14 Best Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs – 2024


Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA

Are you a BSN educated registered nurse with dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner? Do you love the idea of caring for newborns, or perhaps you are interested in high-risk newborn care. Have you considered earning a doctorate in nursing? If this sounds like you, a BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program can help you achieve all of these goals.

Maybe you considered going back to school but cannot commit to a traditional campus-based program. In that case, you may wonder, "What are the best online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs?” In this article, you will learn the answer to that question and find information about the 14 best online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs for 2024. As you continue reading, you will find important program information, including information about the cost, curriculum, and practical training, and find answers to some frequently asked questions.



What Exactly is the Goal of an Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program?


The goal of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs is to provide baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses with a doctorate in nursing specializing in advanced neonatal nursing care. These programs offer an advanced curriculum, which includes core, advanced, and specialty nursing courses as well as clinical practicum experiences to help prepare BSN nurses to become doctoral-prepared neonatal nurse practitioners.



5 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program


Online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs will prepare you with the knowledge you need to develop essential skills and abilities related to the care of neonatal patients. You will learn from highly-qualified, experienced faculty and train in approved clinical sites with approved clinical preceptors. The following are five of the most important skills and abilities you will gain in one of these programs.

• You will learn to manage at-risk or compromised newborns:

Online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide rapid, high-quality care to at-risk newborns. The decisions you make in patient care can have a significant impact on the health outcomes of the most vulnerable patients.

• You will learn to assist with high-risk deliveries:

As a student in one of these specialized programs, you will learn techniques that are essential to assist with high-risk deliveries. You will learn to monitor for signs of fetal distress before, during, and after delivery and techniques to help improve the outcomes of the delivery of these high-risk neonates.

• You will learn how to perform advanced physical assessments to help identify potential risks and complications in neonatal patients:

Performing an advanced physical assessment to diagnose critical newborns can be challenging. You will learn methods of assessing and diagnosing newborns and how to use the data you collect from your assessments to create individualized care plans designed to promote positive patient outcomes.

• You will learn to evaluate clinical and diagnostic data relevant to neonatal care:

The health complications newborns face are often complex. In online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs, you will learn to evaluate clinical and diagnostic data to help identify possible complications and determine appropriate actions to manage these healthcare issues.

• You will learn to educate and support caregivers:

A large part of a neonatal nurse practitioner’s job is supporting caregivers and keeping them updated on treatment. In your program, you will learn how to approach parents and other caregivers with therapeutic communication and how to establish a health nurse practitioner/client relationship conducive to learning and improving outcomes.



5 Main Advantages of Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs


One of the most important tips I can give you is to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs. Decide what you want to accomplish in your professional nursing career and weigh the pros and cons. The following are five main advantages of these specialized programs, which may help you decide if becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is worth it.

• You can directly impact the outcome of at-risk newborns:

As an NNP, you will care for the most vulnerable patient populations. The knowledge and skills you gain in an online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program will be instrumental in improving the health outcomes of the babies in your care.

• You may open your own practice:

Many nurse practitioners, like graduates of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs, open private practices. Depending on the practice authority you have in your state, you may decide to open your own practice, or you may work in collaboration with a licensed physician. Either way, this is an excellent advantage of these specialized programs.

• You can become a nurse educator:

With a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, you can pursue a job in academia. You can leverage the fact that you are a neonatal nurse practitioner to secure a job teaching NNP students, or you could teach students on a broader scale in nurse practitioner programs.

• You will become a leader in neonatal care:

When you become a doctoral-prepared neonatal nurse practitioner, you will have the highest possible nursing degree specializing in neonatal care. Your education, knowledge, and experience will position you to become an effective leader in neonatal care.

• There are endless opportunities for jobs and career advancement!:

Graduates of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, telehealth, academia, birthing centers, and many other settings. In addition to the many settings and jobs you can choose from, your degree makes you eligible for excellent opportunities for career advancement.



2 Main Disadvantages of Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs


Before committing to any of the online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs, it is also important to consider that there are some disadvantages. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if this is the career path you truly wish to pursue.

• Some of your patients will die:

I realize that is a stark statement, but it is true. One of the main disadvantages of BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs is that some of your patients will not live.

• The job of a neonatal nurse practitioner is very stressful:

No matter how awesome your NNP program is, your education cannot take away the fact that being a neonatal nurse practitioner is stressful. You will deal with high-risk patients who require high-quality care. Even at your best, you may feel like what you do is never enough.

Although I am not a neonatal nurse practitioner, I have been a nurse and healthcare educator for more than 25 years, and I can tell you that the job you do matters! Despite the disadvantages, what you accomplish as a neonatal nurse practitioner will impact many lives. So, if this is the path you want to pursue, do not give up on your dreams because of the possible disadvantages.



Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs?


The best BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

S.NO.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)



When Do BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs Start?


The start dates for online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs vary depending on the university. Larger schools may offer several start dates, while smaller schools with limited faculty may offer only one start date each year.

The University of Connecticut has spring, summer, and fall start dates and accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham begins classes twice yearly in the summer and fall semesters. The application deadline is October 11th for a spring start date and February 15th for a fall start date.

Classes for the online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program at The Ohio State University begin in the fall semester.

At the University of Illinois at Chicago, classes begin in the spring and fall semesters of each academic year.

Baylor University accepts applications on a rolling basis and begins classes in the fall.



How Many Credits are There in BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs?


Most BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs require students to complete between 65 and 85 credits. The actual credits you need may vary depending on your previous college experience and the number of transferable credits you have from your previous degree(s).

At the University of Connecticut, students enrolled in the online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program complete between 76 and 82 credits.

The program at the University of Maryland features an 80-credit curriculum.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program is a 61-credit pathway.

Students enrolled at Creighton University complete 68 to 69 credits.

At the University of South Alabama, you will complete 69 credits in the post-baccalaureate DNP-NNP program.



How Long are BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs?


Online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs can take three to five years to complete. Completion dates vary depending on whether you enroll full or part-time. The following are examples of the time it takes to complete some of the nation’s top programs.

At the University of Utah, you can earn your DNP as a neonatal nurse practitioner in three years, including two summer semesters.

The online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program at Thomas Jefferson University can be completed in four years of full-time study or up to six years if you enroll part-time.

The program offered at the University of Louisville is designed to be completed in as few as three years of full-time study. However, some students take four to five years, depending on the number of credit hours attempted each semester.

At Ohio State University, students complete the program in three and a half years to five years, based on whether they enroll part-time or full-time.

Rush University’s online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program is designed in a part-time format and can be completed in two and a half to three and a half years.



How Much Do BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs Cost?


The cost of BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs varies from one school to the next. The cost can range from as little as $15,000 to more than $90,000. Some schools charge a per-credit rate for tuition, and others charge per semester. Also, while some schools offer the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, others charge different rates based on where you live. The following are the costs of five of the nation’s top programs.

The University of Connecticut charges tuition at a rate of $925 per credit hour. Students complete between 76 and 82 credits, which means tuition costs between $70,300 and $75,850.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program is a 79-credit hour program that costs $682 per credit hour. The tuition rate is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, averaging $53,878.

Tuition for online students at the University of Louisville is $775 per credit hour for traditional students. Active-Duty Military and qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserve pay $250 per credit hour. The program features a 60-credit curriculum. Therefore, tuition ranges between $15,000 and $46,500.

The cost of the program at Ohio State University is based on residency status. Ohio residents pay approximately $73,220.90, and out-of-state students pay an average of $74,820.90.

At Rush University, students pay $1,286 per credit hour. The program features a 68-credit curriculum, making tuition cost $87,448.



What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Into Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs?


Most of the best online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs, like the University of Connecticut, Baylor University, and Ohio State University, require candidates to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, that requirement varies among some schools. For example, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, candidates with a grade point average of 3.2 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate GPA or overall undergraduate GPA are preferred.



What are the Admission Requirements For Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs?


The admission requirements for online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs are determined by the school and may vary. Typically, admission criteria include being a graduate of an accredited BSN program and holding an active RN. Each school will have a list of required supplemental or supporting documentation such as transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays. Additionally, most programs require candidates to have at least one year of experience in a Level II or III NICU.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham requires that prospective students for its online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program possess a BSN from a regionally accredited nursing school and an active RN license. Applicants must submit transcripts reflecting an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. However, a 3.2 GPA is preferred. If your grade point average is less than 3.2, you must provide GRE scores. Additionally, all candidates must provide three letters of professional reference, a resume or CV, and official transcripts from every college or university where credits were attempted.

Ohio State University requires candidates to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned at an accredited university, an active RN license, and a minimum BSN GPA of at least 3.0. All candidates must submit a professional resume and official transcripts from any college or university attended and complete all prerequisite courses with a B minus or higher. Applicants must also provide a recorded online video interview, three letters of recommendation, and a Purpose and Goals Statement.

Baylor University requires applicants to have a BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing, an active and unrestricted RN license, a minimum college GPA of at least 3.0 GPA, and at least one year of full-time Level 3 NICU neonatal clinical practice experience by the first day of class. Candidates must submit a Personal Statement and three letters of recommendation. Recommendations must come from an immediate supervisor, a peer nurse, and an MSN, DNP, or PhD-prepared nurse.

Admission criteria for the online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program at the University of Maryland include the following. You must first submit an online application via the school’s admission dashboard. With your application, you must submit a $75 non-refundable application fee. All applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a typed resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from any college or university attended. You must provide a copy of your valid, current, unencumbered RN license, as well.

Candidates seeking admission to the program at the University of Illinois at Chicago must have a baccalaureate degree with an upper-division nursing major from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program or a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major and an associate degree in nursing. All applicants must have a valid, unrestricted RN license. Applicants whose cumulative college GPA is less than 3.25 must submit GRE test scores. All candidates must submit a Statement of Intent, professional resume or curriculum vitae, official college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.



What Kind of Courses Will You Take in Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs?


The coursework in BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs includes core coursework, APRN courses, specialty classes, and practicum experiences. Although the class names may differ among schools, the content is similar among accredited programs.

The core curriculum includes classes such as Leadership & Critical Decision Making, Health Informatics, and Health Policy, Legal, & Ethical Dimensions of Practice. APRN classes may include Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Decision-Making, Pathophysiology of Human Disease, and Pathologic Aspects of Disease. The specialty curriculum focuses specifically on neonatal nursing and includes classes such as Clinical Decision-Making for the Mother and Neonate and Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners.

The following are examples of classes you will take at five of the schools offering our featured programs.

If you pursue the online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program at Thomas Jefferson University, you will take the following classes: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Diagnostic Reasoning & Clinical Decision-Making for NNPs, Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Decision-Making for the Mother & the Neonate, and Pathophysiology of Human Disease/Pathologic Aspects of Disease.

Students at Wayne State University complete classes, including Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Statistics in Nursing, Advanced Neonatal Pharmacology, Health Analytics & Data Management, and Conceptual Methodologies in Health Policy Leadership & Ethics.

At the University of Maryland, you will study in classes including Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Across the Lifespan, Diagnosis & Management of Acute & Chronic Complex Conditions, Information Systems & Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care, Diagnosis & Management of Common Health Conditions, Episodic, & Chronic, and Theory for Evidence-Based Practice.

The curriculum for the program at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center includes classes such as Maternal Risk & Neonatal Health Promotion (0-2 Yrs of Age), Epidemiology for Clinical Practice, Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology, Neonatal Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnosis.

The program offered at the University of South Alabama includes classes such as Clinical Prevention & Population Health, Translating Evidence into Practice Systems, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention in Neonatal/Pediatric Acute Care, Physio-pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing, and Organizational & Systems Leadership.



What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs?


All online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs require students to complete practical training. According to the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, to achieve DNP competencies, all doctoral nursing programs should provide at least 1,000 hours of supervised practicum experience. Most programs include direct patient care and indirect care, such as the completion of a DNP Project, to help students achieve the practical training requirement.

At the University of Utah, you must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. To be eligible for clinical placement, the University abides by the National Certification Corporation requirement that states students must have the equivalent of two years of full-time clinical experience as an RN caring for critically ill infants or neonates in an inpatient critical care setting. Clinical placement sites are only guaranteed along the Wasatch Front. If you live outside of that area, you must work with your specialty Track Director to arrange clinical sites and preceptors. Additionally, students living outside the Wasatch Front area incur the costs of faculty site visits and clinical supervision.

Creighton University’s online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program includes five DNP practicum experiences and a DNP Residency. You will complete a minimum of 1,200 practical training hours. The first two DNP practicum experiences include opportunities to learn and develop skills in neonatal assessment and management of stable and unstable neonates. The remaining three practicums involve building upon the DNP-NNP specialty role. The DNP Residency includes 175 hours of direct patient care and 200 indirect clinical hours, which involve implementing, evaluating, and disseminating a DNP Scholarly Project.

At the University of Louisville, the online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program includes 1,000 clinical hours. Clinicals include at least 748 direct patient care hours and 252 project or professional project hours. The university offers clinical placement assistance to ensure you have appropriate clinical sites and preceptors as close to your home region as possible.

At the University of Chicago at Illinois, your clinical training is arranged by clinical faculty and designed to provide you with excellent training sites and highly qualified preceptors. You will complete at least 1,000 clinical practice hours comprised of both direct patient care and completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program includes 20 credit hours of clinical training, which equals more than 1,000 practicum hours. The university offers clinical placement assistance for students and has over 5,000 clinical affiliates nationwide, making it easier for you to find placement sites near your home.



What are the Best Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in the Nation?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 14 Best Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)


1. Rush University Medical Center - Chicago, IL


2. The Ohio State University - Columbus, OH


3. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, AL


4. University of Connecticut - Storrs, CT


5. Baylor University - Dallas, TX


6. University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago, IL


7. University of Maryland - Baltimore, MD


8. Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia, PA


9. University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT


10. University of South Alabama - Mobile, AL


11. University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis, TN


12. Wayne State University - Detroit, MI


13. Creighton University - Omaha, NE


14. University of Louisville - Louisville, KY



VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



Where Do Graduates of Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs Mostly Work?


Graduates of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs have several opportunities for jobs. Some of the most common places neonatal nurse practitioners work include the following.

1. Neonatal Intensive Care Units:

Many neonatal nurse practitioners work in the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) in the hospital. This fast-paced work environment requires neonatal nurse practitioners to adjust treatments, coordinate with other care specialists, and communicate with patients’ parents.

2. Birthing Centers/Labor and Delivery Units:

Neonatal nurse practitioners often work in labor and delivery units or birthing centers. In this role, you will monitor infants in the delivery process and immediately after delivery. NNPs who work in this setting are typically called in to attend the deliveries of neonates with anticipated health issues, anomalies, or potential risk factors.

3. Home Health Agencies:

Some home health agencies employ neonatal nurse practitioners to provide at-home care for at-risk newborns. Neonatal nurse practitioners in this setting bridge the gap between the hospital and independent care provided by families. NNPs who work for home health agencies continue to monitor newborns and provide education to parents and other caregivers.



3 Best Jobs For Graduates of Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs


Your preference for work environment will likely play a role in determining the type of job you seek as a neonatal nurse practitioner. The list below includes three of the best jobs for graduates of the nation’s best BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs.

1. Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Practitioner:

Your role in a neonatal intensive care unit is to provide care to high-risk infants following delivery. Some of the babies you care for include infants experiencing complications from infections, prematurity, low birth weight, heart, or other anomalies.

2. Nursing Instructor:

It is common for nurse practitioners, such as graduates of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs, to teach in college or university nursing programs. Most NNPs who work in academia have significant experience in the nursing field. With a DNP, you may choose to work in an adjunct instructor role, teaching several subjects, precepting students in clinicals, or specializing in neonatal curriculum and clinicals.

3. Locum Tenens Neonatal Nurse Practitioner:

A locum tenens neonatal nurse practitioner works in hospitals or other healthcare facilities, providing temporary relief when the facility is short-staffed or other NNPs are unavailable. You may take this job at local healthcare facilities or find opportunities with travel nursing companies.



What Salary Can New Graduates of BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs Expect?


On average, new graduates of BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs earn approximately $98,390 per year. The pay is equal to $47.40 per hour, $1,892 weekly, or $8,200 monthly.

Hourly$47.30
Weekly$1,892
Monthly$8,200
Annual$98,390



What Average Salary Can Graduates of BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs Expect?


Graduates of BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs earn an average annual salary of $146,140. This salary is equivalent to an average hourly rate of $70.26, which equals $2,810 weekly or $12,180 per month.

Hourly$70.26
Weekly$2,810
Monthly$12,180
Annual$146,140



10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates of BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs


The 10-year job outlook for graduates of BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs is excellent! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, neonatal nurse practitioner jobs are expected to see a 45.68% growth rate from 2021 to 2031. This rate of job growth is much higher than all other jobs listed by the BLS.

2021-31
+45.68%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



Is the Cost of an Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?


Before committing to earning a degree or choosing a school to attend, one of the most important things to consider is whether the money you spend will be worth the return you receive. The easiest way to determine that is to compare the cost of the degree program to your potential earnings.

For example, online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs can cost as little as $15,000 to more than $90,000. You may spend more out-of-pocket for one of these programs, depending on the cost of fees, supplies, and travel to required campus intensives or clinicals. However, you may also factor in that many students take advantage of scholarships and grants to help offset some expenses.

New neonatal nurse practitioner graduates earn a little more than $98,000 annually, with the average income being around $146,000. When you compare the cost of the programs to the earning potential, it is clear that you could see a positive return on your investment in as few as two or three years.



Bonus! 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying to the Best Online BSN-to-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs


Before enrolling in online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs, there are many things to consider. The following are five important questions to ask yourself before applying.

1. Why do I really want to become a neonatal nurse practitioner?

The decision to become a neonatal nurse practitioner is not one to be taken lightly. Granted, you can earn a great income, but as a nurse with several certifications and years of experience, I can tell you that income does not make up for the mental, emotional, and physical strain that comes with the profession. You should consider your "why" or your reason for wanting to become an NNP carefully to determine if your reasons are enough to balance out the requirements of the job/career.

2. How will I pay for my degree?

This may seem like a simple question compared to others that may come to mind. However, the truth is that online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs require a lot of dedication, leaving you with little extra time. If you cannot work while in the program, how will you fund your degree? Additionally, how will you maintain your home and family and keep bills paid?

3. How much time can I dedicate to earning my degree?

On average, BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs can take between three and five years to complete. To complete the program in three or four years, you may need to enroll full-time, which can take an even greater amount of time away from other responsibilities or obligations.

Further, you must dedicate significant time to studying outside of the classroom. It has been my experience that most nursing instructors, including myself, recommend spending at least three hours for each credit hour studying weekly. What that means is if you enroll in 12 credit hours for the semester, you should plan to spend 36 hours each week studying.

4. What kind of support does the program offer to distance-learning students?

Distance-learning college programs are an excellent option for prospective students who may be unable to attend school otherwise. Because you will not be in a classroom daily with the benefit of face-to-face interaction with instructors, it is essential that you know what support the program offers to students. For example, how do instructors and students communicate, and what is an acceptable turnaround time to expect a response when you reach out? Also, does the school offer technical support if you face issues accessing course content, etc.?

5. What measures do I use to deal with grief?

Unfortunately, as a neonatal nurse practitioner, there will be days when patient outcomes are not what you hoped for. Some of your patients will leave the hospital with a poor prognosis. Others will die. No matter how strong you are or how professional you try to be, grief is real, and it will impact you. Consider how you deal with difficult situations or losses in your life. Make sure you have a support system of family, friends, and peers who can help you through difficult situations like this.



My Final Thoughts


If you dream of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner but need a distance-learning option, it is natural to wonder, “What are the best online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs?” In this article, we addressed that question by providing you with a list of the 14 best online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs for 2024. You learned about program options as well as income potential, job opportunities, and career outlook.

With a positive job outlook and diverse job opportunities, this is an excellent option for anyone desiring to become an NNP. I encourage you, if this is truly your dream, to start your journey today! There is no time better than now to start pursuing and achieving your professional goals!



Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert


1. What Is The Best Online BSN-To-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program In The Nation?

The best online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program in the nation is offered at Rush University Medical Center, located in Chicago, Illinois.

Rush University Medical Center - Chicago, IL


2. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into BSN-To-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs?

The minimum GPA to get into most online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some schools have different criteria. Therefore, it is crucial that you verify the admission requirements for each school of interest to you carefully.


3. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For BSN-To-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs?

The cost-per-credit for BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs ranges from $250 to $1,200. However, the typical cost is approximately $500 per credit.


4. Can I Work Part-Time And Complete This Program?

It is possible to work part-time and successfully complete an online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program. Many students who feel the need to work while enrolled opt for part-time program options.


5. Can I Work Full-Time And Complete This Program?

While it is possible to work full-time and successfully complete online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs, it can be challenging. I strongly recommend talking with both your academic advisor and your employer to see if there are scheduling options for school and work that will accommodate the strenuous nature of the program. If you must work full-time, you may find that a part-time program is easier to accomplish.


6. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make?

New graduates of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs earn approximately $98,390 per year.

$98,390


7. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour?

The average hourly pay for graduates of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs is $70.26 per hour.

$70.26


8. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month?

On average, graduates of BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner online programs earn $12,180 per month.

$12,180


9. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of BSN-To-DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Programs Make Per Year?

On average, graduates of online BSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner programs can make $146,140 per year.

$146,140


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).