Program Overview
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program prepares experienced neonatal ICU nurses to practice as NNPs in acute care and community settings. Graduates are prepared to take the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner examination as offered by the National Certification Corporation and to be recognized as advanced practice nurses by the Board of Nursing. Most states (including Texas) require graduates to pass the NNP certification exam prior to applying for licensure.
Many NNPs practice in neonatal intensive care units where they manage the care of premature and ill newborns. They often attend high risk deliveries and may serve as members of transport teams. NNPs may also manage the care of well newborns after birth and can practice in primary care settings serving chronically ill infants and children (up to 2 years of age) who were born prematurely and/or require developmental follow-up care.
This program provides a background to:
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Assess, diagnose, and manage the high-risk neonate with acute and critical, single, and multi-system health problems using evidence-based knowledge.
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Use pharmacologic and technologic therapies in the management of the high-risk neonate’s complex acute and chronic illnesses.
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Collaborate with other health professionals to promote quality health outcomes for acutely and critically ill neonate and their families.
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Use research to examine outcomes of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner practice.
Resources
Policies
While University faculty and staff members give students academic advice and assistance, each student is expected to take responsibility for his or her education and personal development. The student must know and abide by the academic and disciplinary policies given in the catalog and MSN handbook, including rules governing quantity of work, the standard of work required to continue in the University, scholastic probation and dismissal, and enforced withdrawal.
Students will not be relieved of their responsibility to know the policies, deadlines and rules of the University on the grounds that they were not told. If students have questions regarding policies, it is the University’s expectation that the student will consult his/her academic advisor for guidance and resolution.
All students are expected to be familiar with the following sources of information.
Course Load
Graduate nursing education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and completing clinicals and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of the MSN/PMC program and adjust accordingly. Commitments which compete with graduate study may result in suboptimal academic performance and place the student in academic jeopardy.
Study Time Recommendations
In general, for every-one graduate nursing semester credit hour of enrollment a student should allocate 5 hours of study time outside of class. For example, a 3 semester credit hours course, may reasonably require 15 hours of work, outside of class, plus anytime needed to complete clinicals.
Employment Recommendations
It is recommended that a student’s employment not exceed 16-20 hours per week in either regular or summer semesters. Students are encouraged to evaluate their energy level, familial and personal obligations, and school commitments before starting their degree program.
Tuition
Academic Calendar
Students should review the academic calendar prior to enrolling and prepare accordingly.
Students Success
MSN Student Success resources are available to all students achieving academic success at UT Arlington. Our dedicated faculty make every effort to assist students in meeting their academic goals across a wide variety of subject areas.
UTA CONHI is unique among many comparable universities for the remarkable amount of resources dedicated to student success. Learn more about our offerings on help with courses and writing/speaking.
Academic Advising
Students in the MSN program are welcome to meet with an advisor. Once admitted to UT Arlington, students may enroll in their coursework using the degree plan provided by the academic advisor and proceed to registration. Students are encouraged to contact their advisor with any questions. Learn more about Graduate Nursing Advising.
UTA's Department of Graduate Nursing is unique among many comparable universities for the remarkable amount of resources dedicated to student success. Learn more about our offerings on help with courses and writing/speaking.