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
Best Maternal/child Health And Neonatal Nurse/nursing Colleges In Ohio For 2022
Case Western Reserve University offers 2 Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing degree programs. It’s a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers 2 Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing degree programs. It’s a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 10 Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing students graduated with students earning 9 Master’s degrees, and 1 Certificate.
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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Get Your Nnp Certification From The National Certification Corporation
After successful completion of an accredited program, individuals must sit for their boards.
This is an entry-level examination that tests the knowledge of students regarding the care of critically ill neonates. In order to sit for the exam students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Current U.S. nursing licensure
- Successful completion of an accredited graduate nurse practitioner program that meets NCC program requirements and prepares neonatal nurse practitioners. The program can be a master’s DNP or post-master’s. NCC no longer accepts certificate prepared applicants.
- Examination within 8 years of completion of program.
Additional information regarding the examination includes,
- $325 testing fee
- Exams must be scheduled within the first 30-days of the eligibility window
- Computerized exam at a designated testing facility
- This exam is a 3-hour test consisting of 175 multiple-choice questions. Of the 175 questions, 150 are scored and 25 are used to gather statistical data on item performance for future exams.
After completing the specialty certification exam, individuals will have to become board certified in their specific state of practice. Requirements for certification will vary state by state. It is highly advisable to contact your local states board of nursing.
Bsn To Dnp Programs For Bsn

Most DNP programs for BSN-educated nurses involve obtaining a masters degree in nursing first before enrolling in the final DNP segment of the program. Such arrangements enable nurses to earn both their masters and doctoral degrees in one accelerated program at the same educational institution. This provides the most direct educational route for career advancement in the nursing field.
At the masters level, nurses typically complete 30 core credits and additional coursework based on their chosen concentration.
Once nurses have completed their coursework at the masters level, their next step is to complete the DNP-level coursework for their chosen track.
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University Of South Alabama Mobile Alabama
The program at the University of South Alabama is mainly online with a three- to four-day mandatory orientation. They require that students complete mandatory clinical hours with a qualified preceptor in their area. This program prepares students to work in any hospital that has neonatal patients.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate of 93%
- Program length is 45 credit hours with 600 direct care clinical hours. The program may be taken on a full or part time basis.
- Admission requirements, you must be a nurse and have some prerequisite courses completed
- Tuition is $329 per credit hour for in-state students and $658 for out-of-state students
- CCNE Accreditation
What Is An Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Like
You love working with newborn babies and youre ready to take the next step to make tiny little ones the focus of your career. Working as a neonatal nurse practitioner is a great way to take your career to the next level while developing your passion for taking care of babies. Enrolling in an online neonatal nurse practitioner program is a great way to get the education that you need while still focusing on providing your patients with excellent care. When you choose an online neonatal nurse practitioner program, youll get all the elements of a traditional in-classroom program, but youll get to work at your own pace, on your own time. Typically, professors in nurse practitioner programs are nurse practitioners themselves, and they understand the tough confines of a busy nursing schedule. With an online program, youll be able to work on your assignments at times that work for you even if its late at night or on the weekends.
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Choose The Best Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program 2021
Having a newborn child in need of medical attentionwhether mild or severeis a difficult situation for families to endure. Neonatal nurse practitioners are one of the friendly faces delivering care to these infants, from emergency rooms to outpatient developmental clinics to neonatal intensive care units . If youre interested in this career path, your next step may involve figuring out what degree program will help to prepare you for it.
On this page, well take a look at some accredited online neonatal nurse practitioner programs offered at universities across the country, what you may expect once youre enrolled in a program, and options for funding your education should you need it. Well also explore what comes nextearning potential, job outlook, and more.
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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Scholarships For Nnp And Nursing Students
Nonprofits as well as accredited online BSN and MSN programs may offer a variety of nursing scholarships and opportunities for financial aid. Explore a few options for supplementing the cost of your programs tuition below:
- Scholarship from the Foundation for Neonatal Research and Education: Aspiring neonatal nurses and nurse practitioners may apply for a scholarship from the FNRE if they are pursuing a BSN, MSN, DNP, or masters/post-masters degree in nursing administration or management.
- Applicants to the March of Dimes scholarship must be an RN, enrolled in a graduate program with a focus on maternal-child nursing and be a member of a professional organization for neonatal nurses of midwives.
- AACN Scholarships & Financial Aid: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing offers opportunities for future nurses and nurse practitioners to apply for scholarships, grants, provides resources on loan forgiveness and other forms of aid.
Providing Urgent Specialized Care For Premature Infants
Neonatal nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who focus on the management and care of critically ill infants and their families. The scope of their practice covers birth through two years of age. Their role encompasses activities that detect illness, facilitate restoration and maintenance of the health of neonates as well as advocacy for quality patient and family care.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in every eight infants born in the United States each year is premature. The survival of our tiniest patients relies on not just advanced technology, but also the knowledge of their health care providers: neonatal nurse practitioners.
The majority of the required prerequisites of the didactic portion of this program is in intensive format or online. Students are eligible to take the NNP certification examination through the National Certification Corporation upon graduation. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, intervene appropriately and evaluate care of neonates as well as provide education for parents and families. The NNP program has a 98 percent pass rate on the NCC examination.
View a Sample ofOur Curriculum.
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The Path To Improved Patient Outcomes Begins With Clinical Expertise
Those who follow the BSN to DNP clinical expert path, will be in a position to reach the highest level of practice expertise through clinical skill and leadership development. With the level of nursing education required to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice, you will be prepared to achieve the one goal that resides at the very core of nursing – improved patient outcomes. If this is what drives you, you’ve found your path forward.
As a BSN to DNP student, you will earn your DNP degree, masters degree, and be eligible for certification in one of our advanced practice specialties. One specialty must be selected at the time of application:
*These specialty areas are available in both online and on-campus formats.
All specialties listed above are available through on-campus study. Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner also offer a distance learning option. DNP coursework is completed online. If you select a campus-based specialty, you will be required to complete all of the specialty coursework by attending classes in person on our Columbus campus.
Licensure/Certification Information
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
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Are Online Rn To Msn Nnp Programs Available
Yes. A number of accredited schools in our directory now offer Online RN to MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner degrees, including Stony Brook, the University of Connecticut, the University of South Alabama, and more. Heres how they work:
- Undergraduate Phase: To proceed to the MS or MSN part of the program, youll first be required to achieve good grades in upper-level undergraduate courses. These courses are typically offered online, which is great news for working RNs.
- Graduate Phase: You can usually take standard masters courses online , but you must participate in clinical practicums in order to graduate. Practicums can be completed in your own community . However, you may be expected to find the site and a clinical preceptor who is willing to supervise you.
We also want to point out the phrase 100% online can be misleading. A lot of schools like to see their nursing students at least once. For example:
- The University of Alabama Birmingham requires RN to MSN students to visit the campus in Birmingham for an orientation and three multi-day intensives.
- The University of Connecticuts NNP program includes three on-campus visits: one for orientation and two visits for leveled simulation experiences.
- The University of South Alabama has a mandatory three- to four-day orientation during the fall semester of the first practicum course. Various clinical skills workshops are held during this time.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Requirements
Though every Neonatal Nurse Practitioner degree program is different, most have similar entry requirements, which generally include:
- A minimum of two years of nursing experience in a Level III NICU
- Satisfactory completion of an accredited baccalaureate program with at least 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
- Unencumbered, active RN license in state of practice
- Two or three professional references
- Completion of undergraduate statistics with a grade of C or better
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Successful completion of a personal interview with the Nursing Admissions Committee
- GRE if applicable
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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
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Skills
Neonatal nurse practitioners must be highly observant. Unlike many other hospital patients, newborn babies cant push a call button or otherwise communicate with their healthcare professionals, which means they must be closely monitored at all times. The ability to think and act quickly in emergency situations is paramount for NNPs, as youll be depended upon to supervise potentially life-saving interventions if a newborn is experiencing serious issues. Finally, a strong sense of empathy and solid interpersonal skills are essential for neonatal nurse practitioners, as youll be spending plenty of time with parents who are understandably anxious about the health of their newborn babies.
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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.
Louisiana State University New Orleans New Orleans La
Louisiana State University New Orleans has a BSN to DNP program with a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration. This offers students the chance to have a first-hand look at the neonatal nurse career and what you will be doing as an NNP.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate of 96.89%
- Program length or credit hours: 81 credit hours plus clinical hours
- Admission requirements: BSN with neonatal experience
- Tuition is $2,805 per semester for full-time students
- NCC Accreditation
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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
Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Online Program

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to provide the highest level of primary nursing care for women. Students gain competency in advanced nursing management of common acute and chronic conditions. Students practice in direct care and in collaboration with other health care professionals. Practicum experiences foster development of clinical judgment and primary care skills through faculty mentorship and clinical preceptors in a variety of ambulatory care settings and specialty clinics.
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Neonatal Nursing Concentration Courses:
- Clinical Interventions for the Medically Fragile Newborn: Human embryology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. How a normal, healthy fetus develops, and how diseases and conditions develop in fetuses, newborns, and infants. The essential methods of identifying the needs of high-risk neonates, infants, and their families.
- Neonatal Practicum: This course combines students clinical hours in the NICU with seminars during which they present and discuss their clinical experiences with faculty and peers. Students complete research projects alongside their clinical hours for credit, and are required to attend deliveries and provide nursing care to infants and neonates in the nursery.
- Advanced Nursing Concepts for the Childbearing Family: How to support the childbearing family unit during and after pregnancy. The emotional, physical, and psychosocial impact of neonatal health complications on the family unit, and the role of the NNP in addressing the health needs of childbearing women and their families.