Best Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Programs
2025 Best Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs
Duke University
Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu
Master's - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) MSN program offers a sophisticated hybrid learning approach, strategically blending distance education with targeted on-campus intensives. Designed for experienced NICU nurses, the program demands two years of prior clinical experience. Students receive comprehensive training in advanced neonatal care across diverse healthcare settings, preparing them for complex infant healthcare challenges. With a remarkable 100% board exam pass rate and projections of 38% field growth by 2032, graduates are positioned for exceptional career opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes expert faculty mentorship, cutting-edge clinical practices, and an extensive global clinical placement network. Notably ranked #5 in Master's Nursing Schools, the program provides a robust educational pathway for aspiring neonatal nurse practitioners.
- 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
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - vanderbilt.edu
Master's - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Specialty
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty offers an innovative hybrid online program targeting experienced RNs with a minimum of two years in Level III-IV NICU settings. The comprehensive curriculum focuses on advanced infant care, emphasizing evidence-based practices and high-risk newborn management. Students complete 770 clinical practice hours, receiving expert-led instruction through a collaborative learning environment. The program uniquely prepares nurses for complex neonatal interventions and certification exam preparation, with a structured four-semester format designed to transform skilled nurses into advanced neonatal practitioners. Military-friendly and featuring small class sizes, this program ensures graduates are thoroughly equipped for specialized pediatric healthcare roles.
- 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
Cleveland, OH - Private 4-year - case.edu
Master's - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Case Western Reserve University offers a dynamic Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN program that bridges advanced clinical expertise with specialized infant care. Their hybrid learning model provides comprehensive training through 40 credit hours, strategically designed to be completed in just 18 months. With a rigorous curriculum encompassing 700 clinical hours in Level III NICUs, the program demands substantial professional experience, requiring two years of NICU nursing background. Students must maintain a competitive 3.0 GPA, ensuring high academic standards. The program is particularly notable for its intensive, hands-on approach to preparing advanced practice nurses for critical neonatal care environments, making it an excellent choice for experienced NICU professionals seeking specialized graduate education.
- 40 credit hours total
- 700 clinical hours required
- 18-month full-time program
- Two years NICU experience prerequisite
- Focus on neonatal intensive care
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu
Master's - Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Rochester's online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative master's degree designed for advanced nursing professionals seeking specialized infant healthcare expertise. Uniquely structured to prepare students for comprehensive neonatal care, the program provides immersive clinical experiences at the renowned Golisano Children's Hospital. Students engage with Level IV NICU training, gaining critical skills in managing both low and high-risk neonatal patients. The curriculum emphasizes dual specialty pediatric and neonatal focus, ensuring graduates are comprehensively prepared for national certification exams and dynamic careers in specialized infant healthcare settings. With a military-friendly approach and robust clinical training, this program represents an exceptional pathway for nurses seeking advanced neonatal practice opportunities.
- Dual specialty pediatric/neonatal focus
- Level IV NICU clinical experiences
- National certification preparation
- Advanced clinical training
- Comprehensive infant care curriculum
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu
Master's - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Master’s degree Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive advanced nursing pathway for experienced NICU professionals. Tailored for registered nurses with minimum two years of level three NICU experience, the program delivers flexible digital learning complemented by two strategic on-campus simulation visits. Candidates can select from multiple degree options including a 44-credit Master's degree, an extensive 76-82 credit BS to DNP track, or a focused 29-credit Post-Graduate Certificate. The curriculum emphasizes national certification preparation, featuring experienced faculty practitioners and comprehensive training in specialized neonatal healthcare interventions. Military-friendly and fully accredited, the program supports part-time and full-time enrollment tracks, enabling nurses to advance their specialized critical care expertise.
- 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
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Master's - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MS/CAGS)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeastern University offers a robust 100% online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner master's program tailored for experienced NICU nurses. Designed for professionals with minimum two years of intensive care experience, this comprehensive program emphasizes advanced diagnostic reasoning and independent patient management. Students engage in clinical practicums at local NICUs, developing specialized skills in managing complex medical scenarios involving premature and high-risk infants. The program's flexible online format accommodates working professionals, requiring 41 total credits and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. Notably, the program waives GRE score requirements, allowing nurses to pursue advanced education without additional standardized testing barriers. Full-time and part-time options provide maximum scheduling flexibility for career advancement.
- 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
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu
Master's - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio State University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program offers a cutting-edge hybrid learning experience targeting healthcare professionals seeking advanced neonatal care expertise. Ranked #2 in online master's programs by U.S. News & World Report, this comprehensive curriculum demands 24 months of prior NICU experience. Students benefit from distance-enhanced learning with strategic on-campus seminars, allowing flexible full-time or part-time enrollment. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates for leadership roles in complex neonatal healthcare settings. Clinicals can be completed near students' local communities, ensuring practical skill development while maintaining professional commitments. Military-friendly and supported by world-class neonatal faculty, the program provides multiple degree pathway options.
- 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 Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Master's - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah offers a cutting-edge hybrid Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program designed for experienced critical care nurses seeking advanced specialized training. Combining robust online coursework with strategic on-campus components, the program provides comprehensive education in high-risk newborn care. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills through an intensive 900-hour direct patient care requirement, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for complex neonatal healthcare environments. With a remarkable 100% national certification pass rate, the program attracts working professionals committed to elevating pediatric intensive care standards. Military-friendly and supported by an on-campus hospital, this program demands two years of critical care nursing experience, positioning graduates as elite neonatal healthcare professionals.
- Hybrid learning format
- 900 direct patient care hours
- 100% national certification pass rate
- Advanced neonatal care training
- Two years clinical experience required
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu
Master's - MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience tailored for experienced NICU nurses. Spanning six semesters with 45 credit hours, the program uniquely blends synchronous online coursework and periodic on-campus intensive sessions. Designed for working professionals, students must possess a minimum of two years NICU experience and an active RN license. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical training, evidence-based practice, and specialized neonatal healthcare knowledge. With a focus on preparing highly skilled neonatal specialists, the program accommodates busy healthcare professionals through its flexible, part-time format. Military-friendly and featuring on-campus hospital resources, UAB provides comprehensive preparation for advanced neonatal nursing roles.
- 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
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisville's online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) concentration offers a transformative Master of Science in Nursing program targeting experienced nurses seeking advanced pediatric expertise. Students engage in a comprehensive two-year curriculum delivering specialized training in newborn and infant healthcare, with flexible full-time and part-time learning options. The hybrid program uniquely prepares nurses for board certification, emphasizing advanced clinical assessment, diagnostic skills, and treatment strategies for critically vulnerable patient populations. With dedicated hospital campus resources and a robust clinical preparation framework, graduates emerge as highly skilled neonatal care specialists ready to excel in intensive care settings.
- Two-year MSN program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Specialized neonatal healthcare focus
- Board certification preparation
- Advanced clinical skills training
What Is an Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Like?
You love working with newborn babies – and you’re 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, you’ll get all the elements of a traditional in-classroom program, but you’ll 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, you’ll be able to work on your assignments at times that work for you – even if it’s late at night or on the weekends.
Choosing an Appropriate Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program
There are several degree options to get you to the neonatal nurse practitioner designation. However, the options available will hinge on the type of nursing degree you currently hold. An example of options based on prior education is demonstrated below.
| If I Currently Have… | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | BSN to MSN Programs | BSN to DNP Programs |
| MSN | Post-Master’s Certificate | MSN to DNP Programs |
Another major aspect of choosing a neonatal nurse practitioner degree type is to figure out what your long-term career goals are. This can include the NNP role you aspire to, the location or employer you wish to work for, and even what kind of salary you aim to make. Being clear on your future professional goals will help guide you to the appropriate degree level. If you still need some help determining which neonatal nurse practitioner degree program is right for you, consult our table below to see where your interests align.
| MSN | Post-Master's Certificate | DNP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I enjoy working directly with neonatal patients and their families | X | X | X |
| I already hold a graduate degree, but I wish to move into specialized neonatal practice | X | X | |
| I feel called to teach and guide students clinically at the university level | X | X | |
| I want to advocate for neonates and their families and be a leader in my facility | X | X | X |
| I have ideas for clinically relevant research projects to improve the lives of patients requiring specialized neonatal care | X | ||
| My passion is to create and improve national health policies | X | ||
| I wish to understand population-based neonatal health in order to improve healthcare outcomes across the nation | X | ||
| I want to guide healthcare law and ethics for the benefit of families with children requiring specialized neonatal care | X |
It’s key to choose an accredited program from agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) when you’re searching for an online neonatal nurse practitioner program. When you select an accredited program, you’re showing future employers that you went through an education that has been approved by governing boards. You’ll be able to rest assured knowing that you’re fully prepared to provide excellent patient care. Throughout the course of your online neonatal nurse practitioner program, you’ll learn about how a fetus and newborn baby develop, how to detect and treat health issues that can arise in the neonatal period, how to use research and evidence to inform your practice, and how to support moms as they get to know their new baby. Check out our guide to online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs below.
- Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Admissions & Requirements by Degree Type
- Online Neonatal NP Program Classes and Curriculum
- Clinical Requirements and Certification
Online Neonatal NP Program Admissions
As you begin to apply to online neonatal nurse practitioner programs, you’ll want to consider which type of program makes the most sense for your career goals. You’ll 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 | Post-Master’s Certificate Neonatal NP | DNP-Level Neonatal NP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prior Education/GPA | BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0 | MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0 | MSN or BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0 (check with your potential program to see if they allow entrance with a BSN) |
| RN Licensure | Current, unencumbered RN license | Current, unencumbered RN license | Current, unencumbered RN license, may require APRN certification or a certain number of hours working with neonatal patients |
| Professional Experience | At least one year as an RN | At least one year as an RN | One to two years as an RN, may require experience working with neonatal patients |
| Written Requirements | Personal statement, three letters of recommendation | Personal statement, three letters of recommendation | Resume/CV, personal statement, three letters of recommendation |
Online Neonatal NP Curriculum & Classes
MSN, post-graduate certificate, and DNP programs will vary in length. Generally, the MSN can be completed in two years, the post-grad cert can be completed in around a year, and the DNP program can take around 3-4 years of full-time study. If you choose to work through your classes on a part-time basis, you may need more time. While the rules differ between institutions, most schools allow you to have up to seven years to complete your studies.
| Degree | MSN | Post-Master’s Certificate | DNP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Credit Requirements | 32-43 | 12-36 | 33-65 |
Throughout the course of your online MSN or post-graduate certificate neonatal nurse practitioner program, your coursework is likely to include:
- Health informatics
- Health systems
- Fetal and neonatal development
- Neonatal pathophysiology
- Neonatal pharmacology
- Pediatric care
- Advanced health assessment
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Embryology
NNP-DNP programs typically require the aforementioned coursework as well as:
- Global healthcare
- Applied statistics
- Advanced neonatal nursing management
- Genetic and molecular therapeutics
- Clinical epidemiology
- Ethics in healthcare
- Health informatics
- Business of the APRN
- Capstone project
The capstone project in the neonatal nurse practitioner DNP program is where the student demonstrates their understanding of the program’s advanced nursing concepts by addressing a clinical problem or question that relates to neonatal nursing.
Neonatal NP Clinical Requirements
You’ll find that the clinical requirements for online neonatal nurse practitioner programs vary greatly, with some programs requiring as few as 600 clinical hours and others requiring 1,000. You’ll want to carefully consider clinical hour requirements when applying to programs so that you don’t overextend yourself. Generally, your program will help you figure out how to best make clinical hours fit with your schedule. This may mean earning your clinical hours in several settings, such as in a hospital, in a private health clinic, in a birthing center, etc. Talk with your program director to learn more about how you can get your clinical requirements completed while still working hard at your nursing job.
Neonatal NPs typically complete their clinical hours under the supervision of a seasoned NNP, doctor, or physician’s assistant in a hospital NICU setting or another setting where infants with common or complex needs are cared for.
Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Listings
Whether you are looking for an MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate, or DNP program in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty, our online and hybrid listings below are the perfect first stop on your career journey.
Select Your State:
Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL |
University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL |
Connecticut
University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT |
Georgia
Emory University | Atlanta, GA |
Illinois
Rush University | Chicago, IL |
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford | Rockford, IL |
Indiana
University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN |
Michigan
Wayne State University | Detroit, MI |
Mississippi
University Of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson, MS |
Missouri
University Of Missouri Kansas City | Kansas City, MO |
Nebraska
Creighton University | Omaha, NE |
New York
Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY |
North Carolina
Duke University | Durham, NC |
East Carolina University | Greenville, NC |
Ohio
Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH |
The Ohio State University | Columbus, OH |
Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA |
Tennessee
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center- Memphis | Memphis, TN |
Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN |
Texas
Baylor University | Waco, TX |
The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX |
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, TX |
Virginia
Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA |
Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.