How Long Does It Take To Become a Neonatal Nurse

Last Updated on August 28, 2023

Neonatal intensive care nursing certification requires individuals to complete and pass a competency-based examination, hold RN licensure, and finish at least two years of professional experience in providing care to acutely and critically ill neonatal patients.

There are several factors to consider when estimating how long it will take to become a Neonatal Nurse. The requirements of certificates, education, and work experience can vary greatly depending on each person’s circumstances.  After reviewing several sources and conducting our own independent research this is what we have to come up with..

You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on How Long Does It Take To Become A Neonatal Nurse, neonatal nurse programs. Read on to learn more. We at infolearners .com have all the information that you need about neonatal nurse salary. Read on to learn more.

How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse? | How I Got My Job

How Long Does It Take To Become A Neonatal Nurse

It takes four years to become a neonatal nurse plus practical experience in a residency.

What Is a Neonatal Nurse?

Although “neonatal” is another word for newborn, a neonatal nurse manages the care of babies until they are released from the hospital. The education and experience required to become one of the nurses who works with babies depends on the NICU level. A level II NICU is equipped to care for babies who need short-term care and don’t require long-term life support. Babies with more serious medical issues or who need artificial ventilation are cared for in a level III NICU, and a level IV NICU is reserved for babies with the most serious of conditions.

Steps to Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a NICU nurse takes a minimum of two to four years. You will need to: Obtain a nursing degree. Complete clinical experience in appropriate units such as pediatrics, labor and delivery and mother/baby.

Professionals aiming to practice as NNPs can review the following steps — including educational, licensing, and certification information — to accomplish their career goals.

  1. EARN A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) DEGREE
    Before professionals can work as NNPs, they must earn an associate or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which fulfills the educational requirement to begin pursuing RN licensure. Courses in BSN programs typically include community health nursing, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, lifespan development, and principles of ethics. Each aspiring professional must earn an undergraduate degree to advance into a master’s program.
  2. OBTAIN LICENSURE AS A REGISTERED NURSE (RN)
    Before professionals can pursue master’s degrees in nursing and complete certification to practice as NNPs, they must obtain RN licensure. RN licensing requirements include holding a BSN or an associate’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
  3. PURSUE SPECIALIZATIONS WHILE WORKING AS AN RN IN A NEONATAL SETTING
    Once professionals obtain their RN licenses, they can take part in professional experiences in neonatal acute care clinical settings. Generally, professionals need to complete at least two years of clinical experience working in neonatal intensive care units or comparable clinical settings to enroll in NNP graduate programs. Professionals in the field can also consider the following optional certifications:  • Inpatient obstetric nursing
    • Maternal newborn nursing
    • Low-risk neonatal intensive care nursing
      • Neonatal intensive care nursing
  4. GAIN ADMISSION TO AN ACCREDITED MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN) OR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP) PROGRAM WITH A SPECIALTY IN NEONATAL NURSING
    To qualify for certification programs in the NNP specialty, individuals must gain admission to an accredited MSN or DNP that features a specialty in neonatal nursing. While MSN and DNP programs qualify professionals for neonatal nursing certifications, professionals who hold doctoral-level education can explore more career opportunities with higher salaries.
  5. EARN AN MSN OR DNP DEGREE
    NNP advanced degree programs typically include courses in evidence-based practice, advanced practice nursing in neonatal patients, advanced physiology across the lifespan, physical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, population health in a global survey, and neonatal assessment. In addition to the coursework requirements, enrollees must also satisfy 550-1,000 NNP clinical hours. A degree-seeker with a bachelor’s degree usually takes two years of full-time enrollment to earn a master’s degree and 3-4 years to complete a DNP.
  6. OBTAIN CERTIFICATION FROM THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION CORPORATION
    The National Certification Corporation features a three-year NNP certification. Candidates for certification must meet specific prerequisites for the program, including holding RN licensure and passing a certification exam within eight years of graduating from a nursing program. Professionals must meet state-specific requirements for NP licensure, including passing an examination and providing proof of qualifying education. NCC certifications include women’s health care nurse practitioner and NNP.
  7. OBTAIN NURSE PRACTITIONER STATE LICENSURE
    In addition to national certification, professionals must obtain NP state licensure. States maintain distinct requirements for professionals to meet to obtain licensure, including educational, exam, and experience components.
  8. FIND EMPLOYMENT
    Once professionals satisfy the eligibility requirements for licensure and obtain official licensure and certification as NNPs, they can search for employment opportunities. Depending on their education level, professionals can explore different career options with varying salary ranges.

neonatal nurse programs

Top Neonatal Programs

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OUR METHODOLOGY+

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing have a number of opportunities to pursue post-graduation, but one of the most fulfilling nursing specializations available is in neonatal care. Graduate students may pursue up to a doctorate level degree in neonatal nursing, developing their skills in caring for infants suffering from conditions like premature birth, infections, or surgical issues. We’ve combed through the schools offering these programs throughout the country and found those that are the most affordable and offer the most beneficial programs. Explore the best neonatal nursing schools and programs here.

What Does a Neonatal Nurse Do | All Nursing Schools
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University of Rochester

LocationRochester, NY2

Duke University

LocationDurham, NC3

University of Pennsylvania

LocationPhiladelphia, PA4

Regis University

LocationDenver, CO5

Case Western Reserve University

LocationCleveland, OH6

Baylor University

LocationWaco, TX7

Loma Linda University

LocationLoma Linda, CA8

University of Cincinnati

LocationCincinnati, OH9

University of Washington

LocationSeattle, WA

NICU Nurse: 5 Steps To Become A Neonatal Nurse

neonatal nurse salary

How many years does it take to be a neonatal nurse?

Aspiring neonatal nurses can enter the field through multiple paths. Professionals who wish to enter the workforce quickly can earn an ADN, which typically requires two years to complete. Students seeking a competitive advantage and intending to earn an MSN may prefer a BSN, which takes four years to complete, on average. Many hospitals offer new graduate nursing programs and residencies and train new RNs specially to the NICU. Most RNs starting out in the NICU will have to precept for more than 12 weeks due to the complexity of care.

How much does a neonatal nurse make a month?

A neonatal nurse’s earning potential varies by experience, education, and work environment. Employers may offer salaried pay or hourly pay. Salaried neonatal nurses earn about $73,380 on average, or about $6,115 each month. According to some job websites, hourly neonatal nurses can earn roughly $49 an hour. Based on 40-hour work weeks, hourly professionals make about $5,600 a month.

The Average Salary of a Neonatal Nurse

A neonatal nurse specializes in the care of newborns up to 28 days old. This type of nurse must be a registered nurse and hold either a BSN or MSN in nursing. Because they work with fragile infants, these nurses are generally certified in either neonatal intensive care nursing, neonatal resuscitation or as a neonatal nurse practitioner. With this, the nurse earns added credentials from their field of study. Because of their advanced education and degrees, most earn more than an average RN.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

A registered nurse who works in a neonatal intensive care unit works in a fast paced environment dealing with the care of newborns. These babies require high levels of care. Most neonatal nurses are categorized into levels II and III. Level II means that the nurse cares for severely ill or premature newborns. Level III means the newborns require constant supervision and advanced technology in order to survive. This nurse must have a NICN credential (Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse) in order to care for these infants. According to Payscale.com, the pay scale for these nurses is around $54,872 to start.

Neonatal Case Manager

Neonatal case managers are neonatal nurses who have gone through the training to be qualified to care for infants whose health is considered high risk. A case manager generally oversees the nurses in different departments of the neonatal units. This job involves management skills, interpersonal skills and the general understanding of medical laws and neonatal diseases. Because of the supervisory aspect of this position, the salary typically starts off at around $59,974 per year.

Neonatal Nursery

A neonatal nursery nurse is someone who cares for newborn infants until they go home. Most nurseries are considered a level one. This means the infants are at a low risk for illness and are generally in good health. The neonatal nurse cares for the infants by caring for, feeding, bathing and administering medications as needed. According to Payscale.com, the starting pay for this type of nursing is $50,891.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

For the neonatal nurse who wishes to practice in more advanced neonatal environments, the neonatal nurse practitioner may be a good choice. This type of nurse earns a special credential called a NNP, which requires advanced schooling and training. Some added job duties include being able to treat patients and write prescriptions under a physician’s supervision. The average starting salary per year for a NNP is around $74,325.

Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist

Someone who fills the role of a nursing supervisor and case manager can be considered a clinical nurse specialist. Combined with a neonatal background and education, the position of neonatal clinical nurse specialist has many roles to fill. The income bracket for a neonatal clinical nurse specialist has a median income of around $61,170. Duties include direct patient care, staff supervision, teaching, new technology research and educating the neonatal nursing staff.

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