How to Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) manage care for patients during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. A type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), CNMs can work in a multitude of health settings, including hospitals, prenatal clinics, and birthing centers. Many also assist with home births. To become a certified nurse-midwife, candidates must earn graduate and postgraduate degrees, a process that can take up to eight years. But, once a CNM is certified, licensed, and trained, their job outlook is above average.
Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in 8 Steps
To become a certified nurse-midwife, candidates must first earn a nursing degree, gain some experience at the bedside, and then earn a postgraduate degree.
1
Graduate With an ADN or a BSN Degree
Aspiring registered nurses (RNs) may choose to pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, the majority of certified nurse-midwifery programs require a BSN degree at minimum.
3
Acquire a State License
Each state maintains slightly different stipulations and documentation for RN licensing. Nurses looking to apply for licensure in a state may look up the requirements for their location on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Most postgraduate programs require their applicants to have one to three years of experience treating patients before they will be considered. Prospective certified nurse-midwives may find it helpful to work in a prenatal clinic, labor and delivery unit, or other similar medical setting.
5
Earn Specialty Certifications
Another way to stand out from CNM programs is to have specialty nursing certifications. Some certifications helpful to a future nurse-midwife include:
6
Obtain a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Midwifery
Once a nurse has a few years of experience behind them, they may apply for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on midwifery. When done full-time, an MSN takes about two years, while a DNP may take three to four years.
8
Get Licensed and Find a CNM Position
The last steps to becoming a certified nurse-midwife include applying for and obtaining a state license and finding a position as a CNM. State licensing processes can vary, but local requirements can be found on each state’s nursing board website.
Schooling Requirements for Certified Nurse-Midwives
Certified nurse midwives are required to have a postgraduate degree in order to practice. They may choose to pursue either an MSN or a DNP, which are both accepted by the AMCB. Before this, CNM candidates must first graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and gain one to three years of experience at the bedside.
When it comes to choosing a postgraduate degree, it’s important to understand the differences between them.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, typically takes two to three years if full-time hours can be committed to study, but many nurses pursue an MSN part-time while they continue to work. In this case, an MSN can take three to five years.
Time to Complete
2 to 3 years (full-time)
Pros
- Faster to complete than a Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Fewer clinical hours required
Cons
- May have fewer opportunities for leadership and management roles
- May be required to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice later
- May earn less than a Doctor of Nursing Practice
*Varies depending on the institution
Sources: Maryville University, University of Pennsylvania, Case Western Reserve University, AACNM
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree takes longer and requires more clinical hours, but is considered a terminal degree: the highest degree a nurse can earn. DNPs may also have more leadership opportunities and have the potential to earn a higher salary.
Time to Complete
3 to 4 years
Pros
- May offer more leadership opportunities
- As a terminal degree, Doctors of Nursing Practice cannot be asked to return to school for higher education
- May earn more than CNMs with an MSN
Cons
- Can take longer to complete than an MSN
- Requires more clinical hours
Sources: Maryville University, University of California Davis, American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Certified Nurse-Midwife Licensing and Credentials
To practice in their specialty, certified nurse-midwives must maintain their license through the state in which they treat patients. Most states require CNMs to maintain both their RN and APRN licenses, and CNMs must renew their certified nurse-midwife certification every five years.
To obtain and renew a certified nurse-midwife certification, candidates must take the national certification exam through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and includes an examination fee of $500.
Where Do Certified Nurse-Midwives Work?
Because certified nurse-midwives treat pregnant women and newborns, most CNM employment opportunities are found in facilities that provide prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and newborn care. These include:
- Hospitals
- Birthing centers
- OBGYN offices
- Public health clinics
- Private practices
- Community health centers
Certified Nurse-Midwives Job Outlook
The job outlook for certified nurse-midwives is higher than average, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting 38% growth through 2032. The BLS predicts an additional 123,600 jobs in this division of nursing specialties by the same year.
The United States has historically used midwives much less than other countries, but this balance is changing. The COVID-19 pandemic shone a positive light on midwifery and its benefits for reproductive rights and prenatal/birthing care, and the demand for more midwives is expected to grow.
FAQs: How to Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife
1. What education is needed to become a certified nurse-midwife?
To become a certified nurse-midwife, candidates need to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, pass their state licensing exam (NCLEX-RN), and gain experience in the specialty. After these tasks have been completed, they may apply for a postgraduate degree: either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
2. How can I become a certified nurse-midwife the fastest?
When prospective CNMs begin with no college education, it can take up to eight years to become a certified nurse-midwife. However, candidates can complete their education and training faster if they have previously earned prerequisites, apply for an accelerated bachelor’s degree, and opt for a master’s degree (MSN) vs. a doctorate (DNP).
3. What is the difference between a certified nurse-midwife and a certified midwife?
A certified nurse-midwife and a certified midwife (CM) differ in education focus: a CM earns a non-nursing graduate degree, but must complete the same certification process.
4. How well are certified nurse-midwives paid?
Certified nurse-midwives earn an average of $131,570 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is about $63.25 an hour. The lowest 10% of CNMs make $87,320, while the highest 10% can earn $177,530. CNM salary depends on experience, location, and work setting.
