How long does it take to become a pediatric nurse?
Once the decision to become a pediatric nurse has been made, the question arises: how long does it take to become one? The truth is that this is relative, for that reason in the following article we will explain all the details about it.
Obtain a specialization
The procedure for becoming a pediatric nurse varies from country to country. In some regions, nurses can specialize by working in a pediatric department, while in other countries, in addition to training as a nurse, certification is required.
In the United States, to train as a pediatric nurse, you must first become a registered nurse (RN). A diploma, bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or master’s degree in nursing is required to become certified to enter the CNP (Certified Pediatric Nurse) program.
However, if you have a bachelor’s degree, it will be much easier to get a job. Pediatric nursing education is divided into formal education and practical experience. In total, the entire training can take between four and six years, although this may vary depending on the degree you wish to obtain. It is generally advised that after graduation you should attend college for better career options.
Training and certification in other countries
As mentioned above, because the academic training and certification for pediatric nursing is different in each country, the following will explain the educational system and training time in some countries.
Training and certification in Germany
Before January 1, 2020, anyone wishing to become a pediatric nurse could begin studying for the profession after completing school, allowing them to focus exclusively on children’s nursing. But after that date the regulation of this profession occurred, and from then on it would begin to combine general, pediatric and geriatric nursing education.
As a result, the focus of education would no longer be on pediatrics, but also on the needs of the elderly and general nursing. This change was due to the fact that, in Germany, in contrast to pediatric nursing, the demand for general nurses was too high.
Therefore, those residing in Germany who wished to become pediatric nurses would have to receive a much more extensive education to prepare them for a variety of work settings. As a result, academic training takes three years and during this period they must attend courses at a specialized school of nursing and health care, while also carrying out internships in clinics, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other work environments.
Nowadays more and more universities in Germany are starting to offer nursing courses, but for the time being a degree is not necessary to practice as a nurse in Germany.
Training and certification in Ireland
On the other hand, in Ireland, it is necessary to obtain a certificate in nursing and after that to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, which usually takes four years and thus be eligible for a job as a nurse. In addition to this, to specialize in nursing it is necessary to do a postgraduate degree, which can take between a year or two.
Although if you want to work with children from the beginning, instead of taking the graduate degree, you can start a bachelor’s degree in pediatric nursing, which can be achieved in four years.
Training and certification in Italy
As is the case in some countries, in Italy, there is no strict difference between a pediatric, general or geriatric nurse. To train as a nurse it is only necessary to get a bachelor’s degree and this can take three years. Alternatively, it is possible to take a two-year specialization to enhance your career and start working in healthcare management. In fact, it is only necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree to start working as a nurse in Italy.
Training and certification in Australia
As in the United States, the academic training to become a pediatric nurse in Australia is similar. So, first you need to become a registered nurse (RN) and for this you need to attend university, thus obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which can take three to four years.
After that, you need to work for at least 12-18 months in a clinical setting and thus be eligible for the post-graduate certificate as a pediatric nurse.
Training and certification in African countries
In some African countries, such as Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Kenya and Uganda, a bachelor’s degree in nursing can be obtained in four to five years. After that it is necessary to obtain a master’s degree in general nursing, midwifery, psychiatric or pediatric nursing.
Thus, it is possible to know how long it takes to train as a pediatric nurse in the United States and in various parts of the world.
