Master of Science in Nursing
Next-level neonatal care.
Combining advanced knowledge in nursing theory, health care policy, ethics and leadership with intensive courses reflecting the unique learning needs of the Neonatal Nursing Practitioner (NNP), Regis University’s prestigious program prepares you for the unique challenges of the neonatal field. Courses include clinical management of the high-risk newborn as well as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
This highly specialized field is increasingly in need of qualified professionals, ready to give their knowledge and care to families and their newest additions. The program is offered as a synchronized web-based classroom, allowing you to be part of a class from a distance live, with our synchronized online technology.
Graduates of the NNP program can seamlessly progress into the Regis DNP program. Offered 100% online, the DNP program offers you flexibility while earning the highest degree in the nursing field. Eligibility terms apply.
Jennifer Duecker, Assistant Director of Enrollment
Program Format
Virtual classroom once per week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Credits for Completion
43 credit hours
Tuition for the 25-26 Academic Year
$1,055 per credit hour
Provides a scientific foundation in embryology and genetics, analyzing the principles of human genetics, genetic testing and screening, genetic abnormalities and gene therapy implications for the neonatal nurse practitioner.
Covers common elements of primary and acute care of the child to age two, including those children who are former high-risk infants or who remain hospitalized beyond infancy in a neonatal intensive care or pediatric unit.
Application of theory to practice in the development of a plan of care based on research evidence, pathophysiology, nursing and pharmacology principles and protocols for the neonate.
NNP students complete a total of 630 hours of mentored clinical time as part of the program. Preceptors are NNPs, although an MD/DO who is board certified in neonatology may be considered in special circumstances. Students may do clinical time in their place of employment, but clinical time must be separate from paid work time. Clinical experiences are completed in Level III/IV NICUs, with two on-campus intensive simulation and skills experiences. Students should not plan to work full-time during the final semester due to the intensity of clinical hours.
The Master of Science in Nursing: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner degree is designed to be completed in as few as 5 semesters of continuous study. Courses meet online one time per week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MST, with additional time for clinical hours in semesters 2, 4 and 5. All students are required to attend two on-campus intensives in the second and fourth semesters, lasting 2-3 days each.
The Regis University NNP program was recognized by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) for "creating an environment that fosters superior leadership skills in neonatal nursing practice."
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science degree in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
To apply directly to the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program, you will need:
Eligibility:
The first step in the application process is to contact an admissions counselor, who can evaluate your prior learning credit, provide information regarding financial aid and tuition assistance and help you through the entire application process.
Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year: $1,055 per credit hour
Total program credits: 43 credit hours
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Additional fees may include background check and drug screen costs, application fees and clinical fees, among others.
Regis offers a variety of scholarships, grants and other programs to help you pay for school. Visit Financial Aid for more information.
Students take approximately 1.5 years to complete the course work. The program starts in the Fall semester and students continue with courses through the fall, spring and summer semesters for the first year, and then the fall and spring semesters of the second year.
Most students continue to work during the program. The last semester requires 410 clinical hours and it is highly encouraged that students reduce their work commitment to part-time or less.
Students are required to have two years of recent experience as a nurse in a level III or level IV NICU.
The clinical component of the NNP program begins in the second semester. Clinical schedules are arranged by the individual student in collaboration with the Clinical Support Unit and are variable throughout the week. Student flexibility is essential in meeting clinical requirements.
Courses meet online in a web-based classroom from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. MST. All students are required to attend two on-campus intensives in the second and fourth semesters. Each intensive lasts 2-3 days.
The Master of Science in Nursing: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is offered by the historic Loretto Heights School of Nursing within the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions.