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Provide Care to Newborns and Their Families

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) provide comprehensive care to high-risk newborn infants and their families.

Overview

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP) function as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) providing comprehensive care to high-risk newborn infants and their families. The NNP specialty track provides a strong foundation in the embryologic, physiologic, and pathophysiologic basis of both acute and chronic neonatal disorders.

As a doctoral student in the NNP track, you will:

  • Develop skills to influence public policy through participation in professional organizations and health policy activities at the local, national, and global level.
  • Take courses in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership.
  • Have clinical experiences in a large variety of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (ICU).
  • Assess and care for the critically ill infants in Level 2, 3 and 4 Neonatal ICUs.
  • Complete the NNP track in three years, including two summer semesters.

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.

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.