Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

ADVANCE CARE FOR NEWBORNS AND FAMILIES

With expertise in embryologic, physiologic, and pathophysiologic foundations of neonatal conditions, Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP) provide advanced, comprehensive care to high-risk newborns and their families.

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Differentiated Student Expected Outcomes

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is prepared to:

Provide advanced, evidence-based care to high-risk infants and their families by applying theory, research, and clinical expertise in the neonatal setting.
Design, implement, and evaluate health care strategies while engaging in evidence-based practice and research implementation to improve neonatal outcomes.
Demonstrate leadership and adaptability to influence policy, drive innovation, and contribute to the ongoing advancement of the neonatal nurse practitioner profession.

Emphasis Length

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Emphasis is completed in 8 semesters

Mode

Hybrid (synchronous and asynchronous online learning with some on-campus activities required)

Clinical

Gain hands-on experience through 900 Direct Patient Care Hours

Pass Rates

Our combined national certification pass rate stands at 100%

Emphasis Information

Plan of Study

Fall 2025

NURS 6670 – Advanced Evidence‑Based Practice and Research
NURS 6671 – Biostatistics for Evidence‑Based Practice
NURS 6760 – Role of the Nurse Practitioner
NURS 6780 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan

Spring 2026

NURS 6672 – Advanced Population Health
NURS 6767 – Clinical Diagnostic Reasoning
NURS 6782 – Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
NURS 7406 – Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate

Summer 2026

NURS 6675 – Healthcare Finance & Economics
NURS 6676 – Informatics and Healthcare Technologies
NURS 6677 – Systems‑Based Practice & Leadership
NURS 7290 – Embryology & Neonatal Transition

Fall 2026

NURS 7170 – Neonatal Pathophysiology I
NURS 7407 – Advanced Neonatal Pharmacology
NURS 7305 – Neonatal Diagnostic Reasoning I
NURS 7373 – Management of Pediatric Patients: Newborn–Early Childhood
NURS 7675 – Neonatal Procedures & Simulation I

Spring 2027

NURS 6673 – Quality & Safety
NURS 7171 – Neonatal Pathophysiology II
NURS 7306 – Neonatal Diagnostic Reasoning II
NURS 7931 – NNP Practicum I
NURS 7676 – Neonatal Procedures & Simulation II

Summer 2027

NURS 7911 – Doctor of Nursing Project Planning
NURS 7932 – NNP Practicum II

Fall 2027

NURS 7482 – Professional Issues for the Nurse Practitioner
NURS 7933 – NNP Practicum III
NURS 7912 – Doctor of Nursing Project Implementation

Spring 2028

NURS 7913 – Doctor of Nursing Project Evaluation & Dissemination
NURS 7934 – NNP Practicum Immersion

Program Total Credits: 74

View the University of Utah Catalog.

Certification Eligibility

Graduates are prepared to sit for national certification from the National Certification Corporation (NCC) as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC). Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates are eligible to become certified or licensed to practice.

NCC Exam for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification

Practice Experience Requirements for Prospective Students

The National Certification Corporation requires the equivalent of 2 years of full-time clinic practice experience (within the last 5 years) as a registered nurse (RN) in the care of critically ill neonates or infants in critical care inpatient settings is required before a student begins clinical courses. Students may enroll in preclinical courses while obtaining the necessary practice.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Opens: September 1

Closes: December 1, 11:59PM MT