Best college choices for NICU nursing?

I'd love to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit someday, but I'm confused about which colleges are best for NICU nursing. Which colleges should I be considering for this specific path?

NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nursing requires specialized pediatric nursing skills, so you'll want to look at colleges that offer strong undergraduate nursing programs with opportunities to get experience in pediatrics. Some top-tier nursing schools with great pediatric specialties include:

1. University of Pennsylvania: Their School of Nursing offers numerous pediatric courses and has a strong relation with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which would give ample opportunities for gaining hands-on NICU experience.

2. Johns Hopkins University: At the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, you can tailor your clinical placements to pediatrics. In addition, they also have a competitive Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program which prepares students to work in intensive care settings.

3. Vanderbilt University: Another strong nursing school with an excellent pediatrics program. It partners with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, potentially giving you experience in a NICU setting.

4. University of Michigan: Through the University of Michigan's nursing school, you might have the chance to complete clinical hours at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, which has a recognized pediatrics program.

5. Duke University: As an undergraduate nursing student, you can participate in a variety of clinical experiences, some of which might take place at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center.

While these are some of the top schools for pediatric nursing, don't forget that there are many other excellent programs throughout the country that could prepare you for a career in NICU nursing. The most important factors to consider are hands-on clinical experience, classroom curriculum, and opportunities for specialization in pediatrics. Before committing to a school, you might also want to consider factors like class size, faculty-to-student ratio, cost, and location.

Remember, after your undergraduate study, you will need to gain licensure to become a Registered Nurse (RN), and eventually, you might want to consider becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), which will require additional education at the graduate level. Verify that your selected school offers resources and support to accomplish these next steps in your professional journey.