What degree do you need to be a pediatric nurse?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a pediatric nurse. To become a pediatric nurse, you are usually required to be a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Every RN in the United States is required to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN).

The exam is comprehensive and only open to students who have already completed a nursing program. The test focuses on your knowledge for 4 specific areas of nursing:

Safe and effective care environments
Health promotion and maintenance
Psychosocial integrity and how to cope with the stresses of being a nurse
Physiological integrity and your ability to deliver proper nursing care

After passing the NCLEX-RN exam and meeting the board requirements for nursing, you will be a RN. To become certified as a pediatric nurse, you will need to work in a facility where you can practice your specialty and gain experience working with kids.

The primary clinical hours requirement for a pediatric nurse is 1,800 hours before you can become certified. After you have the necessary minimum requirements, you can sit for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours.