Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

Step 3: Take the Certified Nurse-Midwifery Exam

After completing your program, you’ll have to apply to take the certified nurse-midwifery exam, which is administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). You must pass this exam to earn your certified nurse-midwife certification. The exam tests you on your knowledge of antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, woman/gynecology and women’s health/primary care subject areas. You must renew your certification every five years. This may involve additional fulfillment of continuing education contact hours.

Step 4: Apply for State Licensure

Once you’ve passed the exam, you must apply for state licensure as a certified nurse-midwife in the state where you plan to practice. Be sure to review your state’s board of midwifery for specific requirements.

Should I enroll in a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Program?

CNMs are registered nurses who receive graduate-level training through programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Programs can vary and include nursing and midwifery programs. There are multiple options for completing your degree — you could opt for a two-year master’s program or a longer four-year doctoral degree.

Depending on what institution you choose, nurse-midwife programs, for example, can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Depending on whether you pursue a masters or a doctorate, on average, the number of credits needed to graduate can range from 30 to almost 80.

Regardless of the program, those training to be certified nurse-midwives will complete coursework in antepartum care, advanced primary care, intrapartum and postpartum care and newborn care. They also complete clinical rotations in professional settings. Generally — and this might vary from program to program — students in these programs will complete more than 500 hours of work in a clinical setting. This could be in a large hospital, OB/GYN clinics or private practices, among other locations.

After successful completion of an accredited program, certified nurse-midwives are certified by the AMCB. You must hold a graduate degree and have a valid RN license to sit for the certified nurse-midwife examination.

Online CNM Programs

Sometimes it can be difficult to commit to a full-time, on-site certified nurse-midwife program, especially if you are already working as a registered nurse. Putting your career on pause or uprooting your life to attend an on-campus program might not be an option. Online certified nurse-midwifery programs, on the other hand, offer more flexibility.

But online programs are not all the same. When looking for a high-quality online CNM program, make sure it offers interactive features, such as live classes and strong placement services, to ensure you gain the hands-on experience necessary to advance your career.

Some universities offer online programs that are identical to their on-campus programs, allowing students to earn a degree from a reputable university without relocating. You will still need to complete on-site clinical practicum hours as well. Required hours vary per program but typically range from 600 to 1,200 clinical hours.

Online programs make it easier for you to balance studying and the demands of your career. Make sure you find a program that offers extensive peer and instructor support teams — these added support systems ensure you get the help you need when you need it, and they can help you stay on track to graduate.

Certified Nurse Midwife Roles and Responsibilities

Certified nurse-midwife roles and responsibilities involve aspects of women’s health and gynecologic healthcare. Nurse-midwife duties include assisting women throughout their pregnancies, including prenatal and postpartum care. Nurse-midwives care for a woman giving birth by providing her with woman-centered support that emphasizes the normalcy of birth. This extends to the postpartum period as well. They can care for newborns at birth and in those first few months of life.

While mostly associated with care during pregnancy, CNM roles also include general healthcare for women. This means that certified nurse-midwives can assess and manage contraceptive and birth control methods, offer general gynecological care, and preventive care. They prescribe medications, medical devices, and treatments. Think of a certified nurse-midwife as a healthcare guide for female patients from adolescence through menopause.

You can find certified nurse-midwives working nationwide — from major hospitals to private practices and health and birthing centers. Certified nurse-midwives also attend home births and assist with them.

Certified Nurse Midwife Salary

A career in certified nurse-midwifery can be lucrative and rewarding. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average hourly wage of a certified nurse-midwife was $61.92 as of May 2024, according to the Occupational Employment Statistics – Nurse Midwives report. Additionally, the average annual wage in the United States is $128,110.

Of course, a CNM's salary varies from state to state. The BLS shows that California stands as the highest-paying state for certified nurse-midwives, with an average annual wage of $179,630. After California, Arizona is the second-highest-paying state, where CNMs can earn up to $174,870 per year.

The BLS also reports that the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area pays most competitively, with an hourly wage of $91.41. The Los Angeles area is followed by San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, where the average hourly wage is $90.83, and the average annual wage is $188,930.

For more graduate programs, check out the list of online MSN degree programs.

For other specialized programs related to women’s health, check out the list of WHNP programs.