Post-Masters Certificate Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

This non-degree certificate program is designed for nurses with a previous Master's in Nursing who are seeking to expand their roles via nurse practitioner certification in neonatal critical care. Applicants will be considered who have completed an accredited NP program or CNS program leading to a MSN or MN. The total credits required vary based on the applicant’s academic experience. Credit will be given for previous coursework that meets the core curriculum requirements.   Program faculty will do an individual evaluation of applicant transcripts.

Coursework and clinical practice hours during the certificate program will focus on developing knowledge and skills necessary for advanced practice as an NP, including content on health promotion/protection for children up to 2 years of age and the management of problems frequently seen in the neonatal intensive care setting. The clinical practice hours required in the certificate program meet the state and national requirements for eligibility for certification as a NNP.

Features

• Minimum of 25 new credits
• Flexibility to individualize learning
• Can be completed in four academic terms
• In class and web-supported learning environment
• Access to a wide variety of clinical sites including the world renowned UPMC Health System

Who is this program for?

• Clinical Nurse Specialists who would like to expand their role
• Nurse practitioners from other specialties (Adult, Family, Pediatric) who would like to develop expertise with critically ill neonates

Competencies at Completion

• Diagnose and manage the healthcare needs of high-risk neonates and children up to 2 years of age
• Display advanced critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning
• Prescribe medications as part of management of acute illness
• Collaborate effectively with physicians and other members of the healthcare team
• Perform selected invasive and diagnostic procedures involved in the care of critically ill infants
• Critically evaluate and apply current research findings
• Assist families to resolve common psychosocial issues and ethical dilemmas
• Serve as a resource to other healthcare providers

Benefits to You:

• Builds on your clinical knowledge and broadens your marketability
• Maximizes your time investment to obtain the credentials you want, without requiring a second Master's
• Provides course and clinical hours required to prepare for the NCC certification examination as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Admission Criteria:

• Evidence of a Master's Degree in Nursing
• Area of specialization as a NP or CNS
• Prior to beginning the clinical courses an equivalent of 2 years full-time, recent RN practice experience in the care of critically ill infants
• Current Pennsylvania Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Satisfactory resume or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for master's study from each of the following:
• The director or a faculty member from the most recent academic program attended (if applicant has been a nursing student in the last 5 years);
• A recent employer; and,
• A person who can speak to the applicant's professional work.
• A pre-admission interview. If the applicant resides at a great distance, a telephone interview may be conducted.

Post Masters Neonatal Required Specialty Curriculum

To request more information contact:

• University of Pittsburgh
• School of Nursing
• Student Services
• 239 Victoria Building
• Pittsburgh, PA 15261



• Phone: 412-624-4586
• Toll Free : 1-888-747-0794
• Fax: 412-624-2409
• Email: sao50@pitt.edu