Neonatal Nurse Practitioner DNP

Our Approach

You learn from faculty who are active practitioners at a top-tier academic medical center, RUSH University Medical Center.

This means many program advisers and clinical faculty are practicing nurse practitioners who have clinical experience that will enrich your learning.

We offer tracks for both bachelor’s and master’s-prepared nurses.

Program Length and Location

Our program takes 2 1/2 (full-time) to 3 ½ years (part-time) to complete. Coursework takes place online.

Neonatal Health Assessment is also taken online but requires a three-day campus visit.

Clinical experience

You need at least two years of full-time neonatal experience before starting the clinical portion of the program.

Clinical practicum sites are available at RUSH University Medical Center and at sites in the Chicago area. Sites may include the neonatal settings in your area that meet program requirements.

There are different state regulations, so we can’t guarantee clinical practica placement if you move to another state after matriculating.

As a distance student, you are responsible for contacting local preceptors. The program director will then evaluate practice sites/preceptors.

We have been successful in negotiating most distance clinical practicum contracts, but success is not guaranteed.

RUSH may also need to be a recognized provider by the board of nursing in your state. For these reasons, we encourage you to plan your clinical practicum with the program coordinator early.

Certification

We prepare you to be eligible for board certification as a neonatal nurse practitioner by the National Certification Corporation.

Our graduates have an exceptional first-time pass rate on the exam.

Program Tuition

At RUSH University, we know your education is a big investment. We want to make sure you have all the information to be able to make the best financial decisions for you and your family.

Tuition for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner DNP program is $1,344 per credit hour.

Learn about student financial aid options.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner DNP Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to practice in normal newborn, intermediate and intensive care settings.

Your knowledge of pathophysiology, assessment, pharmacology and physiology-based management will help you:

• Attend high-risk deliveries
• Consult and collaborate with interprofessional team members
• Evaluate diagnostic and clinical data
• Manage critically ill and intermediate care neonates
• Perform advanced physical assessments
• Support and educate caregivers

Additionally, your responsibilities will include the following advanced practice clinical skills:

• Delivery room resuscitation
• Intubation and non-invasive respiratory management
• Lumbar puncture
• Pleural needle aspiration
• Umbilical line placement and suturing
• X-ray interpretation

Employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 40% from 2021-31. This is much faster than the average for other professions.