[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Become a neonatal nurse by earning an ADN or BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gain neonatal experience and consider certifications like CCRN or RN-NIC to advance.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook for neonatal nursing is strong, with varied work settings and average salaries around $80,000 annually.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] interested in caring for newborns? Neonatal nurses work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and hospital nurseries, providing specialized care for newborns and their families. Read on to explore the steps to becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal nurse[/hen-ui-link], including education, licensure, and certification options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]4-6 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Certification[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]CCRN and RN-NIC[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Neonatal Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A neonatal nurse is an RN specializing in infant care – from healthy babies to those with complex conditions, such as premature birth complications and congenital heart defects. Duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and managing feedings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neonatal nurses receive specialized training and certification. They work in units divided into four levels, including the NICU, maternity unit, and nursery.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Level 1″] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Care for healthy newborns[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administer medicine and treatments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitor development and perform tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide education and discharge instructions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Level 2″] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Includes Level 1 responsibilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treat infants in special care nurseries[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide supplemental oxygen, IV therapy, and specialized feeding[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Level 3″] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treat newborns with severe illnesses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide complex care, including mechanical ventilation or intricate surgery[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Level 4″] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Highest level of care for infants[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate with pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, and specialists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requires additional training beyond Levels 1-3[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Neonatal Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring neonatal nurses must earn an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link], although additional education and certification are optional. Prospective NICU nurses must hold a valid RN license and fulfill all licensing requirements for the state where they intend to practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most employers require certifications, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aap.org/en/pedialink/neonatal-resuscitation-program/” target=”_blank”]Neonatal resuscitation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional/basic-life-support-bls-training” target=”_blank”]Basic life support[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional/pediatric” target=”_blank”]Pediatric advanced life support[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 four years. As many employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses, many nurses enroll in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link]. Those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can earn [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN degrees[/hen-ui-link] in as little as 11-18 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduation, you can take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)[/hen-ui-link] to earn your RN license. This exam validates nursing knowledge and ensures competence to practice safely. It is a computerized adaptive test, consisting of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/publications/2025-nclex-candidate-bulletin” target=”_blank”]85-150 questions[/hen-ui-link], and you’ll have up to five hours to complete it.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Neonatal Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a new RN, develop relevant neonatal nursing skills by starting in pediatrics. You can also pursue certifications in neonatal resuscitation or life support. Level 1 nurseries provide valuable neonatal experience necessary for more acute care settings. Many level 3 and 4 NICUs also offer nurse residency programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming a Certified Neonatal Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses with an active RN license and at least two years of neonatal experience can earn certification to validate their knowledge and experience. Exact requirements vary by certification type. Two organizations offer certification programs for Level 3 or Level 4 nurses: the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/details/5/neonatal-intensive-care-nursing” target=”_blank”]National Certification Corporation (NCC)[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-neo” target=”_blank”]American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACCN)[/hen-ui-link]. The NCC offers the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/details/3/low-risk-neonatal-nursing” target=”_blank”]low-risk neonatal intensive care nursing[/hen-ui-link] certification for nurses working in Level 2 nurseries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Neonatal Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll need at least an ADN to work as a neonatal nurse, although some positions require a BSN or higher. An ADN is the quickest route, taking two years to complete, but many employers prefer nurses with a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is the minimum nursing degree needed to become a RN and neonatal nurse. This degree provides students with practical experience and offers a quicker entry into the field. Employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/position-statements-white-papers/baccalaureate-degree-in-nursing-as-a-minimal-preparation?” target=”_blank”]many facilities are making it the entry-level[/hen-ui-link] degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate, official transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, minimum 2.0 or 2.5 GPA, prerequisite courses, and a personal essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing concepts, psychology, and sociology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Patient assessment, medication administration, communication, patient education, collaboration, and cultural competence[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in career advancement can pursue a BSN. These programs provide a comprehensive education and a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, and practice than ADN programs. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]best BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] develop critical thinking skills, provide broader career opportunities, and enable nurses to earn graduate degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: High school diploma, minimum 2.5 or 3.0 GPA, recommendation letters, essay, background check, and prerequisite courses, including microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Leadership, pathophysiology, research, statistics, advanced health assessment, and nursing concepts in pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Critical thinking, leadership, health promotion, community health, ethics, and evidence-based practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who want to increase their salary potential and work as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRN)[/hen-ui-link] can pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree. An MSN is the minimum degree needed to become an APRN. Earning an MSN is not necessary to become a neonatal nurse, but it enables nurses to practice as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/neonatal/”]neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs)[/hen-ui-link]. Most NNP programs require 2-3 years of NICU RN experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: ADN or BSN degree, RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and professional experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Biostatistics for evidence-based practice, advanced anatomy and physiology, clinical reasoning, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, healthcare policy, and clinical management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: 1-2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Critical thinking, advanced clinical assessment skills, communication, collaboration, and patient advocacy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Neonatal Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All neonatal nurses must have an active RN license and can renew their RN licenses by completing [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education[/hen-ui-link] and practice hours as specified by [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]state nursing boards[/hen-ui-link]. Certification is optional but valuable for career development and ongoing education. However, some employers do require extra certifications to work in higher acuity settings, like NICUs and emergency rooms.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For certification through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/details/5/neonatal-intensive-care-nursing” target=”_blank”]National Certification Corporation[/hen-ui-link], you’ll need an active, unencumbered RN license; at least 24 months of RN experience; and neonatal nursing employment within the last 24 months. APRNs can earn the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/accns-neo” target=”_blank”]advanced practice board certification for clinical nurse specialists (ACCNS-N)[/hen-ui-link] through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Eligibility includes an active, unrestricted RN or APRN license; graduate degree from an accredited program; and completion of 500 supervised clinical hours in neonatal nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Neonatal Nurse Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neonatal nurses can anticipate strong job prospects due to high nursing demand and [hen-ui-link href=”https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38300002/” target=”_blank”]expanding neonatal care[/hen-ui-link], due to renewed focus on preventative newborn care and growth of NICUs nationwide. Neonatal nurses work in NICUs, labor and delivery, outpatient clinics, and home health care. Each setting involves distinct responsibilities; for example labor and delivery focuses on supporting newborns at birth, whereas home health care focuses on growth and development.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Neonatal_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link], as of 2025, neonatal nurses earned an average salary of $79,250. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/salary/”]Neonatal nurse salaries[/hen-ui-link] can vary based on education and experience, certifications, employer, and location. For example, NICU nurses average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Neonatal_Intensive_Care_Unit_(NICU)_Registered_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]$85,000[/hen-ui-link] annually, while a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/neonatal/” target=”_blank”]neonatal nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] makes an average of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Neonatal_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$120,170[/hen-ui-link] per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Neonatal Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes about four years to become a neonatal nurse, including time to earn a nursing degree and relevant nursing experience. While it’s technically possible to enter the specialty with an ADN and no experience in about two years, most employers prefer a BSN and prior nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is being a neonatal nurse hard?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It can be! This career can be full of high highs and low lows, bearing witness to miraculous recoveries and heartbreaking catastrophes. Despite the challenges, many nurses find this career to be deeply fulfilling and rewarding.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the top pay for neonatal nurses?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top paid neonatal nurses are neonatal nurse practitioners, with an average annual salary of $120,170. Experienced NNPs can make upwards of $140,000 per year, with the top reported salary hitting $146,000 as of October 2025, according to Payscale.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to become a neonatal nurse?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The fastest way to become a neonatal nurse is to earn a two-year ADN degree. Since many employers want BSN-trained nurses, it’s advantageous to complete an RN-to-BSN or even an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]