Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Emory University’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is a two-year, full-time online Master of Science degree designed to prepare experienced registered nurses for advanced clinical roles in the care of critically ill and premature newborns. The program provides a robust foundation in neonatal physiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based interventions, enabling students to deliver comprehensive care to high-risk neonates in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and other specialized settings. Through a curriculum that blends asynchronous and synchronous learning, students maintain flexibility while progressing through academically rigorous coursework and supervised clinical experiences.
The program emphasizes the integration of developmental care, family-centered practice, and advanced diagnostic reasoning. Students benefit from Emory’s expert faculty, structured mentorship, and access to national networks of clinical preceptors. Clinical hours are completed in high-acuity neonatal settings, where students gain practical skills in managing complex conditions such as respiratory distress, sepsis, congenital anomalies, and feeding disorders. The curriculum not only prepares graduates for certification as Neonatal Nurse Practitioners but also cultivates leadership, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration skills essential for shaping the future of neonatal healthcare and improving outcomes for the most vulnerable patient populations.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, Online
- Application Deadline: 01 September 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Nursing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Advanced Neonatal Care
- Advanced Neonatal Anatomy and Physiology
- Advanced Pharmacology for Neonatal Practice
- Health Assessment of Neonates and Infants
- Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice
Semester 2 – Pathophysiology and Clinical Application
- Neonatal Pathophysiology and Developmental Care
- Acute and Chronic Illness in the Neonate I
- Ethical and Legal Aspects of Neonatal Care
- Clinical Practicum I
Semester 3 – Complex Care and Family Integration
- Acute and Chronic Illness in the Neonate II
- Neonatal Nutrition and Neurodevelopment
- Family-Centered Communication in NICU Settings
- Clinical Practicum II
Semester 4 – Transition to Practice and Professional Growth
- Neonatal Leadership and Systems-Based Practice
- Role Development for Advanced Practice Nurses
- Final Clinical Practicum
- Certification Preparation and Professional Portfolio
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Emory’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program are prepared for specialized roles in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), academic medical centers, children’s hospitals, and regional perinatal networks. As advanced practice registered nurses, they independently manage the care of preterm and term newborns with acute and chronic health needs, collaborating closely with neonatologists, pediatric specialists, and multidisciplinary care teams. Many NNPs lead clinical initiatives in quality improvement, serve on institutional ethics or transport teams, and contribute to education and training for staff nurses and residents. Others move into policy, research, or administrative leadership positions that influence neonatal care protocols and healthcare delivery models. The increasing demand for neonatal expertise, particularly in underserved regions and high-acuity urban hospitals, ensures that graduates are well-positioned for meaningful, impactful careers. Their blend of clinical expertise, advanced assessment skills, and compassionate care enables them to improve survival and developmental outcomes for infants while supporting families during their most critical moments.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a rare balance of academic excellence, clinical intensity, and online flexibility, making it ideal for working nurses who want to elevate their practice without relocating. Emory’s reputation for nursing leadership and neonatal innovation ensures students receive a curriculum informed by the latest research and clinical guidelines. The program fosters deep clinical thinking, ethical reflection, and leadership readiness, all within a structure that allows students to complete their practicum hours at approved sites nationwide. Students gain access to a network of expert faculty, neonatal nurse practitioners, and top-tier clinical partners who guide their development every step of the way. For nurses dedicated to the delicate and high-stakes field of neonatal care, Emory’s NNP program delivers the comprehensive education, flexibility, and support needed to lead confidently and care expertly in complex neonatal environments.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
