How much schooling is needed to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?
Asked by shaylee_maddock
I want to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, I am still in high school and need to know all the steps I need to take to have a job in this career. How many years does it take in all to become a NNP? About what is the salary? And maybe a few of the courses I will need to take in college.

Best Answer:
First you need to get your RN license. You can either get an associates degree (2-year) and then later take a RN - BSN completion program, or you can go directly into a 4-year BSN program. 2 year programs are often easier and less competative to gain admission, and you will be able to start working as an RN sooner. But you will need to earn your BSN, because you will need to go on to graduate school and earn a master's degree through a program that will train you to be licensed as a neonatal nurse practitioner. That is typically another 2 years (full time, or 3+ years part time). Courses you will need include general college biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, etc. It helps to take as many of your general education graduation requirements prior to beginning a nursing program, so you only have to focus on the nursing courses alone - otherwise you may find yourself overloaded with homework. Salary can vary, but generally speaking, just about any form of nurse practitioner will earn on average approximately $60-70k per year.
RN
Answered by Jill

While in high school, load up on Biology, Chemistry and Math. The amount of schooling needed may depend on the state you plan to work in. So check out the requirements at the larger medical schools (John Hopkins for instance, Medical College of Virginia), and realize that smaller institutions may have fewer requirements. Better yet, talk with someone in personnel at a local hospital.
Answered by Miss V

There are several paths to becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP). A good resource to start with is the National Association of Neonatal Nurses's PDF on What is Neonatal Nursing? http://www.nann.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=1162 Basically, you will need a nursing degree to become a registered nurse, and then pursue a master's degree. You can work within a neonatal intensive care unit as a registered nurse before pursuing becoming a NNP. Here is a relevant article and a interview with a neonatal nurse practitioner: http://www.minoritynurse.com/features/nurse_emp/11-01-03a.html http://www.vanderbilt.edu/VirtualSchool/archive/sohn.htm "How to Become a Nurse Practitioner" http://www.npcentral.net/consumer/npfaq.shtml "How is your role different from the role of a registered nurse? As a neonatal nurse practitioner I am a registered nurse, but with advanced training. The registered nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit serve as bedside staff nurses. They are in charge of the babies’ immediate care. For example, they carry out the procedures that I have ordered. So, in a way I serve as a liaison between the physician and the bedside nurse." As the NNP recommends, I would interview a local NNP and maybe see if you can shadow her/him for the day. Link ot the types of courses for a Masters of Science in Nursing at the Indiana School of Nursing for NNPs: http://nursing.iupui.edu/AcademicPrograms/default.asp?/AcademicPrograms/NP/NeonatalNP.htm Salaries can vary depending on geographic location, by practice site and specialty. http://www.nurse.net/cgi-bin/start.cgi/salary/index.html (Covers all specialties) Good luck.
Answered by The Librarian