Newborn Care Specialist — Baby Nurse (Hybrid)
Newborn Care Specialist — Baby Nurse (Hybrid)
A baby nurse is a trained paraprofessional caregiver that provides unique expertise in all aspects of newborn care, parental education and support. Every newborn specialist helps nurture and care for baby and provides guidance and education for the parent(s).
This is especially beneficial to a first-time mom.
The Baby Nurse course covers all aspects of baby care including safety, bathing techniques, cord care, feeding and burping, diapering, sleeping patterns and parental bonding. Other concerns include immunization requirements, infection prevention, constipation and techniques in case of choking, bleeding and poisoning.
MODULE 1 AND AT LEAST 2 OTHER MODULES MUST BE COMPLETED TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE. A $75 non-refundable registration fee is included with Module 1.
Online classes start immediately after acceptance. Upon successful completion of the required online instructional component of the program requirements, students will be awarded the Dorson VTI Certification in Newborn Care.
Eligibility to test does not guarantee certification and is subject to the policies and requirements of the credentialing organization. Externship placement is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Completion of an externship does not guarantee employment. Externship participation where applicable is optional and is not a condition of program completion or graduation. Students who request externship consideration will be notified following completion of the certification exam and in accordance with instructional of externship policies. Certain externship sites may require additional documentation, background checks, health screenings or compliance with site specific policies. Failure to meet externship site requirements may result in denial of placement without refund or program extension.
Our record of job placement assistance is currently 90%. Recruiters pay for access to recruit Dorson VTI graduates.
Admission Requirements & Eligibility
Review the requirements below to see if you qualify for our Newborn Care Specialist program.
To Enroll, You'll Need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card or proof of legal work status
- Genuine interest in newborn and infant care
- Basic reading and communication skills in English
Upon Completion You Will Receive:
- Dorson VTI Certification – Newborn Care Specialist
- Certificate of Completion documentation
- Resume writing and interview coaching
- Job placement assistance with local employers and agencies
- Career advancement pathway guidance
- Dorson VTI certificate of completion
Program Cost:
- Module 1: $375 (includes $75 reg fee)
- Module 2: $350
- Module 3: $350
- Module 4: $500
- Module 5: $500
- Complete Series: $1,775 (includes $75 reg fee)
- Average cost to certify: ~$2,000
- Dorson VTI Certification awarded upon completion
- WIOA funding may be available for eligible students
- Payment plans available — contact admissions
Program Schedule:
- 5 modules available (Hybrid: Online + In-Person)
- Completion time varies by module selection (minimum 3 modules required)
- MODULE 1 + at least 2 other modules required for certificate
- Three cycles to complete certification
- Online classes start immediately after acceptance
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Classes held in East Orange, NJ
Course Outcomes
Graduates will be prepared to work as Newborn Care Specialists / Baby Nurses in private family homes, birth centers, postpartum doula agencies, and newborn care staffing agencies throughout NJ, NY, and the tri-state area.
Newborn Care Fundamentals
- Newborn bathing, diapering, and swaddling techniques
- Umbilical cord and circumcision care
- Infant soothing and comfort strategies
- Safe sleep guidelines (AAP recommendations)
- Normal vs. abnormal newborn appearance and behavior
Feeding Support
- Breastfeeding positioning and latch assistance
- Breast pump support and milk storage
- Bottle feeding and formula preparation
- Feeding schedules and demand feeding concepts
- Recognizing hunger and satiation cues
Health & Safety
- Newborn health monitoring and vital signs
- Recognizing signs of illness and when to seek care
- Infant CPR and first aid basics
- Infection control and hygiene in newborn care
- Twin, multiples, and premature infant care
Family Support
- Postpartum parent education and emotional support
- Sleep training foundations for new parents
- Cultural sensitivity in family care environments
- Effective communication with new parents
- Career readiness and job search preparation
Average Annual Salary in NJ
Job Market Growth (2022–2032)
Local Job Openings in NJ
Clinical Practicum
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our Newborn Care Specialist program? Find answers below.
• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) — federally funded assistance that may cover tuition for eligible students.
• Bank Financing — low-interest education financing through our banking partners.
• Corporate / Employer Sponsored — if your employer offers tuition assistance, we can work directly with them.
• Other Funding Sources — we work with various community and government funding organizations.
• Flexible Payment Plans — ask our admissions team about installment options.
Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more, or call us at 973-676-6300.
