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Step 1
Learn how to prepare for a career in maternity nursing while still in high school by talking to your school guidance counselor. Focus on taking two to four years of science and math, one to two years of health, four years of English, a foreign language and some computer science.
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Step 2
Search for a nursing school in your desired state. Use a database such as DiscoverNursing.com or AllNursingSchools.com (see Resources below) to find appropriate schools.
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Step 3
Choose a school based on its enrollment size, academic format or location. Contact your desired school to find out about specific enrollment requirements.
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Step 4
One year of study at an accredited nursing school can result in becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in a maternity ward or anywhere else. LPNs work under registered nurses (RNs). An associate's degree in nursing is the most popular path to becoming an RN. Overall, you'll be more qualified and better paid if you spend four years in school and get your bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN).
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Step 5
Take the nursing board exams to be allowed to work as an RN or LPN in a maternity ward. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has two licensure examinations, one for registered nurses and one for practical nurses.
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Step 6
Look for a maternity nurse job in a hospital, community health center, doctor's office, health department, birth center or adult education center.
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Step 7
Expect to earn an average of about $100,000 annually as a maternity nurse in many major cities. According to salaryexpert.com, the average maternity nurse salary ranges from $90,000 in Atlanta to $113,000 in New York City.
