The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program is all about preparing advanced practice nurses to provide top-notch care for both low and high-risk neonates and their families. This hands-on, in-depth program will get you ready to work in a variety of critical settings, including Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), labor and delivery, well-baby units, outpatient clinics, and even during neonatal transport services.

You'll dive into coursework on advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment—all geared specifically toward neonates. The program also focuses on diagnostic reasoning across the lifespan, meeting the LACE requirements for practice. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for The National Certification Corporation’s (NCC) exam to become a Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

The NNP program trains nurses to care for neonates in critical settings, including NICUs and clinics.

Admissions Deadlines

The School of Nursing accepts Neonatal students in the Fall and Winter Quarters. All admission requirements must be completed by the deadline.  Deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall – April 15 (quarter begins in September)
  • Winter – October 1 (quarter begins in January)

Admissions Requirements

Education

  • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent in nursing from an accredited institution.

Academic Performance

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0, both cumulative and in nursing coursework.

Licensure

  • Current unencumbered United States RN license at the time of application.
  • California RN license must be obtained before the start of classes and maintained throughout the program.

Experience

  • Minimum of one year of full-time RN experience is required before matriculating into clinical courses (applies to most programs).

Certification

  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) certification.
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required before matriculation and must be maintained until program completion.

Recommendations
Two electronic recommendations following:

  • Required: Recent nurse manager or director
  • Additional may be either of the following:
    • Nursing peer
    • Spiritual advisor

Interview Process (if granted by the Admissions Committee)

  • Completion of the Emotional Intelligence Interview Process, which includes a meeting (in person or via Zoom) with the program coordinator and another Graduate Nursing Program faculty member.

Application Fee (NursingCAS and Secondary Application)

There are two fees associated with the application:

  • $70 for the initial NursingCAS application and a $50 secondary application fee.

Transcript Information

NursingCAS Applicants - Transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution(s) directly to NursingCAS. You must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions that you have attended. This includes all colleges, universities, military credit, and unaccredited schools. Transcripts provided in any other manner are considered unofficial and will not be accepted for admission.

Returning LLU Applicant - If transcripts were previously sent to Loma Linda University prior to your NursingCAS application, please contact [email protected] with your full name, application term, program name, and a brief message requesting assistance with the transcript process.

Possible Careers

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
As a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), you’ll be equipped to deliver advanced, life-saving care in neonatal intensive care units. At Loma Linda University School of Nursing, you’ll gain the expertise to manage complex medical conditions in critically ill newborns, collaborate with multidisciplinary NICU teams, and provide compassionate support to families during their most challenging moments.

Postpartum Resuscitation and Stabilization
In labor and delivery settings, NNPs play a vital role in newborn resuscitation and post-delivery stabilization. You’ll assess and care for infants immediately after birth, identify and address urgent health concerns, and guide families through the first critical hours of life to ensure a healthy start for every baby.

Well-Baby Units
You’ll also be trained to provide expert neonatal care in well-baby nurseries, where you’ll monitor newborn health, manage minor complications, and educate parents on newborn care. This foundational experience helps families transition confidently from hospital to home.

Outpatient Clinics, Regional Infant Centers, and Neonatal Transport
Graduates of Loma Linda’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program are prepared to work in outpatient clinics, regional infant centers, and high-risk follow-up programs, offering continued care to premature or medically fragile infants. You’ll also be qualified to participate in neonatal transport services, ensuring the safe transfer of newborns who require specialized care—while delivering expert support throughout the journey.

Course Structure/Format

Take charge of your learning with Loma Linda’s Hyperflex model. Enjoy the freedom of online learning—without sacrificing the in-person experiences that make you a confident, practice-ready nurse practitioner. Study remotely when life demands it, then join us on campus to refine the hands-on clinical skills that set Loma Linda graduates apart.

All DNP programs are offered in our Hyperflex format, blending online instruction with scheduled live sessions for real-time connection and collaboration. During each 11-week quarter, you can attend in person or online for select core courses—usually around mid-quarter (week 5).

View a sample schedule ›

 

Face-to-Face Course Structure

Hands-On Learning that Sets You Apart

Our Hyperflex model gives you the freedom of online learning—without losing what makes nursing education truly powerful: real, in-person experience.

While many classes can be completed remotely, some courses require on-campus attendance for essential labs, simulations, or clinical intensives. These aren’t just “requirements”—they’re your chance to step into our state-of-the-art simulation labs, connect with expert faculty, and practice the advanced skills that set you apart in the real world.

Schedules for all required in-person sessions are provided early each quarter, so you can plan ahead and balance your life with confidence.

NGRD 624 – Advanced Health Assessment (4 units)

This class includes 4–6 on-campus lab sessions during the quarter. You’ll  develop your advanced assessment skills with direct and expert feedback.

Clinical and Practicum Courses
  • Direct Clinical Hours: 630–750 hours (varies by specialty).
    Clinical placements are arranged within Southern California, typically within a 90-mile radius of Loma Linda.
     
  • DNP Project: Completed in your workplace, allowing you to apply evidence-based practice directly in your professional environment.

Discipline Accrediting Agency

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are prepared for certification by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

Accreditations

Loma Linda University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The BS, MS, and DNP Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse Anesthesia Concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Advanced practice nurse graduates, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), are certified by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing and eligible to apply for certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Corporation, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, as appropriate for the area of professional practice. The California State Board has approved all programs offered at the Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Many states may offer a compact license to individuals already licensed in California. If this opportunity is of interest to you, please contact your program director. Students who decide to pursue a license in another state should check with the applicable licensing authority in that state.

Our programs address and meet outcome expectations as articulated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master’s (AACN), and DNP Essentials.

Cost of Attendance

View Expected Cost of Attendance Here

Sample Schedule

Neonatal NP Curriculum Plan

Full Time Neonatal NP Sample Schedule

Part Time Neonatal NP Sample Schedule

Loma Linda University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) concentration offers a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in neonatal care. With a focus on compassionate service, clinical excellence, and hands-on training in real-world settings, you'll be ready to provide specialized care to newborns in various healthcare environments.

Loma Linda University is committed to whole-person care and is recognized for its dedication to health sciences education. By choosing Loma Linda, you join a legacy of professionals making a profound impact on the health and well-being of infants and their families across the world.

Request Contact
Reach out if you have questions
Open Fact Sheet
Print a PDF with information regarding pre-requisites, admission requirements, and deadlines
Distance Education
States authorizing Loma Linda University online students