How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in North Carolina (2025)
If you're looking for a direct path to a professional, specialized nursing career in North Carolina, becoming a Pediatric Nurse offers a deeply rewarding and stable future. The state is home to over 135,000 Registered Nurses, with pediatric specialists earning a median salary of around $84,500 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide provides the definitive 5-step process for navigating the nursing school, licensure, and specialization requirements to launch your career caring for children.
5. Pursue Advanced Education and Certification
To become a true expert and increase your earning potential, you can earn a specialty certification. After gaining about two years of pediatric experience, you can sit for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). This credential demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field.
Where to Find Pediatric Nurse Classes in North Carolina?
Finding a Board-approved nursing program is the most important step in your journey, and Dreambound is designed to make that process easier. Dreambound's platform allows you to search, filter, and connect with a vast network of career and technical education partners, including community colleges and universities offering ADN and BSN programs across North Carolina. You can compare schools based on cost, NCLEX pass rates, and location to find the perfect fit for your career goals. Dreambound is completely free for you to use, and many partner schools offer payment plans or financial aid for those who qualify.
Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Pediatric Nurse
As a Pediatric Nurse in North Carolina, you have a variety of career options and opportunities for advancement:
- Pediatric Critical Care (PICU/NICU): Work in intensive care units caring for the most critically ill infants and children.
- Pediatric Oncology: Provide specialized care for children with cancer.
- School Nurse: Work in a school setting, providing daily health services to students.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): With a master's or doctoral degree, you can become an advanced practice nurse who can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a pediatric nurse in North Carolina?
It typically takes 2 to 4 years to complete your initial nursing education (ADN or BSN) and become a licensed RN. After that, most nurses spend 1-2 years gaining experience before they are considered specialized pediatric nurses.
How much do pediatric nurses make in North Carolina?
The median salary for Registered Nurses in North Carolina is $84,500 per year, or about $40.63 per hour. Pediatric nurses with experience and specialty certifications often earn at the higher end of this scale.
Is it hard to become a pediatric nurse?
The path is challenging, requiring successful completion of a rigorous nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Working with sick children and their families can also be emotionally demanding, but it is incredibly rewarding for those with a passion for pediatrics.
What is a CPN?
CPN stands for Certified Pediatric Nurse. It is a national specialty certification for RNs who have demonstrated expertise in pediatric nursing by passing a comprehensive exam and meeting experience requirements.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a career as a pediatric nurse is a fulfilling choice for those passionate about making a difference in children's lives. With a solid understanding of the pediatric nurse salary, pathways to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, and the diverse pediatric nurse jobs available, you can make informed decisions about your career in pediatric nursing and embark on a rewarding journey in this essential field.
With Dreambound's comprehensive collection, understand the certification process in this field for different cities. Looking for info on other states? Our additional guides are here to help.
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Pia Yapjoco is part of the school growth and sales team at Dreambound. She helps facilitate school partnerships that expand educational opportunities for aspiring students in allied health and other trades. Beyond work, she curates her pup's Instagram, hunts for hidden coffee gems, and escapes into cozy gaming.
