How much schooling is needed to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?
First you need to get your RN license. You can either get an associates degree (2-year) and then later take a RN – BSN completion program, or you can go directly into a 4-year BSN program. 2 year programs are often easier and less competative to gain admission, and you will be able to start working as an RN sooner. But you will need to earn your BSN, because you will need to go on to graduate school and earn a master’s degree through a program that will train you to be licensed as a neonatal nurse practitioner. That is typically another 2 years (full time, or 3+ years part time). Courses you will need include general college biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, etc. It helps to take as many of your general education graduation requirements prior to beginning a nursing program, so you only have to focus on the nursing courses alone – otherwise you may find yourself overloaded with homework. Salary can vary, but generally speaking, just about any form of nurse practitioner will earn
