Fertility Nurse

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 prior to 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 2021 and 2031, regardless of location in the United States. Aspiring fertility nurses will need at least an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), although 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 even 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 that can take up to four years to complete. 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, nurse practitioners, and more.

Aspiring fertility nurses must be RNs, and proof of licensure is required for admission. While there are programs that 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, GRE scores, and more.

Recognized by the US Department of Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission For Education In Nursing (ACEN) are the main 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 (#3 in the United States) 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 97 percent and a proven record of successful job placements at 94 percent. 

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 of $75 or a fee 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)
• Tuition: $2,768 per credit

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 that’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)
• Tuition: $4,000 total

University of Washington – School of Nursing

The University of Washington (UW) is home to one of the most 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 around the country. UW students are ready for the real-world through a unique clinical model that provides aspiring nurses with 1,000 hours of hands-on experiences 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)
• Tuition: $4,215 per quarter (resident); $13,999 (non-resident)

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 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 prior to 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)
• Tuition: $1,444 per credit

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 that’s been in place since 2003, Howard College nursing students spend the first year of their RN program immersed in labs and clinical training. 

In the second year of the program, 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)
• Tuition: $200 per credit 

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 taking the next step in their medical career. Leveraging top-ranked faculty and online coursework that prioritizes active learning, students can complete clinical experiences near their home 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 at least a grade of “C” or higher. 

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,656 per credit 

University of Alabama – Capstone College of Nursing

The online bachelor’s of science in nursing at 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)
• Tuition: $385 per credit 

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)
• Tuition: $457.88 per credit

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 – 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 pursuing working with a fertility speciality 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 in addition to 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. For those interested in pursuing an APRN, they may choose to 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, as they allow nurses to work more independently. Many degree programs also offer a combined BSN/MSN or MSN/DNP track with hybrid options.

Aspiring fertility professionals will commonly take coursework with a focus in 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).

The maintenance requirements vary by credential but fertility nurses generally need to complete a renewal application 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 $200 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 does not have specific data on fertility nurses, there is ample data available on registered nurses. As of May 2022, there were over three million registered nurses working in the United States. Registered nurses make an average of $89,010 a year. The salary percentiles for registered nurses are below:

• 10th percentile: $61,250
• 25th percentile: $66,680
• 50th percentile (median): $81,220
• 75th percentile: $101,100
• 90th percentile: $129,400

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 every day, labor and delivery nurses are the first medical team member that a patient works with when preparing to deliver their baby. They will monitor both the person giving birth and 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 provide important care to babies, children, and adolescents to ensure they are developing correctly. Pediatric nurses are an essential part of 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.