If you’re an NNP, keeping up with the field’s changing educational requirements is important to your career. Here, we take a look into how the educational landscape may change for NNPs in the coming years.
Traditional Educational Requirements for NNPs
Traditionally, prospective NNPs would first obtain their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), then sit for the NCLEX-RN (Nursing Council Licensure Examination). Then, they’d pursue a post-grad Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in neonatal care, or complete a two-year Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing (APNN) program. Many NNP programs require at least 600 hours of clinical work to provide students with real-world experience.
Upon completion of their post-graduate education, prospective NNPs would then become eligible for certification through the National Certification Corporation, which recognizes NNPs. Requirements include:
- Having a current RN license
- Completion of a formal nurse practitioner program resulting in a master’s or doctorate in neonatal nursing
- Graduation from the program in or after 2005
Recent Changes and Trends for Obtaining an NNP Degree
In 2023, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) issued new curriculum guidelines and education competencies for NNP programs. Here are a few of the highlights that are most likely to affect students:
- An emphasis on competency-based education: NANN encourages a competency-based education that prioritizes what students can demonstrate, rather than what the program teaches. They recommend active didactic and clinical experiences to facilitate strong nursing skills.
- An increase to 750 nursing hours: Formerly, most degree programs for NNPs required a minimum of 600 clinical hours. NANN has proposed an increase to 750 direct patient-care hours to boost competency.
- A focus on evidence-based practices: NANN asserts that as an advanced role, NNPs should implement science and research to strengthen evidence-based care, while advocating for patients and their families.
There are other changes the NANN has proposed, including new preceptor requirements and selection of clinical sites.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): An Evolving Trend
In recent years, a trend towards a DNP as entry to practice for advanced practice nursing roles has emerged. Neonatal nurse practitioners can obtain this education as the highest degree in nursing practice, enabling them to lead change and deliver quality care to neonates. Program requirements vary, with some calling for 855 hours in direct patient care settings.
New NNPs looking to just begin their education may want to strongly consider a DNP program. In 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) recommended moving to DNPs by 2025 and phasing out entry-level NP education. Many universities have transitioned to DNP programs and eliminated MSN programs, but no state has changed licensing requirements yet. Nonetheless, some states may act soon.
It’s not yet clear how states will move forward with licensure. Some may grandfather MSN-prepared NPs until they retire, while others could require them to pursue a DNP within a specific timeframe. For example, in 2018, New York passed the BSN in 10 law, which required all RNs to obtain a BSN within 10 years of their initial licensure. While the future of NNP education may be unclear for now, the potential for your career growth is limitless with the help of Ensearch. We have been trusted among practitioners for locum assignments since 1994. Allow us to help you find the right fit for your next assignment — get started by contacting us for a no-cost consultation here.
