Pediatrics is the specialty of medicine devoted to preventing and caring for illnesses and diseases in children. Important members of the team of professionals in the specialty, pediatric nurses are a type of specialization for registered nurses that requires specific education.

Types of Education

To become pediatric nurses, students begin by obtaining the requisite training for a registered nurse. There are three main options for this training--associate's degree programs at community colleges; hospital-sponsored diploma programs; and bachelor's degree programs at traditional colleges and universities.

Time Frame

Associate's degrees for registered nurses typically require two years of study to complete, while hospital training programs usually last three years. Bachelor's programs tend to take four years of study to finish.

Features

While in nursing school, pediatric nurses typically take elective courses in pediatric medicine. If given a choice of where to spend their hands-on clinical practice, many elect a pediatrician's office or a children's hospital or clinic.

Continuing Education

After nursing school, graduates take a national examination known as the NCLEX-RN to receive a license to treat patients independently in their states. To maintain this license, some states require nurses to take continuing education courses on a regular basis.

Certification

To become a pediatric nurse, registered nurses apply through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and take a written examination. To qualify for the exam, nurses must have at least 1,800 hours of experience working with children in a medical setting.

Advancement

Some pediatric nurses choose to return to school to receive master's or Ph.D. degrees in nursing, enabling them to take the examination offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners to become certified pediatric nurse practitioners. Pediatric nurse practitioners are licensed to order medical tests, diagnose illnesses and prescribe medications independently.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: CPN Exam Eligibility

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: Certification