How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Pediatric Nurse?

2-4 Years

Earn a Nursing Degree

Every pediatric nurse begins by becoming a registered nurse (RN). This foundation gives you the clinical reasoning, patient-care skills, and knowledge required for all nursing specialties.

You can become an RN through two main paths:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): ~2 years

• Offered by community colleges and some universities
• Covers essential nursing courses and clinical rotations
• Allows you to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed
• Often the most affordable and fastest route

However, many employers now prefer or require a BSN for pediatric roles. Some ADN-friendly hospitals require new ADN nurses to complete a BSN within a set number of years.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): ~4 Years

• More coursework in leadership, public health, and advanced clinical concepts
• Widely preferred for pediatric jobs, especially in hospitals
• Provides stronger preparation for career advancement

If a four-year program doesn’t fit your timeline or budget, you can earn an ADN first and complete an RN-to-BSN program later.

1.5 – 3 Months or More

Pass the NCLEX-RN and Get Licensed

After graduating, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure.

Typical Timeline:

• Most graduates are eligible to test ~45 days after graduation
• Prep time varies (many spend 4–8 weeks studying)
• Unofficial “quick results” may appear within 48 hours
• Official results arrive within six weeks
• State licensure can take days to weeks

Retakes

If you need to retest, you must wait 45 days, which adds to your timeline. You’re allowed up to eight retakes per year.

During this period, some states allow graduates to work in limited roles before full licensure.

1 – 2 Years Recommended

Gain Clinical Nursing Experience

While it’s possible to go straight into pediatrics, many nurses spend 1–2 years in general acute care first. Employers sometimes prefer candidates with strong foundational skills and real-world experience.

Ways to Build Pediatric Experience Early

• Pediatric clinical rotations
• Nursing internships or externships
• Working as a tech/aide on a pediatric floor
• Shadowing pediatric nurses
• Networking with providers during school

However, many employers now prefer or require a BSN for pediatric roles. Some ADN-friendly hospitals require new ADN nurses to complete a BSN within a set number of years.

Even if your first job isn’t in pediatrics, broad clinical experience strengthens your resume and confidence.

Varies

Apply for Pediatric Nursing Roles and/or Certifications

Once you’ve built a solid clinical foundation, you can pursue pediatric-specific roles in:

• Children’s hospitals
• Pediatric medical offices
• Outpatient clinics
• Pediatric units within general hospitals
• School-based clinics

Pediatric positions make up a smaller share of total nursing roles, so relevant experience and passion for the specialty help you stand out. Two of the most common certifications are highlighted below, but it’s important to explore options based on your career goals as other pediatric certifications exist.

PALS Certification

Many pediatric units require or prefer Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) — training that prepares you for pediatric emergencies. Even when not required, earning PALS can strengthen your applications.

Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

You don’t need certification to work in pediatrics, but becoming a CPN can help you qualify for advanced roles.

You can apply once you meet one of these eligibility paths:

• 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical experience in the past two years
• 5 years in nursing plus 3,000 pediatric hours (1,000 in the last two years)

Certification requires passing the CPN exam and maintaining annual recertification.

2 – 4+ Additional Years

Optional: Pursue Advanced Pediatric Nursing Roles

Some pediatric nurses remain at the bedside for their entire careers while others choose to advance into higher-level roles. Advanced pediatric roles require graduate education and additional clinical experience.

Common Advanced Roles

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Nurse educator

Required Education

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)or
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A graduate degree usually takes 2–4 additional years, depending on the program and whether you’re part- or full-time. While this path isn’t required, it can increase your clinical authority, salary, and impact.