The Fastest Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Programs in 2024

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who specialize as Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) focus on the overall health needs of newborns, especially those who are critically ill or need specialized medical care.
These Neonatal Nurse Practitioners NNPs play a crucial role in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), delivery rooms, and different healthcare settings.

If you’re interested in pursuing this fulfilling career with a preference for a quicker education, we’ve gathered information on the fastest programs available in 2024.
We’ve also included details about the job description, responsibilities, salary expectations, and answers to commonly asked questions.

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Fastest NNP Programs

We selected the following universities based on a survey of Online Nursing Writings’ readers, considering factors like graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, tuition fees, program length, and admission rates from numerous programs.

Please note that the time to complete these programs may vary based on the individual student’s pace and each program’s specific requirements. For the most accurate and detailed information, it’s recommended to visit each program’s website.

1. Duke University Medical Center – Durham, NC

Duke University’s NNP program is well-known for its thorough curriculum and practical training. Students get access to modern facilities and experienced faculty, preparing them for leadership roles in neonatal care. The program focuses on evidence-based practices and collaboration between healthcare professionals, ensuring graduates provide high-quality care to critically ill newborns.

– Duration: 30 months
– 43 credits and 616 clinical hours
– Tuition: $14,525 per semester

2. East Carolina University – Greenville, NC

East Carolina University offers an NNP program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to care for premature and critically ill infants. The program emphasizes family-centered care and cultural sensitivity, fostering compassionate and competent NNPs.

– Duration: 30 months
– Offered full-time or part-time
– 42 credits
– Tuition: $3,564.64 (part-time for 8 credit hours)

3. Rush University – Chicago, IL

Rush University’s online NNP program provides a strong foundation in neonatal care, including cutting-edge research and clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared for top-notch care through advanced clinical skills and leadership development. Pathways for this program include BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP.

– Duration: 30 (part-time) – 42 months (full-time)
– 12-28 credits depending on previous coursework and 400 clinical hours (for the NNP post-graduate certificate)
– Tuition: $1,344 per credit hour

4. University of Connecticut – Storrs, CT

The University of Connecticut’s NNP program emphasizes family-centered care and evidence-based practices. Through a mix of classroom instruction and clinical rotations, students gain valuable experience in various neonatal settings, preparing them for fulfilling careers in neonatal care. Online degrees and certificates require a minimum of two years of full-time RN-level practice experience in a level three neonatal intensive care unit before starting clinical practicum courses.

– 44-credit Master of Science (MS) degree (completed in five semesters full-time)
– 76 to 82-credit BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BS-DNP) degree
– 29-credit Post-Graduate Certificate
– Tuition: $925 per credit hour for all students

5. University of South Alabama – Mobile, AL

The NNP program at the University of South Alabama combines in-depth coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are well-prepared to provide comprehensive care to critically ill newborns and their families, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and interprofessional collaboration.

– Duration: 24 months for the post-graduate certificate, MSN to DNP (advanced practice roles) requires a total of five years to complete the program
– 36 to 45 credit hours
– Tuition: $423 per credit hour (In-State), $846 (Out-of-State)

6. University of Missouri – Kansas City – Kansas City, MO

The University of Missouri’s NNP program focuses on building advanced clinical skills and expertise in neonatal care. Students benefit from diverse clinical opportunities and close mentorship, fostering confident and skilled NNPs. The learning modality is blended, incorporating mandatory campus visits.

– Duration: 24 to 30 months
– 45 credit hours
– Pathway: MSN with an emphasis on NNP
– Tuition: $40,213.80

7. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing – Peoria, IL

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing’s NNP program prepares students to provide specialized care to premature and sick newborns. Graduates are equipped to positively impact the lives of neonatal patients and their families, with a strong emphasis on ethical practice and evidence-based care.

– Duration: 36 months
– 42 credit hours
– Tuition: $733 per credit hour, $8,796 (6 hours Fall/6 hours Spring)

8. Old Dominion University – Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University’s online NNP program emphasizes a holistic approach to neonatal care, considering physical and emotional needs. The program focuses on providing healthcare tailored to specific age groups, addressing health concerns of preterm and term neonates, infants, and children up to age two. Students gain extensive clinical experience in Level III and Level IV neonatal intensive care units, preparing them for the challenges of neonatal healthcare.

– Duration: 36 months (part-time)
– 52 credits and 600 clinical hours
– Tuition: $599 per credit hour (In-State), $623 per credit hour (Out-of-State)

9. The Ohio State University – Columbus, OH

The distance learning NNP program at The Ohio State University prepares students to be leaders in neonatal care. Graduates are well-prepared to provide advanced care to critically ill infants, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and evidence-based practices. Students can choose between part-time and full-time options, benefiting from world-class faculty and receiving top-notch education through an integrated Evidence-Based Practicum (EBP) curriculum. Depending on the educational background, students can enter the program through various pathways, including traditional master’s, graduate entry, post-master’s, BSN to DNP, or BSN to PhD.

– Duration: 36 months to 48 months
– Tuition: Varies based on the chosen pathway, but an online BSN to DNP can cost as much as $73,470.56 for residents (72 credits in 8 semesters)

10. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s post-BSN to DNP NNP specialty program emphasizes comprehensive clinical training and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are prepared to provide specialized care to neonatal patients in various healthcare settings, ensuring positive outcomes for infants and their families. The program is offered part-time through distance learning.

– Duration: 9-10 semesters depending on the semester of entry
– 79 credit hours of coursework, 59 hours of didactic coursework, 20 credit hours of clinical practice
– Tuition: $595 per credit hour (In-State and face-to-face learning), $682 per credit hour (distance-based)

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NNP Job Description

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) focus on taking care of newborns and play a vital role in places like Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and delivery rooms. They use their skills to make sure newborns are healthy and well-cared for during their crucial early days. If you’re thinking about becoming an NNP or if your newborn needs special care, understanding what NNPs do is essential.

Responsibilities

NNP job responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks to make sure newborns are healthy and thriving. These include:

1. Patient Assessment: NNPs check newborns thoroughly, looking at vital signs, doing developmental checks, and interpreting tests to spot any health issues that need attention.

2. Diagnosis and Treatment: Based on their assessments, NNPs diagnose health problems in newborns and create personalized plans for treatment. This could involve giving medicines, providing therapies, managing feeding routines, or doing necessary medical procedures.

3. Patient Management: NNPs keep a close eye on the progress of the newborns they care for. They regularly check their health, adjust treatment plans when needed, and provide emergency care when situations are critical.

4. Family Support: In addition to taking care of newborns, NNPs also support their families. This means giving guidance on taking care of the baby, answering questions, and offering emotional support during challenging times for parents and caregivers.

5. Collaboration and Consultation: NNPs work together with a team of healthcare professionals, including neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses, and specialists. Good communication and teamwork are crucial to make sure the care for newborns is well-coordinated. They also consult with specialists for advice on complicated cases.

By handling these responsibilities, NNPs contribute to the health and positive outcomes of newborns and their families.

NNP Salary Expectations

The salary for an NNP can vary based on factors like where they work, their experience, the type of practice, and their level of education and certification.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), including NNPs, had an average yearly salary of $124,680 or $59.94 per hour. The highest-earning NPs, in the 90th percentile, make an hourly wage of $79.44 and an annual wage of $165,240.

Here are the top-paying states for NPs:

1. California: $158,130
2. New Jersey: $143,250
3. Massachusetts: $138,700
4. Oregon: $136,250
5. Nevada: $136,230

States with the most NP jobs are:

1. California: 19,130
2. Texas: 18,820
3. Florida: 18,530
4. New York: 17,670
5. Tennessee: 13,060

For more detailed salary information, ZipRecruiter reports that NNPs can earn between $94,000 and $148,000, depending on the state. Washington has the highest pay at $148,081, followed by New York at $139,590, California at $136,067, and the lowest is Arkansas at $94,474.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NNPs

What education is required to become an NNP?

To become an NNP, you typically need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). After gaining experience as an RN, you can pursue a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on neonatal care. Graduating from these programs allows you to take a national certification exam to become a certified NNP.

Can NNPs prescribe medication?

Yes, NNPs can prescribe medication as part of their practice. However, the specific rules and authority to prescribe can vary by state. NNPs need to follow the legal requirements of the state they work in.

What are the benefits of becoming an NNP?

Becoming an NNP comes with several benefits. NNPs play a crucial role in the lives of newborns and their families by providing specialized care during a critical period. The demand for skilled NNPs is growing, offering excellent job opportunities. Additionally, NNPs often experience significant professional independence, leading to fulfilling careers with competitive salaries.

What skills are essential for an NNP?

Successful NNPs need various skills to excel in their role. Good communication and interpersonal skills are vital for working well with healthcare teams and providing support to families. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are crucial for making quick and accurate decisions in fast-paced and complex situations. NNPs must handle pressure well and stay calm in high-stress environments. A deep understanding of neonatal care, including physiology, assessment techniques, and treatment methods, is necessary to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, NNPs should be compassionate, patient, and able to support families emotionally during challenging times.