4 Best Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Programs in Ohio

Whether you're a practicing nurse seeking to advance your career or generally curious about the role of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs), you've come to the right place. Discover the best NNP Programs in Ohio as we explore their nuances, costs, salary expectations, and more.

What Is an NNP Program in Ohio?

An NNP program is an advanced practice nursing program that prepares registered nurses (RNs) to provide healthcare for neonates, infants, and toddlers up to the age of two. The program focuses on the care of healthy newborns, as well as the assessment and management of sick or premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

NNP programs in Ohio are offered at the graduate level, typically requiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for admission, along with a valid RN license and clinical experience in a neonatal setting. These programs may lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a Post Graduate Certificate, depending on previous education and institution.

Ohio NNP Coursework

While specific courses can vary between programs, the following coursework is commonly found in NNP programs:

• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology: In-depth study of neonatal physiology and the pathophysiological processes of diseases affecting newborns and infants.
• Neonatal Pharmacology: Focuses on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs used in neonatal care, including dosages, interactions, and side effects.
• Health Assessment of Neonates and Infants: Training in the comprehensive physical assessment of newborns, including developmental assessments and the identification of abnormalities.
• Neonatal Nutrition: Covers nutritional needs, feeding strategies, and the management of feeding problems in neonates and infants.
• Principles of Neonatal Care: An overview of the care of healthy and sick newborns, including resuscitation, stabilization, and ongoing care in the NICU.
• Management of High-Risk Neonates: Focuses on the care and management of premature and critically ill newborns, including those with respiratory distress, infections, and congenital anomalies.
• Neonatal Ethics and Legal Issues: Examines ethical and legal considerations in neonatal care, including end-of-life decisions, parental rights, and professional practice standards.

Ohio NNP Clinical Training

Clinical training is a crucial component of NNP programs, providing hands-on experience in neonatal care settings under the supervision of experienced practitioners and physicians. Typical clinical training includes:

• NICU Rotation: Students spend significant time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, caring for critically ill or premature newborns, learning to manage complex health issues, and using advanced medical equipment.
• Delivery Room Experience: Training includes attending deliveries, performing initial newborn assessments, and providing care in cases of distress or prematurity.
• Specialty Rotations: Some programs offer rotations in specialized areas such as neonatal surgery, cardiac care, or genetic disorders, providing a broader understanding of the complexities of neonatal care.
• Leadership and Management: Opportunities to develop leadership skills in a neonatal setting, including managing a healthcare team, communicating with families, and coordinating care plans.

Best NNP Programs in Ohio - Online & On-Campus

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. The Ohio State University

The NNP program at The Ohio State University prepares students to provide healthcare to neonates, infants, and children up to two years of age. The program emphasizes specialized knowledge and skills to offer high-quality care and wellness for neonates. It allows for various entry paths, including traditional master's, graduate entry, post-master's, BSN to DNP, or BSN to PhD. The program features a distance-enhanced format with occasional on-campus visits and caters to both full-time and part-time students.

Program Highlights:

• Flexibility: The program offers full-time or part-time options, with the possibility to complete clinical experiences near the student's residence, depending on state authorization.
• World-Class Faculty: Students learn from experts in the neonatal field.
• Evidence-Based Practice: The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice to ensure the best patient outcomes.
• Personal Wellness Focus: The program promotes clinician wellbeing alongside patient health.

2. Case Western Reserve University

The NNP program at Case Western Reserve University focuses on providing urgent, specialized care for premature infants and their families. The program prepares students to manage and care for critically ill infants, from birth through two years of age, encompassing illness detection, health restoration, and advocacy for quality patient and family care.

Program Highlights:

• Specialized Focus: Emphasis on the care of critically ill infants, with a comprehensive scope covering birth to two years.
• High Certification Pass Rate: The program boasts a 98 percent pass rate on the National Certification Corporation (NCC) examination for NNPs.
• Flexible Learning Options: The majority of the didactic portion of the program is available in an intensive format or online, accommodating various student needs.
• Professional Preparedness: Graduates are equipped to assess, plan, and evaluate care for neonates and to educate parents and families.
• Strong Industry Relevance: The program is aligned with the urgent care needs of premature infants, a significant concern given the CDC's estimate of premature births in the U.S.

3. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an online MSN program for NNPs that prepares graduates to meet the educational requirements for national certification exams. The program is designed to train NNPs to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of patients, from healthy newborns to those with critical conditions.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Training: Prepares NNPs to care for newborns who are healthy, premature, or facing various medical challenges, including infections, genetic conditions, and heart malformations.
• Online Learning: The program is offered online, providing flexibility and accessibility for students regardless of their geographic location.
• National Certification Preparation: Graduates meet the educational requirements to take national certification exams for Neonatal NPs.
• Diverse Clinical Settings: The training equips NNPs to work in various settings, including pediatric clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, delivery rooms, and neonatal intensive care units.

4. Wright State University

Wright State University's NNP concentration within the MSN program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for comprehensive care of ill newborns and their families, particularly in neonatal intensive care units and for high-risk infants up to age two.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program requires 55 credit hours, covering extensive training for care in neonatal settings.
• Flexible Entry and Schedule: Offers post-master's training, individualized plans, and starts in Summer, fall, or Spring semesters, accommodating different student needs.
• Strong Clinical Partnerships: Clinical rotations at reputable institutions like Dayton Children's Hospital and Miami Valley Hospital, enhancing practical learning and experience.

Prerequisites & Requirements of NNP Programs in Ohio

NNP programs in Ohio come with specific prerequisites and requirements, ensuring candidates are equipped for the demands of education and practice.

Ohio NNP Prerequisites

Common prerequisites include:

• BSN: Applicants must have completed a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program.
• RN License: Candidates must hold a current, unrestricted RN license in the state of Ohio or be eligible for licensure in Ohio.
• Clinical Experience: A minimum amount of clinical experience in a neonatal setting (usually 2 years) is required, with a strong preference for experience in a Level III or Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• Academic Performance: A minimum undergraduate GPA, often 3.0 or higher, is typically required for admission.
• Prerequisite Courses: Some programs may require specific undergraduate courses to be completed, such as statistics, health assessment, or pathophysiology, with a minimum grade requirement.

Ohio NNP Requirements

Once admitted, students must meet the following requirements to graduate and become eligible for certification as an NNP:

• Completion of Coursework: Students must complete all required coursework, which covers advanced practice nursing core subjects, neonatal-specific content, and electives tailored to neonatal care.
• Clinical Hours: Completion of a specified number of supervised clinical hours in neonatal settings is required. The exact number of hours can vary by program but typically ranges from 600 to 1000 hours.
• Capstone Project or Thesis: Many programs require a capstone project or thesis that demonstrates the integration of knowledge and skills acquired during the program. This might involve original research, a quality improvement project, or a comprehensive case study.
• Graduation Requirements: In addition to coursework and clinical hours, students must meet any additional graduation requirements set by their institution, which may include comprehensive exams, portfolio submissions, or other assessments.
• Certification Exam: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the NNP certification exam offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Passing this exam is required to practice as an NNP.
• State Licensure: After obtaining NNP certification, graduates must apply for state licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a specialty in neonatal nursing. This process includes submitting proof of education, certification, and possibly additional state-specific requirements.

Salary Expectations of NNP Programs in Ohio

NNP salary may fluctuate significantly based on factors like geographic area, professional experience, employer, level of education, and more.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for NPs was $124,680 or $59.94 hourly.

The top-paying states are:

• California: $158,130
• New Jersey: $143,250
• Massachusetts: $138,700
• Oregon: $136,250
• Nevada: $136,230

Unfortunately, the BLS doesn't specify NNP in their salary data. However, according to Salary.com, the average NNP salary is $135,043 in Ohio, with the range typically falling somewhere between $124,135 and $146,007.

Are NNP Programs Worth It in Ohio?

Deciding whether an NNP program is worth it in Ohio requires considering its various advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of NNP Programs in Ohio

1. High Demand for NNPs: With a significant number of high-level NICUs, Ohio has a consistent demand for specialized NNPs. This demand can lead to job security and numerous employment opportunities across the state.
2. Competitive Salaries: NNPs typically earn higher salaries than RNs due to their advanced qualifications and the specialized nature of their work. In Ohio, the competitive salaries reflect the critical care they provide to the most vulnerable patients.
3. Opportunities for Advancement: Completing an NNP program opens doors to leadership roles within NICUs, including managerial positions or roles in neonatal education and policy development.
4. Impact on Patient Care: NNPs have a profound impact on the outcomes of neonates and their families. Working closely with neonatologists and other healthcare professionals, NNPs can be instrumental in improving the standard of care and patient outcomes in neonatal settings.
5. Comprehensive Training and Specialization: NNP programs in Ohio offer comprehensive training that combines advanced nursing practices with specialized neonatal care, preparing graduates to handle complex clinical situations in NICUs.

Cons of NNP Programs in Ohio

1. Cost of Education: The financial investment in NNP education can be substantial, including tuition, fees, and potential loss of income during full-time study. Prospective students must consider this investment against the potential return.
2. Intensive Study and Clinical Hours: NNP programs are rigorous, requiring extensive clinical hours on top of coursework. This intensity can be challenging, especially for those balancing personal or professional responsibilities.
3. Emotional Stress: Working with critically ill neonates and their families can be emotionally taxing. NNPs must be prepared to handle stressful situations and the emotional toll that can come with high-stakes neonatal care.
4. Licensing and Certification Requirements: After completing an NNP program, graduates must pass a certification exam and obtain licensure in Ohio. These steps require additional time, money, and effort.
5. Limited Scope of Practice: As an NNP, the focus is exclusively on neonates and infants up to 2 years old. For those seeking variety in patient age groups or conditions, this narrow focus might be seen as a limitation.

Ultimately, whether an NNP program in Ohio is worth it depends on your career goals, financial situation, and values placed on its pros and cons. However, if a greater impact on patient care, an increase in salary expectations, and comprehensive training are important to you, an NNP program is certainly worth it.

Importance of Picking an Accredited NNP Program in Ohio

Attending an accredited NNP program in Ohio is crucial for several reasons:

• Quality of Education: Accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous educational standards. This guarantees a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum that covers all necessary aspects of NNP education, preparing students with the knowledge and skills required in this specialized field.
• Eligibility for Certification and Licensure: Graduating from an accredited NNP program is often a prerequisite for taking the national certification exams required to practice. Most state boards of nursing also require completion of an accredited program for licensure. Without this, graduates may not be eligible to practice.
• Professional Credibility: An accredited program is recognized for its quality and rigor, enhancing a graduate's professional credibility. Employers often prefer or exclusively hire nurse practitioners who have graduated from accredited programs, as it assures them of the practitioner's competent educational background.
• Career Opportunities: Accredited programs are well-regarded in the healthcare community, opening up more job opportunities. Many healthcare facilities and organizations give preference to candidates from accredited programs due to their proven educational standards.
• Access to Federal Financial Aid: Students in accredited programs are typically eligible for federal financial aid, which can be crucial in funding their education. This is particularly important given the significant investment required for advanced nursing education.

While researching programs it's important to check if they're accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner transition to a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner role in Ohio?

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) can transition to an NNP role in Ohio, but it requires additional education and certification. PNPs must enroll in an NNP program to gain specialized knowledge and clinical experience in neonatal care. This transition might also require completing additional credit hours specific to neonatal care and successfully passing the NNP certification exam.

Q: How many credit hours are typically required for NNP programs in Ohio?

The number of credit hours required for NNP programs in Ohio can vary significantly depending on the program and whether the student is pursuing an MSN, a DNP, or a Post Graduate Certificate. Generally, MSN programs may require between 40 to 50 credit hours, while DNP programs often require more, sometimes up to 70 to 80 credit hours, including both coursework and clinical practice hours.

Q: Are there online NNP programs available in Ohio, and how do they facilitate clinical practice?

There are online NNP programs available in Ohio that offer flexibility for working nurses. These programs typically provide theoretical coursework online but require students to complete their clinical practice hours in person. Online programs work with a network of healthcare providers to arrange local practicum sites for their students. Additionally, students may sometimes be responsible for finding their own preceptors and clinical sites, subject to approval by the program to ensure they meet educational standards.

Q: What is the importance of evidence-based practice in NNP programs?

Evidence-based practice is a cornerstone of NNP programs, integrating clinical expertise with the best available research evidence and patient values. It is crucial to ensure that NNPs provide the highest quality of care, make informed clinical decisions, and contribute to the advancement of neonatal health science. NNP programs emphasize evidence-based practice in their curriculum to prepare graduates for clinical practice that improves patient outcomes and supports the evolution of neonatal care.

Q: Can I work part-time while enrolled in an NNP program in Ohio, and how long would it take to complete the program?

Many students work part-time while enrolled in NNP programs in Ohio, especially those who are enrolled in online or hybrid programs designed to accommodate working professionals. The duration of the program on a part-time basis can vary widely depending on the number of credit hours taken each semester. Typically, a full-time NNP program might take 2 to 3 years to complete, while part-time students might take 3 to 4 years or more, depending on the program's structure and requirements.