Beginning in Fall 2026, the University of Utah College of Nursing (CON) will launch three new programs: two Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialty nurse practitioner (NP) tracks and a Post–Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Graduate certificate in advanced pediatric nursing education.
The new DNP tracks include an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Track, and a dual Acute Care/Primary Care PNP Track. There will also be a new Acute Care PNP Post-Graduate APRN Certificate. The new tracks will equip graduates with the expertise to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to pediatric patients in the acute care settings.
The CON remains the only institution in Utah and the surrounding region to offer acute pediatric NP education. With these new offerings, it will provide 11 distinct DNP specialty tracks.
“These new tracks address a critical need in pediatric health care education,” says Cynthia Beynon, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, assistant dean of MS and DNP programs, “We’re expanding access to advanced, specialized training for nurses who want to care for children with acute, critical, and complex health conditions in hospitals, emergency departments, or intensive care units. The Acute Care PNP and the Dual Acute Care / Primary Care PNP tracks align education and certification with national standards and the clinical settings where providers practice.”
The Acute Care PNP Track (780 clinical hours) and the Dual Acute Care/Primary Care PNP Track (1,080 clinical hours) can be completed in eight and nine semesters, respectively. Both are offered in a hybrid format. The Acute Care PNP Post-Graduate APRN Certificate (500 clinical hours) can be completed in two to four semesters. It is also delivered in a hybrid format and qualifies graduates to sit for the CPNP-AC certification exam.
"We are committed to preparing nurse practitioners (NP) with the specialized education and skills to care for children in our most vulnerable and high-acuity settings,” said Emily Winn, DNP, APRN, PPCNP-BC, PMHS, CNE, executive director of nurse practitioner education. “This advancement directly benefits our communities, families, and pediatric patients. We're thrilled to offer this educational opportunity to the many talented nurses and NPs across Utah and surrounding states seeking a program like this close to home.”
Applications for all three programs will open September 1, 2025, and close at 11:59 p.m. on December 1, 2025, for the DNP programs. Learn more about DNP admissions online.
For questions, please contact:
Cynthia Beynon, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE
Assistant Dean, MS and DNP Programs
Shelley Kern, MPC
DNP Program Manager
Or reach the Office of Student Affairs at (801) 587-3194.