Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program in Washington - WA

When searching for neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Washington, students have many options. They may choose to study online or in a college classroom setting, depending upon their needs and schedules. Washington requires neonatal nurse practitioners to have at least an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree, but some students go on to further graduate education and receive a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). Some college neonatal nurse practitioner programs mandate that students have experience of up to two years working in an NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) setting prior to admission.

Courses in neonatal nurse practitioner programs will focus on caring for both low-risk and high-risk neonates and the families of neonates. Besides studying in the classroom or online, students must also fulfill clinical requirements, usually at nearby hospitals or medical settings. Examples of such settings in Washington include the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Swedish Medical Center at Seattle Hospital in Seattle, Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital in Spokane and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Upon completion of graduate studies, students are eligible for the national certification examination required by the state. This is administered via the National Certification Corporation. Next, future neonatal nurse practitioners in Washington must request Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure and authority to write prescriptions through the Washington State Department of Health.