Louise Herrington School of Nursing Online
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Track (DNP NNP) is the optimal pathway for those seeking an advance practice role leading nursing care for infants through the first two years of life.
Clinical Placement Support
Higher than average pass rates for National Certification Exam for NNP
CCNE Accredited
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (DNP NNP) track prepares actively practicing RNs for an advanced practice role leading nursing care for infants through the first two years of life. Online DNP NNP graduates possess the holistic skill set necessary to lead change through practice.
The requirements to apply for the online BSN-DNP NNP program are:
The requirements to apply for the online Post Master's DNP program are:
To learn more about the entry options, download your digital program guide.
75 Credits
Just over 3 years to completion
38-75 Credits
2 to 3 years to completion
Applications for the online DNP-NNP program are accepted from the following states:
Have more questions? View our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about program eligibility.
Baylor University is distinguished in healthcare and business, preparing students with the skills and knowledge to stand out in the industry.
The Louise Herrington School of Nursing is nationally recognized and:
At Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing, we strongly believe in setting our students up for success. That's why we will collaborate with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors for all clinical rotations. Additionally, clinical placement sites may be potential locations for future employment opportunities upon graduation. If you already have a placement site or preceptor in mind, we encourage you to refer them to our placement team to secure. Get your DNP-NNP guide for more information.
The program focuses on high-risk neonates and their families through a curriculum that delivers in-depth knowledge of neonatal nursing theory, assessment, research utilization, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, patient management, program planning and systems management.
Next Application Deadline: Now accepting applications. Seating is limited
Next Start Date: September 5th, 2023
This course is designed to provide the student with a greater depth of understanding of developmental physiology of the fetus and neonate. Principles of growth and development, physiologic maturation of organ systems, birth physiology, and transition to extrauterine life through early infancy will be covered. Adaptation of physiologic stress and alterations from normal will also be addressed.
Theoretical and practical knowledge needed for advanced practice neonatal nurses (APNN) to manage the health care needs of culturally diverse newborns/infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Content focuses on stabilization, management and evaluation of high-risk and critically ill newborns/infants and their families. Responsibilities of the APNN in perinatal-neonatal health care policy and delivery systems management are also emphasized.
This course provides an overview of the care of the NICU graduate: the infant after NICU discharge through two years of life. The course focuses on parent and family transitions, the care of infants post-discharge, growth and development, immunizations, wellness visits, acute care visits, special considerations for those with long-term complications, and consulting services.
90% of clinical placement sites provided to DNP students were within 125 miles of their home.
100% certification pass rate for FNP and Nurse-Midwifery graduates.
Baylor University is ranked higher than 94% of Best Colleges in the Nation in 2021 - U.S. News and World Report .
Baylor’s DNP program is ranked higher than 88% of the Best DNP Programs in Texas in 2021 - dnpprograms.com.
Expert Faculty
At the heart of our school is an exceptional faculty, they are: researchers, authors, winners of countless awards, presidents of national organizations, and experts in their specialties.
1:1 Support
Our dedicated student advisors and faculty are always accessible and focused on the needs of their students. We are here to guide students through their education and beyond.
Academic Excellence
With more than 176 years of educational excellence, Baylor University is an R1 research institution. U.S. News & World Report ranks Baylor University as one of the Best Graduate Schools for DNP in 2022.
Optimal Pathway
Baylor’s online DNP has 5 distinct clinical tracks to choose from, ensuring our nurses are wholly prepared for their specific certification exams and ideal careers.
Students typically complete the DNP program in the following timeframe. Please note that actual length to program completion will vary depending on the student's background and selected track.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice is the optimal pathway for registered nurses who are seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice. As a terminal degree, a DNP degree is the highest level of education in the field and represents the most advanced nursing degree available. There is no further opportunity for educational advancement within this profession. Graduates of Baylor’s online DNP program are prepared as exemplary nursing leaders and visionary nurses who can actively shape and improve patient outcomes, policy, processes and the future of nursing.
DNPs earn a higher average salary than an MSN (on average) and have more overall options for career goals. Many DNP graduates enter into positions with more responsibility to care for both individual and population health needs as nursing team leads and other expanded roles. The career outlook for DNPs is anticipated to be very strong as the AACN is advocating to require a DNP for all APRN roles by the year 2025.
A variety of financial aid is available to online students. Find more information on our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
The following practitioner degree disciplines may be eligible to transfer to the online DNP programs:
You must have completed your MSN in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Board Certification. Additional documents or experience may be required - download your course guide to learn more.
Baylor University's Louise Herrington School of Nursing understands the needs and challenges of busy RNs. Our online coursework allows you to balance your career with your other commitments.
Earning a DNP degree now puts you ahead of the curve. Steps are currently being taken to transition to the DNP degree as the standard for entry-level advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). While the profession is not quite there yet, the DNP is a terminal degree that prepares nurses for leadership, given the constantly changing demands of a complex U.S. healthcare system.
According to AANC, nurses desiring an APRN education with a choice between a DNP or a master's level preparation would find it far more cost effective to spend the additional time for the DNP and be prepared for future practice. And according to a 2019 Medscape survey, DNP-prepared APRNs make an average of 5% more than MSN-prepared APRNs. Additionally, "Job opportunities are far greater, and it provides you with the knowledge and expertise to have a seat at the board table," according to Angela Renee Stewart, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP, TTS, Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor University, Louise Herrington School of Nursing.
Find out why Baylor University’s Online DNP degree program is the best choice for registered nurses seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice:
We think you will find our school unlike any other in that we truly do consider ourselves as called to prepare nurses through the integration of faith and excellent academics.
**The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Baylor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The DNP program of study conforms to the educational guidelines for the state of Texas and the National Task Force Criteria for Nurse Practitioner Programs.
The program of study conforms to the educational guidelines for the state of Texas, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)
Whether you have a simple question or need advice to determine which program is best for you, our friendly advisors are here to help. They can chat with you on your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process so you can feel confident in moving forward with Baylor University.
