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Neonatal Nurse Practitioner


The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration is designed to prepare the Registered Nurse with specialized knowledge and skills to provide care for pre-mature and critically ill newborns through the first two years of life. Coursework and supervised clinical experiences assist students to develop expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic illnesses in these children across healthcare settings. Health promotion and development, family support, interprofessional collaborations, and evidence-based practice are emphasized throughout the program. Graduates are expected to contribute to the development of policies and practice models that promote evidence-based care for neonates and their families.

DNP degree concentrations include pathways for initial Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification and for APRNs with or without current Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification. Graduates are eligible to write the national certification examinations for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. 

Admission to the DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration requires a minimum of one year full-time, practice experience within the last 5 years as a registered nurse in the care of critically ill newborns, infants, or children in an acute inpatient setting.

Accreditation: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,  655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202.887.6791, http://www.ccneaccreditation.org, through December 31, 2034, and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Concentration Course Requirements

Technical and Performance Standards

All students in the DNP Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Concentration Program must meet the Technical and Performance Standards for admission and progression.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner FAQs

Last Published: Oct 10, 2024