The online program is focused on health management of the neonate and their family. However students will also graduate with a broad base of knowledge including nursing theory, research, cultural diversity, health policy, ethics and leadership related to the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse. Graduates of the accredited program are qualified to sit for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Board Exam offered by the National Certification Corporation.

The UMKC Nurse Practitioner graduate programs include three separate courses in:

• Advanced neonatal assessment
• Advanced neonatal pharmacology
• Advanced neonatal pathophysiology

AND content in

• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Differential diagnosis and disease management

Experience Required

Applicants must have the equivalent of 2 years of full-time clinical practice experience (within the last 5 years) as a RN in the care of critically ill neonates or infants with the majority of experience being in a level III or level IV NICU.

On Campus Intensive Requirements

Students are required to come to campus for an intensive each semester during their clinical courses.  Faculty and advisors communicate campus dates early so students can plan their schedules.

State Regulation Requirements

We are now a part of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) which allows us to offer online programs to students in other SARA states.  We are able to accept and enroll students into most of our online programs in 48 states, including Washington, DC. We highly recommend that you review this information prior to submitting your application. Please review the state regulatory map to verify the status of your state’s regulations.

How Does Hybrid/Online Distance Education Work?

The MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program provides maximum flexibility to fit the schedule of a working professional. We also offer in-state tuition regardless of your location.

Students complete five didactic neonatal courses offered through an online course platform. The 45-credit program is designed with enormous flexibility for students. Coursework is completed online and students obtain their clinical experiences at their local Level III or Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Students can choose a preceptor who is subject to approval by UMKC faculty (View the Preceptorship Guidelines (PDF)).

We designed the graduate programs to give professionals flexibility. Our courses are conducted online, with some may require class/chat times.  Class/chat times are scheduled on Thursdays or Fridays and are communicated well in advance.

Students use the Web-based software, Canvas, for their online courses. Courses are conducted in synchronous and asynchronous modes depending on the professor and class. You can log on to find homework, class assignments, a class list, a syllabus and more at any time. The program allows students to engage in interactive learning with faculty and other students in an online platform.