Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Tennessee (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Is becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner in Tennessee a good career choice for you? It's ideal if you're the type of nurse who enjoys working with infants and possesses the critical thinking and clinical skills necessary to care for critically ill newborns. The neonatal nurse practitioner specialty is a lucrative one; graduates of neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee earn an annual salary of $111,650. The need for NNP services in the Volunteer State continues to grow. Within the next 10 years, demand for neonatal nurse practitioners is expected to increase by an additional 58 percent. You'll find more information on this exciting professional path in our guide to the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN TENNESSEE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Tennessee.)
1. Vanderbilt University - Nashville
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Program Details: The MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Tennessee at Vanderbilt University features a hybrid learning format that combines online classes with five campus-based sessions throughout the program. Students have the option to enroll part-time and complete the program in seven semesters or may enroll full-time and graduate in just four semesters.
The MSN curriculum consists of 46 credit hours. Your studies will begin with classes such as Embryology & Neonatal Physiology, Advanced Physical & Gestational Assessment, and Neonatal Nursing: Birth through Age Two. You will then continue with more specialized classes, including Advanced Clinical Reasoning for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics, and Advocacy for Health Equity.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Vanderbilt, you must have graduated from a baccalaureate program in nursing accredited by the ACEN or CCNE, hold an unencumbered RN license, and have at least two years of current Level III or Level IV NICU experience. Candidates are required to submit three letters of reference from faculty members, supervisors, or professional colleagues (one from a neonatologist and two from Neonatal NPs). You need to provide official electronic transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended, a Statement of Purpose, and a curriculum vitae or resume. A GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. Transcripts should also reflect completion of a Statistics course and all prerequisites.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Vanderbilt also offers a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice program, which is an ideal option if you want to earn a terminal clinical nursing degree and specialize in neonatal care. This post-baccalaureate DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Tennessee admits new classes each fall. The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in seven or eight semesters on a full-time basis. Part-time options are also available. Coursework is primarily online and asynchronous, which means relocation is not required. However, five week-long campus-based intensives are required throughout the course of the program.
The program is a 65-credit pathway. You will take classes such as Advanced Clinical Reasoning for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nursing Birth through Age Two, Advanced Physical & Gestational Assessment, and Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice. Through clinical practicums and neonatal preceptorships, you will have opportunities to develop expertise relevant to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of neonates and infants up to two years old. The program requires a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Vanderbilt, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university and have an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state where you will complete your clinical practice and/or preceptorship. You are required to provide a resume or curriculum vitae, a Statement of Purpose, responses to essay questions, and three letters of academic or professional reference from doctorally prepared individuals. One reference letter should be from a faculty member who can speak of your academic work and abilities. Additionally, you must provide transcripts reflecting your complete academic history, including all colleges and universities you attended, whether a degree was granted or not. A grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is required. In some cases, candidates with a GPA less than 3.5 may be considered on an individual basis. All candidates must have at least two years of current Level III or Level IV neonatal intensive care experience.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have a master's degree in nursing and want to gain additional training and academic preparation to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Master's Certificate program at Vanderbilt University could be the perfect path! The program offers admission annually in the fall semester.
The Post-Master's Certificate program features online coursework, some campus-based intensives, and concentration-specific clinical practicums. Your plan of study will be based on a GAP analysis completed byyour Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Specialty Director.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: The Post-Master's Certificate program is available to Registered Nurses who have achieved a Master of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and hold a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended. Transcripts should reflect a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and show completion of a statistics course. All candidates must submit three reference letters, one from a neonatologist and two from neonatal nurse practitioners. Additionally, you are required to provide a CV or resume and a Statement of Purpose reflecting your interest in the NNP specialty.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I strongly recommend that potential students research programs carefully before committing to one. A crucial factor to consider is who is teaching the program. You should find a program that you feel offers the most experienced leaders. For example, the Neonatal NP programs are led by doctorally prepared faculty and neonatal healthcare providers. These professionals' focus on specialized care and dedication to nursing education make this an attractive option for prospective students seeking a high-quality NNP program.• Graduates of Vanderbilt University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs have high employment rates. Most receive employment offers before or soon after graduation, reflecting the program's reputation for preparing highly qualified NNPs.
• The decision to return to school and become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is not one to be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider. Many potential students express concern regarding the cost of a graduate program. One of the things I like about the NNP program at Vanderbilt is that there are financial aid options that could ease the financial burden of your degree. Vanderbilt is committed to making nursing education accessible and affordable and offers several pathways for financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Vanderbilt University's NNP program graduates report outstanding satisfaction rates with the school and program. This is another important factor to consider when choosing a program, as student satisfaction typically impacts success in the program and beyond. According to satisfaction surveys, graduates report high satisfaction with program faculty and preceptors, clinical opportunities, and student support services.
2. University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
Programs Offered: DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP)
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are searching for top online neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee and want to earn a terminal nursing degree, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has some great options. The post-baccalaureate DNP program is designed for Registered Nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing who want to pursue a clinical doctorate and specialize as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
The BSN-to-DNP program features a 61-credit curriculum. You will study in classes, including Maternal Risk & Neonatal Health Promotion 0-2 Years of Age, DNP Neonatal Nursing: Pathophysiology, and Neonatal Pharmacology. The program is primarily online, offering flexibility for busy professionals. Occasional campus visits are required for specific courses to facilitate simulations and other in-person experiences. On-campus experiences may last from one to three days. The curriculum integrates 1,020 clinical hours, including both direct patient care and DNP Scholarly Project hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned at an accredited nursing program, a current, unencumbered RN license, and have a minimum of one year of full-time practice experience within the last five years working as a Registered Nurse in the care of criticallyillnewborns, infants, or children in an acute care setting. You are required to submit the names and contact information of two people (one professional and one academic) who can address your potential for success in the program. Additionally, you need to submit an admission essay, a resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program is an excellent option for graduate-prepared RNs to earn a terminal degree while specializing in neonatal care. As a student in this Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program in Tennessee, you will develop expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute and chronic illnesses of neonatal patients across various healthcare settings.
The post-MSN to DNP program consists of a 34-credit curriculum. DNP students are required to complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours to meet eligibility requirements to sit for the national certification examination. Upon admission, a review of your master's level clinical hours will determine if additional hours should be added to your personal plan of study.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The post-MSN to DNP program is open to Registered Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing degree and a current unencumbered RN license. Applications are submitted through NursingCAS. You must submit a CV or resume, two professional/academic references, an admission essay, and all college and university transcripts. You need at least one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse in an acute care setting, providing care to newborns, infants, and toddlers. Additionally, you must have a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of Tennessee HSC, faculty are involved in selecting qualified preceptors and facilitating the clinical placement process. If you live outside the Memphis area, you will collaborate with clinical course faculty to help identify preceptors and clinical sites. The School of Nursing ensures that clinical contracts are in place before students are placed at a site. Faculty involvement in the placement process means you can be confident about the variety of experiences you will have and the leadership abilities of the preceptors with whom you train.• As a nurse educator, I look for the school's history when researching top nursing programs. As you review your options for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner programs in Tennessee, finding a school with a long history of providing a high-quality nursing program is crucial. For example, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center was established in 1911 and offers over 100 years of successful nursing education. The School of Nursing is designated a Center of Excellence by the National League of Nursing.
• The UTHSC DNP program consistently ranks among the top programs in the United States, as reported/ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Rankings from reputable sources like U.S. News are a good indicator of the quality of a program and should be considered carefully when choosing a school.
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center NNP program reports outstanding pass rates on national certification exams among program graduates. The school reports that most graduates pass the examination on their first attempt.
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER GRADUATES MAKE IN TENNESSEE?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN TENNESSEE EXPECT?
| Hourly | $39.49 |
| Weekly | $1,580 |
| Monthly | $6,850 |
| Annual | $82,140 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN TENNESSEE EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $39.49 | $1,580 | $6,850 | $82,140 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $44.68 | $1,787 | $7,750 | $92,940 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $52.75 | $2,110 | $9,140 | $109,710 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $58.74 | $2,350 | $10,180 | $122,180 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $70.20 | $2,808 | $12,170 | $146,010 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN TENNESSEE?
| Hourly | $53.68 |
| Weekly | $2,147 |
| Monthly | $9,300 |
| Annual | $111,650 |
HOW MUCH DO NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONERS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF TENNESSEE?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Chattanooga | $53.97 | $2,159 | $9,360 | $112,260 |
| Clarksville | $53.13 | $2,125 | $9,210 | $110,510 |
| Cleveland | $44.25 | $1,770 | $7,670 | $92,030 |
| Jackson | $53.20 | $2,128 | $9,220 | $110,660 |
| Johnson City | $47.19 | $1,888 | $8,180 | $98,160 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol | $53.04 | $2,122 | $9,190 | $110,330 |
| Knoxville | $51.75 | $2,070 | $8,970 | $107,630 |
| Memphis | $55.21 | $2,208 | $9,570 | $114,830 |
| Morristown | $48.81 | $1,952 | $8,460 | $101,520 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $55.27 | $2,211 | $9,580 | $114,970 |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN TENNESSEE VS. OTHER SALARIES
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN TENNESSEE VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Tennessee Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Average National Neonatal NP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $111,650 | $138,310 | -$26,660 | -19.28% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN TENNESSEE VS. NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $173,890 | -$62,240 | -35.79% |
| Nevada | $160,030 | -$48,380 | -30.23% |
| Washington | $156,510 | -$44,860 | -28.66% |
| New Jersey | $156,110 | -$44,460 | -28.48% |
| Oregon | $156,030 | -$44,380 | -28.44% |
| Massachusetts | $155,020 | -$43,370 | -27.98% |
| New York | $153,750 | -$42,100 | -27.38% |
| Connecticut | $147,450 | -$35,800 | -24.28% |
| New Mexico | $147,220 | -$35,570 | -24.16% |
| Minnesota | $145,330 | -$33,680 | -23.17% |
| District of Columbia | $145,160 | -$33,510 | -23.08% |
| Rhode Island | $143,660 | -$32,010 | -22.28% |
| Hawaii | $142,740 | -$31,090 | -21.78% |
| Arizona | $142,690 | -$31,040 | -21.75% |
| Delaware | $141,130 | -$29,480 | -20.89% |
| Iowa | $140,820 | -$29,170 | -20.71% |
| New Hampshire | $140,730 | -$29,080 | -20.66% |
| Texas | $139,950 | -$28,300 | -20.22% |
| Wisconsin | $138,140 | -$26,490 | -19.18% |
| Maryland | $137,770 | -$26,120 | -18.96% |
| Utah | $137,590 | -$25,940 | -18.85% |
| North Dakota | $137,520 | -$25,870 | -18.81% |
| Pennsylvania | $137,190 | -$25,540 | -18.62% |
| Illinois | $136,600 | -$24,950 | -18.27% |
| Alaska | $135,810 | -$24,160 | -17.79% |
| Vermont | $135,740 | -$24,090 | -17.75% |
| Montana | $134,170 | -$22,520 | -16.78% |
| Idaho | $134,070 | -$22,420 | -16.72% |
| Oklahoma | $133,830 | -$22,180 | -16.57% |
| Wyoming | $133,000 | -$21,350 | -16.05% |
| Indiana | $132,740 | -$21,090 | -15.89% |
| Maine | $132,340 | -$20,690 | -15.63% |
| Ohio | $132,260 | -$20,610 | -15.58% |
| Colorado | $131,310 | -$19,660 | -14.97% |
| Nebraska | $130,980 | -$19,330 | -14.76% |
| North Carolina | $130,880 | -$19,230 | -14.69% |
| Georgia | $130,410 | -$18,760 | -14.39% |
| South Dakota | $130,230 | -$18,580 | -14.27% |
| Virginia | $130,110 | -$18,460 | -14.19% |
| Michigan | $129,900 | -$18,250 | -14.05% |
| Florida | $128,860 | -$17,210 | -13.36% |
| Kansas | $128,390 | -$16,740 | -13.04% |
| Louisiana | $127,740 | -$16,090 | -12.60% |
| Mississippi | $126,470 | -$14,820 | -11.72% |
| South Carolina | $125,880 | -$14,230 | -11.30% |
| Missouri | $125,600 | -$13,950 | -11.11% |
| West Virginia | $122,120 | -$10,470 | -8.57% |
| Arkansas | $122,080 | -$10,430 | -8.54% |
| Kentucky | $118,810 | -$7,160 | -6.03% |
| Alabama | $118,430 | -$6,780 | -5.72% |
| Tennessee | $111,650 | $0 | 0.00% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN TENNESSEE VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN TENNESSEE
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $194,790 | -$83,140 | -42.68% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $111,650 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $103,430 | +$8,220 | +7.95% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $84,810 | +$26,840 | +31.65% |
| Registered Nurse | $78,240 | +$33,410 | +42.70% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $50,430 | +$61,220 | +121.40% |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,850 | +$76,800 | +220.37% |
NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN TENNESSEE VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN TENNESSEE
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $185,690 | -$74,040 | -39.87% |
| Dentist | $164,410 | -$52,760 | -32.09% |
| Optometrist | $127,850 | -$16,200 | -12.67% |
| Veterinarian | $125,920 | -$14,270 | -11.33% |
| Pharmacist | $122,820 | -$11,170 | -9.09% |
| Physician Assistant | $113,690 | -$2,040 | -1.79% |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $111,650 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $96,440 | +$15,210 | +15.77% |
| Occupational Therapist | $92,710 | +$18,940 | +20.43% |
| Radiation Therapist | $80,850 | +$30,800 | +38.10% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $78,210 | +$33,440 | +42.76% |
| Audiologist | $77,880 | +$33,770 | +43.36% |
| Dental Hygienist | $75,920 | +$35,730 | +47.06% |
| Chiropractor | $69,180 | +$42,470 | +61.39% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In Tennessee?
| 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 Tennessee?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Hour In Tennessee?
| $53.68 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Week In Tennessee?
| $2,147 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Month In Tennessee?
| $9,300 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Neonatal NP Make Per Year In Tennessee?
| $111,650 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For Neonatal Nurse Practitioners In Tennessee?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +57.86% |
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