Program Overview

Introduction to the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online Program

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) online program is designed to train students to provide focused healthcare to preterm babies, infants, and children up to 2 years old. This program will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for neonatal patients in various settings, including transport, acute care, chronic care, delivery rooms, and outpatient settings.

Program Overview

The NNP online program is offered by the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University (ODU). The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is designed to support students through their nursing education on a continuous path from BS/BSN to MSN to DNP.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for the NNP online program, students must have:

• A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited program (preferred) or a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one year of full-time NICU nursing experience within the two years prior to application (two years NICU experience preferred).
• A current license as a registered nurse.

Curriculum and Courses

The NNP online program requires a minimum of 50 credit hours and includes:

• Clinical practicum at a physical location
• Hands-on training in Virginia Beach
• Accelerated courses with an 8-week format
• Most courses have no regular meeting times, allowing students to fit class into their personal schedule
• Instructors may schedule assignments, office hours, and exams at specific times
• Practicum experiences are facilitated in various locations and are negotiated on an individual basis

Licensure Disclosure

ODU encourages students to check their state's licensure requirements before applying to the program. The university has determined whether the program will prepare students for nurse midwifery licensure in certain states. Students can view ODU's state licensure disclosure directory for more information.

Cost and Aid

The cost of the program varies depending on the student's residency status:

• In-state Virginia residents: $486 per credit hour
• Out-of-state students: $649 per credit hour ODU offers various scholarships to support online students, including the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Scholarship.

Careers in Neonatal Nursing

Jobs for NNPs are generally hospital-based, in both academic and community-based settings, and may involve opportunities to participate in ambulance and air transport of neonates, delivery room care, and outpatient follow-up of NICU graduates. The median salary for NNPs is $126,260, and the job growth rate is 46.3%.

Expert Faculty

Instructors in the NNP online program are all ODU faculty with practical and research experience in healthcare. The program also maintains a strong relationship with The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, providing students with access to a freestanding, full-service, not-for-profit children's hospital.

Related Programs

ODU offers several related programs, including:

• MSN Nursing - Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Graduate Certificate Neonatal Physician Assistant
• MSN Nursing - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• MSN Nursing - Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• MSN Nursing - Nurse Midwifery

Conclusion

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner online program at ODU is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for neonatal patients in various settings. With its expert faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and affordable tuition, this program is an excellent choice for students pursuing a career in neonatal nursing.