Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
The increasing need for specialized care for newborns with complex medical conditions has led to a rise in demand for neonatal nurse practitioners across North Carolina. Ten years from now, employment opportunities for graduates of neonatal nurse practitioner programs in North Carolina are expected to be 56 percent higher than they are currently. NNPs in North Carolina provide expert care to infants with prematurity and congenital anomalies, resulting in better outcomes for this highly vulnerable population. In return, NNPs make $130,880 annually on average. Do you have what it takes to become a neonatal nurse practitioner in the Tar Heel State? Read through this guide to the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in North Carolina and find out.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in North Carolina.)
1. Duke University School of Nursing - Durham
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: Caring for critically ill newborns and their families requires advanced knowledge and specialized skills. If you are a Registered Nurse interested in serving this patient population by becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, finding a school that offers professional instruction designed to prepare you for success is crucial. Duke University's School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with the option to specialize in neonatal care, which is an excellent option to consider.
The MSN Neonatal NP program is designed to prepare you with the advanced knowledge, skills, and experience required to provide care to low- and high-risk newborns, infants, and toddlers to age two. The program, one of the best Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in North Carolina, admits students in the fall and spring semesters annually. You can complete the MSN degree in six or seven semesters, depending on which entry point you choose.
The program is primarily distance-based, with five required campus sessions. The plan of study comprises a 43-credit-hour curriculum. You will study in classes such as Primary & Complex Care of the Infant & Toddler, Embryology, Pathophysiology, & Development of Neonates, Infants, & Toddlers, and Clinical Pharmacology for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. You will also complete a minimum of 652 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Duke University, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution, current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state where you plan to practice, and at least two years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse in a neonatal intensive care setting.
You are required to submit a Personal Statement, three professional recommendations, and a resume or curriculum vitae. You must also submit all post-secondary transcripts from each institution where college credit was earned. Transcripts should show completion of a General Statistics or Introductory Statistics course with a grade of "C" or better. Preferential admission consideration is given to candidates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. An admission interview with program faculty may also be requested before receiving an admission offer.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program at Duke University offers opportunities to nurses who already have a master's degree to gain specialized knowledge of neonatal care and to prepare for certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
The program admits students twice each year, in the fall and spring. The expected time of completion is two years. However, your schedule may vary based on the number of credits and clinical hours needed. The number of credits required to complete the PGC program is determined through a GAP analysis of previous transcripts and verification of graduate-level clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: The PGC program at Duke University School of Nursing is open to Registered Nurses who possess a master's degree in nursing from a nursing school accredited by the ACEN or CCNE, a master's degree in another discipline acceptable to the specialty faculty, or who are board-certified Nurse Practitioners actively practicing outside their area of concentration. All applicants must have either a North Carolina RN license or a Compact State RN license and a minimum of two years of experience providing care to critically ill newborns and infants in an intensive care setting.
In addition to completing an admission application, you are asked to provide three letters of academic or professional recommendation, a CV or resume, a Personal Statement, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Completion of a three-credit General Statistics or Introductory Statistics course is required with a grade of "C" or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Healthcare is an ever-evolving industry. As a nurse educator, I firmly believe all nurses should remain actively involved in learning. Duke University understands the importance of continuous learning and growth. The School of Nursing offers opportunities for you to solidify your experience by pursuing certificates in sub-specialties while pursuing the Neonatal NP education. A few of the school's sub-specialty certification options include the study of cardiology, endocrinology, oncology, and orthopedics.• If you are considering pursuing a career as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, it is important to find a school with a proven track record of success. Duke University has been educating nursing and healthcare professionals since 1931. The school has a rich history and is known for its role in advancing nursing education, including being among the first nursing schools in the United States to offer a graduate nursing program.
• Duke University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is not only one of the best in the state but also ranked among the top master's programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. High program rankings indicate the strength and rigor of the program, which means you can feel confident about the preparation the program offers to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to become an NNP.
• Although the Neontal NP program at Duke is primarily online, it follows a cohort model. As a nurse educator, I find that students often prefer a cohort model of learning, as classmates become a community of support throughout the program. Many students develop friendships with classmates that extend beyond their time in the program. Another benefit of a cohort model is that you will expand your clinical network by meeting and collaborating with peers who share your interests.
2. East Carolina University - Greenville
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Program Details: East Carolina University offers another excellent option for RNs seeking a quality Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in North Carolina. The Master of Science in Nursing pathway is designed for Registered Nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The program offers the option to enroll part-time or full-time. Once admitted, you can complete the program in seven semesters if you enroll part-time, or in five semesters if you enroll full-time.
The MSN program features a 42-semester-hour curriculum and includes core courses, concentration courses, and clinical core courses. In this program, you will study Advanced Neonatal Nursing: Research & Theory, Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice Across the Lifespan, and Developmental Physiology for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan. The curriculum includes a minimum of 616 clinical hours, arranged in or near your home region when possible.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program, you need a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally-accredited nursing program, a current unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina or a Compact State, and at least two years of current, full-time clinical experience as an RN in the care of critically ill neonates or infants in a Level III or Level IV neonatal ICU.
In addition to completing an admission application, you must provide a professional resume or CV, two professional references from a Neonatal NP and/or neonatologist, a Statement of Purpose, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 for all undergraduate studies and a minimum 3.0 for all nursing courses is required.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a master's degree in nursing from a nationally-accredited nursing program and you wish to continue graduate study to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Master's Certificate program at ECU is a great option. The program features online coursework, making it an excellent choice for working professionals and students who need a distance-learning option.
The Post-Master's Certificate program is a 30-credit pathway. Advanced neonatal nursing practicums totaling more than 600 clinical hours complement didactic coursework. Once admitted to the program, your Advisor will develop a personalized plan of study based on your previous education and experience. Therefore, it is conceivable that some variation from the 30-credit curriculum may occur. Additionally, the school will work with you to accommodate clinical placements as close to your geographic area as possible.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the PMC program at East Carolina University, you need a master's degree in nursing from a nationally-accredited nursing program, a current unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or a NCSBN Compact State, and two years of current RN practice experience in a critical care environment for high-risk neonatal patients. You are required to submit a Statement of Purpose Essay, three professional references, and transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. A minimum 3.0 average for your previous nursing major is required. You will be notified to participate in a personal interview with a member of the graduate nursing faculty.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Clinical placements for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs at East Carolina University are negotiated collaboratively between program directors, clinical preceptors, and students. Because program directors and preceptors are actively involved in the placement and planning aspects of your clinicals, you can rest assured you will have the type and amount of experiences you need to help you develop and hone essential skills to help you succeed as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.• Graduates of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs (MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate) at ECU have exceptional success rates on national certification exams administered by the National Certification Corporation. The high pass rate among first-time testers is one of the reasons the school is a top choice for potential students seeking Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in North Carolina.
• Graduate nursing programs are rigorous and challenging. As a nurse educator, I recommend that potential students consider the level of support they can expect before committing to a program. For instance, at East Carolina University, you will learn from expert faculty who are easily accessible and focused on your success both in the program and in clinical practice following graduation. Academic advisors and preceptors are also readily available to mentor and guide you from the time you are admitted to the program until completion.
• Another factor indicating whether a program is a good choice is its graduates' job placement rate. The East Carolina University NNP programs are highly regarded by clinical facilities, preceptors, and prospective employers. Many students secure employment offers while still enrolled in the program (pending graduation and passing the national certification). Among students who respond to post-graduation surveys, most report being employed as Neonatal NPs within three to six months of completing the program.
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN NORTH CAROLINA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $46.29 |
| Weekly | $1,852 |
| Monthly | $8,020 |
| Annual | $96,290 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $46.29 | $1,852 | $8,020 | $96,290 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $52.38 | $2,095 | $9,080 | $108,950 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $61.83 | $2,473 | $10,720 | $128,610 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $68.86 | $2,754 | $11,940 | $143,230 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $82.29 | $3,292 | $14,260 | $171,160 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA?
| Hourly | $62.92 |
| Weekly | $2,517 |
| Monthly | $10,910 |
| Annual | $130,880 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NORTH CAROLINA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Asheville | $59.66 | $2,387 | $10,340 | $124,100 |
| Burlington | $61.69 | $2,468 | $10,690 | $128,320 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $63.81 | $2,553 | $11,060 | $132,730 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $66.64 | $2,666 | $11,550 | $138,610 |
| Fayetteville | $57.97 | $2,319 | $10,050 | $120,580 |
| Goldsboro | $53.52 | $2,141 | $9,280 | $111,320 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $62.40 | $2,496 | $10,820 | $129,800 |
| Greenville | $59.13 | $2,365 | $10,250 | $123,000 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $60.45 | $2,418 | $10,480 | $125,730 |
| Jacksonville | $62.49 | $2,500 | $10,830 | $129,980 |
| New Bern | $56.02 | $2,241 | $9,710 | $116,530 |
| Raleigh | $63.12 | $2,525 | $10,940 | $131,280 |
| Rocky Mount | $56.91 | $2,276 | $9,860 | $118,370 |
| Wilmington | $59.20 | $2,368 | $10,260 | $123,130 |
| Winston-Salem | $68.61 | $2,744 | $11,890 | $142,700 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average North Carolina Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $130,880 | $138,310 | -$7,430 | -5.37% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,890 | -$43,010 | -24.73% |
| Nevada | $160,030 | -$29,150 | -18.22% |
| Washington | $156,510 | -$25,630 | -16.38% |
| New Jersey | $156,110 | -$25,230 | -16.16% |
| Oregon | $156,030 | -$25,150 | -16.12% |
| Massachusetts | $155,020 | -$24,140 | -15.57% |
| New York | $153,750 | -$22,870 | -14.87% |
| Connecticut | $147,450 | -$16,570 | -11.24% |
| New Mexico | $147,220 | -$16,340 | -11.10% |
| Minnesota | $145,330 | -$14,450 | -9.94% |
| District of Columbia | $145,160 | -$14,280 | -9.84% |
| Rhode Island | $143,660 | -$12,780 | -8.90% |
| Hawaii | $142,740 | -$11,860 | -8.31% |
| Arizona | $142,690 | -$11,810 | -8.28% |
| Delaware | $141,130 | -$10,250 | -7.26% |
| Iowa | $140,820 | -$9,940 | -7.06% |
| New Hampshire | $140,730 | -$9,850 | -7.00% |
| Texas | $139,950 | -$9,070 | -6.48% |
| Wisconsin | $138,140 | -$7,260 | -5.26% |
| Maryland | $137,770 | -$6,890 | -5.00% |
| Utah | $137,590 | -$6,710 | -4.88% |
| North Dakota | $137,520 | -$6,640 | -4.83% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,190 | -$6,310 | -4.60% |
| Illinois | $136,600 | -$5,720 | -4.19% |
| Alaska | $135,810 | -$4,930 | -3.63% |
| Vermont | $135,740 | -$4,860 | -3.58% |
| Montana | $134,170 | -$3,290 | -2.45% |
| Idaho | $134,070 | -$3,190 | -2.38% |
| Oklahoma | $133,830 | -$2,950 | -2.20% |
| Wyoming | $133,000 | -$2,120 | -1.59% |
| Indiana | $132,740 | -$1,860 | -1.40% |
| Maine | $132,340 | -$1,460 | -1.10% |
| Ohio | $132,260 | -$1,380 | -1.04% |
| Colorado | $131,310 | -$430 | -0.33% |
| Nebraska | $130,980 | -$100 | -0.08% |
| North Carolina | $130,880 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Georgia | $130,410 | +$470 | +0.36% |
| South Dakota | $130,230 | +$650 | +0.50% |
| Virginia | $130,110 | +$770 | +0.59% |
| Michigan | $129,900 | +$980 | +0.75% |
| Florida | $128,860 | +$2,020 | +1.57% |
| Kansas | $128,390 | +$2,490 | +1.94% |
| Louisiana | $127,740 | +$3,140 | +2.46% |
| Mississippi | $126,470 | +$4,410 | +3.49% |
| South Carolina | $125,880 | +$5,000 | +3.97% |
| Missouri | $125,600 | +$5,280 | +4.20% |
| West Virginia | $122,120 | +$8,760 | +7.17% |
| Arkansas | $122,080 | +$8,800 | +7.21% |
| Kentucky | $118,810 | +$12,070 | +10.16% |
| Alabama | $118,430 | +$12,450 | +10.51% |
| Tennessee | $111,650 | +$19,230 | +17.22% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $222,560 | -$91,680 | -41.19% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $130,880 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $118,660 | +$12,220 | +10.30% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,530 | +$48,350 | +58.58% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $76,970 | +$53,910 | +70.04% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,760 | +$73,120 | +126.59% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,340 | +$95,540 | +270.35% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $207,300 | -$76,420 | -36.86% |
| Dentist | $204,980 | -$74,100 | -36.15% |
| Optometrist | $171,170 | -$40,290 | -23.54% |
| Pharmacist | $134,600 | -$3,720 | -2.76% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $130,880 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $126,700 | +$4,180 | +3.30% |
| Physician Assistant | $123,860 | +$7,020 | +5.67% |
| Radiation Therapist | $104,100 | +$26,780 | +25.73% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,150 | +$35,730 | +37.55% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,510 | +$42,370 | +47.87% |
| Chiropractor | $85,320 | +$45,560 | +53.40% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,650 | +$46,230 | +54.61% |
| Audiologist | $83,920 | +$46,960 | +55.96% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,780 | +$48,100 | +58.11% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In North Carolina?
| 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 North Carolina?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In North Carolina?
| $62.92 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In North Carolina?
| $2,517 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In North Carolina?
| $10,910 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In North Carolina?
| $130,880 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In North Carolina?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +55.49% |
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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