The pathway to becoming a NICU nurse involves several steps and the duration of this pathway depends on many factors. After completion of an eligible nursing program, either ADN or BSN one must pursue for licensing exam. Only after passing a licensing exam, a graduate is eligible to apply for a nursing license. The licensing requirements vary from state. In most scenarios, experience is mandatory for obtaining a job as a NICU nurse. However rare case scenarios exist where a fresher gets into NICU without prior experience. Above all dedication and passion matters that leads you towards your dream job or career.