Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs

Duke University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program offers a robust hybrid MSN curriculum designed for experienced NICU nurses seeking advanced professional development. Uniquely positioned as the #5 Master's Nursing Program, this comprehensive two-year track prepares students to deliver specialized pediatric healthcare across diverse neonatal settings. The program distinguishes itself through strategic distance learning supplemented by intensive on-campus experiences, ensuring flexible yet rigorous academic progression. Graduates benefit from 100% board exam pass rates, expert faculty mentorship, and exceptional employment prospects in a field projected to grow 38% by 2032. Prospective students must possess two years of NICU nursing experience, reflecting the program's commitment to advanced clinical expertise and comprehensive neonatal care education.

• Distance-based hybrid learning
• Extensive global clinical network
• #5 Master's Nursing Program
• 100% board exam pass rate
• Requires 2 years NICU experience
• Advanced neonatal care curriculum
• Expert faculty mentorship
• High employment potential

Stony Brook University's Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner offers an intensive program designed to cultivate advanced clinical expertise in newborn care. Students develop sophisticated skills in evidence-based practice, leveraging cutting-edge healthcare technologies and interprofessional collaboration strategies. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive neonatal assessment, advanced diagnostic reasoning, and leadership techniques essential for delivering high-quality specialized infant healthcare. With a robust focus on clinical excellence, graduates are prepared to function as expert practitioners in complex neonatal settings, capable of implementing innovative care protocols and driving improvements in patient outcomes across various healthcare environments.

• Doctoral-level Neonatal Nursing
• Advanced Healthcare Technology Focus
• Leadership Skills Development
• Evidence-Based Practice Training
• High Earning Potential
• Interprofessional Collaboration Emphasis

Vanderbilt University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty offers an exceptional hybrid program tailored for experienced NICU registered nurses seeking advanced practice expertise. Strategically designed for professionals with a minimum of two years Level III-IV NICU experience, the curriculum emphasizes comprehensive critical infant care training. Students engage in 770 clinical practice hours, benefiting from collaborative, small-class environments and faculty-supervised instruction. The program uniquely integrates evidence-based practice with hands-on learning, preparing practitioners for complex neonatal medical interventions and resuscitation techniques. With a high employment rate and dedicated certification exam preparation, graduates emerge as highly skilled neonatal healthcare professionals ready to deliver expert-level infant care.

• 4 Full-time Semesters
• Hybrid Learning Format
• 770 Clinical Practice Hours
• Requires 2+ Years NICU Experience
• Small Collaborative Classes
• High Employment Rate
• Faculty-Supervised Training
• Certification Exam Preparation

Case Western Reserve University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN delivers an intensive 18-month program designed for experienced NICU nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. Requiring two years of prior NICU nursing experience, the hybrid program encompasses 40 credit hours and rigorous clinical training in Level III NICUs. Students complete 700 clinical hours, gaining comprehensive skills in critically ill and premature infant care. The program demands maintaining a 3.0 GPA and provides a robust curriculum emphasizing advanced pediatric intensive care techniques. Military-friendly and focused on developing highly skilled neonatal nurse practitioners, this program prepares graduates for complex clinical environments.

• 40 credit hours total
• 700 clinical hours required
• 18-month full-time program
• Two years NICU experience prerequisite
• Focus on neonatal intensive care

Northeastern University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program offers a robust online master's pathway for experienced NICU nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Tailored for registered nurses with minimum two years of neonatal intensive care experience, this comprehensive 41-credit program emphasizes critical diagnostic reasoning and independent patient management. Students engage in extensive clinical practicums within local NICUs, developing sophisticated skills for handling complex infant health challenges. The curriculum uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical training, focusing on premature infant care, low birth weight interventions, and holistic family-centered approaches. With flexible full-time and part-time options, no GRE requirement, and a 3.0 GPA threshold, the program provides an accessible route for career advancement in neonatal specialized nursing.

• 100% Online Program
• Clinical Practicum in Local NICUs
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Two Years NICU Experience Needed
• Multiple Clinical Preceptors
• 41 Total Credits Required
• No GRE Scores Needed
• Full-time or Part-time Options

Rochester's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program stands out for its immersive training in advanced infant healthcare. Leveraging the expertise of Golisano Children's Hospital, students receive unparalleled clinical preparation across Level IV NICU environments. The curriculum strategically integrates comprehensive infant care methodologies, emphasizing complex neonatal patient management. Graduates emerge with dual specialty credentials, positioned to excel in high-stakes neonatal settings. The program's rigorous training uniquely prepares nurses to navigate intricate healthcare challenges, with robust national certification preparation embedded throughout the academic journey. Distinctive clinical experiences and a holistic approach distinguish this program in neonatal advanced practice education.

• Dual specialty pediatric/neonatal focus
• Level IV NICU clinical experiences
• National certification preparation
• Advanced clinical training
• Comprehensive infant care curriculum

Ohio State University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program offers a robust hybrid learning experience targeting healthcare professionals seeking advanced pediatric specialization. With a distinguished ranking of #2 in online master's programs by U.S. News & World Report, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and comprehensive neonatal care. Students benefit from a flexible educational model combining online coursework with strategic on-campus seminars. The program mandates 24 months of prior NICU experience, ensuring students possess substantial clinical background. Graduates emerge with advanced clinical skills, leadership competencies, and the ability to deliver sophisticated healthcare interventions for neonates and infants up to two years old across diverse medical settings.

• Distance-enhanced learning format
• Requires 24 months NICU experience
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Multiple degree pathway options
• Clinicals near student's community
• World-class neonatal faculty

University of Pennsylvania's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers an exceptional pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized infant healthcare expertise. Designed to cultivate innovative leadership, the curriculum comprehensively prepares students to deliver critical care for infants and toddlers up to two years old. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, personalized mentorship, and strategic clinical placements within prestigious healthcare networks like Penn Medicine and CHOP. Requiring a BSN with minimum 3.0 GPA and two years of NICU experience, the program offers full-time and part-time tracks spanning 2-3 years. Graduates receive robust national certification preparation under world-renowned faculty, positioning them as cutting-edge neonatal care professionals.

• Top 5 nursing graduate school
• Full-time and part-time options
• 2-3 year program length
• Total cost around $90-96k
• BSN with 3.0 GPA required
• Minimum 2 years NICU experience
• Clinical placements in Penn network
• National certification preparation
• World-renowned faculty experts
• Located near Penn Medicine/CHOP

The University of Connecticut offers a comprehensive Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program targeting experienced RNs with robust NICU backgrounds. This flexible online program provides multiple advanced education pathways, including a 44-credit Master's degree, a 76-82 credit BS to DNP track, and a 29-credit Post-Graduate Certificate. Students benefit from two strategic on-campus simulation visits, ensuring hands-on learning despite the online format. With experienced faculty practitioners and a focus on national certification preparation, the program uniquely positions graduates for specialized neonatal healthcare roles. The curriculum demands a minimum of two years level three NICU experience, emphasizing practical expertise and advanced clinical competencies in critical neonatal care.

• Online with two campus visits
• Fully accredited nursing program
• Multiple degree options available
• Requires 2+ years NICU experience
• Part-time and full-time tracks
• National certification preparation
• Experienced faculty practitioners

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program offers an innovative hybrid educational pathway for experienced NICU nurses seeking advanced specialization. Spanning six semesters with 45 total credit hours, the program uniquely balances online synchronous learning and intensive on-campus sessions. Designed for working professionals, students must possess a minimum two-year NICU background and an active RN license. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, advanced clinical training, and comprehensive neonatal healthcare expertise. With a robust focus on leadership development and specialized newborn care, graduates are prepared to diagnose and manage complex health challenges for infants and toddlers up to two years old. The program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and maintains rigorous academic standards.

• Part-time distance accessible format
• 45 total credit hours
• Requires 2+ years NICU experience
• Synchronous online classes
• On-campus intensive sessions
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• BSN from accredited program
• Six semester curriculum
• Advanced clinical practica
• Prepares neonatal specialists