[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″]To become a labor and delivery nurse, you’ll need to earn an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX for RN licensure, then gain obstetric nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]L&D nurses can earn specialty certifications in areas like maternal newborn care, inpatient obstetric nursing, and inpatient antepartum nursing to advance their expertise.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average annual salary for an L&D nurse is around $75,036, with opportunities for advancement into NP or midwife roles.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]Labor and delivery nurses[/hen-ui-link] play crucial roles in the birthing process, working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To enter the field, you need an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]active registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (RN) license. While an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) is sufficient, many employers prefer their nurses to hold a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN). Learn more about how to become a labor and delivery nurse, including education, licensure, and certification requirements.[/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-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]2-4 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-4xl 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-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]Basic and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support*[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]*Some employers offer Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) on site or cover the cost after hire, but having it ahead of time can give you a competitive edge when applying.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Labor and delivery (L&D) nurses specialize in caring for individuals before, during, and immediately after childbirth. They must function with compassion, strong communication, and critical thinking skills in an environment where emergencies can quickly develop.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Responsibilities include monitoring fetal heart rates, identifying potential risks, and assessing labor progression. L&D nurses also support the obstetric team during vaginal and cesarean deliveries and provide [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/postpartum-nurse/”]early postpartum care[/hen-ui-link] and education to new parents.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work settings may include hospitals, birthing centers, and maternity units, where these nurses collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of obstetricians, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]nurse-midwives[/hen-ui-link], anesthesiologists, and pediatric staff. They are frequently in demand for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/”]travel nursing[/hen-ui-link] roles because of their specialized skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because every patient is unique, L&D nurses must offer age-specific, culturally sensitive care tailored to individual needs.[/hen-ui-text][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 RN-to-BSN 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″]Steps to Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a labor and delivery nurse, you must have a two- or four-year nursing degree, an active RN license, and clinical experience. Employers may also request basic life support and advanced cardiac life support certifications.[/hen-ui-text][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″]An L&D nurse must first earn an ADN or a BSN. An ADN program typically takes two years and includes foundational nursing skills. A BSN program generally takes four years and provides more in-depth coursework and clinical training. ADN-prepared nurses can pursue an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link], and those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can qualify for an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link] that takes roughly 12-18 months to complete.[/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 to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You are eligible for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN) after earning an ADN or BSN from an accredited school. This standardized computer adaptive exam tests your knowledge and decision-making in critical areas of nursing. It is the final step before obtaining your state RN license to practice.[/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 Experience in Obstetric Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New graduates interested in working in an L&D unit may need to begin in other nursing units to gain a broad foundation of clinical practice experience. Some hospitals hire new RNs directly in hospital labor and delivery units, but most require one or two years of experience to handle the unique challenges of an L&D unit. Postpartum or couplet care units are often great starting points, providing exposure to maternal and newborn care in a less-intense setting. Some hospitals offer nurse residency programs or clinical rotations for recent graduates.[/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 Earning a Specialty Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After gaining experience, certifications can validate your expertise. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/how-do-i-apply” target=”_blank”]National Certification Corporation[/hen-ui-link] (NCC) offers several examinations, including core certifications in maternal newborn, inpatient obstetric nursing, and inpatient antepartum nursing. They also offer subspecialty certifications in reproductive health and infertility, electronic fetal monitoring, and obstetric and neonatal quality and safety. Core certifications require at least 2,000 hours of specialty experience. However, subspecialty certifications do not have work experience requirements, making them accessible earlier in your career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aap.org/en/pedialink/neonatal-resuscitation-program/” target=”_blank”]neonatal resuscitation program[/hen-ui-link] to disseminate evidence-based neonatal resuscitation education. These certifications can increase your earning potential, job prospects, and leadership opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Labor and Delivery Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]L&D nurses must graduate from an accredited ADN or BSN nursing program and take the NCLEX-RN to begin clinical practice. While an ADN is the minimum educational requirement for nursing practice, a BSN is typically preferred by employers. However, you can start with an ADN for a faster entry into the field and pursue a BSN while working in another area of nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is a two-year degree that qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure and prepares you for entry-level nursing roles. The program meets the minimum requirements for practice and provides a faster and more affordable way to enter nursing. However, many employers prefer or require a BSN, particularly for advanced roles or specialty positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: A high school diploma or its equivalent; math and reading courses and a writing proficiency exam; minimum 2.5 GPA; prerequisite courses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: 60-70 credits in developmental psychology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, family health nursing, and nursing clinical hours[/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: Clinical training to monitor and care for patients; using catheters and tube feeding systems; dispensing medication; clinical experience in a healthcare facility[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is a four-year nursing degree that provides a comprehensive educational experience in clinical care, leadership, and public health. Licensed RNs may complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program or an accelerated BSN program more quickly. According to study data, treatment from BSN-prepared nurses results in [hen-ui-link href=”https://ldi.upenn.edu/our-work/research-updates/hospital-nurses-and-patient-outcomes-a-matter-of-degree/” target=”_blank”]better patient outcomes[/hen-ui-link], lower death rates, and fewer hospital readmissions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA or higher, some programs are flexible and accept 2.5; high school diploma or equivalent, or an ADN degree; resume; letters of reference; a personal essay; clinical or volunteer experience is not required in all programs but highly recommended[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Biomedical statistics and research; evidence-based practice; nursing fundamentals; physical assessment in nursing; pharmacology; leadership and management; community health; medical-surgical nursing; psychiatric and mental health nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: 2-4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Critical thinking; evidence-based practice; clinical assessments; information management; patient care technology; leadership and management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Labor and Delivery Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All RNs must meet state-specific requirements to maintain their licensure, including continuing education hours, renewal period, and state-specific regulations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While certifications are not mandatory, they demonstrate your expertise, commitment to maternal care, and improve your job security.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each of the following examples has eligibility and renewal requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aap.org/en/pedialink/neonatal-resuscitation-program/” target=”_blank”]Neonatal Resuscitation Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Designed to improve neonatal health outcomes by providing evidence-based guidelines and hands-on training.[/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″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/details/2″ target=”_blank”]Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provides a competency-based validation of nurse knowledge and its application. Nurses are eligible after two years of specialty experience providing hospital-based care during antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn periods.[/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″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/details/10″ target=”_blank”]Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate (C-ELBW)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For nurses who provide care to seriously ill and extremely low birth weight babies and their families. Practice experience is not required.[/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″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/details/4″ target=”_blank”]Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A competency-based exam for nurses with a current RN license and at least 2,000 clinical hours of specialty experience and employment in that specialty within the last 24 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″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/certification-exams/details/12″ target=”_blank”]Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-IAP)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligible nurses must have a current and unencumbered license in the U.S. or Canada, 24 months and 2,000 hours of specialty experience, and employment in the specialty in the past 24 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]Labor and delivery nurses[/hen-ui-link] provide essential care to mothers and newborns throughout childbirth, requiring adaptability, quick decision-making, and clinical skill. The role offers both fulfillment and challenges.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When you want to advance your career, roles like [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/”]women’s health nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] or certified nurse-midwife, provide a more independent practice. You may also choose to move into leadership, education, or administrative positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Labor and delivery nurses can earn a comfortable living, with the national average annual salary of about $75,036 as of September 2025, according to[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Labor_And_Delivery_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] Payscale[/hen-ui-link] data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a nurse in labor and delivery do?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A labor and delivery nurse cares for patients before, during, and immediately after childbirth. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, assist with labor and cesarean deliveries, and provide emotional support. These nurses work closely with physicians and midwives to ensure safe outcomes, responding quickly to changes and emergencies during the birthing process.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes 2-4 years to become a labor and delivery nurse. An ADN takes roughly two years to complete, while a BSN generally takes four. Most certifications require additional time to gain relevant clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Where does a labor and delivery nurse earn the most money?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Labor and delivery nurses earn the [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]highest salaries[/hen-ui-link] in California, which reflects the state’s high cost of living and demand for specialized nursing skills. Other top-paying states include Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is becoming a labor and delivery nurse hard?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a labor and delivery nurse can be challenging. You must complete a 2-4-year nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and gain clinical experience. The role demands emotional resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to respond to emergencies. Despite the challenges, many find the work deeply rewarding and impactful.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]