FUTURE

PLAN
For the end career of a
neonatal nurse practitioner

ROUTE A- PREFERRED

1
Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing
I'm still looking at my options, but I am considering Penn
State Behrend ($39,758 annual tuition w/ room/meal/books),
University of Massachusetts Boston ($35,139 annual tuition),
University of Pittsburgh ($43,374 annual tuition), and
University of Houston (28,812.96 annual tuition).
After completing your Degree, you take the NCLEX Exam which
costs $200. Passing this will make you a Registered Nurse.

2
Now you are legally authorized to practice nursing. You need at
least 2 years of experience before applying to get your Master's.
The experience should come from the NICU, Pediatric
Pt.1 Nursing, Well baby nursing, or something involving
neonatology.
Salary.com show Pediatric Nurses make $60,309 at 10%, $73,300
at 50% in Pennsylvania, $65,763 at 10%, $79,900 at 50% in
Massachusetts, and 61,927 at 10%, $75,300 at 50% in Texas.

2
During the 2 years of experience, it is recommended to receive
several certifications
Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification- Can be
completed online for $159 and needs recertified in 2 years
Pt.2 Other certifications include Low-risk Neonatal Intensive
Care Nursing, and Maternal Newborn Nursing.

3
The next step is to apply for a Master's Nurse Practitioner
program, but it has to specialize in neonatology.
Similar to the Bachelor's degree, I am not sure which college
I would like to go to. Some that carry this program are
University of Pennsylvania ($75,222 annual w/ all expenses).
The Graduate Record Examination Test or GRE is required for
application. Tests reading, writing, and math skills.

4
After completing your Master's you need to take the Neonatal
Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam from the National
Certification Corporation
You also need to apply for your NP State Licensure through
your state after passing your exam.

5
Now you can work as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Salary range in
Texas and Pennsylvania is 10% $108,094, 50% $127,831, and 90% $147,655.