Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Program Description
The neonatal nurse practitioner curriculum prepares graduates to function as advanced neonatal nurse practitioners providing comprehensive care to high-risk newborn infants and their families. A strong foundation of study is provided in the physiologic, embryologic, and pathophysiologic basis of neonatal acute and chronic disorders.
Clinical experiences take place in a number of neonatal intensive care units in the greater Salt Lake area. One of these NICUs is a state-of-the art Level III unit specializing in care of the VLBW infant. Another NICU is and a Level III C unit in the nearby children's hospital. The graduate will be eligible for certification through the National Certification Corporation.
At the conclusion of the BS-DNP NNP program, the graduate will be able to:
- Successfully complete the NCC certification exam for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
- Provide the assessment of and care for the critically ill infants in Level 1, 2 and 3 Neonatal ICUs
- Consult with pediatricians in the newborn nursery for unusual infant presentations
- Develop evidence based guidelines for neonatal care
- Collaborate and coordinate care of the neonate with complex problems with various specialty disciplines
Length of Program
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is eight (8) semesters in length, requiring 85 credit hours in didactic and clinical coursework. It is available only as a full-time program (9+ credit hours per semester) and is completed in three (3) years, including two (2) summer semesters.
Program of Study
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner BS-DNP program of study requires completion of the BS-DNP core curriculum, Neonatal NP specialty courses, a Capstone Project, and approximately 1000 hours of practicum and residency experience.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program of Study
Studying at a Distance
Some courses are available online or via distance, but this program cannot be completed online.
Admission Requirements
See the BS-DNP Degree Admission Requirements page.
In addition to the BS-DNP Degree requirements, applicants to the Neonatal NP program must have a minimum of two years of RN experience in a Level III Neonatal ICU prior to acceptance to the program.
Applicants must also complete course NURS 5905 Clinical Physiology (offered through the University of Utah College of Nursing) within 5 years prior to matriculating in the program. Applicants who have not met this requirement can apply to the program and enroll in the course for the spring semester prior to acceptance for the fall.
How to Apply
A cohort of approximately 8-10 students is accepted into the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program every other fall semester. The Application cycle begins in the fall for the following academic year.
See the How to Apply page for deadlines and more information.
NOTE: A cohort of at LEAST 8 must be accepted and enrolled for Fall 2012.
More Information
For more information about this program and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the related links at the right side of the page. If you have additional questions, contact the advisor below.
Renée Mixco, Graduate Advisor
(801) 587-7605
renee.mixco@nurs.utah.edu