College Requirements for Labor & Delivery Nurses

Labor and delivery nurses care for the needs of women during pregnancy until the time the baby is born (and the hours that follow). Education requirements vary but there are basic requirements that are the same for all nursing schools regardless of their specialties.

College Prerequisites for Labor and Delivery Nursing

• Students who plan to pursue careers in nursing should take coursework in advanced mathematics, chemistry, biology and psychology while still in high school. Working as a nurse's assistant or nurse aide can provide valuable on-the-job experience.

College Coursework for Nurses

• General education courses in psychology and English composition as well as advanced courses in biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology, physiology, college algebra and statistics are usually required for admission to nursing school. Most schools require a passing grade of "B" or better prior to admission.

Job Training for Labor and Delivery Nurses

• Labor and delivery nurses perform rotations during nursing school and will complete internships during their schooling. Labor and delivery nurses can choose internships at hospitals, health departments, physician offices or free standing birth centers.

Ceritfication as a Labor and Delivery Nurse

• After graduation from nursing school, labor and delivery nurses can take state examinations to be awarded licenses as registered nurses. In addition, nurses are required to complete certification in perinatal nursing.

Opportunities in Labor and Delivery Nursing

• Labor and delivery nurses often teach child birth classes at hospitals or public health facilities.

  Other nursing opportunities include earning certification as a nurse midwife, which requires on-the-job training and additional coursework.