Online Nurse Midwifery Programs – Online CNM Schools

Becoming a certified nurse midwife allows you to support, empower and advocate for women throughout their labor and delivery.

As outlined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), a graduate degree is required to enter the midwifery practice. However, not all master’s of science in nursing (MSN) programs are the same. As you begin your research, look for programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), an independent organization promoting excellence in nursing and midwife education.

When choosing a graduate program, keep in mind the associated time commitments, which can require about three years of full-time study, or a part-time equivalent. Here are a few other factors to consider when deciding on the best online master’s of science in nursing (MSN) programs for you: admission requirements, certification-relevant coursework, clinical hour support teams, and opportunities to engage with classmates and instructors.

Online Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Programs

Many universities offer online nurse practitioner programs that cover the same or similar curricula as their on-campus programs, allowing students to earn a degree from a university they trust without having to relocate.

In an ACME accredited program, your coursework may also help you prepare for the national certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). ACME accredited midwifery programs often meet the following criteria:

• Core faculty members are certified by the AMCB or other certifying bodies for non-CNMs or Certified Midwives (CM).
• Curriculum has several components as outlined by the ACNM Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice such as the art and science of midwifery, professional responsibilities for CNMs and CMs, midwifery management, fundamentals of care, care of women, and care of newborns.
• Clinical site support for the midwifery program is provided, ensuring students have access to competence training in areas of primary care, gynecologic, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn care.

Career Pathways for Nurse Midwifery

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and nurse midwives care for women by providing gynecological exams, family planning services and prenatal care. A nurse midwife can also serve as the primary care provider for women and newborns. Furthermore, the median pay in 2022 for nurse midwives was $125,900 per year.

Are you willing to relocate for a midwife position? The BLS listed California, Texas, Florida, New York and Minnesota as the top states with the highest employment of nurse midwives. However, with a projected 38% increase in employment of nurse midwives between 2022 and 2032, it is possible for the demand for CNMs to increase elsewhere. Keep in mind that your state of employment may have different rules and regulations for the midwife profession. Check with your state regulatory board for more information.

For other specialized pathways related to women’s health, browse a variety of WHNP programs on the guide to becoming a women’s health nurse practitioner.