Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurses interested in infant care and looking to enter advanced practice have the option of entering a graduate-level program to become a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP). A career as a neonatal nurse practitioner is highly rewarding, with opportunities to provide life-saving care to newborn infants who are premature, severely ill, or who suffer from a variety of health conditions. With post-baccalaureate and doctoral programs available, nurses have a wealth of options regarding how they become an NNP.

Choosing a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program

There are many neonatal nurse practitioner programs available, but to pick the right one, students are encouraged to consider the following:

Accreditation

Proper accreditation ensures that a program is held to rigorous academic standards. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the two main accrediting bodies for neonatal nurse practitioner programs. There may also be local and regional accreditations available as well.

Program Cost

Neonatal nurse practitioner tuition can fluctuate based on location, school, and degree type. Generally, NNP tuition ranges from $700 to $1,000 and over per credit. Doctoral level programs tend to be more expensive than master's degree programs, in part because more credits are required overall. Tuition costs usually do not include any extras, such as program fees, lab fees, course materials, and other associated expenses.

Program Length

For a master's-level NNP education, roughly 40 credit hours are needed to graduate, with part-time and full-time study options typically available. Students can usually finish the degree in 2-3 years. For the doctoral pathway, roughly 80 total credit hours are needed. This type of neonatal nurse practitioner program typically takes 3-4 years for students to complete.

Internship/Externship Opportunities

Due to the hands-on clinical rotation hours required of MSN and DNP-level neonatal nurse practitioner programs, many schools have relationships with nearby hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. Students are encouraged to inquire with their school of choice about the internship options available to them, or if there are opportunities for them to find their own clinical preceptor sites.

Online/Campus Options

Online options have gained major traction in the last few years, which has resulted in many schools offering both online and campus-based NNP programs. Some schools even offer a "hybrid" program, allowing students to take many courses online but also offering classroom-based lectures and labs.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Levels Offered

Nurses can choose from two different educational pathways in order to become a neonatal nurse practitioner: the Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Both programs give students a solid foundation in advanced practice neonatal nursing, but the DNP program goes beyond the master's level to prepare students for NNP leadership.

MSN Programs

Students enrolled in a neonatal nurse practitioner MSN program can plan on taking a mix of advanced core nursing courses as well as specialty NNP courses. Most offer classes such as Advanced Neonatal Nursing Theory, Advanced Neonatal Embryology/Physiology, and Application of Genetics to Health Care. Clinical hours are also required as part of the program. The University of California - San Francisco is an example of a school that offers an MSN-level neonatal nurse practitioner program.

RN to MSN Programs

An additional option for becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is an RN to MSN bridge program that is designed for registered nurses with an Associate's Degree in Nursing or a non-nursing bachelor's degree. RN to MSN programs build on the experience of working nurses and provide advanced level nursing courses that prepare students for leadership roles as nurse practitioners. As an example of these programs, The College of New Jersey offers an RN to MSN program with a specialty in neonatal nursing that is designed for nurses with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject. Programs that specialize in neonatal nursing include coursework in comprehensive neonatal assessment, general management of the sick neonate, neonatal disease progression as well as clinical practice hours in each level of neonatal intensive care unit.

DNP Programs

Doctoral neonatal nurse practitioner programs offer more in-depth courses in the specialty and place a strong emphasis on leadership. Students will take classes such as Diagnosis and Management, Health Systems and Health Policy, and Translating Evidence to Practice. A minimum number of clinical hours are also required for the DNP. The University of Maryland, for example, offers a DNP-level neonatal nurse practitioner program.

RN to DNP Programs

Another route to becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner for nurses who have completed their bachelor's degree in nursing is a BSN to DNP program that allows the nurse to earn his or her master's degree and doctoral degree in nursing simultaneously. These specialized bridge programs often allow students to complete these two degrees in less time than two separate programs. Some programs, such as the one at the University of Maryland, offer concentrations in neonatal nursing by offering courses in neonatal pathophysiology and assessment, as well as in-depth neonatal diagnoses and management.

Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs

Online programs have grown in popularity due in great part to their convenience, allowing busy students to take courses from the comfort of their own homes. Students should keep in mind, however, that some online programs may require minimal on-campus visits, and that clinical rotations must be completed in person.

Advantages of an Online Program

The convenience and flexibility of online NNP programs are some of the biggest advantages for students. For those who have chaotic schedules and numerous commitments, being able to move through the coursework when and where they choose is a huge draw. For those in rural areas, online NNP programs provide the option of earning a post-baccalaureate degree without having to commute or relocate. Online students also gain the advantage of eliminating the bulk of transportation costs.

Program Accreditation

Much like their campus-based counterparts, online programs should hold proper accreditations. ACEN and CCNE accredited online programs signify a reputable level of quality, and can provide peace of mind to those who may be new to distance-learning options.

Costs and Length

While online MSN and DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs require the same number of credits as classroom-based programs, these distance-based options tend to be more flexible, making program length dependent on the student's needs. Tuition costs are also similar to campus programs, although online students don't have to worry about commuting costs such as gas and parking fees. The University of Connecticut, for example, charges tuition of $825 per credit, or $2,475 for a 3-credit course, for its online MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program.

What Are the Admissions and Certification Requirements?

Admissions requirements for most NNP programs include:

• BSN or higher from an accredited university
• Current, unencumbered RN license
• GPA of at 3.0 or above
• Personal goal statement
• Current resume
• Copies of all undergraduate transcripts
• Two or more years of professional RN experience in a neonatal intensive care unit may be required

NNP certification is via examination through the National Certification Corporation. Eligibility requirements include:

• Must hold a current, U.S. RN license
• Successful completion of an accredited graduate neonatal nurse practitioner program and provide verification of graduation and transcripts
• Must take the exam within 8 years of graduating from an NNP program

List of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Programs

There are a many neonatal nurse practitioner programs available, including the following schools listed below.

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