NRP

Neonatal Resusitation Program

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program is an educational training course that introduces the concepts and basic skills of neonatal resuscitation. At the neonatal stage (less than 28 days) newborns are among the most vulnerable patients whom medical professionals will ever have the privilege to help. Their needs are highly specific, both in terms of physiology and likely medical events.

The training program is designed to educate healthcare professionals in the basics of neonatal resuscitation. Developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA), the NRP provides guidelines and instructions for performing life-saving interventions for newborns who do not breathe well at birth.

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program is an essential training program designed to equip the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and resuscitate newborns. Established through the collaboration of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association, the NRP synthesizes the latest scientific evidence and clinical best practices into a comprehensive curriculum. The program emphasizes the critical importance of timely interventions, teamwork, and communication in the delivery room to enhance the survival and health outcomes of neonates requiring resuscitation. With its rigorous certification process, involving skills evaluation and written examinations, the NRP not only certifies participants for two years, demonstrating their proficiency in neonatal resuscitation but also fosters a global standard in neonatal care by being adopted and adapted across various countries. Since its inception, the NRP has played a pivotal role in advancing neonatal resuscitation techniques and improving neonatal care worldwide, thus affirming its prestigious status as a leader in neonatal resuscitation training.

Course overview for the Neonatal Resuscitation Program

  • The systematic approach is to assess and aid with neonates at birth.

  • Recognition and management of bradycardia and cardiac arrest.

  • Basic neonatal life support skills.

  • Effective resuscitation team dynamics include Endotracheal (ET) and laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) placement.

  • Recognition and management of respiratory distress and failure, including stimulation and proper airway management.

  • Recognition and management of shock, emergency umbilical venous (UVC) placement as well as Inter Osseous (IO).

  • Recognition and management of arrhythmias and fetal monitoring.

FAQs about the Neonatal Resuscitation Program

Who should be trained in NRP?

Healthcare providers who either direct or participate in the management of respiratory and/or cardiovascular emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrest in Neonatal patients. This includes personnel in rapid response teams (RRT), emergency medicine, intensive care, and critical care units such as Pediatric physicians, Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurses, Obstetrics nurses (OB), nurse practitioners (NP), respiratory therapists, midwives and Critical Care Flight Nurse (CCFRN), Flight Paramedics (FP-C) and may others working with Neonates.

Is there an NRP Certification near me?

the Neonatal Resuscitation Program is held at our AHA Certified Training Center
27601 Forbes Road Suite #20
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

What is the Course Delivery for the NRP?

Course Delivery

This is a three-part course that is open to all new, expired, or current NRP card holders.
Part 1, Prestudy: The first part of the course is a self-study of the Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation (7th edition). This textbook is available for purchase at Our training center, from Healthstream, or the AAP website. Many students who work in labor and delivery, NICU, recertification, or neonatology will find that they are already very familiar with the NRP Guidelines and do not need to spend as much time in self-study. However, if this material is new or unfamiliar, the new 7th edition Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation is the most valuable resource to prepare for the online exam and the classroom portion of the course.
Part 2, Online Exam: The second part of the NRP course is the NRP Online Exam. There are two tests of 25 questions and four e-simulation Cases. Before attending Part 3 of the course a student MUST complete both portions of the exam and the e-Simulation Cases. The NRP Online Exam is available once you have registered for the class, instructions and an exam key will be emailed to you. You must complete Part 3 within 90 days of completing your NRP Online Exam or else the exam will need to be retaken.
Part 3, Skills Evaluation: The third and final part of the course is the mandatory classroom portion including demonstration, hands-on practice, skills evaluation, simulation, and debriefing. On the day of your classroom session, the instructor will demonstrate the skills and be available to coach you before testing begins. You must successfully pass all portions of the required NRP Online Exam before participating in the classroom portion of the course. You must also complete your classroom portion within 90 days of completing your NRP Online Exam. You will be expected to demonstrate basic neonatal resuscitation skills and participate in team resuscitation and debriefing. Successful completion of the online exam and the skills demonstration will result in an American Academy of Pediatrics/AHA NRP certification card valid for two years.

How long does an NRP training take?

The duration of an AHA NRP Provider course can vary, but most in-person courses take approximately 2-3 hours.

How often do I need to renew my NRP Certification?

NRP certification typically needs to be renewed every two years. All certified through us receive notice of upcoming renewals as a complementary service.

Is this NRP training accredited by the American Heart Association?

Yes, it is! the AHA has authorized and accredited our Neonatal Resuscitation Program course since 1992!

Will I need an NRP Renewal?

Yes, every two years you will renew your Neonatal Resuscitation Program Cert. Don’t worry, we will send you reminders when your renewal is on the horizon.

How long until I receive my AHA Provider Card?

As a certified training center, we are the entity that provides the cards to all the other facilities in the region. So we can provide you with your AHA Provider Card immediately upon successful course completion.

Why not just take an online NRP certification?

Well, yes, you can. There are good online courses but it is necessary to have hands-on experience to understand. In a real-world instance, adrenaline can kick in and without solid preparation and hands-on training, you may not have the kinesthetic awareness to remember your online training. It is recommended to go live in person and use online NRP classes as a skills refresh in between certifications and recertification.

What if I don’t pass the Neonatal Resuscitation Program?

If you don’t pass we will work with you to build your understanding until you confidently know what you missed. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass at no additional cost.

Can I get continuing education credits for my NRP training?

You can learn more about the process and requirements for receiving credit from the AHA website.

What are the key components of NRP?

  • Evidence-Based Guidelines: The NRP is based on a consensus of scientific evidence and offers a comprehensive guide for neonatal resuscitation. The guidelines are regularly updated to reflect new scientific knowledge and clinical best practices.

  • Structured Training: The NRP training program includes a combination of online learning, hands-on practice, and simulation-based education. This approach is designed to enhance skills in recognizing and managing newborns who require resuscitation immediately after birth.\

  • Target Audience: The NRP is intended for healthcare professionals involved in the delivery and care of newborns, including pediatricians, neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pre-hospital healthcare providers.

  • Curriculum Components: The program covers a wide range of topics, such as the principles of neonatal resuscitation, the importance of effective team dynamics during resuscitation, initial steps in stabilizing newborns, advanced life support, and post-resuscitation care.

  • Certification: Participants who complete the NRP course, including passing a skills evaluation and a written examination, receive a certification that is typically valid for two years, after which they must recertify.

  • Global Impact: While developed in the United States, the NRP guidelines and training program have been adopted and adapted by countries worldwide, making it a global standard for neonatal resuscitation training.