Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in California (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

It takes a big heart and a lot of training to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. The first you have to be born with, but the second you can get by enrolling in one of the many excellent neonatal nurse practitioner programs in California. As an NNP, you’ll chiefly work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) associated with hospitals, medical centers, and clinics. You’ll care for critically ill infants, ranging from fragile preemies to full-term infants affected by birth trauma. NNPs average $170,130 annually and demand for their services is expected to grow by 56 percent in the coming decade. Keep reading for more about the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in California for 2025.


FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN CALIFORNIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025


1. University of California San Francisco - San Francisco


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate

About the School: If you’ve made up your mind on enrolling in one of the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in California, then you are in the right place. University of California San Francisco offers an excellent NNP program that is the only such program in the state. Among the top recipients of research funding from the NIH, the school offers an environment of research and discovery. With its faculty engaging in pathbreaking research, focusing on optimizing the healthcare of neonates, you can get involved and gain valuable critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.

MSN Program Details: This on-campus MSN program leads to certification as an NNP. You will be trained to become an advanced leader in the healthcare of neonates. In the first year, you will complete the required courses such as advanced pathophysiology & pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and the essentials of pharmacology. Progressing through the program, you will learn about pediatric nutrition and perinatal risk on fetal & neonatal health. Also, you will gain insights into the cultural & ethical issues in pediatric critical care. Finally, this neonatal nurse practitioner program in California ends with an NNP clinical residency.


MSN Program Length: The program spans two years when you enroll full-time.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission, foremost you must be a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree. The GPA that you must have must not be lower than 3.0. In addition, you must have two years of experience as a nurse in a NICU.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: This is an on-campus program, that makes you eligible for the NNP certification exam. You will attend classes two days per week, in addition to the clinicals that need you to be present either once or twice a week. Graduation requirements for this neonatal nurse practitioner program in California are customized, based on a gap analysis. The college provides students with clinical sites and preceptors, so you do not need to search for your own clinical placement.


Post-Master's Certificate Program Length: Most students complete this post-masters certificate program within four to eight quarters.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Requirements: For admission into this program, you must have a master's in nursing degree. To fulfill the requirements, you must submit a personal goals statement, three letters of reference, and a resume.

Interesting Highlights For Potential University of California San Francisco NNP Students

• The school of nursing enjoys a rich history of more than 100 years. Over this long period, the school has established fruitful partnerships with area hospitals and healthcare centers. As an NNP student, you will be able to explore several learning opportunities in terms of clinical training and internships.

• The nursing school is one of the prominent graduate schools in the country, recognized by the U.S. News & World Report for its excellent quality of education and research.

• Here, eligible students can avail of scholarships and financial aid as the school offers several internal as well as externship scholarships and funding opportunities.


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