Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
What does it take to become a good neonatal nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania? You must have an aptitude for the job, which combines proficiency in technology with compassion, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. You'll also need to find an NNP program that offers an evidence-based curriculum that will help you develop the necessary clinical competencies. Fortunately, there are many excellent neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania! Once you graduate, you'll earn $137,190 annually, and your employment opportunities will increase by 43 percent in a single decade. Could this be your ideal career choice? Learn more by reviewing our list of the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Pennsylvania.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN PENNSYLVANIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Pennsylvania.)
1. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing - Philadelphia
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Program Details: I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, but the pivotal moment that helped me decide to stop dreaming and start doing was when my son was born and had to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner who cared for my son was so compassionate, paying attention to even the smallest details to ensure he received the best care. If you are a Registered Nurse considering a career move and you like the idea of caring for critically ill newborns, becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner could be a great option.
There are different pathways you can take to become a Neonatal NP, based on your previous education and experience. For instance, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Pennsylvania, which is among the best in the state. The program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to care for critically ill newborns through the first two years of life.
The MSN program is available part-time or full-time, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for you. Part-time students are admitted in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Full-time students begin studies in the fall.
The curriculum emphasizes in-depth coverage of research, embryology, pathophysiology, and neonatal management. You will take classes, including Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan & Clinical Decision-Making: Nursing of Children, The Child with Special Healthcare Needs, and Care of the High-Risk Neonate. You will complete at least 600 clinical hours in diverse neonatal care settings.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the MSN program at the University of Pennsylvania must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a college GPA of 3.0 or higher and an active, unrestricted RN license. You are required to submit answers to two essay-style questions, three letters of recommendation, and proof of completion of a college-level statistics course. Unofficial transcripts may be sent. However, if an offer of admission is extended, official transcripts will be required. You may be asked to interview with program faculty.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I can tell you that where you earn your degree is important. Employers actively seek highly qualified candidates who have graduated from reputable programs, like the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pennsylvania at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. The school has a reputation for providing a rigorous, evidence-based program that prepares graduates for the highest level of clinical care. It is consistently ranked among the top five graduate nursing schools by U.S. News & World Report.• Clinical placements for the MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program are arranged collaboratively between students, faculty, and preceptors. You will have a broad range of learning experiences within the Penn network and other leading mid-Atlantic and local healthcare systems.
• As a graduate of the Neonatal NP program at the University of Pennsylvania S.O.N., you will be equipped to use scientific inquiry to translate evidence into practice, perform advanced nursing skills, and lead qualityimprovement and management strategies across diverse neonatal care settings. Many graduates go on to work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, High-Risk Units, Well-Baby Nurseries, and academia.
2. University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP), and Certificate
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing Neonatal NP program at the University of Pittsburgh is designed to prepare you with a deeper understanding of nursing science, as well as the knowledge and skills you need to lead healthcare teams in providing high-quality patient care to patients from birth at any gestational age to two years and their families.
The program admits new students in the fall term each year. You may choose to enroll part-time or full-time. The format is structured with campus-based classroom instruction and in-person clinical practicums.
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN program is a 65-credit pathway. The curriculum includes classes such as General Assessment & Management of the Sick Neonate, Neonatal Disease Processes, and Neonatal Disease Processes. The program includes 780 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: The MSN program at the University of Pittsburgh accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits new students for the fall semester each year. To meet admission requirements, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN-accredited nursing program and have a current RN license.
All candidates are required to submit a current curriculum vitae or resume, a personal essay, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. Transcripts should reflect a GPA of 3.0 or better from your previous nursing degree and completion of a statistics course with a grade of “B-” or better. A pre-admission interview is also required.
Post-Professional Certificate Program Details: The Neonatal NP Post-Professional Certificate program at the University of Pittsburgh is designed for current nurse practitioners who wish to expand their roles by becoming certified as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. The program is delivered on-site and offers full-time or part-time study.
The Post-Professional Certificate program requires a minimum of 25 credits and 660 neontal-specific clinical hours. Additional coursework may be required after a GAP analysis is completed. Your academic advisor will work with you to prepare a personalized plan of study.
Post-Professional Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Professional Certificate program, you must have a BSN and either an MSN or a DNP degree and preparation as a nurse practitioner from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN- accredited program. You also need a valid RN license in a U.S. State or Territory where clinicals will be completed and the equivalent of two years of full-time practice as a Registered Nurse in the care of critically ill newborns, infants, or children in critical inpatient settings, preferably Level III or Level IV NICUs.
Candidates must complete an online admission application, submit transcripts reflecting an MSN or DNP grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and provide letters of reference, an admission essay, and a resume or CV. You will also be expected to participate in a pre-admission interview.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I understand the importance of students having ongoing support. This is especially true when you pursue a rigorous graduate degree, as one of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Pennsylvania offered at the University of Pittsburgh. One thing I like about the NNP programs at U-P is that the campus-based instruction means you have close contact with and easy access to faculty and support staff who can help mentor you throughout the program.• The University of Pittsburgh reports high student satisfaction rates. Among students who complete satisfaction surveys, the highest scores are in the following categories: clinical placements and diversity of experiences, faculty experience and availability, and support services.
• The University of Pittsburgh reports high job placement rates among graduates of its Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program. According to the school, many students receive employment offers while still enrolled or shortly after completing the program. High job placement rates are a reflection of the program’s quality and the level of preparation it provides to students specializing in neonatal care.
3. Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: Thomas Jefferson University offers more options for prospective students seeking a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Pennsylvania. The Master of Science in Nursing NNP program features a hybrid learning format that combines online and on-campus learning. You can complete the program in two years if you enroll full-time, or take up to five years if you study part-time. Admission for the program occurs each fall semester.
The program offers a 45-credit (12-course) curriculum comprising graduate core courses, APRN core courses, and specialty courses. You will take classes, including Pathophysiology of Human Disease/Pathologic Aspect of Disease, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, and Diagnostic Reasoning & Clinical Decision-Making for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
MSN Admission Requirements: The School of Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University uses a holistic review process to vet candidates for its program. Admission decisions are determined by each candidate’s specific attributes and by meeting general program requirements.
To be considered, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university and a current, unencumbered Pennsylvania or Compact State RN license. A minimum of one year of experience as a Registered Nurse in a Level III or Level IV neonatal intensive care unit is required. All applicants are required to submit two letters of reference that provide insight into their professional and academic competence, a Personal Statement, a current professional resume, and transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions previously attended. A minimum 3.0 BSN grade point average and completion of prerequisite coursework in elementary statistics, nursing research, and physical assessment with a grade of “B” or better are also required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Thomas Jefferson University offers baccalaureate-prepared students the unique opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and sit for national certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner en route to achieving a terminal Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The program can be completed in as few as four years. Admission occurs in the fall semester. Online coursework blended with campus-based instruction and intensives makes this an excellent option for prospective students who need flexibility but also desire face-to-face contact with faculty and peers.
The BSN-to-DNP program is a 68-credit pathway. The curriculum features graduate core, APRN core, DNP core, and specialty courses. Some of the classes included in this program are Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Trends & Opportunities, Diagnostic Reasoning & Clinical Decision Making for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, and Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Decision-Making for the Mother and the Neonate.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Thomas Jefferson University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, an active Pennsylvania state or Compact State RN license, and a minimum of one year of RN work experience in a Level III or IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In addition to completing an online admission application, you are required to submit a current resume, a Personal Statement, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. You need a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 and proof of completion of prerequisite coursework with a grade “B” or better in each course.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate program is designed to prepare nurses who have already achieved a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with the academic and clinical preparation to become certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. The online format makes this an excellent option for working professionals.
The program features an 18-credit plan of study, including three clinical courses designed to prepare you for advanced neonatal practice. However, a GAP analysis will be conducted, which may determine that you are eligible for transfer credits or that you require additional courses to meet the requirements to sit for national certification examinations.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program is available to Registered Nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and who meet other admission criteria. For instance, you must have at least one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse working in a Level III or IV NICU, a current, unencumbered RN license and APRN license, if applicable, and a graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
You need to submit a Personal Statement describing your reasoning for pursuing the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at Jefferson College and how your professional and academic qualifications will help you succeed in the program. You must also provide transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended, two letters of recommendation, and a current professional resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Thomas Jefferson University, you will learn from professional clinicians who are active in research and practice. Faculty are often published in prestigious nursing and medical journals. Many also serve as leaders in state and national organizations. Their experience and dedication to the NNP program will be instrumental in promoting your success in the program and beyond!• Graduates of the Thomas Jefferson University Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program consistently perform exceedingly well on national certification exams. This factor is important to consider, as all program graduates must obtain national certification before legally practicing as a Neonatal NP.
• The nursing program at Thomas Jefferson University was initially established in 1891, when the school began as a diploma program for nursing education. Since its inception, the School of Nursing has added multiple levels of nursing education and specialization options. This long history of nursing education is a true testament to the school’s commitment to nursing as a professional role and to students’ success.
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN PENNSYLVANIA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN PENNSYLVANIA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.52 |
| Weekly | $1,941 |
| Monthly | $8,410 |
| Annual | $100,930 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN PENNSYLVANIA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.52 | $1,941 | $8,410 | $100,930 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.90 | $2,196 | $9,520 | $114,200 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.81 | $2,593 | $11,230 | $134,810 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $72.18 | $2,887 | $12,510 | $150,130 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $86.25 | $3,450 | $14,950 | $179,410 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PENNSYLVANIA?
| Hourly | $65.96 |
| Weekly | $2,638 |
| Monthly | $11,430 |
| Annual | $137,190 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF PENNSYLVANIA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $66.02 | $2,641 | $11,440 | $137,330 |
| Altoona | $61.64 | $2,466 | $10,680 | $128,210 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick | $59.86 | $2,394 | $10,380 | $124,510 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $65.90 | $2,636 | $11,420 | $137,080 |
| East Stroudsburg | $66.13 | $2,645 | $11,460 | $137,550 |
| Erie | $60.63 | $2,425 | $10,510 | $126,110 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $67.99 | $2,719 | $11,780 | $141,410 |
| Johnstown | $54.94 | $2,198 | $9,520 | $114,280 |
| Lancaster | $64.34 | $2,574 | $11,150 | $133,830 |
| Lebanon | $62.35 | $2,494 | $10,810 | $129,680 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $68.14 | $2,726 | $11,810 | $141,740 |
| Pittsburgh | $66.62 | $2,665 | $11,550 | $138,570 |
| Reading | $66.62 | $2,665 | $11,550 | $138,560 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre—Hazleton | $63.95 | $2,558 | $11,090 | $133,020 |
| State College | $62.09 | $2,484 | $10,760 | $129,150 |
| Williamsport | $61.75 | $2,470 | $10,700 | $128,430 |
| York-Hanover | $64.65 | $2,586 | $11,210 | $134,470 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PENNSYLVANIA VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PENNSYLVANIA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Pennsylvania Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $137,190 | $138,310 | -$1,120 | -0.81% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PENNSYLVANIA VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,890 | -$36,700 | -21.11% |
| Nevada | $160,030 | -$22,840 | -14.27% |
| Washington | $156,510 | -$19,320 | -12.34% |
| New Jersey | $156,110 | -$18,920 | -12.12% |
| Oregon | $156,030 | -$18,840 | -12.07% |
| Massachusetts | $155,020 | -$17,830 | -11.50% |
| New York | $153,750 | -$16,560 | -10.77% |
| Connecticut | $147,450 | -$10,260 | -6.96% |
| New Mexico | $147,220 | -$10,030 | -6.81% |
| Minnesota | $145,330 | -$8,140 | -5.60% |
| District of Columbia | $145,160 | -$7,970 | -5.49% |
| Rhode Island | $143,660 | -$6,470 | -4.50% |
| Hawaii | $142,740 | -$5,550 | -3.89% |
| Arizona | $142,690 | -$5,500 | -3.85% |
| Delaware | $141,130 | -$3,940 | -2.79% |
| Iowa | $140,820 | -$3,630 | -2.58% |
| New Hampshire | $140,730 | -$3,540 | -2.52% |
| Texas | $139,950 | -$2,760 | -1.97% |
| Wisconsin | $138,140 | -$950 | -0.69% |
| Maryland | $137,770 | -$580 | -0.42% |
| Utah | $137,590 | -$400 | -0.29% |
| North Dakota | $137,520 | -$330 | -0.24% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,190 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Illinois | $136,600 | +$590 | +0.43% |
| Alaska | $135,810 | +$1,380 | +1.02% |
| Vermont | $135,740 | +$1,450 | +1.07% |
| Montana | $134,170 | +$3,020 | +2.25% |
| Idaho | $134,070 | +$3,120 | +2.33% |
| Oklahoma | $133,830 | +$3,360 | +2.51% |
| Wyoming | $133,000 | +$4,190 | +3.15% |
| Indiana | $132,740 | +$4,450 | +3.35% |
| Maine | $132,340 | +$4,850 | +3.66% |
| Ohio | $132,260 | +$4,930 | +3.73% |
| Colorado | $131,310 | +$5,880 | +4.48% |
| Nebraska | $130,980 | +$6,210 | +4.74% |
| North Carolina | $130,880 | +$6,310 | +4.82% |
| Georgia | $130,410 | +$6,780 | +5.20% |
| South Dakota | $130,230 | +$6,960 | +5.34% |
| Virginia | $130,110 | +$7,080 | +5.44% |
| Michigan | $129,900 | +$7,290 | +5.61% |
| Florida | $128,860 | +$8,330 | +6.46% |
| Kansas | $128,390 | +$8,800 | +6.85% |
| Louisiana | $127,740 | +$9,450 | +7.40% |
| Mississippi | $126,470 | +$10,720 | +8.48% |
| South Carolina | $125,880 | +$11,310 | +8.98% |
| Missouri | $125,600 | +$11,590 | +9.23% |
| West Virginia | $122,120 | +$15,070 | +12.34% |
| Arkansas | $122,080 | +$15,110 | +12.38% |
| Kentucky | $118,810 | +$18,380 | +15.47% |
| Alabama | $118,430 | +$18,760 | +15.84% |
| Tennessee | $111,650 | +$25,540 | +22.88% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PENNSYLVANIA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN PENNSYLVANIA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $209,890 | -$72,700 | -34.64% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $137,190 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $121,410 | +$15,780 | +13.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $87,530 | +$49,660 | +56.73% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $85,540 | +$51,650 | +60.38% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $58,800 | +$78,390 | +133.32% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,780 | +$97,410 | +244.87% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PENNSYLVANIA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $187,850 | -$50,660 | -26.97% |
| Podiatrist | $171,730 | -$34,540 | -20.11% |
| Optometrist | $147,280 | -$10,090 | -6.85% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $137,190 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $131,200 | +$5,990 | +4.57% |
| Veterinarian | $123,000 | +$14,190 | +11.54% |
| Physician Assistant | $119,760 | +$17,430 | +14.55% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,970 | +$38,220 | +38.62% |
| Radiation Therapist | $98,230 | +$38,960 | +39.66% |
| Occupational Therapist | $92,870 | +$44,320 | +47.72% |
| Audiologist | $91,330 | +$45,860 | +50.21% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $88,790 | +$48,400 | +54.51% |
| Chiropractor | $86,590 | +$50,600 | +58.44% |
| Dental Hygienist | $77,010 | +$60,180 | +78.15% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In Pennsylvania?
| 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 Pennsylvania?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In Pennsylvania?
| $65.96 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In Pennsylvania?
| $2,638 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In Pennsylvania?
| $11,430 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In Pennsylvania?
| $137,190 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In Pennsylvania?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +42.70% |
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.
Best Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Other States