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP)
Become an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Advance your clinical expertise to care for children and young adults in high-acuity settings through South Carolina’s only Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program.
Program Overview
The Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP) program at MUSC prepares registered nurses to deliver advanced, lifesaving care to children and young adults in high-acuity settings. As an acute pediatric nurse practitioner, you’ll gain the diagnostic, procedural, and leadership skills needed to manage complex, critical, and often life-threatening conditions across pediatric health systems.
The ACPNP track is offered within two degree pathways: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Dual Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), allowing experienced nurses to choose the academic route that best aligns with their career goals, leadership aspirations, and prior education.
Application Timeline
Fall 2026
Apply By: May 1, 2026
Investing in Our MUSC Workforce
Current MUSC employees who meet eligibility requirements and commit to continuing their service for three years after graduation may qualify for scholarship support covering up to 100% of tuition and fees.
Other scholarship opportunities may also be available to Non-MUSC employees.
Why Choose Our ACPNP Program
Advance your impact with South Carolina’s only Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program—preparing experienced nurses to deliver lifesaving care, lead teams, and excel in high-acuity pediatric settings.
Designed for Working Nurses
- Flexible asynchronous online learning with focused on-campus intensives
- Cohort-based learning model
- Faculty mentorship and applied clinical training
Train Within an Academic Health System
- Direct connection to MUSC Health and Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
- Interprofessional learning within a nationally recognized system
- Access to leading pediatric clinicians and faculty
Train Where Pediatric Acute Care Happens
- South Carolina’s first and only Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
- Immersive clinical experiences in high-acuity pediatric settings
- Preparation for complex, critical pediatric cases
Graduate Ready for Certification & Practice
- Eligibility for CPNP-AC certification
- Roles in PICU, ED, and specialty inpatient units
- Workforce-aligned preparation for pediatric acute care demand
Choose your Pathway
Becoming an acute care pediatric nurse practitioner starts with choosing the degree pathway that fits your goals. At the College of Nursing, the ACPNP track is offered through two options, both preparing you for certification and advanced practice.
The Post-BSN/MSN Dual pathway is designed for nurses who want to pair advanced clinical practice with systems-level leadership and long-term career growth.
Why choose the Post-BSN/MSN Dual pathway:
- Integrates acute care pediatric nurse practitioner training with doctoral-level leadership preparation
- Ideal for nurses interested in clinical leadership, quality improvement, policy, or academic roles
- Prepares graduates to influence care delivery across pediatric health systems
- Strong option for nurses planning future advancement beyond bedside practice
The Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program will open in Fall 2026. Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience gained within the past 5 years in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or a comparable high-acuity pediatric clinical setting.
The MSN Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track is ideal for nurses seeking a direct path to advanced clinical roles in pediatric acute care settings.
Why choose the MSN pathway:
- Designed for nurses who want to become acute care pediatric nurse practitioners without pursuing doctoral-level leadership
- Prepares graduates for high-impact clinical roles in PICUs, emergency departments, and specialty inpatient units
- Emphasizes advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute pediatric conditions
- Ideal for nurses seeking a streamlined acute pediatric nurse practitioner degree
The Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program will open in Fall 2026. Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience gained within the past 5 years in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or a comparable high-acuity pediatric clinical setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall 2026, with applications opening August 15, 2025, and deadline May 1, 2026.
ACPNP track available through MSN and post-BSN DNP pathways.
Pediatric intensive care units, EDs, and specialty inpatient services with clinical preceptors.
Yes — graduates are eligible to sit for CPNP-AC certification through PNCB.
Yes, scholarships are available to students who have completed a FAFSA with the Office of Financial Aid. They are awarded based on need, academic merit and scholarship criteria after a student has been admitted to the College of Nursing. To review scholarships offered through the College of Nursing.