Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program in Alabama - AL
A registered nurse (RN) who is a neonatal nurse (NN) may want to consider a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) program in Alabama. The state of Alabama has over 40 board-approved nursing programs suitable for neonatal nursing students; however, only about a dozen of those offer the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program required for a nurse practitioner. Nursing students may also choose from numerous online nursing programs, but should keep in mind they will still need to complete clinical hours in physical locations for the hands-on experience.
Any registered nurse who currently has an associate’s degree, but would like to become a neonatal nurse, typically must earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The state of Alabama maintains a statewide articulation agreement between community colleges and universities to make it easier for nursing students to transfer credits from an associate’s degree nursing program to a bachelor’s degree nursing program.
Nurses who wish to become neonatal nurse practitioners must seek higher education and earn a master’s degree in nursing. The additional education and clinical experience is crucial, since an NNP is an advanced practice nurse who often provides primary care along with a physician or may even practice independently.
Brief Overview of Nursing Programs
While nursing programs vary, based on the school, degree program, and specialization, some typical courses in addition to general studies may include the following:
- Anatomy and physiology.
- Diagnostics and advanced assessment.
- First aid.
- Fundamentals of nursing.
- Health and wellness.
- Health assessment.
- Maternal and child nursing.
- Neonatal resuscitation and/or intensive care.
- Pharmacology.
In addition, nursing students must complete a designated number of clinical hours in a hospital or nursing facility to gain their hands-on application of theory and classroom learning.