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Overview
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP) provide primary care to
infants, children, and adolescents. The focus of the PNP
concentration at the UNM College of Nursing is on providing
primary care for children especially for underserved
populations. Individuals from New Mexico and those
interested in providing primary care for underserved
children are particularly encouraged to apply. Year round
full time study begins in the Summer term for six
consecutive terms. After successfully passing the
certification exams graduates will be eligible to become
certified in New Mexico and nationally.
Objectives
At the completion of the program, the graduate will be prepared
to:
Work collaboratively with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care to children and their families and identify those children who require referrals to other health care providers.
Provide well-child care and manage children (of all ages) who have acute and/or chronic illnesses.
Use current research findings as a basis for practice and improve health care through participation in research.
Admission Requirements
Hold a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.S.N.) from an accredited college or university, with an upper-division major in nursing. (Graduates from non-accredited programs [N.L.N. or C.C.N.E.] and RN’s with baccalaureate degree in non-nursing fields are considered on an individual basis. Contact the College of Nursing advisement information for more information.)
At least two years of experience as a registered nurse is recommended.
Have a minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0) or better.
Be registered in or eligible for nursing licensure in New Mexico with a New Mexico R.N. license obtained within the first term enrolled.
Complete of the online application. The online application can be accessed at http://hsc.unm.edu/consg/misc/applications.shtml. Letters of recommendation, letter of intent, and a professional resume are required as part of the application process. See the online application guidelines for further information.
An interview is required as part of the admissions process.
Students who seek admission with existing graduate
degrees in Nursing (Master's or Doctorate) will be able to pursue
the PNP curriculum as a Post Master's certificate. However, their
applications are considered along with all other applications.
Classes in Terms 3-5 are in consecutive concentrated days in 1- to 2-week periods throughout the term. Clinical experiences are arranged in blocks between the didactic sessions. Clinical experiences may require travel to rural facilities in New Mexico or neighboring states, which will have additional financial implications. After taking the Comprehensive Examination early in Term 6, the term is almost exclusively clinical practicum, with seminars arranged as needed.
