Become a Fertility Nurse – Education & Certification

Fertility nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in fertility, typically in a clinical or hospital setting. Many begin their career working as a nurse in labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care (NICU), or postpartum hospital settings to gain experience before working with patients around fertility. They work with many people, including patients seeking care around conception, infertility, and menopause. Their work involves deep empathy, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence, as they commonly support patients and their families through highly sensitive issues.

The need for RNs, especially fertility nurses, is consistently strong. The demand for RNs is expected to remain stable at 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, regardless of location in the United States. Aspiring fertility nurses will need at least an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). However, many nurses increasingly obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) or even a master’s of science in nursing (MSN). 

Real-world experience is also highly valued in nursing, with many degree programs requiring previous work or volunteer experience in healthcare settings. For those interested in a fast-paced and dynamic profession, prospective students should consider an exciting and meaningful career as a fertility nurse. 

To learn more about how to become a fertility nurse and what a fertility nurse does day-to-day, look no further than our guide to fertility nurse degrees.

While fertility nurses are not required to hold a degree beyond an associate degree of nursing (ADN), many nurses obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) or, increasingly, a master’s of science in nursing (MSN). For those interested in working in clinical settings, employers will often require a BSN for coursework in:

• Inpatient obstetrics
• Maternal newborns
• Neonatal intensive care 
• Gynecology

To practice nursing, all aspiring fertility nurses must obtain their registered nurse (RN) licensure and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Many fertility nurses will also gain clinical experience in labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care (NICU), or postpartum hospital units. 

Nurses typically hold an ADN, which typically takes two years to complete, or a BSN, which can take up to four years. Many degree programs offer flexible options for those interested in pursuing a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program for those interested in pursuing an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure. APRNs may work as midwives, nurse anesthesiologists, and practitioners.

Aspiring fertility nurses must be RNs, and proof of licensure is required for admission. While some programs will accept applicants who have only completed an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), most incoming students have already completed their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Programs may also require extensive application materials, including resumes, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.

Recognized by the US Department of Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission For Education In Nursing (ACEN) are national accrediting bodies for nursing programs. 

University of Michigan – School of Nursing

The bachelor’s of science in nursing program at the University of Michigan offers a highly competitive and top-ranked program (for aspiring fertility nurses looking for a globally-focused clinical setting. With a strong focus on practical experience, Michigan students have an NCLEX passage rate of over 97 percent and a proven record of successful job placements. 

Admission requirements are through the common application and include an evaluation from an academic teacher, transcript, SAT or ACT scores (optional), and an application fee or a waiver. Competitive applicants will also have robust extracurriculars, strong academic scores, and an emphasis on writing.

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Santa Monica College

Students enrolled in the associate in science degree in nursing program at Santa Monica College can expect an incredible 100 percent rate of job placement as an RN. With a 68-credit program designed to meet California Board of Registered Nursing requirements, aspiring fertility nurses will receive a comprehensive curriculum that sets them up for success – whether it’s taking the NCLEX exam and applying for RN positions or transferring to a four-year program to complete their BSN. 

Admission to the program is competitive, so prospective students should be prepared to submit transcripts that show coursework in science, completion of the National League of Nurses PAX exam, experience in healthcare or related settings, and ability to successfully pass a background and physical check.

• Location: Santa Monica, CA
• Duration: Two years 
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN)

University of Washington – School of Nursing

The University of Washington (UW) is home to one of the premier medical innovation hubs in the United States. As a critical part of the country’s response to the coronavirus epidemic, UW nursing students and graduates were at the front lines of caring for communities nationwide. UW students are ready for the real world through a unique clinical model that provides aspiring nurses with 1,000 hours of hands-on experience at internationally-renowned institutions, including the Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Medical Center. 

As a professional degree program, students should have completed 90 credits of college-level prerequisite coursework, three natural science prerequisite courses with a GPA of 3.0 (or four natural science prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.8), a minimum of 100 hours of paid or volunteer healthcare experience within 12 months of applying, and an overall minimum college GPA of 2.0.

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

University of Maryland

Ranked in the top ten of BSN programs by U.S. World and News Report, the bachelor of science in nursing degree at the University of Maryland (UM) provides a tailored curriculum for students new to nursing and looking to transition into a new career. 

As a professional degree program, students should complete their first two years at an accredited college or university before applying. Aspiring fertility nurses can gain experience through UM’s innovative Clinical Simulation Labs and Standardized Patient Program, providing opportunities for students to practice clinical decision-making under faculty guidance. 

• Location: Baltimore, MD or Rockville, MD
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

University of New Mexico

The undergraduate nursing program at the University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Nursing offers a comprehensive education designed to prepare diverse and compassionate healthcare professionals committed to serving underserved communities. 

With five program tracks, including pre-licensure BSN and RN-to-BSN, students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation labs and real-world clinical environments under the guidance of expert faculty. UNM emphasizes diversity, equity, and cultural competence, fostering empathy and understanding in patient care. The program provides access to substantial financial aid, scholarships, and research opportunities, ensuring a supportive and impactful educational experience for aspiring nurses.

• Location: Albuquerque, NM 
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Howard College 

For almost a decade, at least 95 percent of graduates from Howard College in Big Spring, TX, passed the NCLEX exam. Using an innovative hybrid program in place since 2003, Howard College nursing students spend the first year of their RN program immersed in labs and clinical training. 

In the program’s second year, students then focus deeply on clinical RN training modules, along with online coursework in mental health nursing, maternal/newborn nursing and women’s health, care of children and families, and enhanced concepts of adult health. Students must hold a current Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) and have completed prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and freshman composition. 

• Location: Big Spring, TX
• Duration: Two years 
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Emory University – Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Emory University offers an accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing for fertility nurses who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are looking to take the next step in their medical career. Leveraging top-ranked faculty and online coursework prioritizing active learning, students can complete clinical experiences near their homes and finish their degree in as little as one year. Emory University nursing students are also assigned clinical faculty site visitors and participate in two on-campus clinical intensives. 

To apply, prospective students should hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline from an accredited college or university. They must also submit an admission application, application fee, transcripts, resume, and previous science coursework with a grade of “C” or higher. 

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

University of Alabama – Capstone College of Nursing

The online bachelor’s of science in nursing at the University of Alabama provides a dynamic and flexible degree program for working RNs who hold an associate’s degree from an ACEN-accredited college or diploma nursing program. Coursework is available entirely online, and students are provided 41 credit hours for completion of nursing coursework upon admission into the program. 

Prospective students should hold a current RN license and meet academic requirements, including a 2.5 GPA in lower-division courses and a 2.0 GPA in science courses. Applications are accepted year-round.

• Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
• Duration: One year 
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Ohio State University – College of Nursing

Designed for RNs ready to obtain their bachelor’s of science in nursing, the online BSN degree at Ohio State University provides a streamlined option for nurses who need a flexible and affordable program. At 25 credit hours, this BSN is a strong option for nurses looking to update their experience, understand the latest changes in the profession, and move on to a graduate degree program. 

Students can choose a 12-month program if pursuing as a full-time student or a 15-month program if part-time. There are no on-campus requirements, and students are encouraged to complete the asynchronous coursework at their own pace. 

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Georgetown University

The Georgetown University post-graduate certificate in nursing program is an online, distance-based offering for advanced practice nursing professionals seeking to expand their expertise and achieve additional board certifications. The program provides four specialized tracks: family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, and women’s health nurse practitioner. 

Each track integrates rigorous graduate-level coursework with clinical training to prepare students for advanced roles in their chosen area of practice. Clinical requirements vary by specialization, with opportunities to develop hands-on skills through intensive simulations and patient-centered placements. The program emphasizes holistic, person-centered care and health equity across all tracks.

This flexible program, which admits students annually in January and September, allows for personalized study plans based on prior academic and clinical experience. Candidates must hold a graduate-level nursing degree, an active RN license, and meet GPA and prerequisite course standards to apply. Throughout their studies, students gain access to expert faculty and participate in interactive, HD-streamed online classes incorporating multimedia content. The program is ideal for RNs aspiring to advance their careers, including those seeking to specialize in women’s health, which is particularly relevant for aspiring fertility nurses.

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Duration: 19 to 22 credits
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Including high school, it generally takes six years to become a fertility nurse with the minimum work experience and education. However, if a nurse pursues a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing, they may take as long as 13 years to achieve their APRN with a focus on fertility.    

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)

Graduating from high school or obtaining a GED is the first step toward becoming a fertility nurse. Students who wish to pursue this career should take science, math, and health courses to prepare them for further studies. Advanced placement courses and tests are also helpful, allowing students to complete college credit while in high school.  

Step 2: Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a  Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Two to Four Years) 

All registered nurses must hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited school. However, most employers—especially hospitals—commonly require a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). Many BSN programs now provide accelerated degree tracks for RNs returning to school interested in working in administration, teaching, research, or consulting. 

Step 3: Become a Registered Nurse (Timelines Vary)

While requirements vary by state, most require an associate’s or bachelor’s in nursing from an accredited program and a background check. Prospective RNs must also sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). 

Step 4: Gain Work Experience (One Year Minimum)

Nurses interested in working with a fertility specialty typically gain additional experience working in a relevant hospital setting. This is also a common requirement for graduate programs and will provide valuable real-life experience and academic understanding.

Step 5: Complete a Graduate Degree in Nursing (Two to Four Years, Optional)

An advanced degree is optional to become a fertility nurse. Those interested in pursuing an APRN may complete a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). While either degree will prepare students to work in the field, DNPs are slowly becoming an industry standard, allowing nurses to work more independently. Many degree programs offer a combined BSN/MSN or MSN/DNP track with hybrid options.

Aspiring fertility professionals will commonly take coursework with a focus on women’s health to prepare them to work in the field. They may also increase their work experience in a fertility clinic or hospital setting where they can gain experience working with families around pregnancy, delivery, post-partum, and newborn infant care.

Step 7: Maintain Local Licensure (Every One to Five Years).

Maintenance requirements vary by credential, but fertility nurses generally need to complete renewal applications and show proof of continuing education requirements.

Fertility nurses work with patients and couples around issues related to fertility and conception, as well as managing menopause. They can work in hospitals, reproductive clinics, obstetrics and gynecological practices, community health clinics, counseling centers, egg donation centers, and more. Their work often requires high compassion, communication, and interpersonal skills. Patients coming for fertility care may be facing highly sensitive issues and working with a team of multiple medical professionals. 

• Consult with patients and their families about the fertility process from start to finish
• Treat in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients and demonstrate how to self-administer treatments
• Demonstrate to patients how to administer IVF treatments
• Assist patients going through menopause
• Help patients understand medical procedures and terminology
• Support patients emotionally and non-judgmentally

Fertility nurses must be licensed to practice by their state nursing board. Requirements vary by state but generally include passing a national exam, holding a current RN license, meeting education standards, and passing a background check. For example, in Oklahoma, the requirements are:

• Demonstrate completion of a nursing program licensed by the State of Oklahoma or completion of coursework from a program of equivalent standards
• Successful passage of the NCLEX 
• Pay an application fee
• Pass a background check

While no certification is specific to fertility nurses, many will pursue additional certifications in related fields. This includes nurse certificates in reproductive endocrinology and infertility offered through:

• Nurses’ Professional Group of the American Medical Association
• American Society of Reproductive Medicine
• National Certification Corporation

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) does not have specific data on fertility nurses, ample data is available on registered nurses. Over three million registered nurses worked in the United States, according to the latest data as of March 2025. Registered nurses make an average of $94,480 a year. The salary percentiles for registered nurses are below:

• 10th percentile: $63,720
• 25th percentile: $75,990
• 50th percentile (median): $86,070
• 75th percentile: $104,670
• 90th percentile: $132,680

Here are some alternatives to a career as a fertility nurse. 

Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses work in a fast-paced environment, typically in a hospital or birthing center setting. With thousands of babies delivered daily, labor and delivery nurses are the first medical team members a patient works with when preparing to deliver their baby. They will monitor both the person giving birth andthe  baby, serving as the primary support until both patients are safely done with the delivery.

• Typical Education: ADN or BSN
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)

Become a Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses care for babies, children, and adolescents to ensure they develop correctly. Pediatric nurses are essential to a child’s medical team by working with families to track milestones, offer preventive care, and monitor and address care needs as they arise. 

• Typical Education: BSN or MSN 
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)

Become a Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified nurse midwives are advanced practice nurses who support patients during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care.

• Typical Education: MSN
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)

Bree Nicolello

Writer

Bree is an urban planner and freelance writer based in Seattle, WA. She has worked on land use and housing policy issues throughout the Pacific Northwest. She previously led Run Oregon Run, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Oregonians run for office and apply to boards and commissions. When not writing, she is lovingly tending to her cast iron pans.

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.