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

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

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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

Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)-Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program from Ohio State  are well-positioned for a dynamic and rewarding career in neonatal care. The demand for NNPs is expected to continue growing as advancements in neonatal medicine drives the need for specialized care. Ohio State’s program equips students with advanced clinical skills and a robust understanding of neonatal health, ensuring they are prepared to excel in various settings, including hospitals, specialty clinics, and community health environments. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and leadership, graduates are likely to find opportunities not only in direct patient care but also in roles involving education, policy development, and research. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and extensive clinical experience provide a solid foundation for a career dedicated to improving outcomes for the most vulnerable newborns and their families

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

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

Clinical coursework

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

Stephanie Sykes

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice Director, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track
NP Neonatal Professor

Jodi Ulloa

Assistant Clinical Professor
NP Neonatal Professor

Testimonials

Learn how online learning has helped Ohio State students exceed in their personal and professional lives.

Tuition Fee Overview

Tuition Fees Fee Per Credit Hour Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester
Instructional Fee $972.50 $5,835.00 $7,780.00
General Fee $32.63 $195.78 $261.04
Program Fee $250.00 $1,500.00 $2,000.00
Nursing Distance Learning Fee $228.00 (per semester)
Distance Learning Fee $100.00 (per semester)
Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) $200.00 (per semester)

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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