Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Virginia University’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Master of Science program is designed to prepare experienced nurses to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care to high-risk newborns and premature infants. Over the course of one year, students build advanced clinical expertise in neonatal physiology, pharmacology, and critical care procedures through rigorous classroom instruction and supervised hospital-based practice. The program emphasizes the management of both acute and chronic conditions in neonates, with a strong foundation in ethical decision-making, family-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Combining theoretical learning with real-world training, the curriculum equips students with the skills necessary to work effectively in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and other advanced practice settings. Faculty with deep clinical and academic experience guide students through complex case studies, simulation labs, and direct patient care, reinforcing a commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate service. Graduates leave the program ready to sit for national certification and assume critical leadership roles in neonatal healthcare.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Virginia, United States
- Field of Study: Nursing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Core Clinical Knowledge
- Advanced Neonatal Physiology
- Neonatal Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Diagnostic Reasoning in Neonatal Care
- Health Assessment of the Neonate
Semester 2 – Clinical Integration & Leadership
- Neonatal Acute and Critical Care Management
- Ethics and Family-Centered Decision-Making
- NNP Clinical Practicum
- Advanced Practice Role Development
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are equipped to serve as neonatal nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or NICU care coordinators in hospitals, academic medical centers, and specialty clinics. They are highly sought after in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), particularly in Level III and Level IV centers where critical neonatal interventions are common. Additional opportunities may include nurse education, neonatal research, and healthcare leadership, where their advanced expertise directly impacts care protocols and policy development. With national certification, many also pursue roles in regional perinatal networks, shaping high-level clinical strategies and coordinating care for vulnerable infant populations across health systems.
Why Choose This Program
Virginia University’s NNP program combines clinical depth, academic rigor, and personal mentorship in a way that empowers nurses to elevate their practice and specialize with confidence. The full-time, one-year format allows students to rapidly gain high-impact neonatal expertise while still benefiting from immersive, hands-on training across diverse healthcare settings. With a strong emphasis on ethics, interdisciplinary teamwork, and holistic care for both infants and their families, this program not only shapes capable practitioners but also compassionate leaders who are ready to respond to the most delicate clinical challenges in neonatal health.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 434 924 0311
Email: gradadmissions@virginia.edu
Address: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, United States
