One cannot instantly start off as a prenatal nurse. It will first require an associate's degree from a community college, or a bachelor's degree from a university in nursing. Both of these degrees will require a fulfillment of the university's general curriculum, as well as the curriculum mandatory for the state to issue a degree in nursing.
From there, one will likely need to obtain a master's of science in nursing (MSN). The MSN usually takes around two years to complete. If you are looking to become a prenatal nurse, a certified nurse midwife (CNW) specialization will be helpful. Within this program, nurses will learn how to offer superior prenatal and postpartum care, and aid in the delivery of the child.
The coursework for receiving a MSN degree can be extensive. Primarily the program will contain coursework dealing with prenatal care, coupled with a significant number of hands-on practical experiences. The main goal of the program is to ensure that knowledgeable nurses are equipped to address the specific needs of the mother and child, to ensure that the end result is a healthy baby. If a problem should arise, prenatal nurses are expected to know how to handle it swiftly and effectively.
After the coursework has been completed, one will need to pass the adequate exams to become a certified nurse practitioner (NP) or clinical nurse specialist (CPN). Those who complete the certifications will be considered nursing professionals, meaning that they have gone above and beyond the requirements of becoming a registered nurse. Certification for NPs and CPNs can be granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Nursing is currently one of the few professions that has a growing demand. Those who choose to go beyond being a registered nurse and become nursing professionals are in even higher demand. According to Salary.com, the median salary for a clinical nurse specialist is approximately $80,000, and around $85,000 for nurse practitioners.