Northeastern University Boston Ma
This online program is through Bouve College of Health Sciences and offers a program that helps nurses prepare for the challenges that come with being an NNP. This program is fully online so it is perfect for students that already have a nursing job and want to get a further certification but that may not have the time to go to an on-campus program. Clinical rotations are worked out based on where you live and already work.
- NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
- 43 credit hours
- Admission requirements: at least 2 years of NICU experience
- Tuition averages $1,388 per credit hour for a total of $59,684 for the program
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredited
Where Can Graduates Work What Is The Job Market Like For Graduates Of This Specialty
Neonatal nurse practitioners are hired by level II, III, and IV neonatal intensive care units across the nation to provide direct patient care. They also are hired to practice in newborn nurseries, developmental and subspecialty follow-up clinics, and primary care practices that care for patients from birth to the age of two.
Best Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In 2020
Neonatal nursing is not for the faint of heart. There are good days and bad days and a fantastic neonatal nurse practitioner degree can prepare nurses for the challenging yet rewarding life of a neonatal nurse. There are plenty of reasons why a nurse might want to transition to a position as a neonatal nurse practitioner, those that hold an NNP certification are able to help other nurses, are in a position of leadership, and are able to do more for their patients.
Most neonatal programs offer an online format that allows neonatal nurses to continue the work while they obtain their higher degree. The average salary for a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is around $107,550 per year. The United States is at an all-time high in its need for NNP and neonatal nurses and with the right certification, the employment prospects are high.
Most programs require that you are already a neonatal nurse in good standing that is licensed and practicing and that has at least a 3.0 in their college career. Programs prepare students for a challenging nursing career in the neonatal unit and to help those that have to pass through those units with their preterm children.
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For A Limited Time Ncc Is Offering A Second Chance Free Promotion For Those Who Register And Are Found Eligible To Take A Certification Exam Starting On February 1 2022 Please See Details At Second Chance Free
This certification is offered with Computer Testing at a Computer Test Center and through Live Remote Proctoring . LRP is a secure and non-invasive platform that uses professional proctors and technology to monitor examinees’ live while they complete their certification exam. This method of test delivery allows the examinee to take the certification exam from their home, office, or a remote site, using their own computer. If you choose this method of testing, you must test your computer before you schedule and schedule it early. Read the details of LRP prior to scheduling your exam. More information can be found at “Testing with LRP”. The purpose of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Core Certification is to provide an entry-level, competency-based examination that tests specialty knowledge and the application of that knowledge for licensed registered nurses in the US and Canada who have completed a US accredited nurse practitioner program in the role of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner to provide care to acutely and critically ill neonatal patients and their families within hospitals or outpatient settings.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Scope Of Practice

An NNP is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the care and treatment of preterm and full-term newborn infants through the first few years of their lives. The NNP manages high-risk infants in an intensive neonatal hospital setting independently and often in collaboration with a neonatologist or other specialist. NNPs also may work in private practices outside of the acute care setting.
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University Of Alabama At Birmingham Birmingham Al
UA Birmingham offers a fully online program that allows students to continue their job as a nurse while obtaining their degree. They offer specialty courses to help students get ready for their jobs as a neonatal nurse in how to care for their patients as well as their families.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate of 93%
- Program length or credit hours of 45 credit hours, 13 clinical hours, and 600 direct patient care hours
- Admission requirements are that you are already a nurse and that you must visit the campus 3 times during the six-semester program.
- Tuition is $656 per credit hour
- CCNE Accreditation
Six What Are The Top Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs
Methodology
This list is based on a number of factors including:
- Reputation
- Acceptance rate, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible
Neonatal nurse practitioners can earn either a master’s or doctoral degree, so this list takes into account both degree options.
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel is made up of 3 Registered Nurses with years of experience and multiple degrees:
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines, MSN, BSN, RN, BA, CBC
There are numerous programs that prepare students to become neonatal NPs and our panel of nurses ranked them based on factors mentioned in the methodology. Because individual nursing pathways and careers take various forms, the top 10 programs are ranked in no particular order.
- Online: No
- Program Length: 2 years
- Annual In-State Tuition: $15,814 Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $35,054
- Online: Hybrid
- Program Length: 2 years
The University of Texas at Arlington is a top-rated public research school and one of the largest schools in the University of Texas System. UTA has an MSN for current NICU nurses looking to take the next step and become neonatal NPs. The program consists of 42 semester hours and takes two years to complete. Nurses in the program complete courses online, though they need to attend two simulations on campus in Arlington. Students also earn at least 600 clinical hours which can only be completed onsite. For Texas residents, the low in-state tuition makes UTA an excellent option.
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Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification
Eligibility Requirements: Active RN license, masters degree or higher from a graduate nurse practitioner program.Fees: $325 for application and testing.Renewal: Certifications must be renewed every three years the renewal fee is $100.
Information on the NCC certification for neonatal nurse practitioner was retrieved as of October 2021. For the most up-to-date information, refer to NCCs website.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program
Our Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program prepares students to provide advanced nursing care to critically ill and recovering neonates and their families. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for national certification offered by the National Certification Corporation . Our graduates have maintained over a 90% pass rate on the exam.
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Creighton University Omaha Ne
The program at Creighton University is a hybrid program that is mainly online but requires that students come to campus on certain days to fulfill their residency requirement. They offer both a graduate certificate program that is fully online and a DNP-NNP program that is both online and in-person.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate of 93%
- Program length or credit hours depends on the program chosen
- Admission requirements: BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $38,200 per year
- CCNE Accreditation
Three What Do Neonatal Nurse Practitioners Do
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners perform a variety of duties relating to providing care to sick and premature newborns. Specific duties include:
- Order, perform and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests
- Order and perform specific procedures such as intubation and central line placement
- Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions
- Record and examine the medical history, diagnoses, and symptoms
- Educate patients and family on the disease process and plan of care
- Monitor specialized equipment, including incubators, ventilators, heart/lung bypass machines, total body cooling, and dialysis equipment
- Conduct neonatal resuscitation in collaboration with other team members
- Communicate with other frontline clinicians and bedside nurses
- Start and maintain IV lines, specifically central catheters and umbilical lines
- Design treatment plans and prescribe medications
- Assess vital signs
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Applicants Without A High School Diploma Or College Degree In The Us:
- If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
- If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
University Of Utah Salt Lake City Ut

The University of Utah offers a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program on the DNP track. This is an on-campus program.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates 97%
- Program length or credit hours vary depending on what degree you start the program with
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $13,849 per year
- NWCCU Accreditation
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Cost For Computer Testing
- $325 which is composed of a $50 non-refundable application submission cost and a $275 testing fee.
- Incomplete applications are subject to a $30 reprocessing fee.
- After the exam is purchased, there is a 6-hour window to cancel the order. The order can be canceled by going into your account and clicking on the “Cancel Application” under the new certification.
- After 6 hours, an Exam withdrawal Request and fee are required to withdraw.
Wright State University Dayton Oh
Wright State offers a neonatal nurse practitioner program on the MSN degree track. They offer a fully on-campus program that allows students the chance to have hands-on experience when it comes to their degree.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates 78%
- Program length or credit hours 55 credit hours plus clinical hours
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $8,146 per year for resident students and $13,018 for non-resident students
- HLC Accreditation
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Emory University Atlanta Ga
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at Emory University is the only program in the state of Georgia and it offers a hybrid format for the students ease. Program graduates have the experience they need to easily get a job at any neonatal hospital. The program requires that students take in-person classes as well as online content and 700 hours of direct patient care.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate of 99%
- Program length or credit hours: 750 total hours for the full-time program
- Admission requirements: must be a BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $46,314 per year
- CNNE Accreditation
Baylor University Waco Tx
Baylor University offers a program that is entirely online and is the DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program. The program is online and can be completed with two different online immersions and offers courses that run over three years on average.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates 96%
- Program length or credit hours 75 total credits and 1,125 practicum hours
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $1,650 per credit hour for full-time students
- CCNE Accreditation
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The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston Galveston Tx
The University of Texas offers the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner DNP program fully online for students that want to continue their degree while working.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates 89%
- Program length or credit hours 46 credit hours and 780 clinical hours
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $17,184 for full time in-state students and $31,711 for out-of-state students
- CCSACS Accreditation
University Of Pittsburg Pittsburgh Pa
The University of Pittsburg offers three different NNP programs. The first is the BSN to DNP Neonatal track which is on campus. The second is the MSP to DNP Neonatal program that is hybrid and offers both online and on-campus program content. The last is the MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program which is offered on campus.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates of 100%
- Program length or credit hours
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $22,826 for in-state students and $39,532 for out-of-state students
- American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation Accredited
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Wayne State University Detroit Mi
Wayne State University offers both an online NNP program within the DNP program as well as an MSN-NNP program. They offer all content online so that students can continue to work while obtaining their degree.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates of 100%
- Program length or credit hours: 78 credits total
- Admission requirements: BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $11,814 per year for in-state students and $25,254 for out-of-state students
- CCNE Accreditation
Stony Brook School Of Nursing Stony Brook Ny

The program at Stony Brook School of Nursing offers both a DNP NNP program that is hybrid as well as a graduate certificate program that is hybrid and an MSN program that is hybrid. Students receive most of their education online but are required to come to the campus for a certain number of days to fulfill their residency requirements.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates 96%
- Program length or credit hours depends on the program selected
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $24,390 per year for in-state students and $42,880 per year for out-of-state students
- CCNE Accreditation
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Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Strengthen My Application
Many variables are taken into consideration when reviewing a students application for admission. A strong foundation in courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment is one key to success. Writing and grammar skills are also critically important for graduate-level education. Taking a writing course, particularly a technical writing course, may be of assistance. You may take these courses at a university of your preference. In addition, an applicants involvement in professional and organizational activities, as well as other scholarly activities, is evidence of leadership capabilities and interests. Current clinical experience is ideal and completion of certification in your specialty area is strongly recommended. We highly recommend that you spend several hours shadowing an advanced practice nurse in the specialty you wish to pursue.
Online Neonatal Np Program Admissions
As you begin to apply to online neonatal nurse practitioner programs, youll want to consider which type of program makes the most sense for your career goals. Youll choose between an MSN program, a post-graduate certificate, and a DNP program. While all of these programs can help you become a nurse practitioner, your prior education and experience will play a role in which option makes the most sense for you.
MSN-Level Neonatal NP | ||
---|---|---|
Personal statement, three letters of recommendation | Personal statement, three letters of recommendation | Resume/CV, personal statement, three letters of recommendation |
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Ohio State University Columbus Oh
Ohio State University offers two different degrees that are both hybrids. They offer a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program that is in the MSN track and a BSN to DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program. Both are hybrid and include both in-person and online content.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates 78%
- Program length or credit hours depends on the program selected
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $39,730 per year for in-state students and $39,755 for out-of-state students
- CCNE Accreditation
Details For Computer Testing
How will the results be disseminated?
- NO RESULTS ARE PROVIDED IMMEDIATELY AFTER TESTING FOR ANY EXAM FORMAT. After completing the examination, an email will be sent by the testing company explaining how test results can be obtained.
- Official results, with the score report, will be mailed from NCC within 15 business days of computer exam administration .
- When new forms of an exam or new test grids are developed official results can take up to 21 BUSINESS days
- You are not certified until you receive your official results in the USPS mail.
- Test result reports are NOT available by phone or email, but pass/fail status only can be seen in your account after the official results have been mailed. If you see the results in your account or get a notification from NCC you can expect to receive the full score report in the mail.
-
NCC reserves the right to cancel test scores when there is reason to believe that scores are invalid. Proof of misconduct is not required to cancel scores.
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Scope Of Practice For A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner In Your State
Full Practice States | Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming |
Reduced Practice States | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin |
Restricted Practice States | California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia |
University Of Virginia Charlottesville Va
The University of Virginia offers two options when it comes to NNP. The first is the BSN to DNP neonatal track and the second is the MSN Neonatal NP program. Both are offered on campus for students that are able to make it to campus.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates of 100%
- Program length or credit hours vary depending on which program you choose and what degree you enter the program with
- Admission requirements BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $10,016 in-state per year and $36,720 for out-of-state students
- CCNE Accreditation
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