Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Kentucky (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Kentucky's preterm birth rate is higher than the national average, which means the need for neonatal nurse practitioners in the Bluegrass State is continuing to grow. In 10 years, Kentucky will need 45 percent more NNPs than it needs today. As a graduate of one of the neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Kentucky, you'll work in settings like NICUs, delivery rooms, and well-baby nurseries, providing care for critically ill newborns and support for their stressed-out families. You'll be well compensated for the work you do: On average, neonatal nurse practitioners earn $118,810 annually. Eager to find out more? We've compiled a list of the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Kentucky to help you get started.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Kentucky.)
1. University of Louisville - Louisville
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate APRN Certificate
MSN Program Details: Are you a Registered Nurse considering a career transition and want to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner? If so, finding a program that offers high-quality classroom and hands-on learning opportunities is crucial. The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Kentucky at the University of Louisville is an excellent option.
One pathway the school offers toward earning NNP certification is the Master of Science in Nursing program. This program features a hybrid learning format that provides online and in-person learning. The curriculum consists of core courses (34 credits) and Neonatal NP specialty courses (28 credits). You will study in classes, including Advanced Neonatal Physiology & Pathophysiology, Human Embryology & Genetics, and Neonatal Diagnostic Reasoning. The NNP program also requires a minimum of 756 hours of direct patient care clinical experience.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program, you need a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and an unencumbered RN license in Kentucky or a Compact Licensure State. You are required to complete a Graduate Admissions Application and a program application through NursingCAS.
You must submit two letters of recommendation, responses to all questions on the NursingCAS application, a current resume or CV, and official transcripts reflecting all previous college coursework and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. Additionally, a minimum of one year of RN clinical experience in a Level III or IV NICU is required before admission, and the equivalent of two years of full-time RN experience in Levels III or IV NICU within the five years preceding the start of clinical courses.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-baccalaureate DNP Neonatal NP program is designed to prepare you with the highest clinical nursing degree, specializing in the care of critically ill newborns and children up to age two years. The program equips students with advanced practice leadership skills and clinical knowledge, which are essential for effectively managing patient care and improving outcomes for individuals and populations. The program is a full-time, three-year pathway, and admission occurs annually in the fall semester.
In this post-baccalaureate DNP program, online coursework is combined with occasional campus visits and clinical experiences in Level III and Level IV neonatal intensive care units. The program features an 89-credit curriculum. All DNP students complete a minimum of 1,086 clinical hours, which occur during the final two years of the program. Practicum experiences include professional, clinical, and project hours. Clinicals are arranged collaboratively with program faculty.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program is available to Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who hold a current RN license either in Kentucky or a Compact State. If you wish to apply for admission, you need to submit a current curriculum vitae or resume, verification of an unencumbered RN license, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. Also, all candidates for this program must have at least one year of clinical nursing experience as a Registered Nurse in a Level III or IV Neonatal ICU before applying, and at least two years of experience before beginning any clinical courses.
Post Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program at the University of Louisville is designed to prepare you for eligibility and licensure for national certification as a Neonatal NP. The program features a blended learning format, making it an excellent choice for students who have jobs or other responsibilities.
While most course content is delivered online, you are required to attend class on campus four to six times each semester, typically on Thursdays. The program features a 28-credit curriculum. However, a GAP analysis of your previous coursework will be used to determine a personalized study plan. If you have previously obtained APRN certification in a different specialty, you will be required to complete at least 504 clinical hours. Non-APRN students must complete 752 clinical hours.
Post Graduate APRN Certificate Admission Requirements: Registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing or a terminal degree (DNP, EdD, or PhD) are eligible to apply for admission to the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program who have an active, unrestricted RN license and an unencumbered APRN license (if applicable). You need to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, you need to provide two letters of recommendation and a current CV or resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Throughout my nursing career, I have had opportunities to work at both community colleges and universities. One of the things I have learned through the years is the importance of programs having a history of success. As you research options and decide where to attend school, I recommend looking for institutions with a commitment to excellence in nursing education. You can identify these schools by checking student outcomes and finding out if the school or program is highly ranked. For instance, the University of Louisville’s School of Nursing has a 50-year history of providing high-quality, innovative nursing education. With this reputation, it is no wonder the school is considered home to one of the top neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Kentucky!• As a student at the University of Louisville, you will participate in clinicals at the University of Louisiana Health Enterprise centers. The Enterprise consists of four medical centers, eight hospitals, the Brown Cancer Center, and approximately 200 private offices.
• The University of Louisville School of Nursing offers several Graduate Student Assistantships. Assistantships are financial awards presented to qualified full-time graduate students. The Assistantship provides full-time tuition for the academic year, health insurance benefits for the year, and a stipend for the year.
• The neonatal nurse practitioner program at the University of Louisville is led by renowned faculty and coordinators who are active clinicians in neonatal care. Each member of the faculty and support staff is dedicated to your success, providing unparalleled support and guidance from the day you are admitted to the program until you graduate and pass your national certification examination.
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN KENTUCKY?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY EXPECT?
| Hourly | $42.02 |
| Weekly | $1,681 |
| Monthly | $7,280 |
| Annual | $87,410 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $42.02 | $1,681 | $7,280 | $87,410 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $47.55 | $1,902 | $8,240 | $98,900 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $56.13 | $2,245 | $9,730 | $116,750 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $62.51 | $2,500 | $10,840 | $130,020 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $74.70 | $2,988 | $12,950 | $155,370 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN KENTUCKY?
| Hourly | $57.12 |
| Weekly | $2,285 |
| Monthly | $9,900 |
| Annual | $118,810 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF KENTUCKY?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bowling Green | $55.23 | $2,209 | $9,570 | $114,880 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox | $58.39 | $2,336 | $10,120 | $121,460 |
| Lexington-Fayette | $59.63 | $2,385 | $10,340 | $124,030 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $59.61 | $2,384 | $10,330 | $123,980 |
| Owensboro | $58.53 | $2,341 | $10,150 | $121,740 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Kentucky Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $118,810 | $138,310 | -$19,500 | -14.10% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,890 | -$55,080 | -31.68% |
| Nevada | $160,030 | -$41,220 | -25.76% |
| Washington | $156,510 | -$37,700 | -24.09% |
| New Jersey | $156,110 | -$37,300 | -23.89% |
| Oregon | $156,030 | -$37,220 | -23.85% |
| Massachusetts | $155,020 | -$36,210 | -23.36% |
| New York | $153,750 | -$34,940 | -22.73% |
| Connecticut | $147,450 | -$28,640 | -19.42% |
| New Mexico | $147,220 | -$28,410 | -19.30% |
| Minnesota | $145,330 | -$26,520 | -18.25% |
| District of Columbia | $145,160 | -$26,350 | -18.15% |
| Rhode Island | $143,660 | -$24,850 | -17.30% |
| Hawaii | $142,740 | -$23,930 | -16.76% |
| Arizona | $142,690 | -$23,880 | -16.74% |
| Delaware | $141,130 | -$22,320 | -15.82% |
| Iowa | $140,820 | -$22,010 | -15.63% |
| New Hampshire | $140,730 | -$21,920 | -15.58% |
| Texas | $139,950 | -$21,140 | -15.11% |
| Wisconsin | $138,140 | -$19,330 | -13.99% |
| Maryland | $137,770 | -$18,960 | -13.76% |
| Utah | $137,590 | -$18,780 | -13.65% |
| North Dakota | $137,520 | -$18,710 | -13.61% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,190 | -$18,380 | -13.40% |
| Illinois | $136,600 | -$17,790 | -13.02% |
| Alaska | $135,810 | -$17,000 | -12.52% |
| Vermont | $135,740 | -$16,930 | -12.47% |
| Montana | $134,170 | -$15,360 | -11.45% |
| Idaho | $134,070 | -$15,260 | -11.38% |
| Oklahoma | $133,830 | -$15,020 | -11.22% |
| Wyoming | $133,000 | -$14,190 | -10.67% |
| Indiana | $132,740 | -$13,930 | -10.49% |
| Maine | $132,340 | -$13,530 | -10.22% |
| Ohio | $132,260 | -$13,450 | -10.17% |
| Colorado | $131,310 | -$12,500 | -9.52% |
| Nebraska | $130,980 | -$12,170 | -9.29% |
| North Carolina | $130,880 | -$12,070 | -9.22% |
| Georgia | $130,410 | -$11,600 | -8.90% |
| South Dakota | $130,230 | -$11,420 | -8.77% |
| Virginia | $130,110 | -$11,300 | -8.68% |
| Michigan | $129,900 | -$11,090 | -8.54% |
| Florida | $128,860 | -$10,050 | -7.80% |
| Kansas | $128,390 | -$9,580 | -7.46% |
| Louisiana | $127,740 | -$8,930 | -6.99% |
| Mississippi | $126,470 | -$7,660 | -6.06% |
| South Carolina | $125,880 | -$7,070 | -5.62% |
| Missouri | $125,600 | -$6,790 | -5.41% |
| West Virginia | $122,120 | -$3,310 | -2.71% |
| Arkansas | $122,080 | -$3,270 | -2.68% |
| Kentucky | $118,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Alabama | $118,430 | +$380 | +0.32% |
| Tennessee | $111,650 | +$7,160 | +6.41% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN KENTUCKY
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $185,630 | -$66,820 | -36.00% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $118,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,770 | +$37,040 | +45.30% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,370 | +$39,440 | +49.69% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,100 | +$63,710 | +115.63% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,980 | +$82,830 | +230.21% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN KENTUCKY VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN KENTUCKY
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $186,480 | -$67,670 | -36.29% |
| Optometrist | $161,300 | -$42,490 | -26.34% |
| Pharmacist | $131,020 | -$12,210 | -9.32% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $118,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $104,380 | +$14,430 | +13.82% |
| Physician Assistant | $99,290 | +$19,520 | +19.66% |
| Radiation Therapist | $95,720 | +$23,090 | +24.12% |
| Physical Therapist | $87,480 | +$31,330 | +35.81% |
| Occupational Therapist | $86,860 | +$31,950 | +36.78% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,310 | +$35,500 | +42.61% |
| Chiropractor | $82,040 | +$36,770 | +44.82% |
| Audiologist | $76,370 | +$42,440 | +55.57% |
| Dental Hygienist | $73,850 | +$44,960 | +60.88% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In Kentucky?
| 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 Kentucky?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In Kentucky?
| $57.12 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In Kentucky?
| $2,285 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In Kentucky?
| $9,900 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In Kentucky?
| $118,810 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In Kentucky?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +45.24% |
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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