A high school diploma or its equivalent forms the foundation that an individual needs to ultimately end up as a neonatal nurse. A diploma serves as a prerequisite for admission into a program that awards a bachelor's degree.
The next educational step involves earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited undergraduate institution. Once this is achieved, the candidate sits for the state certification exam and becomes a registered nurse.
Following the undergraduate degree, neonatal nurse candidates study to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The course work includes classes specifically in the area of neonatal nursing and prepares individuals for the required Nurse Practitioner licensure exam. Obtaining licensure qualifies the nurse as a neonatal nurse.