To become a pediatric nurse, you are usually required to be an RN or APRN with either an associate or bachelor’s degree. There are also 2-3 year associate’s programs (ADN) in nursing and 1-2 year certificate/diploma programs in nursing. Most 4-year universities offer Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in nursing. Nurses who would like to receive certification from the pediatric nurse certification board must meet these eligibility requirements: Minimum of 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical experience completed in the past 24 months prior to sitting for the certification exam, OR Regardless of where you currently find yourself in nursing, Herzing University offers pathways to help you earn the degree you want and become a registered nurse: Pediatric Nurse Education Requirements In order to work as a pediatric nurse, students normally must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of infants, children and adolescents.