Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Louisiana.)
1. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: I think all nurses have at least one story of how someone impacted their lives and helped them take the final step toward earning a nursing degree or pursuing a specific role or specialty. When my son was born, he was quickly rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a collapsed lung. I was a young mother and terrified. The first people I saw when I walked through the doors of the NICU were the Neonatal Nurse Practitioners assigned to care for my son. They seemed to work in tune with one another like a well-oiled machine, but still took the time to be personable and show compassion to a frightened young mother. Those nurses made such an impression on me at a vulnerable time, and I have carried that with me throughout my career.
If you are a nurse with a passion for caring for high-risk newborns and their families and you are interested in pursuing a role with a broad scope of practice and more autonomy, you may find that becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, like the NNPs who cared for my son and family, is a good career choice. As a nurse from Louisiana, I am always happy to share information about top nursing programs here at home. For instance, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans offers the only accredited Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Louisiana. The program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs who wish to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and focus on neonatal care.
The BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program admits students in the summer semester and is completed in three years. The program is a campus-based pathway featuring face-to-face instruction delivered by renowned faculty. Several learning modalities are utilized, including seminars, case studies, lectures, skills labs, simulations, and clinical practicum experiences.
The program features a 77-semester credit curriculum. The study plan is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide holistic, family-focused care to neonates, infants, and toddlers up to two years of age and their families. As a student in this pathway, you will take classes such as Management of the Critically Ill Neonate, Management of Chronic Problems of Prematurity, Advanced Neonatal Nursing, and Advanced Nursing Management of the Childbearing Family.
The program includes a total of 1,080 clinical hours. Clinical practicum experiences cover a broad range of skills, including advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients from birth to two years. Practicums occur in settings such as neonatal intensive care units, delivery rooms, newborn nurseries, and community-based clinics.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: LSU Health Science Center utilizes NursingCAS to process applications for its BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program. To be considered eligible for admission, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program, a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in any state with eligibility for licensure in Louisiana, and at least two years of work experience in a Level III NICU.
Along with your application, you need to submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of reference (one each from a peer, a nursing supervisor, and a nurse practitioner), and official transcripts reflecting a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Louisiana State University’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is embedded within an academic health sciences center, which means you will train alongside medical students, residents, and interdisciplinary teams. This collaborative learning experience is one that online programs cannot replicate.• LSU Health Sciences Center maintains clinical relationships with Level III and Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units, giving you access to high-acuity neonatal environments where you will gain the hands-on skills and clinical experience necessary to provide exceptional care as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
• As a student in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at LSUHSC, you will participate in high-fidelity simulation and procedural training. LSU’s simulation center offers neonatal-specific training with high-fidelity infant simulators, procedural task trainers, and interdisciplinary emergency drills. You will practice skills, including neonatal resuscitation, intubation and airway management, umbilical line placement, transport stabilization, chest tube insertion, and management of neonatal emergencies.
• At LSU Health Sciences Center, the NNP program is led by neonatal faculty who are practicing Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, NICU directors, physicians, and researchers, who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. You will receive individualized mentorship, clinical guidance, and professional development support throughout the program. Faculty are dedicated to helping you build confidence, refine your clinical judgment, and prepare to transition into high-acuity neonatal practice.
• Graduates of the NNP at Louisiana State University HSC have outstanding success rates. For example, the school reports a 100% first-time pass rate on national certification exams. Additionally, graduates report high job placement rates, with most finding employment within three months of completing the program. With success rates like this, it is no wonder LSUHSC is ranked as home to one of the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Louisiana!
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN LOUISIANA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.37 |
| Weekly | $1,935 |
| Monthly | $8,380 |
| Annual | $100,600 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.37 | $1,935 | $8,380 | $100,600 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.31 | $2,253 | $9,760 | $117,130 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $63.14 | $2,526 | $10,950 | $131,340 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $74.79 | $2,992 | $12,960 | $155,560 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $83.25 | $3,330 | $14,430 | $173,150 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA?
| Hourly | $65.53 |
| Weekly | $2,621 |
| Monthly | $11,360 |
| Annual | $136,300 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF LOUISIANA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Alexandria | $62.18 | $2,487 | $10,780 | $129,340 |
| Baton Rouge | $67.51 | $2,700 | $11,700 | $140,420 |
| Hammond | $62.00 | $2,480 | $10,750 | $128,970 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux | $65.64 | $2,626 | $11,380 | $136,540 |
| Lafayette | $60.02 | $2,401 | $10,400 | $124,840 |
| Lake Charles | $68.05 | $2,722 | $11,800 | $141,540 |
| Monroe | $66.52 | $2,661 | $11,530 | $138,360 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $66.40 | $2,656 | $11,510 | $138,110 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $65.88 | $2,635 | $11,420 | $137,040 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington | $65.34 | $2,614 | $11,330 | $135,910 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Louisiana Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $136,300 | $147,790 | -$11,490 | -7.77% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $190,260 | -$53,960 | -28.36% |
| Oregon | $167,680 | -$31,380 | -18.71% |
| New Jersey | $167,650 | -$31,350 | -18.70% |
| New York | $165,660 | -$29,360 | -17.72% |
| Massachusetts | $163,960 | -$27,660 | -16.87% |
| Washington | $163,810 | -$27,510 | -16.79% |
| Alaska | $160,510 | -$24,210 | -15.08% |
| District of Columbia | $157,660 | -$21,360 | -13.55% |
| New Mexico | $154,470 | -$18,170 | -11.76% |
| Rhode Island | $154,090 | -$17,790 | -11.55% |
| Hawaii | $153,830 | -$17,530 | -11.40% |
| Connecticut | $153,220 | -$16,920 | -11.04% |
| Arizona | $151,340 | -$15,040 | -9.94% |
| Vermont | $150,050 | -$13,750 | -9.16% |
| New Hampshire | $148,620 | -$12,320 | -8.29% |
| Nevada | $147,910 | -$11,610 | -7.85% |
| Utah | $147,530 | -$11,230 | -7.61% |
| Iowa | $147,400 | -$11,100 | -7.53% |
| Minnesota | $146,270 | -$9,970 | -6.82% |
| Montana | $145,630 | -$9,330 | -6.41% |
| Wisconsin | $145,490 | -$9,190 | -6.32% |
| Maine | $144,460 | -$8,160 | -5.65% |
| Oklahoma | $144,450 | -$8,150 | -5.64% |
| Idaho | $143,610 | -$7,310 | -5.09% |
| Maryland | $143,550 | -$7,250 | -5.05% |
| Delaware | $143,050 | -$6,750 | -4.72% |
| Michigan | $142,940 | -$6,640 | -4.65% |
| Wyoming | $142,820 | -$6,520 | -4.57% |
| Colorado | $142,670 | -$6,370 | -4.46% |
| Pennsylvania | $142,160 | -$5,860 | -4.12% |
| Nebraska | $141,770 | -$5,470 | -3.86% |
| Texas | $141,460 | -$5,160 | -3.65% |
| Missouri | $140,980 | -$4,680 | -3.32% |
| Illinois | $140,940 | -$4,640 | -3.29% |
| North Carolina | $140,870 | -$4,570 | -3.24% |
| Florida | $140,370 | -$4,070 | -2.90% |
| Arkansas | $140,210 | -$3,910 | -2.79% |
| Virginia | $138,920 | -$2,620 | -1.89% |
| Georgia | $138,640 | -$2,340 | -1.69% |
| Kansas | $137,710 | -$1,410 | -1.02% |
| West Virginia | $136,470 | -$170 | -0.12% |
| Louisiana | $136,300 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Indiana | $136,270 | +$30 | +0.02% |
| North Dakota | $136,020 | +$280 | +0.21% |
| Mississippi | $134,920 | +$1,380 | +1.02% |
| South Dakota | $134,720 | +$1,580 | +1.17% |
| Kentucky | $134,560 | +$1,740 | +1.29% |
| South Carolina | $133,660 | +$2,640 | +1.98% |
| Ohio | $132,300 | +$4,000 | +3.02% |
| Tennessee | $124,340 | +$11,960 | +9.62% |
| Alabama | $119,450 | +$16,850 | +14.11% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN LOUISIANA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $243,240 | -$106,940 | -43.96% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $136,300 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $87,790 | +$48,510 | +55.26% |
| Registered Nurse | $84,190 | +$52,110 | +61.90% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,590 | +$79,710 | +140.86% |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,250 | +$104,050 | +322.64% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN LOUISIANA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $198,170 | -$61,870 | -31.22% |
| Dentist | $176,540 | -$40,240 | -22.79% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $136,300 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $130,490 | +$5,810 | +4.45% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,290 | +$6,010 | +4.61% |
| Veterinarian | $125,270 | +$11,030 | +8.80% |
| Optometrist | $121,000 | +$15,300 | +12.64% |
| Physical Therapist | $97,250 | +$39,050 | +40.15% |
| Chiropractor | $97,160 | +$39,140 | +40.28% |
| Radiation Therapist | $95,730 | +$40,570 | +42.38% |
| Occupational Therapist | $92,940 | +$43,360 | +46.65% |
| Dental Hygienist | $83,160 | +$53,140 | +63.90% |
| Audiologist | $80,670 | +$55,630 | +68.96% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $77,000 | +$59,300 | +77.01% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In Louisiana?
| 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 Louisiana?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In Louisiana?
| $65.53 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In Louisiana?
| $2,621 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In Louisiana?
| $11,360 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In Louisiana?
| $136,300 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In Louisiana?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +43.62% |
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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