5 Best (FASTEST) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Interested in becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner? As an NNP, you’ll never lack employment opportunities: The number of preterm babies born in the United States has risen dramatically over the last decade, but so have positive medical outcomes for these infants—and the specialized skills of neonatal nurse practitioners are one of the reasons why! NNPs earn high salaries, too. If you’re worried about taking time off from work to go back to school, you’ll be pleased to learn that nowadays, comparatively quick distance learning neonatal nurse practitioner programs are available that are every bit as comprehensive as their campus counterparts.
So, what are the best shortest neonatal nurse practitioner online programs? Keep reading to learn about the 5 best fastest neonatal nurse practitioner online programs.
WHAT ARE THE BEST (FASTEST) NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER ONLINE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 5 best fastest Neonatal Nurse Practitioner online programs for 2025. You can complete these MSN-NNP programs in 20 months or less.)
Program Length: 3 Semesters
Program Details: If you are passionate about neonatal care and are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, then Vanderbilt University offers an excellent NNP program that can be completed in hardly any time. Among the best fastest neonatal nurse practitioner programs online, Vanderbilt’s NNP prepares high-skilled graduates who provide care to pre-term and full-term newborns.
Vanderbilt’s NNP is offered in the distance format to allow nurses to continue with their jobs. The MSN-NNP coursework comprises 41 credits and prepares students for the NNP certification exam. The program covers core MSN and NNP-related topics and also includes clinical experiences in NICU settings. Vanderbilt’s NNP students attend classes in advanced health assessment, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, advanced physical & gestational assessment, evidence-based healthcare, and advanced neonatal pharmacotherapeutics. The program also prepares students for leading collaborative change in healthcare delivery. Upon completing the program, students earn an MSN and are prepared to take the NNP certification exam.
How Fast Can You Complete Vanderbilt University NNP Program: Vanderbilt University’s fast-track neonatal nurse practitioner online program offers full-time and part-time plans. The full-time program can be completed within just three semesters. Alternatively, if you prefer a slower pace, you may opt for the part-time courses that take three years to complete.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for Vanderbilt’s MSN-NNP, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have an active RN license in their state of practice. Additionally, to complete the admission requirements, applicants must submit their transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Vanderbilt University NNP Program
• Vanderbilt University’s graduate nursing programs are ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Vanderbilt University’s NNP students practice skills at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which is one of the leading academic medical centers in the nation.
• Vanderbilt University’s NNP program boasts of an exceptional pass rate on the NNP certification exam.
• Vanderbilt University’s NNP program is offered in small-sized classes where students receive personalized attention under the mentorship of an expert faculty.
Program Length: 4 Semesters
Program Details: Emory University’s NNP stands out for training graduates to practice across the continuum of neonatal care. Among the best shortest neonatal nurse practitioner programs online, Emory’s NNP is offered entirely online to accommodate the schedules of working nurses. The MSN-NNP coursework consists of 48 credits and 810 hours of clinical practice. The program covers topics such as advanced neonatal & infant health assessment, research & evidence-based practice, healthcare quality & patient safety, innovative leadership, and neonatal advanced nursing care. Upon graduation, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to take the NNP certification exam.
How Fast Can You Complete Emory University NNP Program: Emory University’s fast-track online neonatal nurse practitioner program prepares you to enter the NNP workforce sooner than you think. The full-time program can be completed within as few as four semesters. There is also a part-time program that can be completed within six semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Emory’s MSN-NNP program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. The program also requires applicants to submit their official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and two to three references. Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time nursing experience either in a Level III or Level IV NICU.
Why Choose Emory University NNP Program
• Emory University’s NNP program is the only neonatal program offered in the state of Georgia. Also, the program is one of the sought-after NNP programs for students in Florida and South Carolina.
• Emory University’s NNP program offers a wide range of clinical experiences throughout the state of Georgia and across the South Eastern region. Also, if you prefer to complete the clinicals in your home state, Emory helps you find a suitable site near your home.
• Emory University’s NNP program offers a low student-to-faculty ratio. The small-sized classes provide personalized attention and allow for close interaction with peers and faculty.
Program Length: 4 Semesters
Program Details: Neonatal care is a growing field and continuously requires highly skilled practitioners to provide delicate care for the tiniest patients. Case Western Reserve University offers one of the well-known fastest neonatal nurse practitioner programs online that prepare graduates for this crucial healthcare position. Offered in an accelerated format, the program is a quick route to a highly rewarding advanced practice nursing career.
The neonatal program is a 40-credit curriculum that includes core MSN and NNP-related courses. The program covers topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, neonatal health problems, psychosocial & spiritual dimensions of advanced nursing practice, evidence-based practice, and advanced management of neonates with complex health problems. The program also includes classes in healthcare delivery & finance, health policy, and neonatal advanced nursing practice. In addition to the online didactic courses, students must complete practicum courses in neonatal nursing practice.
How Fast Can You Complete Case Western Reserve University NNP Program: The fast online neonatal nurse practitioner program at Case Western Reserve University can be completed rather swiftly. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program within four semesters. Whereas, if you prefer a slightly less demanding study plan, there is a part-time schedule that can be completed within six semesters.
Admission Requirements: Western Reserve University’s MSN-NNP program is open to aspiring NNPs who have at least one year of Level III NICU experience. To be considered for admission, you must foremost have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have an active and unencumbered RN license. Other admission requirements include the submission of three recommendation letters, an essay, a resume, and your transcripts.
Why Choose Case Western Reserve University NNP Program
• Case Western Reserve University NNP students complete their clinical experiences at some of the top clinical sites in the state. Some of the clinical sites where NNP students practice clinical skills include the Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, and Akron Children's Hospital, to name a few.
• Case Western Reserve University’s NNP program graduates proudly report a pass rate of 98% on the NNP certification exam.
• Case Western Reserve University’s graduate nursing programs rank among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
Program Length: 1.5 years
Program Details: To enter the highly specialized field of neonatal care, you are required to obtain advanced knowledge and skills in the care of neonates. Regis University offers one of the most prestigious fast-track neonatal nurse practitioner online programs that quickly prepares you for next-level neonatal care. Combined with the MSN coursework, the NNP program blends advanced didactic knowledge with skills in the expert care of critically ill and high-risk neonatal patients.
The NNP program at Regis is a 100% online coursework, including two on-campus intensives. The program emphasizes clinical training and provides students with hands-on learning experiences in level III and level IV NICUs. The MSN-NNP program starts once a year in August. The coursework comprises 43 credits and includes 630 hours of clinical practice. The program covers topics such as research in nursing, genetics & embryology, ethics & society, health care policy, and health assessment. You also take classes in pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical management of high-risk infants, and advanced practice procedures for high-risk infants.
How Fast Can You Complete Regis University NNP Program: Regis University's fast neonatal nurse practitioner online program can be completed within 1.5 years.
Admission Requirements: To apply for Regis University’s MSN-NNP program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The program also requires applicants to have an active RN license. Further, completion of a statistics course and a current BLS certification is required. Applicants must have at least two years of nursing experience in a Level III or Level IV NICU. To complete your application, you’ll need to submit your transcripts, three professional letters, a resume, and an essay.
Why Choose Regis University NNP Program
• Regis University’s NNP program is ranked among the best in the nation according to some of the leading online publications.
• Regis University’s MSN-NNP program allows for a seamless transition into the DNP program. Should you aspire to practice at the highest level, this seamless transition into the DNP helps you save time and money.
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: Another one of the shortest neonatal nurse practitioner programs online is offered by Old Dominion University. The program prepares expert practitioners who are positioned to offer specialized care to newborn babies and children up to two years old. Leading to an MSN and the NNP certification, the program comprises a total of 50 credits. While most of the courses are offered online, students must be prepared to make in-person visits for intensives and practicums.
The MSN-NNP coursework is a comprehensive curriculum that comprises 42 credits. The 21-credit core courses cover topics such as evidence-based research, ethical concepts of advanced practice nursing, pharmacology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, and the business of advanced nursing practice. The NNP coursework, consisting of 21 credits, covers topics such as newborn assessment, developmental neonatal physiology, pharmacology, management of chronic & complex neonatal clinical problems, and advanced neonatal care.
How Fast Can You Complete Old Dominion University NNP Program: To complete Old Dominion University’s short online neonatal nurse practitioner program, all it takes is five semesters of full-time study. The full-time study requires students to complete 9 to 11 credits per semester. There is also a part-time option where the course load is around 5 to 6 credits per semester.
Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for Old Dominion University’s MSN-NNP program include a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to possess an active RN license. Additionally, submission of three letters of recommendation, a written statement, and a resume is required. Applicants must also have at least two years of NICU experience as a registered nurse.
Why Choose Old Dominion University NNP Program
• Old Dominion University’s MSN program ranks among the nation’s top online masters in nursing programs as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Old Dominion University’s NNP program is taught by expert faculty members who are experienced practitioners and researchers in the field of neonatal nursing care.
• Old Dominion University’s NNP program shares strong ties with the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, the only not-for-profit children’s hospital in Virginia.
• Old Dominion University’s simulation lab is well-equipped to provide students with close-to-real hospital-like scenarios. A birthing room allows NNP students to gain simulated practice on a birthing mother, a pre-term infant, and a term infant.
• Old Dominion University’s NNP program collaborates with Eastern Virginia Medical School's Standardized Patient Program which provides specialized actors for meaningful clinical experiences.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
SALARY AND JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF ONLINE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ONLINE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS EXPECT TO EARN?
Hourly | $42.39 |
Weekly | $1,696 |
Monthly | $7,350 |
Annual | $88,180 |
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com) |
WHAT AVERAGE SALARY CAN EXPERIENCED GRADUATES OF ONLINE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS EXPECT TO EARN?
Hourly | $60.52 |
Weekly | $2,421 |
Monthly | $10,490 |
Annual | $125,877 |
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com) |
AVERAGE SALARY BY STATE FOR EXPERIENCED GRADUATES OF ONLINE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
State | Average Annual Salary |
Alabama | $107,630 |
Alaska | $117,510 |
Arizona | $122,580 |
Arkansas | $108,140 |
California | $159,650 |
Colorado | $117,560 |
Connecticut | $132,750 |
Delaware | $121,730 |
District of Columbia | $132,530 |
Florida | $111,370 |
Georgia | $116,550 |
Hawaii | $129,540 |
Idaho | $118,850 |
Illinois | $123,480 |
Indiana | $122,900 |
Iowa | $129,410 |
Kansas | $112,740 |
Kentucky | $110,340 |
Louisiana | $119,340 |
Maine | $119,440 |
Maryland | $120,800 |
Massachusetts | $140,030 |
Michigan | $114,870 |
Minnesota | $129,390 |
Mississippi | $118,390 |
Missouri | $114,270 |
Montana | $121,110 |
Nebraska | $120,110 |
Nevada | $137,540 |
New Hampshire | $126,990 |
New Jersey | $144,630 |
New Mexico | $130,800 |
New York | $142,830 |
North Carolina | $115,550 |
North Dakota | $115,030 |
Ohio | $118,570 |
Oklahoma | $122,910 |
Oregon | $137,560 |
Pennsylvania | $121,710 |
Rhode Island | $126,450 |
South Carolina | $110,180 |
South Dakota | $116,720 |
Tennessee | $100,280 |
Texas | $125,860 |
Utah | $116,720 |
Vermont | $117,730 |
Virginia | $118,100 |
Washington | $136,890 |
West Virginia | $107,820 |
Wisconsin | $122,370 |
Wyoming | $116,340 |
10-YEAR JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF ONLINE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
2021-31 |
+45.68% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |