Is Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Worth it – (Pros VS. Cons)

Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion BSN, RN

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» BSN, RN

Are you a registered nurse who loves caring for babies? Does working in a fast-paced environment caring for newborns or children up to two years old interest you? Do you have a knack for critical care? If so, a career as a neonatal nurse practitioner could be an excellent choice for you!

Perhaps you are weighing your options for your career and have thought of becoming an NNP but wonder, "Is becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner worth it?" If so, this article may give you some insight to help you decide. As you read further, you will find 25 reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right career for you. I will also share information about possible jobs, career outlook, and earning potential to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?

A neonatal nurse practitioner is a graduate-prepared registered nurse specializing in the care of high-risk newborns and infants up to two years of age. Neonatal nurse practitioners provide care for patients experiencing complications associated with preterm or complicated birth, congenital abnormalities, and other life-threatening or serious health conditions. Additionally, NNPs care for the parents and loved ones of neonatal patients by providing education and support.

What Types of Degree Options are Available to Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?

There are three main degree options to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. Depending on your long-term goals and current degree level, you may choose to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or post-graduate certificate to become a neonatal nurse practitioner.

How Long Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Take?

Becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner can take five years or longer. The time it takes you to earn a degree and specialize depends on whether you pursue your education part-time or full-time, if you have previous college credits, and whether you want to earn a master's or doctorate.

For example, new college students with no nursing degree must first earn an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, which take two to four years, respectively, if you study full-time. After earning your nursing degree and becoming a licensed registered nurse, most schools require candidates to have at least one year of relevant work experience before beginning the NNP program.

RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who pursue a master’s degree as a neonatal nurse practitioner usually need three to four additional years of school to become an MSN-prepared NNP. ADN nurses who wish to pursue a doctorate in nursing can expect to spend five years of full-time study.

Bachelor's-prepared registered nurses earning a Master of Science in Nursing spend one to two years (full-time) in school. Earning a DNP as a neonatal nurse practitioner typically takes three to four years after earning a BSN.

Duke University offers an MSN neonatal nurse practitioner program available to bachelor’s-prepared RNs. Students can complete the program in two and a half years. Old Dominion University offers another neonatal nurse practitioner program. At Old Dominion University, prospective students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a baccalaureate degree in a related science field can earn an MSN specializing in neonatal nurse practitioner. Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Part-time students typically take three years to graduate.

How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Cost?

Neonatal nurse practitioner programs can cost as little as $15,000 to more than $120,000. The major determining factor in cost is the type of degree you pursue. For example, you may choose to earn your master's or doctorate in nursing or a post-graduate certificate. Your previous degree level and whether you have transferrable credits can also impact the total cost of your program.

For example, at the University of Texas Medical Branch, tuition for Texas residents in the MSN neonatal nurse practitioner program is $1,417.67 per credit hour. Non-residents pay $1834.54 per credit. The program features a 46-credit hour curriculum, making tuition range from $65,212.82 for in-state students and $84,388.84 for out-of-state students.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers three pathways to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. Bachelor's-prepared registered nurses may choose to earn a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The school also offers a post-graduate certificate program.

The MSN and post-graduate certificate programs are available in a distance-learning format and costs $682 per credit hour. The MSN program requires 45 credits and costs approximately $30,690. The post-graduate certificate pathway requires a minimum of 27 credits, costing an average of $18,414.

The BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program is available in distance-learning and campus-based formats. Distance-learning students pay $682 per credit hour, regardless of residency status. On-campus learners who live in the state pay $595 per credit hour and non-residents pay $1,496. The DNP neonatal nurse practitioner curriculum includes 79 credits. Therefore, online students pay $53,878. Campus-based students who live in the state pay $47,005. Non-residents pay $118,184.

What are the Admission Requirements for a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Admission criteria for neonatal nurse practitioner programs are determined by the schools offering the programs. Although some requirements vary, the general admission criteria are similar from one program to the next. The following are examples of common admission requirements for neonatal nurse practitioner programs.

• Candidates must have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse.
• Have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing earned at an accredited nursing school
• Cumulative college grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• One to two years of relevant work experience; experience in neonatal intensive care is preferred
• Provide two or three letters of professional/academic recommendation
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges or university
• Complete prerequisites, typically including a college-level Statistics course

Why Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is Worth It? – the Pros

(The following are the 25 reasons why becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is worth it in 2023.)

REASON #1: You can educate families about caring for their babies.

Families with high-risk infants often feel stressed and overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and sometimes guilt. One of the main reasons getting a neonatal nurse practitioner degree is worth it is you will have the knowledge and skills to help educate families about their baby’s condition and how to properly care for their babies. Your assurance and guidance can make a difference in how parents respond to their babies, which impacts the patient’s outcomes.

REASON #2: Your expertise can give newborns a greater chance of survival.

One of the biggest reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it is you can use your knowledge and experience to improve health outcomes for the babies in your care. As a neonatal nurse practitioner, you will care for high-risk patients with varying degrees of illness and disease. These babies are born fighters, and you will have the skill needed to improve their chances of survival.

REASON #3: You can become a preceptor.

If you want a clinical role in neonatal care but also enjoy teaching others, you could become a preceptor. As a neonatal nurse practitioner, you can work with nursing students or newly-hired nurses, teaching them about neonatal care while remaining in clinical practice. Having the best of both worlds is another of the top reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it.

REASON #4: You can earn a great salary!

Registered nurses with an associate degree earn an average of $74,120 yearly. Baccalaureate-prepared RNs earn approximately $80,320. While this income is good, as a neonatal nurse practitioner, your earning potential can increase significantly In fact, according to PayScale, neonatal nurse practitioners earn an average of $113,637 annually.

REASON #5: Working as a neonatal nurse practitioner is a rewarding job.

Another reason becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it is the sense of fulfillment that comes with the job. As an NNP, you will care for high-risk babies and their families, and the satisfaction that comes with knowing you were instrumental in their recovery is amazing!

REASON #6: Neonatal nurse practitioner jobs have an excellent long-term outlook.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a career is stability, and the outlook for neonatal nurse practitioner jobs is great! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 40% between 2021 and 2031. The excellent job outlook is one of many reasons getting a neonatal nurse practitioner degree is worth it.

REASON #7: You can find a job with flexible work hours.

Your schedule will depend on where you work, but many neonatal nurse practitioner jobs offer flexible hours. Having a steady or flexible work schedule is one reason a neonatal nurse practitioner degree is worth it. Flexibility is a big plus, especially if you have children, family, or other responsibilities.

REASON #8: You can work in telehealth.

As an advanced practice nurse specializing as a neonatal nurse practitioner, you can offer your services via telehealth. As a telehealth neonatal nurse practitioner, you can assess, diagnose, and treat patients remotely. Telehealth services are an excellent job option for NNPs who want or need to work from home and they benefit patients and loved ones because they do not have the stress of traveling to doctor appointments.

REASON #9: You can advocate for high-risk, critically-ill neonatal patients.

Advocating for patients is one of the most important things nurses can do. As a neonatal nurse practitioner, you will have the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to advocate on behalf of patients and families. Your efforts at patient advocacy could impact the quality of care and outcomes of your patients.

REASON #10: You can lead an interdisciplinary team.

The advanced knowledge and skills you gain as a neonatal nurse practitioner will help you be an effective leader within your care team. You will work with physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, and other team members to build a strong team and provide exceptional patient care.

REASON #11: You may be able to open your own practice.

Depending on where you live, as a neonatal nurse practitioner, you may have the option of opening your own practice. Whether you choose to open an independent practice or work in collaboration with other NNPs or physicians, the independence that comes with the degree is one of the biggest reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it.

REASON #12: You could become a published author.

If you like writing or like the idea of teaching others without standing in front of a classroom, you could share your wealth of knowledge by writing articles, blog posts, or even a book. Your knowledge of neonatal healthcare could inspire others to pursue careers in this specialty field or help current neonatal professionals grasp a broader understanding of the client population and trends in their care.

REASON #13: You will become a professional at providing holistic, evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Neonatal nurse practitioners exercise a holistic approach to healthcare for infants, their parents, and family. You will develop and hone vital skills focused on evidence-based practice and a patient-centered approach that involves parents and caregivers. Using a holistic approach to neonatal care is an excellent way to promote bonding between infants and their caregivers and promote positive outcomes. The impact these approaches have on patient care is another of the biggest reasons why becoming a neonatal practitioner is worth it.

REASON #14: You could become a neonatal nurse practitioner with little out-of-pocket expense.

If becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is your dream but the cost of earning your degree has kept you from moving forward, you may be glad to know there are several options to help achieve your goal. There are many resources for private scholarships for neonatal nurse practitioner students, including the Foundation for Neonatal Research & Education, the March of Dimes, and the Ingrid Josefin Ridky Academic Scholarship offered by the Academy of Neonatal Nursing. Additionally, some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, or you could qualify for federally-funded, low interest student loans, which could offset some of the expense of earning your degree.

REASON #15: You can train future nurses.

If you love teaching others and desire to influence future generations of nurses, becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is an excellent way to accomplish that. As you prepare future nurses for roles as professional nurses, you can influence their practice by teaching proper protocol and promoting professionalism and integrity in nursing. Your influence as a nursing instructor can positively impact patient, student, and professional nursing outcomes.

REASON #16: You can lobby for changes in healthcare related to neonatal care.

Neonatal nurse practitioners have advanced knowledge and skills relevant to the care of the smallest among us. Your credentials as an NNP could open the door for you to lobby for changes in healthcare policies, which could improve healthcare delivery and availability, positively impacting neonatal patient populations. The impact your efforts could have is one of the many reasons getting a neonatal nurse practitioner degree is worth it.

REASON #17: You may be able to take classes online.

If you want to become a neonatal nurse practitioner but feel campus-based learning is not an option, you could pursue an online neonatal nurse practitioner program. Although these programs require a clinical component, you could take most, if not all, of your didactic courses online. Earning your degree through an online NNP program is an excellent option if you want this career but cannot commit to campus learning.

REASON #18: You’ll have a high level of job satisfaction.

Another reason becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it is the high level of job satisfaction reported among those who become NPs. You have all of the elements that contribute to being satisfied in your role; autonomy, the ability to earn a substantial salary, and the work you do matters to so many families.

REASON #19: You have the opportunity to travel.

There is a nationwide need for professional nurses, like neonatal nurse practitioners. The demand for neonatal nurse practitioners means you can take advantage of travel nurse opportunities. If you enjoy traveling and experiencing new places, travel nursing and becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it.

REASON #20: Your job will never be boring!

No two patients are exactly the same when it comes to neonatal care. As a neonatal nurse practitioner, you will work with babies with varying degrees of illness, disease, and risks. Because each patient is different, it is unlikely that any two days will be the same, which is one of the main reasons becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it.

REASON #21: You will have opportunities to create and build strong relationships.

Being a neonatal nurse practitioner means you will work closely with families and team members. Parents trust you to make good decisions about their children’s care. Team members work alongside you to provide care and fight for your patients. The bonds that develop as you care for patients and their families and work with your team members can last a lifetime.

REASON#22: You can help reduce the shortage of neonatal nurse practitioners.

For several years, community hospitals and other specialized neonatal care facilities have experienced a shortage of neonatal nurse practitioners. While one neonatal nurse practitioner cannot change the world, you can change more than one person’s world. When you become a neonatal nurse practitioner, you become part of the solution to the shortage of qualified practitioners, which is another of the top reasons becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it.

REASON #23: You will gain the respect of professional peers.

Earning your degree is a major life accomplishment. Anyone with a healthcare degree or familiarity with healthcare and nursing careers knows it takes hard work and dedication to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. The hard work you put into becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner will gain you the respect of professional peers, especially within the healthcare community.

REASON #24: You will have a sense of accomplishment and self-respect.

Becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is no small thing. When you earn your degree, you will have a sense of accomplishment and well-deserved professional pride. The satisfaction of knowing you set professional goals and accomplished them is another one of the biggest reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it.

REASON #25: There are many opportunities for career advancement.

When you become a neonatal nurse practitioner, there are several opportunities for career advancement. Depending on your work setting and years of experience, you could take a position as a developmental care specialist, neonatal nurse manager, or neonatal care unit supervisor, just to name a few options.

Why Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner May Not Be Worth It for You? – the Cons

There are many reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is a great career move. However, before you decide to pursue this degree, it is a good idea to weigh the pros and cons and determine if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The following are a few of the top reasons you may feel becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not worth it.

REASON #1: Becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner can take several years.

Depending on your current degree and years of experience, becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner could take four to six years or longer. If you want to earn a quick degree, you may feel becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not worth it.

REASON #2: Being a neonatal nurse practitioner can be emotionally overwhelming.

Some of the best qualities of nurse practitioners are compassion and empathy. Unfortunately, the job of a neonatal nurse practitioner can test your limits when it comes to feeling for others. The job can be emotionally taxing, especially if you do not have a healthy outlet for anxiety or stress. It is crucial for neonatal nurse practitioners to practice self-care and know when to reach out for help. If you struggle with dealing with your emotions or find it difficult to discuss issues with supervisors or support peers, the emotional strain of the NNP role could lead you to believe becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not worth it.

REASON #3: Some of your patients will die.

That may seem like a harsh statement, but it is unfortunately true. Despite your best efforts as a neonatal nurse practitioner, some of your patients will not survive. I have been a nurse for nearly 30 years, and I can tell you that losing patients never gets easier. It is especially difficult to lose patients who are babies.

Somehow, as nurses, we push through the heartache and the disappointment and work to provide care for our other patients. Still, it can be difficult to deal with the reality that the youngest lives end. For some people, losing patients is one of the biggest reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not worth it.

REASON #4: Your social and personal life may be affected by working long hours.

Not all neonatal nurse practitioner jobs offer 9-5 schedules. You could work in a setting that requires you to work 12 to 16 hour days, nights, and/or weekends. If you have a family, personal obligations, or a busy social life, your work schedule could seem inconvenient. Before you give up on the idea or say becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not worth it, keep in mind that the more experience you gain, the better job opportunities you will find. So, if becoming an NNP is something you want to do, go for it!

REASON #5: Dealing with parents of unwanted babies can be hard.

The sad reality of the world we live in is that way too many infants are neglected, unwanted, or abandoned each year. Infants requiring care from neonatal nurse practitioners are experiencing some type of high-risk medical issue, which can cause greater stress on parents. Babies born addicted to drugs or with fetal alcohol syndrome are at greater risk of being abandoned by parents suffering from addiction disorders. This stress can be worse if the pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted.

As a neonatal nurse practitioner, chances are that at some point, you will face a situation where an infant is abandoned or unwanted. Situations like this can lead to a roller coaster of emotions for NNPs, and may make you feel becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not worth it.

REASON #6: Being a neonatal nurse practitioner can be physically exhausting.

Neonatal nurse practitioners spend a lot of time on their feet caring for several patients. Whether you work in a neonatal intensive care unit or a high-risk labor and delivery setting, you may have days when you have few breaks, which can lead to fatigue. The emotional strain that comes with this specialized role can impact your physical health, leaving you physically exhausted.

You must take time to care for yourself. Refrain from overextending yourself or trying to prove yourself by taking on too many shifts. Rest, a well-balanced diet, and exercise keep your mind and body sharp, which will help you perform your job better.

REASON #7: Becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner comes with increased legal responsibilities.

When you become a neonatal nurse practitioner, you have more independence in practice. With that independence comes greater responsibility. Your role will involve diagnosing and treating high-risk patients, which could open you up to malpractice lawsuits if things do not go well. Even unintentional mistakes could lead to serious legal consequences, which makes some people feel becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not worth it.

What are the 3 Main Reasons Behind the Demand for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Holders?

As you consider a career path, one of the most important things to consider is whether there is potential for long-term job stability. The job outlook for neonatal nurse practitioners is promising, with a 40% increase in available jobs expected through 2031. The demand for neonatal nurse practitioners can be attributed to several factors, including the following.

1. An increase in the number of retiring neonatal nurse practitioners:

As the population ages and neonatal nurse practitioners reach retirement age, there is a demand for licensed NNPs to fill the vacancies in those jobs.

2. Growing numbers of high-risk pregnancies and births:

Although most women have relatively healthy pregnancies and deliveries, there is an increase in the occurrence of pregnancy complications leading to newborns with high-risk statuses.

3. Changes and restrictions related to pediatric residency requirements:

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education decreased the number of hours medical students spend in neonatal intensive care units. With fewer pediatric and medical school students spending time in neonatal care settings, there is an increased need for qualified neonatal care providers, and neonatal nurse practitioners are perfect candidates for that role.

What is the Starting Salary for New Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Holders

The starting annual salary for neonatal nurse practitioner degree holders is $76,510. This pay equals $36.78 per hour, $1,471 weekly, and $6,380 monthly.

Hourly	$36.78
Weekly	$1,471
Monthly	$6,380
Annual	$76,510
(Source: Payscale.com)

What is the Average Salary for Experienced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Holders?

The average salary for neonatal nurse practitioner degree holders is $113,637 per year. The annual salary is equivalent to $54,63 per hour, $2,185 weekly, or $9,470 monthly.

Hourly	$54.63
Weekly	$2,185
Monthly	$9,470
Annual	$113,637
(Source: Payscale.com)

Is the Cost of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?

Becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner can cost between $15,000 and $120,000, depending on whether you pursue a master's, doctorate, or post-graduate certificate. The average annual income of neonatal nurse practitioners is nearly $114,000. When you compare the cost of becoming an NNP to its earning potential, you can see a positive return on your investment, even if you pursue the most expensive programs. Additionally, most neonatal nurse practitioners receive generous benefits packages, which can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. These factors indicate the cost of completing a neonatal nurse practitioner degree is well worth the return on investment.

What are the 3 Best Jobs You Can Get With a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Neonatal nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings providing care to high-risk infants from birth up to two years of age. The following are a few of the best jobs you can get with a neonatal nurse practitioner degree.

1. Neonatal Intensive Care Supervisor:

With a degree as a neonatal nurse practitioner, you can work as a NICU supervisor or manager. In this role, you will manage a team of neonatal practitioners providing care to at-risk newborns and their families. NICU supervisors oversee patient care and administrative management and act as a liaison between the neonatal unit and other service providers.

2. Neonatal Transport Nurse:

Neonatal transport nurses are responsible for the care of neonatal patients being transported from one care facility to another. Some NNPs working in this role work on medivacs transporting patients from one city to another. Others accompany patients who require transport by ambulance. In this role, you will monitor the patient's status and provide necessary care while in transport and perform patient hand-off when you reach the receiving facility.

3. Travel Neonatal Nurse Practitioner:

As a travel neonatal nurse practitioner, you may work nationally or internationally caring for neonatal patients. One of the great things about travel nursing is you can choose which assignments to take or decline. In addition to excellent pay rates, travel neonatal nurse practitioners usually receive travel stipends to help cover the costs of housing or lodging while on assignment.

Bonus! 3 Tips to Make More Money With a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree

One of the awesome things about being a neonatal nurse practitioner is that you are not limited to a job working in the NICU. In addition to popular roles that you may take on as a full-time or part-time job and earn an excellent income, there are several things you can do to boost your earning potential as an NNP. Whether you take on side gigs or add another degree, the options are limitless! Here are three tips you can follow to help you make more money with a neonatal nurse practitioner degree.

1. Become a freelance writer:

If you are good at writing and enjoy it, freelance writing is an excellent way to boost your income. There are online hiring platforms where you can bid on jobs. Also, consider posting your resume and examples of your written work on LinkedIn.

2. Become an adjunct nursing instructor:

As a neonatal nurse practitioner, you will have either a master's or doctorate in nursing, which makes you a perfect candidate to become a nursing instructor. Adjunct roles are part-time positions and, depending on the school and program, may allow you to choose which classes you teach and when.

3. Earn more certifications:

Another great way to increase your income as a neonatal nurse practitioner is to earn additional certifications. You could broaden your scope of practice by becoming a Pediatric Primary Care or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Many nursing schools offer post-graduate certificate programs that can be completed online in less than a year.

So, is Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Worth Your Time and Money – My Final Thoughts

The simple truth is you are the only person who can answer the question, "Is becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner worth your time and money?" The job of a neonatal nurse practitioner is physically and emotionally demanding. You will have days when you feel angry, cry, and may even want to quit. Then, you will have days when you feel like you could walk on air because things go so great.

Suppose you feel a career as an NNP is something you wish to pursue. In that case, I encourage you to carefully consider the 25 reasons why becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it and also the 7 reasons why it may not be the right career for you featured in this article. Then, if you believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, take the next step. The world needs dedicated nurse practitioners to care for the most vulnerable, and if you desire to be that person, go for it!!

Frequently Asked Questions Answered

1. What Is The Best Age To Pursue A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree?

There is no perfect age to pursue a degree and become a neonatal nurse practitioner. Some students graduate high school and earn a BSN, then transition to graduate studies to become an NNP. Others become registered nurses and work for a while before pursuing the NNP degree. The perfect time to pursue a neonatal nurse practitioner degree is when you feel ready.

2. How Hard Is It To Get Into A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?

Admission to neonatal nurse practitioner programs can be pretty competitive. Be sure you meet all admission criteria and follow directions to apply carefully. Apply early and to more than one program to improve your chances of admission.

3. Do I Need Work Experience To Get Into A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?

Candidates seeking admission to neonatal nurse practitioner programs are usually required to have a minimum of one year of relevant nursing experience, preferably in a neonatal intensive care setting. Check admission requirements carefully, as some programs require more experience.

4. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?

The minimum GPA to get into neonatal nurse practitioner programs is usually a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, this requirement may vary from one program to another.

5. Are Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs Worth It?

Online neonatal nurse practitioner programs are definitely worth it! If you want to become an NNP but cannot commit to campus-based learning, there are several options for accredited online neonatal nurse practitioner programs.

6. Are Scholarships And Grants Available For Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs?

There are many scholarships and grant opportunities available to neonatal nurse practitioner students.

7. Is It Hard To Complete A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Neonatal nurse practitioner programs feature a rigorous curriculum and require in-depth clinical practicum experiences. Some classes may be more difficult than others. However, if you are dedicated to your studies, you can succeed in the programs.

8. Can Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Students Have A Life?

Absolutely! Neonatal nurse practitioner students can have a life. NNP programs require a time commitment and dedication to studies. Still, it is possible to create a healthy school/life balance. In fact, students who have a good balance between school, work, and personal time tend to perform better in the programs.

9. Can I Work Part-Time And Successfully Complete The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?

Yes, working part-time and successfully completing a neonatal nurse practitioner program is possible.

10. Can I Work Full-Time And Successfully Complete The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Program?

While it is possible to successfully complete a neonatal nurse practitioner program while working full-time, it takes careful planning. Students who continue full-time employment often find enrolling part-time is a better option. Consider talking with your academic advisor and employer to find ways to accommodate both schedules.

11. Do Students Fail In Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs?

As with any nursing program, students in neonatal nurse practitioner programs sometimes fail. It is important to remember that failure does not mean you cannot succeed if you try again.

12. Will I Ever Regret Getting A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree?

It is impossible to say whether you will regret earning a degree as a neonatal nurse practitioner, as everyone feels differently. Overall, however, most neonatal nurse practitioners report high levels of satisfaction with their career choice.

13. How Much Does A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Graduate Make Per Hour?

Neonatal nurse practitioner graduates make an average of $54.63 per hour.

$54.63

14. How Much Does A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Graduate Make Per Year?

The average annual salary for neonatal nurse practitioners is $113,637.

$113,637

15. Will Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Graduates Be Paid Less In The Future?

Considering there is a shortage of neonatal nurse practitioners and a projected growth in NNP jobs by 40% over the next decade, it is not likely that neonatal nurse practitioners will make less in the future. In fact, these factors may suggest there is a good chance of higher earning potential in the future.

16. Are All Neonatal Nurse Practitioners Successful In Their Careers?

No, not all neonatal nurse practitioners are successful in their careers. Several factors can determine whether a person succeeds, and you should not measure your likelihood of success by another's level of success.

17. Are Neonatal Nurse Practitioners Happy With Their Jobs?

Most surveys and job satisfaction polls indicate neonatal nurse practitioners report high job satisfaction rates.

18. Can A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Become Rich?

Wealth is measured differently by individuals. Neonatal nurse practitioners earn generous incomes and have the potential for increased earnings with continued work experience. With proper financial planning and careful budgeting, neonatal nurse practitioners can establish wealth.

19. What Are Some Of The Best Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree Alternatives?

One of the great things about nursing is that there are endless career options. Some of the best alternatives to a neonatal nurse practitioner degree include pediatric nurse, nurse midwife, and nursing educator.