9 answers
Raygan
Student
Ewing, MO
1
Question
Updated
3963 views
What classes do I take in college to become a Labor and delivery nurse?
What classes can I take now going into my junior year to help me along the way in collage
Login to comment
9 answers
Praveen N
CIMR
12
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Hello Raygan,
Hope you're having a great day!
If you’re dreaming of becoming a Labor and Delivery nurse in Ewing or anywhere in the U.S., here’s a simple path to get you there:
1. Get Your Nursing Degree
Start by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). You can choose between:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes about 2 years.
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about 4 years and can open more doors.
2. Take Essential Courses
While working on your ADN or BSN, you'll cover important topics like:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Foundations of Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing (Obstetrics) — key for your future role
- Pediatric Nursing
- Nursing Ethics and Leadership
- Clinical Rotations in areas like Labor and Delivery and women’s health
3. Get Your RN License
After finishing school, pass the NCLEX-RN exam to officially become a Registered Nurse.
4. Gain Experience and Training
Start in general maternity or women’s health. Some hospitals offer extra training or certifications like:
- Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification (optional but helpful)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Nearby Colleges:
Though Ewing is small, you can find nursing programs at:
- Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, MO
- Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, MO
- Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Hope you're having a great day!
If you’re dreaming of becoming a Labor and Delivery nurse in Ewing or anywhere in the U.S., here’s a simple path to get you there:
1. Get Your Nursing Degree
Start by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). You can choose between:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes about 2 years.
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about 4 years and can open more doors.
2. Take Essential Courses
While working on your ADN or BSN, you'll cover important topics like:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Foundations of Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing (Obstetrics) — key for your future role
- Pediatric Nursing
- Nursing Ethics and Leadership
- Clinical Rotations in areas like Labor and Delivery and women’s health
3. Get Your RN License
After finishing school, pass the NCLEX-RN exam to officially become a Registered Nurse.
4. Gain Experience and Training
Start in general maternity or women’s health. Some hospitals offer extra training or certifications like:
- Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification (optional but helpful)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Nearby Colleges:
Though Ewing is small, you can find nursing programs at:
- Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, MO
- Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, MO
- Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Thank you, Praveen for the advice.
Raygan
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Raygan !
You are in your Junior year of college Majoring in an unnamed subject and want to be a Nurse. I will cover two possibilities since it's not clear what your present academic major is and also if it's that you are in a Nursing Program for your Bachelors of Science in Nursing already.
In order to be a Nurse you will have to obtain an Associate Degree or a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. No other Major would prepare you for this. Once you have your Nursing Degree, you will then need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and become a Registered Nurse.
After that, you would have to do clinical rotations (get clinical experience) working Labor and Delivery. Labor and Delivery nurses are most times expected to get clinical experience in other departments as well. After working for two years at labor and delivery, you would then go for your Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification. Other certifications that would be important to have would be the Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification.
It's not a matter of taking classes during a non-nursing Major, rather, you need to become a Nurse first through a Nursing Program.
If you are already in your Nursing Program for your Bachelors, in your Junior year at college, you can just follow the steps I have mentioned after you get your degree. If you are already in a nursing program, this would have all been made aware to you.
If you are majoring in something other then Nursing right now, you could opt for the two year Associates Degree in Nursing if you don't want to spend four more years for a second Bachelors which would have to be for Nursing.
So, keep in mind that they do not teach Labor and Delivery in college if you're majoring in an unrelated subject. Most of what you'd learn specifically for labor and delivery comes through Nursing school at the time you do your rotations which is part of the Nursing program path.
Did you change career interests now or were you previously advised to major in something other then Nursing ? If so, visit your academic counselor as soon as possible to verify the information I have provided for you here. At least this can give you a basic idea of what you'd need to do. If you are already in your Nursing Program at college, make strong connections with your professors, staff and fellow students to stay on top of information pertinent to your program.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
You are in your Junior year of college Majoring in an unnamed subject and want to be a Nurse. I will cover two possibilities since it's not clear what your present academic major is and also if it's that you are in a Nursing Program for your Bachelors of Science in Nursing already.
In order to be a Nurse you will have to obtain an Associate Degree or a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. No other Major would prepare you for this. Once you have your Nursing Degree, you will then need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and become a Registered Nurse.
After that, you would have to do clinical rotations (get clinical experience) working Labor and Delivery. Labor and Delivery nurses are most times expected to get clinical experience in other departments as well. After working for two years at labor and delivery, you would then go for your Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification. Other certifications that would be important to have would be the Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification.
It's not a matter of taking classes during a non-nursing Major, rather, you need to become a Nurse first through a Nursing Program.
If you are already in your Nursing Program for your Bachelors, in your Junior year at college, you can just follow the steps I have mentioned after you get your degree. If you are already in a nursing program, this would have all been made aware to you.
If you are majoring in something other then Nursing right now, you could opt for the two year Associates Degree in Nursing if you don't want to spend four more years for a second Bachelors which would have to be for Nursing.
So, keep in mind that they do not teach Labor and Delivery in college if you're majoring in an unrelated subject. Most of what you'd learn specifically for labor and delivery comes through Nursing school at the time you do your rotations which is part of the Nursing program path.
Did you change career interests now or were you previously advised to major in something other then Nursing ? If so, visit your academic counselor as soon as possible to verify the information I have provided for you here. At least this can give you a basic idea of what you'd need to do. If you are already in your Nursing Program at college, make strong connections with your professors, staff and fellow students to stay on top of information pertinent to your program.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Raygan, my aunt was a nurse in the Army and now heads up a unit in a hospital in DC. I spoke with her about your question and suggest that there are really 2 path you could take, one where you enroll in a Associates Degree in Nursing or one where you enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. If you are not in any Nursing program at the moment, that is ok, but you would need to still pursue one of those options. She says that after completing your degree, your potential next move would be to take and pass something called the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN. You would need to then gain clinical experience, ideally in Labor and Delivery, but you'll likely rotate through several departments first. She says it may take about two years within that specialty for which time you could pursue certifications such as Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, Electronic Fetal Monitoring, and Neonatal Resuscitation.
She indicated that you may not find Labor and Delivery nursing being taught anywhere outside an official nursing degree based program. Again you should understand that gaining that knowledge can only come from your clinical rotations as part of nursing school. If you are still unsure I would highly recommend meeting with an academic advisor or someone within the Nursing program at your school. Also you could speak with existing nurses at any hospital within the specialty that you are seeking. I hope this helps.
She indicated that you may not find Labor and Delivery nursing being taught anywhere outside an official nursing degree based program. Again you should understand that gaining that knowledge can only come from your clinical rotations as part of nursing school. If you are still unsure I would highly recommend meeting with an academic advisor or someone within the Nursing program at your school. Also you could speak with existing nurses at any hospital within the specialty that you are seeking. I hope this helps.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Raygan!
The best high school prerequisites would have been biology, chemistry and the sciences.
To become a labor and delivery (L&D) nurse, you'll need a two- or four-year nursing degree and an active RN license. Clinical experience is important, too. Employers might also ask for certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). An L&D nurse should have an ADN or a BSN.
L&D nurses need to be caring and patient, with the skills to help pregnant people and their babies. You'll start with education, testing, and getting your license. Then, you can focus on labor and delivery with extra training.
Labor and delivery education teaches you how to care for moms and babies during birth. You must have a state license, and special certifications can show your expertise.
Some jobs might require certifications like BLS, ACLS, or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). As you gain experience, you can get certifications specific to labor and delivery.
Additional training can boost your skills and job chances. Certifications like ACLS are often needed, focusing on handling heart emergencies.
Being an L&D nurse is a special job, bringing new lives into the world. If you're interested, learn about the education needed, salary expectations, and more. Certifications prove you're skilled in this important field, focusing on maternal and newborn care.
The best high school prerequisites would have been biology, chemistry and the sciences.
To become a labor and delivery (L&D) nurse, you'll need a two- or four-year nursing degree and an active RN license. Clinical experience is important, too. Employers might also ask for certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). An L&D nurse should have an ADN or a BSN.
L&D nurses need to be caring and patient, with the skills to help pregnant people and their babies. You'll start with education, testing, and getting your license. Then, you can focus on labor and delivery with extra training.
Labor and delivery education teaches you how to care for moms and babies during birth. You must have a state license, and special certifications can show your expertise.
Some jobs might require certifications like BLS, ACLS, or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). As you gain experience, you can get certifications specific to labor and delivery.
Additional training can boost your skills and job chances. Certifications like ACLS are often needed, focusing on handling heart emergencies.
Being an L&D nurse is a special job, bringing new lives into the world. If you're interested, learn about the education needed, salary expectations, and more. Certifications prove you're skilled in this important field, focusing on maternal and newborn care.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Raygan
Cecily Black
5
Answers
Updated
Cecily’s Answer
Hi Raygan,
Chinyere did an amazing job at explaining the process and I just want to echo a few points. I am a nurse, and my best friend is a labor and delivery nurse (and she loves it). Just like it was mentioned above, when you enroll in a nursing program you will take classes for all specialties. This will help you pass your board exam once you graduate (called the NCLEX). While you are in school, it is common for topics or terms to be difficult to learn because medicine is kind of like its own little world. Don't let that distract you, once you get to clinicals and eventually into your role as a nurse it will all make much more sense.
Either now, or when you are in college, I HIGHLY recommend you become a CNA, patient care tech, student intern/extern, or even a volunteer. Not only will this allow you to dip your toe into the world of medicine in a much more involved sense, it also looks stellar on an application and can help you secure your dream job. Whether you are in clinicals, volunteering, or working as a CNA be aggressive in jumping into learning opportunities and display your work ethic. People will view you as a go-getter and you will learn more than you ever would if you allow your time to go by passively. If there is a hospital with a positive reputation (like Barnes-Jewish) that is close to you, try and get a job there before you graduate so you can start building connections.
There is not a wrong path to becoming a nurse, but I would recommend a traditional 4 year BSN route. A lot of institutions are beginning to require their nurses to hold a Bachelors degree and while you can always go back, I think it is just simpler to go straight through. You know your situation better than I do though so chose whatever path is best for you! When picking an institution/University, make sure they are accredited and see what their NCLEX pass rate is, that can help you understand if they prepare you well to pass your exam. If you tour, don't be afraid to ask questions! Sometimes you can even find a nursing student and you can talk to them about their experience.
Finally, I agree it is wonderful that you already know what you want to do. This can allow you to be more focused and will possibly even serve to give you more time in certain clinical rotations. For example, I knew I wanted to work in the ICU and I communicated that to my Clinical Instructor (the teacher that places you with nurses to learn during your clinical rotations-usually your 3rd-4th year if you are pursuing a Bachelors) and because of that, I was able to spend more time in the ICU simply by asking. Work hard and don't lose sight of why you chose to pursue this path. You are going to do great!
Chinyere did an amazing job at explaining the process and I just want to echo a few points. I am a nurse, and my best friend is a labor and delivery nurse (and she loves it). Just like it was mentioned above, when you enroll in a nursing program you will take classes for all specialties. This will help you pass your board exam once you graduate (called the NCLEX). While you are in school, it is common for topics or terms to be difficult to learn because medicine is kind of like its own little world. Don't let that distract you, once you get to clinicals and eventually into your role as a nurse it will all make much more sense.
Either now, or when you are in college, I HIGHLY recommend you become a CNA, patient care tech, student intern/extern, or even a volunteer. Not only will this allow you to dip your toe into the world of medicine in a much more involved sense, it also looks stellar on an application and can help you secure your dream job. Whether you are in clinicals, volunteering, or working as a CNA be aggressive in jumping into learning opportunities and display your work ethic. People will view you as a go-getter and you will learn more than you ever would if you allow your time to go by passively. If there is a hospital with a positive reputation (like Barnes-Jewish) that is close to you, try and get a job there before you graduate so you can start building connections.
There is not a wrong path to becoming a nurse, but I would recommend a traditional 4 year BSN route. A lot of institutions are beginning to require their nurses to hold a Bachelors degree and while you can always go back, I think it is just simpler to go straight through. You know your situation better than I do though so chose whatever path is best for you! When picking an institution/University, make sure they are accredited and see what their NCLEX pass rate is, that can help you understand if they prepare you well to pass your exam. If you tour, don't be afraid to ask questions! Sometimes you can even find a nursing student and you can talk to them about their experience.
Finally, I agree it is wonderful that you already know what you want to do. This can allow you to be more focused and will possibly even serve to give you more time in certain clinical rotations. For example, I knew I wanted to work in the ICU and I communicated that to my Clinical Instructor (the teacher that places you with nurses to learn during your clinical rotations-usually your 3rd-4th year if you are pursuing a Bachelors) and because of that, I was able to spend more time in the ICU simply by asking. Work hard and don't lose sight of why you chose to pursue this path. You are going to do great!
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Raygan, great career choice! Nursing is an in-demand job (and always will be). Something you may not know is that you can start in one niche and transition to another. I work with nurses who have worked in settings that range from NICU to adult primary care, or maternal health to an integrative low-barrier medical team supporting people with HIV. As with any career in social services or medical, there will be specialized training for different areas of expertise. I imagine you can set up your career path strategically knowing you have a defined interest. Your department advisors will be best able to guide you. Also joining any related professional associations. A few alternative paths if you have a holistic leaning- doula, midwife, massage therapist specializing in pregnancy, pelvic floor physical therapist, parent/caregiver coach- infant sleep hygiene, managing life transitions in the context of a new family member, developmentally appropriate discipline, etc., or professional nanny. Any nurse will need to excel in topics related to science, math, and statistics. When it comes time to gaining practical experience, home in on those that will bolster your career goals in labor/delivery. Cheers!
babitha asha
Internal medicine physician
15
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
babitha’s Answer
Complete RN program. Once you complete your nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN, you can:
1. Apply for jobs in Labor & Delivery units on websites like Indeed.
Select jobs that can help you further your certification.
After two years of Job ( 2000 clinical hours )
Apply for certification.
1. Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
🧾 What It Is:
The RNC-OB is a nationally recognized certification for experienced Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurses. It validates your advanced knowledge of inpatient obstetric care (labor, delivery, antepartum, and postpartum).
✅ Eligibility Requirements:
• Current RN license in the U.S. or Canada
• At least 2 years of L&D experience (2,000 hours minimum in the past 2 years)
• Experience in areas like labor assessment, fetal monitoring, delivery, and recovery
📌 How to Apply:
1. Go to NCC’s official website:
👉 https://www.nccwebsite.org
2. Click on “Certification” → “Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)”
3. Register an account and complete the online application
• Upload your nursing license and employment verification
4. Pay the exam fee (approx. $325)
5. Schedule and take the computer-based exam at a designated testing center or online
🧠 Exam Topics:
• Maternal Assessment
• Labor and Delivery
• Fetal Assessment
• Postpartum Care
• Complications and Emergencies
⸻
🟢 2. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
🧾 What It Is:
NRP is a lifesaving certification required for all Labor & Delivery and NICU nurses, focused on newborn resuscitation in the first minutes after birth.
✅ Who Offers It:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in collaboration with HealthStream
👉 Official site: https://nrplearningplatform.com
📌 How to Get Certified:
1. Create an account at
👉 https://nrplearningplatform.com
2. Enroll in the appropriate NRP provider course (usually NRP Provider – 8th Edition)
3. Complete the online learning module and exam
4. Schedule an in-person skills checkoff (called “hands-on simulation” or “skills validation”)
• Usually at a hospital, local training center, or nursing school
• May be free if your hospital provides it, or ~$50–$150 elsewhere
5. Get your NRP card (valid for 2 years)
Certification Renewal Time
How to Renew
RNC-OB
Every 3 years
CEUs + fee (no exam unless expired)
NRP
Every 2 years
Repeat online module + skills session
1. Apply for jobs in Labor & Delivery units on websites like Indeed.
Select jobs that can help you further your certification.
After two years of Job ( 2000 clinical hours )
Apply for certification.
1. Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
🧾 What It Is:
The RNC-OB is a nationally recognized certification for experienced Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurses. It validates your advanced knowledge of inpatient obstetric care (labor, delivery, antepartum, and postpartum).
✅ Eligibility Requirements:
• Current RN license in the U.S. or Canada
• At least 2 years of L&D experience (2,000 hours minimum in the past 2 years)
• Experience in areas like labor assessment, fetal monitoring, delivery, and recovery
📌 How to Apply:
1. Go to NCC’s official website:
👉 https://www.nccwebsite.org
2. Click on “Certification” → “Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)”
3. Register an account and complete the online application
• Upload your nursing license and employment verification
4. Pay the exam fee (approx. $325)
5. Schedule and take the computer-based exam at a designated testing center or online
🧠 Exam Topics:
• Maternal Assessment
• Labor and Delivery
• Fetal Assessment
• Postpartum Care
• Complications and Emergencies
⸻
🟢 2. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
🧾 What It Is:
NRP is a lifesaving certification required for all Labor & Delivery and NICU nurses, focused on newborn resuscitation in the first minutes after birth.
✅ Who Offers It:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in collaboration with HealthStream
👉 Official site: https://nrplearningplatform.com
📌 How to Get Certified:
1. Create an account at
👉 https://nrplearningplatform.com
2. Enroll in the appropriate NRP provider course (usually NRP Provider – 8th Edition)
3. Complete the online learning module and exam
4. Schedule an in-person skills checkoff (called “hands-on simulation” or “skills validation”)
• Usually at a hospital, local training center, or nursing school
• May be free if your hospital provides it, or ~$50–$150 elsewhere
5. Get your NRP card (valid for 2 years)
Certification Renewal Time
How to Renew
RNC-OB
Every 3 years
CEUs + fee (no exam unless expired)
NRP
Every 2 years
Repeat online module + skills session
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
332
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
You can take a following courses to become a labour and delivery nurse:
- Labour and Delivery Nursing.
- Midewifery.
- Obstetric Technician.
- Labour and Delivery Nursing.
- Midewifery.
- Obstetric Technician.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Raygan,
Good question! That you have already decided that you want to work as a labor and delivery nurse is fantastic; having that type of clarity at such a young age may keep you motivated and focused. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often required to become a Registered Nurse (RN), which is the prerequisite for becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Then, with clinical experience and qualifications such as the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB), you can specialize in labor and delivery.
As for college classes, once you're in a nursing program, you’ll take core courses like:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Maternal and Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Pathophysiology
These will equip you with the clinical experience and scientific background needed to practice in labor and delivery settings.
Here are some great ways to get ready as you start your junior year of high school:
- Take science classes seriously, especially Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy if your school offers them.
- Consider a health sciences elective if available.
- Volunteer at a hospital or shadow nurses if you can - it gives you exposure to real-world nursing and shows initiative on college applications.
- Stay strong in math too, since nursing involves medication dosages and quick critical thinking.
- Look into dual enrollment or college prep programs in nursing or health sciences if they’re offered at your school or nearby colleges.
Ask your guidance counselor about any summer healthcare camps or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) programs in your area. These can provide you with early experience in patient care, and this is how some registered nurses begin their careers.
Raygan, you're already on a great path. Keep looking into it, maintain your focus, and don't be scared to seek out expert guidance when necessary. We really need more caring nurses like you in the amazing field of labor and delivery!
Best wishes!
Good question! That you have already decided that you want to work as a labor and delivery nurse is fantastic; having that type of clarity at such a young age may keep you motivated and focused. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often required to become a Registered Nurse (RN), which is the prerequisite for becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Then, with clinical experience and qualifications such as the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB), you can specialize in labor and delivery.
As for college classes, once you're in a nursing program, you’ll take core courses like:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Maternal and Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Pathophysiology
These will equip you with the clinical experience and scientific background needed to practice in labor and delivery settings.
Here are some great ways to get ready as you start your junior year of high school:
- Take science classes seriously, especially Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy if your school offers them.
- Consider a health sciences elective if available.
- Volunteer at a hospital or shadow nurses if you can - it gives you exposure to real-world nursing and shows initiative on college applications.
- Stay strong in math too, since nursing involves medication dosages and quick critical thinking.
- Look into dual enrollment or college prep programs in nursing or health sciences if they’re offered at your school or nearby colleges.
Ask your guidance counselor about any summer healthcare camps or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) programs in your area. These can provide you with early experience in patient care, and this is how some registered nurses begin their careers.
Raygan, you're already on a great path. Keep looking into it, maintain your focus, and don't be scared to seek out expert guidance when necessary. We really need more caring nurses like you in the amazing field of labor and delivery!
Best wishes!