Master of Science in Nursing in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

NP with an infant and mother
Next Application Deadline:
March 1, 2026
Credit hours: 56
Next Term Start Date:
August 25, 2026

Application Deadline

Good news – the MS in Nursing application deadline will be extended to March 1, giving you extra time to apply for the Autumn 2026 term

Apply now

Overview

Our Master of Science in Nursing – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) track is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to deliver expert care to neonates, infants, and children up to two years of age. Through a curriculum focused on specialized neonatal health, students develop the clinical expertise and critical thinking skills needed to promote wellness and provide high-quality care in complex neonatal settings. The program is offered in a flexible, distance-learning format that combines online coursework with up to four required on-campus intensive sessions. Both full-time and part-time enrollment options are available to accommodate working professionals.

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice (EBP), developmental physiology, advanced health assessment, and pharmacology, and includes a comprehensive practicum sequence centered on high-risk neonatal care, developmental support, and family-centered approaches. Students complete 16–20 hours of clinical training per week in Level III or IV NICUs, with placements arranged near their location and guided by experienced preceptors. Applicants must have a minimum of 24 months of full-time RN experience in high-acuity neonatal care, meeting the eligibility requirements for national certification.

Led by Dr. Stephanie Sykes and a team of board-certified neonatal faculty, the program equips graduates to deliver advanced neonatal care, contribute to research, and drive improvements in health outcomes and policy. As part of one of the nation’s top-ranked online graduate nursing programs, students benefit from a supportive academic environment and Ohio State’s strong emphasis on wellness and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Recognition & Accreditation

USNWR ranks Ohio State's MSN program #1 in 2026

#1 Program

The Ohio State University’s MS in Nursing program is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Ohio State's programs are accredited by the CCNE.

Accreditation

Ohio State’s MS in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Academic Calendar

We have two application windows for this program for Autumn 2026. The first application window, from August 1 – October 16, 2025, is for all specialties within the program. The second application window, which is open from February 1 – March 1, 2026, will accept applications for certain specialties that will be announced late-January 2026.

Academic Calendar

We have two application windows for this program for Autumn 2026. The first application window, from August 1 – October 16, 2025, is for all specialties within the program. The second application window, which is open from February 1 – March 1, 2026, will accept applications for certain specialties that will be announced late-January 2026.

Admission Criteria

Students must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution to be eligible to apply. Applicants must also have an active RN license and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned relevant to the program of study.

Who We Are Looking For

Your application will receive a holistic review, meaning all aspects of who you are as an applicant will be considered including your academic preparedness, professional background, formative life experiences, and your unique strengths and attributes. The following list of applicant attributes and experiences is not all encompassing but is meant to help guide you in highlighting your strengths as you prepare your written application materials and recorded online interview.

  • Understanding of the advanced practice nurse role
  • Experience with your chosen population – Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
  • Community engagement
  • Diversity of thought and experiences
  • Resilience, growth, critical thinking
  • Emotional intelligence, communication skills
  • Personal attributes like humility, professionalism, compassion
  • Commitment to the nursing profession

How to Apply

NC-SARA Participating Institution logo

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).

SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.

California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.

The Application Process

Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.

Career Outlook

The Master of Science in Nursing – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Ohio State positions graduates for a strong and rewarding career outlook. As advances in neonatal medicine continue to evolve, demand is growing for highly specialized providers who can deliver complex care to vulnerable newborns. Graduates are prepared to assess, diagnose, and manage neonatal health conditions across a range of settings, including hospitals, specialty clinics, and community health environments. The program’s advanced clinical training and emphasis on evidence-based practice support competitive career opportunities in direct patient care as well as leadership, education, research, and policy-focused roles, while providing a strong foundation for improving outcomes for newborns and their families.

For the third consecutive year, nurse practitioner earned the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Healthcare Jobs rankings, reflecting strong and growing national demand for the career.

Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.

Top Occupations by Median Income

National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.

Curriculum

Most students choose a part-time plan for the online Master of Science in Nursing — Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialization, while others complete their degree full time. Full-time students typically finish in about five semesters, and part-time students usually complete the program in seven semesters. The part-time plan offers flexibility for working nurses, but keep in mind that it still includes full-time coursework during several semesters to stay on track. 

For example, a part-time plan may include as few as 5 credit hours in one semester and up to 11 credit hours in another, depending on the required sequencing of courses and clinicals. 

Below is a sample of the coursework for Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing — Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program.

  • NURSING 7483:  Quality Improvement and Informatics
  • NURSING 7303: Advanced Newborn/Infant Pharmacology
  • NURSING 7305: Developmental Physiology and Pathophysiology of the High-Risk Neonate
  • NURSING PRACTICE 8406: Leadership, Role, and Collaboration for the DNP
  • NURSING PRACTICE 8895: Advanced Practice Nursing: Final Professional Seminar

Clinical coursework

Below is the clinical coursework for Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing — Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program.

Allison Kelly DNP, APRN-CNP, NPT-C

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice

Jodi Ulloa DNP, APRN-CNP

Assistant Clinical Professor
Headshot of Jodi Ulloa, BSN-DNP faculty

Nicole Zimmerman DNP, APRN-CNP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice

Testimonials

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Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester. 

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