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One of the most vulnerable populations is those aged 0 to 18. This age group is still very much dependent on others to survive, especially those who have yet to learn how to speak and express what they need or what ails them.

Pediatric nurses are responsible for meeting the healthcare needs of this population. These professionals provide services beyond medical support; they also offer emotional care. They don’t just help children drink their medicines but also help them overcome fear and anxiety in healthcare settings.


As one of the most in-demand healthcare professions, many want to break into the field. If you want to ensure that you get employed, this post is for you. We will explore the top pediatric nursing certifications for students of accredited nursing schools.

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Why Certifications Matter in Pediatric Nursing

Many would wonder why they need to earn industry-specific certifications when they already have a degree. But, you need to know that degrees and certifications are different. Although a degree, including for healthcare positions, is important, certifications will set you apart.

One of the most rewarding nursing specialties is pediatric nursing. According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary of these professionals is $109,492. So, if you want a highly impactful and lucrative career, this specialty will perfectly fit you.

Landing a pediatric nurse position is not as easy. You will be competing with several applicants for a single opening. This is why you need to consider earning two or more of the best certifications for pediatric nursing.

These pediatric nursing certifications for students will help you build pediatric-specific skills. Keep in mind that kids, from birth to 18 years old, have different needs compared to adults. They are still growing and developing in all aspects, which means their care requires a unique approach. A pediatric nursing certification ensures you’re well-equipped to handle these challenges.

Here are the top skills you’ll develop with pediatric nursing certifications for students:

  1. How to recognize and assess the physical, emotional, and cognitive stages of child development.
  2. Ability to explain medical information clearly and reassuringly.
  3. Compassion is needed to support them through difficult times.
  4. How to identify and treat illnesses that commonly affect children, along with understanding how those diseases manifest at various developmental stages.
  5. Critical life-saving skills, such as CPR and both basic and advanced life support (BLS/ALS) for children.

As you develop these skills early in your career, you’ll find yourself standing out in the job market and advancing faster. What does this mean financially for you? Well, you’ll be in a better position to pay off your student loans (if you have any) more quickly and start saving for bigger milestones.

Top Pediatric Nursing Certifications for Undergraduate Students

Let’s start exploring the top pediatric nursing certifications for students and early-career nurses.

1. Basic Life Support or BLS for Healthcare Providers

The BLS for healthcare providers is one of the most important entry-level pediatric nursing credentials. In fact, all registered nurses are required to earn this certification.

When you earn this certification, you prove that you are an expert in life-saving skills, including:

  • CPR
  • choking response
  • AED use for all age groups

Provided by the American Heart Association (AHA), BLS is frequently mandated by hospitals and healthcare facilities. It’s a great place to begin learning your emergency response skills.

2. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Among the most in-demand pediatric nurses are found in critical care. Many RNs who want to have a bigger impact in the field choose to pursue the PALS certification. A top pediatric nursing certification for undergraduates, this focuses on teaching you about three areas:

  • advanced emergency treatment
  • resuscitation
  • pediatric airway management

This certification is also offered by the AHA and is required by large pediatric hospitals.

3. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Next up: the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). This specific certification is designed mainly for those who want to care for newborn babies or infants. It will help you land positions in labor and delivery units, neonatal ICUs, or emergency departments.

The NRP is administered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Beyond teaching you the skills to care for newborns at birth, you will also be trained to facilitate effective team-based care.

4. Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)

The ENPC certification is targeted at the evaluation and management of pediatric emergencies. This nursing student pediatric training course will teach you how to evaluate pediatric patients, manage emergencies well, and address all sorts of critical scenarios.

If you want to work in pediatric emergency departments, urgent care, or even critical care environments, this is for you. You can take the certification course from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).

5. Pediatric Nurse Certification (PED-BC) – Eligibility for Future Nurses

Pediatric Nurse Certification (PED-BC) is an official credential that certifies your proficiency in pediatric nursing. The PED-BC can be achieved by registered nurses (RNs) after licensure, but you, as an undergraduate student, can begin preparing for it. The PED-BC is a mark of having advanced knowledge and skills relative to pediatric care.

The PED-BC is a certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

6. Child Abuse and Neglect Certification

One of the most unique infant and child nursing certifications is the Child Abuse and Neglect Certification. If you’re planning to work in school healthcare settings, consider this certification. You can also use it to apply for positions in pediatric and emergency care units.

This certification can be found in various state health departments and child welfare organizations. Among the top providers are:

  • National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC)
  • American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
  • Child Welfare Information Gateway

7. Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC)

The Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) specialty is designed to give you advanced lactation consulting skills and infant nutrition counseling knowledge. If you want to work with new mothers and babies, particularly in neonatal or maternity nursing, this certification will make you a go-to resource for families.

Provided by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, CBC certification enables nurses to provide breastfeeding support to mothers and ensures that they possess the skills required to facilitate healthy infant feeding.

8. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) – Pediatric Component

If you want to focus on treating traumatic injuries in pediatric patients, we highly suggest adding the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)—Pediatric Component to your credentials. With this certification, you’ll be seen as a capable nurse in pediatric trauma and emergency nursing units.

This pediatric emergency nursing certification is offered and managed by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). Your ability to manage emergencies and provide care in high-pressure environments will be at the heart of this certification.

9. Pediatric Mental Health Certification

Pediatric nurses should also be equipped to meet the mental health requirements of children and teenagers. This certification, offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), addresses typical child and adolescent mental health disorders, including:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • ADHD
  • autism spectrum disorder

This is one of the most suggested child and adolescent healthcare certifications for nurses who want to work in hospitals, schools, or mental health centers.

10. School Nurse Certification

If you want to work in a school setting, consider the School Nurse Certification. Awarded by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses or NBCSN, it prepares you to provide care to children and adolescents within school settings. This training covers usual childhood illnesses, emergency treatment, health screenings, and other relevant topics in between.

How to Get Started with Pediatric Nursing Certifications

Let’s start exploring how to become a pediatric nurse.

First, you should know when to start. If you want to advance faster, the best time is during your clinical experience. Certifications like BLS and PALS are commonly offered early in your nursing education and can help you feel more confident as you begin working with pediatric patients.

The recommended order for pursuing in-person and online pediatric nursing certifications depends on your career goals. If you’re interested in neonatal or emergency nursing, certifications like NRP, ENPC, and TNCC may be a priority. For students planning to work in general pediatric settings, the PED-BC certification will be key.

Both online and in-person options are available for many of these certifications, so you have flexibility in how you complete them. Many certification programs also offer courses that are designed to fit into your nursing school schedule.

Conclusion

Specialized fields like pediatric nursing have become very competitive. To stand out and advance, certifications will be your key. They will prove your skills and knowledge of the field, making you very attractive to employers.

Start by researching certification programs, enrolling in courses, and gaining clinical experience to prepare for a rewarding career in pediatric nursing. Good luck!

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