How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse Career Overview
- Steps to Become a Neonatal Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse Education Options
- Licensure and Certification
- Salary and Career Outlook
- FAQ
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Credit: RubberBall Productions / Brand X Pictures / Getty ImagesNeonatal nurses work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and provide specialized care for newborns and their families. They need a nursing degree and a registered nurse (RN) license to practice. Explore the steps to becoming a neonatal nurse, including education, licensure, and certification options.
How Long to Become
4-6 Years
Degree Required
ADN or BSN
Certification
CCRN and RN-NIC
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is a Neonatal Nurse?
A neonatal nurse is an RN who specializes in the care of infants. Babies under a neonatal nurse’s care may have medical concerns, such as infections, complications from premature birth, and congenital heart defects.
Neonatal nurses receive specialized training and certification. They work in units typically divided into four levels.
Steps to Becoming a Neonatal Nurse
Aspiring neonatal nurses must first earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Prospective NICU nurses must hold a valid RN license and fulfill all licensing requirements for the state where they intend to practice.
Most employers require certifications, including:
Neonatal nurses may also pursue advanced degrees to become certified neonatal nurse practitioners, including master of science in nursing (MSN) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs.
- 1
Earn an ADN or BSN Degree from an Accredited Program
A neonatal nurse must earn an ADN or BSN from an accredited program to become an RN. An ADN generally takes two years to complete, while a BSN degree takes about four years. Because many employers prefer BSN-trained nurses, many ADN-level nurses enroll in RN-to-BSN programs. Those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can seek accelerated BSN degrees in as little as 11-18 months.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX to Receive RN Licensure
Each state board of nursing uses the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to validate nursing knowledge and the ability to practice safely. Candidates can qualify to take the NCLEX-RN after graduation.
- 3
Gain Neonatal Nursing Experience
New RNs can learn relevant neonatal nursing skills by starting in pediatrics. They can also pursue certifications in neonatal resuscitation or life support. Level 1 nurseries provide valuable neonatal experience necessary for more acute care settings.
- 4
Consider Becoming a Certified Neonatal Nurse
Eligibility requirements for board certification include a combination of clinical experience and education. Two organizations offer certification programs for Level 3 or Level 4 nurses: the National Certification Corporation (NCC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACCN). The NCC offers the low-risk neonatal intensive care nursing credential for nurses working in Level 2 nurseries.
Neonatal Nurse Education
There is more than one educational path into neonatal nursing. Some nurses only need an ADN or a BSN to work their desired position, while others pursue graduate degrees for more advanced positions.
ADN Degree
An ADN is the minimum nursing degree needed to become a neonatal nurse. This degree suits candidates with practical experience who are looking for a quicker entry into the field. Employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses, and many states are making it the entry-level degree. Most employers offer encouragement and support for ADN-prepared nurses to complete a BSN.
- Common Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate, official transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, minimum 2.0 or 2.5 GPA, and a personal essay
- Program Curriculum: Anatomy and physiology, nursing concepts, introduction to psychology, and introduction to sociology
- Time to Complete: Two years
- Skills Learned: Patient assessment, medication administration, communication, patient education, collaboration, and cultural competence
BSN Degree
Candidates interested in career advancement can pursue a BSN. BSN programs provide a comprehensive education and a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, and practice than ADN programs. The best BSN programs develop critical thinking skills, provide broader career opportunities, and enable nurses to earn graduate degrees.
- Common Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate, minimum 2.5 GPA, recommendation letters, essay, prerequisite courses, including microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry
- Program Curriculum: Leadership; pharmacology; pathophysiology; research; statistics; nursing concepts in pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics
- Time to Complete: Four years
- Skills Learned: Critical thinking, leadership, health promotion, community health, ethics, and evidence-based practice
MSN Degree
Nurses who want to advance their careers, increase their salary potential, and work as advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) can pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. An MSN is the minimum degree needed to become an APRN. Earning an MSN is not necessary to become a neonatal nurse, but this degree level enables nurses to practice as neonatal nurse practitioners.
- Common Admission Requirements: ADN or a BSN, RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and professional experience
- Program Curriculum: Biostatistics for evidence-based practice, advanced anatomy and physiology, clinical reasoning, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical management
- Time to Complete: 12-22 months
- Skills Learned: Critical thinking, advanced clinical assessment skills, confidence, collaboration, and patient advocacy
Neonatal Nurse Licensure and Certification
Neonatal nurses must have advanced skills to care for newborns with infections, congenital disorders, complications from premature birth, and low birth weight.
All neonatal nurses must renew their RN licenses by completing continuing education and practice hours as stipulated by state nursing board standards. Certification is another important part of ongoing training and career-building for neonatal nurses.
Employers may require special certifications to work in NICUs, emergency rooms, and neonatal specialty units. Two organizations administer neonatal certifications. The National Certification Corporation requires an active RN license, at least 24 months of RN experience, and a passing score on the qualifying exam.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses offers certifications for RNs and APRNs, including the critical care RN neonatal specialty certification. This credential requires each applicant to complete 1,750-2,000 hours in direct care and pass the certification exam.
Neonatal Nurse Salary and Career Outlook
Neonatal nurses can find employment in NICUs, labor and delivery, outpatient clinics, and home health care. These work settings offer unique opportunities for neonatal nurses to make a difference in the lives of newborns and their families.
According to ZipRecruiter, as of 2025, neonatal nurses earned an average salary of $128,210. Several factors affect compensation, including education and experience, certifications, employer, and location.
As with most RN and APRN roles, new neonatal nurses can anticipate a promising job landscape, as nursing professionals are in demand in almost every specialty. Further, the growing focus on preventive care for at-risk births and the expansion of neonatal intensive care units throughout the country has increased the demand for these specialized nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Neonatal Nurse
It’s possible to begin working as an RN with a two-year ADN degree and gain experience in pediatrics and well-baby care. However, neonatal nurses typically need a BSN, which takes about four years to complete, plus additional clinical experience.
Related Pages
What Is a Neonatal Nurse?
Discover what neonatal and NICU nurses do, including their work environments, job requirements, and salary outlook.
Ask a Nurse: What Steps Do I Take to Become a NICU Nurse?
Neonatal intensive care unit nurses have a challenging and rewarding career. Learn what it takes to be successful in this nursing specialty.
How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse
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