Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
The Master of Science in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is a two-year, full-time graduate program designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced clinical roles in neonatal intensive care. This specialized curriculum focuses on the complex health needs of premature and critically ill newborns, offering in-depth knowledge in neonatal pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and high-risk perinatal care. Students develop critical decision-making skills to manage the delicate health conditions of neonates, while also learning to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Through a combination of rigorous academic study and extensive hands-on clinical training in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), students gain the expertise to provide life-saving interventions and family-centered support. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, compassionate communication, and ethical responsibility, ensuring graduates are not only technically skilled but also emotionally prepared to work in high-stress environments. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for national certification and are equipped to step into demanding roles as advanced practice nurses dedicated to newborn care.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 April 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Nursing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
- Advanced Neonatal Physiology
- Diagnostic Methods in Neonatology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics
Semester 2
- Neonatal Clinical Practicum I
- High-Risk Neonatal Care I
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Neonatal Nursing
- Developmental and Family-Centered Care
Semester 3
- Neonatal Clinical Practicum II
- High-Risk Neonatal Care II
- Neonatal Nutrition and Growth
- Interprofessional Collaboration in Neonatal Settings
Semester 4
- Neonatal Clinical Practicum III
- Leadership and Professional Practice
- Neonatal Care Capstone Project
- Quality Improvement in Neonatal Nursing
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are fully prepared to become certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs), capable of practicing in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric hospitals, university medical centers, community hospitals, and specialized perinatal centers. They are qualified to manage a range of critical care responsibilities, including respiratory support, diagnostic procedures, neonatal resuscitation, and long-term care planning. With growing demand for specialized neonatal care, NNPs are also increasingly involved in policy-making, parental education, research, and leadership roles in healthcare systems. Their ability to deliver precise, compassionate, and technically advanced care makes them essential figures in the continuum of neonatal health services.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for nurses who are committed to advancing their careers by focusing on high-acuity neonatal care, advanced clinical leadership, and lifelong impact in the field of infant health. With a comprehensive curriculum that combines critical care science, hands-on experience, and ethical practice, students are molded into resilient professionals ready for the challenges of neonatal intensive care. The faculty’s deep expertise, paired with immersive clinical placements, ensures that students are not only clinically proficient but also prepared to serve as advocates and innovators in a field where every second counts. Choosing this program means dedicating yourself to the most fragile patients with the highest level of care, competence, and compassion.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
