Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Indiana (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Do you have what it takes to become a neonatal nurse practitioner in Indiana? Graduates of neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Indiana make $132,740 a year, and their unique skill sets are so highly regarded that NNP employment prospects are expected to surge by 46 percent within 10 years. As a neonatal nurse practitioner, you'll be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping critically ill newborns achieve the very best health outcomes. Is this the kind of career you can see for yourself? The guide below to the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Indiana has all the information you'll need to get started.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN INDIANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Indiana.)
1. University of Indianapolis - Indianapolis
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Master APRN certificate
MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse exploring available opportunities to continue your education and broaden your scope of practice, and if you love caring for newborns and infants, becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner could be an excellent path for you. The University of Indianapolis is home to the only Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Indiana and offers three pathways from which to choose.
The MSN Neonatal NP program admits new students in the fall each year and follows a cohort model. Core and specialty courses are delivered in a synchronous online format, making this program an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility and convenience. Campus-based clinical intensives are incorporated into the 53-credit curriculum to teach you health assessment and clinical procedure skills. The program includes 750 practicum hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at the University of Indianapolis, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited CCNE- or NLNAC nursing program, a valid Indiana RN license, or an unencumbered RN license in the state where you will complete clinicals. (Currently, the program admits students from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky.)
You need to submit a completed online graduate nursing application, a letter of recommendation from a current or recent supervisor who has a minimum BSN degree, a current resume, an essay addressing your career goals related to becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and official transcripts from all previous college coursework. A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or better and one year of full-time work experience as an RN are required, with preference given to candidates with experience in Step-Down Units, Medical Surgical, Emergency Room, or ICU. You may be asked to participate in an interview with program faculty.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and wish to pursue a nursing doctorate and specialize as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, the BSN-to-DNP program is a great option to consider. The program offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, allowing you to complete your degree in three or four years. New cohorts begin each fall semester.
Core and specialty courses are delivered online. The program is one of only a few online NNP programs that offer synchronous distance-based learning. The curriculum includes core DNP courses, Neonatal Specialty courses, DNP Project courses, and clinical practicum experiences. You will study in classes, including Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics, Family-Centered Neonatal Care, and Neonatal Procedures & Diagnostics. Additionally, you will complete over 1,000 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to complete an online application and submit official transcripts showing all previous college coursework (minimum 3.0 GPA), a Goals Statement, and one letter of recommendation from a current or former supervisor. Two years of work experience as an RN are required. Additionally, you may be asked to interview with the program faculty before receiving a final admission decision.
Post-Masters APRN Certificate Program Details: The post-master’s APRN certificate program offers an opportunity for master’s-prepared RNs to gain the education and experience needed to become certified as Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. The program features online coursework complemented by in-person clinicals.
The post-master’s APRN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner track requires a total of 36 credit hours and 750 clinical hours. However, after a GAP analysis is performed, you may receive credit for previous education and work experience. In addition to submitting transcripts from your master’s nursing program, you may also be required to provide syllabi, proof of direct care clinical hours, and course calendars to help facilitate the timely completion of the GAP analysis. The time it takes to complete the program depends on your previous degree and the number of credits and clinical hours required for completion.
Post-Master’s APRN Certificate Admission Requirements: For admission to the Post-Master’s APRN Certificate program, you need both a BSN and an MSN from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program, a valid RN license, and a current APRN license, if applicable. You are required to submit a graduate nursing application and provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, one letter of recommendation from a supervisor, preferably with an MSN or higher, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. Transcripts should reflect a BSN grade point average of at least 3.0 and an MSN grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates who are not currently practicing in an APRN role must also show proof of completion of a graduate-level nursing pharmacology course taken at a nationally accredited nursing program.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I cannot stress enough the importance of having high-quality clinical experiences in your Neonatal NP program. One of the things I appreciate about the NNP program at the University of Indianapolis is that it integrates real-world experiences through diverse clinical placements. As a student in this program, you will have exposure to Level III and Level IV Neonatal ICUs, collaborate with neonatologists and nurse practitioners, and develop essential procedural skills through hands-on training.• Earning a graduate degree or certificate and becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner takes hard work and dedication. A key factor to consider when choosing a nursing program is the amount/level of support students receive. When searching for the top Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Indiana, the University of Indianapolis does not disappoint in terms of student support services. From the time you are admitted, and throughout the program, you will have access to support from advisors, faculty, and preceptors, each of whom is dedicated to your academic and professional success.
• If you want to pursue your degree and become a Neonatal NP but worry about the cost, the University of Indianapolis has some options. In addition to graduate scholarships, the School of Nursing offers assistantship opportunities valued at $3,000 each annually. Financial aid advisors are available to assist you in identifying assistance options for which you qualify.
• Graduates of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Indianapolis have excellent success records. Most graduates pass their national certification exams on the first attempt. They also have outstanding job placement rates, with many reporting that they found employment in an NNP position before or soon after completing the program.
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN INDIANA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN INDIANA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $46.95 |
| Weekly | $1,878 |
| Monthly | $8,140 |
| Annual | $97,660 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN INDIANA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $46.95 | $1,878 | $8,140 | $97,660 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $53.13 | $2,125 | $9,210 | $110,500 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $62.71 | $2,508 | $10,870 | $130,440 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $69.84 | $2,793 | $12,110 | $145,260 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $83.46 | $3,338 | $14,470 | $173,590 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN INDIANA?
| Hourly | $63.82 |
| Weekly | $2,553 |
| Monthly | $11,060 |
| Annual | $132,740 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF INDIANA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bloomington | $63.87 | $2,555 | $11,070 | $132,840 |
| Elkhart-Goshen | $62.35 | $2,494 | $10,810 | $129,690 |
| Evansville | $59.39 | $2,376 | $10,300 | $123,540 |
| Fort Wayne | $65.08 | $2,603 | $11,280 | $135,360 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson | $64.67 | $2,587 | $11,210 | $134,510 |
| Kokomo | $60.34 | $2,414 | $10,460 | $125,510 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette | $60.79 | $2,432 | $10,540 | $126,440 |
| Michigan City-La Porte | $62.66 | $2,507 | $10,860 | $130,340 |
| Muncie | $64.71 | $2,588 | $11,220 | $134,600 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | $63.19 | $2,528 | $10,950 | $131,440 |
| Terre Haute | $61.38 | $2,455 | $10,640 | $127,660 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN INDIANA VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN INDIANA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Indiana Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $132,740 | $138,310 | -$5,570 | -4.03% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN INDIANA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,890 | -$41,150 | -23.66% |
| Nevada | $160,030 | -$27,290 | -17.05% |
| Washington | $156,510 | -$23,770 | -15.19% |
| New Jersey | $156,110 | -$23,370 | -14.97% |
| Oregon | $156,030 | -$23,290 | -14.93% |
| Massachusetts | $155,020 | -$22,280 | -14.37% |
| New York | $153,750 | -$21,010 | -13.67% |
| Connecticut | $147,450 | -$14,710 | -9.98% |
| New Mexico | $147,220 | -$14,480 | -9.84% |
| Minnesota | $145,330 | -$12,590 | -8.66% |
| District of Columbia | $145,160 | -$12,420 | -8.56% |
| Rhode Island | $143,660 | -$10,920 | -7.60% |
| Hawaii | $142,740 | -$10,000 | -7.01% |
| Arizona | $142,690 | -$9,950 | -6.97% |
| Delaware | $141,130 | -$8,390 | -5.94% |
| Iowa | $140,820 | -$8,080 | -5.74% |
| New Hampshire | $140,730 | -$7,990 | -5.68% |
| Texas | $139,950 | -$7,210 | -5.15% |
| Wisconsin | $138,140 | -$5,400 | -3.91% |
| Maryland | $137,770 | -$5,030 | -3.65% |
| Utah | $137,590 | -$4,850 | -3.52% |
| North Dakota | $137,520 | -$4,780 | -3.48% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,190 | -$4,450 | -3.24% |
| Illinois | $136,600 | -$3,860 | -2.83% |
| Alaska | $135,810 | -$3,070 | -2.26% |
| Vermont | $135,740 | -$3,000 | -2.21% |
| Montana | $134,170 | -$1,430 | -1.07% |
| Idaho | $134,070 | -$1,330 | -0.99% |
| Oklahoma | $133,830 | -$1,090 | -0.81% |
| Wyoming | $133,000 | -$260 | -0.20% |
| Indiana | $132,740 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Maine | $132,340 | +$400 | +0.30% |
| Ohio | $132,260 | +$480 | +0.36% |
| Colorado | $131,310 | +$1,430 | +1.09% |
| Nebraska | $130,980 | +$1,760 | +1.34% |
| North Carolina | $130,880 | +$1,860 | +1.42% |
| Georgia | $130,410 | +$2,330 | +1.79% |
| South Dakota | $130,230 | +$2,510 | +1.93% |
| Virginia | $130,110 | +$2,630 | +2.02% |
| Michigan | $129,900 | +$2,840 | +2.19% |
| Florida | $128,860 | +$3,880 | +3.01% |
| Kansas | $128,390 | +$4,350 | +3.39% |
| Louisiana | $127,740 | +$5,000 | +3.91% |
| Mississippi | $126,470 | +$6,270 | +4.96% |
| South Carolina | $125,880 | +$6,860 | +5.45% |
| Missouri | $125,600 | +$7,140 | +5.68% |
| West Virginia | $122,120 | +$10,620 | +8.70% |
| Arkansas | $122,080 | +$10,660 | +8.73% |
| Kentucky | $118,810 | +$13,930 | +11.72% |
| Alabama | $118,430 | +$14,310 | +12.08% |
| Tennessee | $111,650 | +$21,090 | +18.89% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN INDIANA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN INDIANA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $207,180 | -$74,440 | -35.93% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $132,740 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $120,090 | +$12,650 | +10.53% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,700 | +$50,040 | +60.51% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,620 | +$53,120 | +66.72% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $59,460 | +$73,280 | +123.24% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,660 | +$95,080 | +252.47% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN INDIANA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN INDIANA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $200,000 | -$67,260 | -33.63% |
| Podiatrist | $163,400 | -$30,660 | -18.76% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $132,740 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,120 | +$1,620 | +1.24% |
| Pharmacist | $130,600 | +$2,140 | +1.64% |
| Veterinarian | $124,120 | +$8,620 | +6.94% |
| Optometrist | $117,600 | +$15,140 | +12.87% |
| Physical Therapist | $96,760 | +$35,980 | +37.18% |
| Chiropractor | $90,610 | +$42,130 | +46.50% |
| Audiologist | $89,950 | +$42,790 | +47.57% |
| Radiation Therapist | $89,680 | +$43,060 | +48.02% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,700 | +$44,040 | +49.65% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $85,700 | +$47,040 | +54.89% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,800 | +$49,940 | +60.31% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In Indiana?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Indiana?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In Indiana?
| $63.82 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In Indiana?
| $2,553 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In Indiana?
| $11,060 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In Indiana?
| $132,740 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In Indiana?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +45.80% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
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