Certified Nurse-Midwife Career Overview
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Credit: KidStock / Photodisc / Getty ImagesHow Long to Become
6-8 years
Job Outlook, 2022-2032
6% growth
Median Annual Salary
$129,650
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Does a Nurse-Midwife Do?
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are perhaps best known for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. However, they also provide care related to sexual and reproductive health, gynecologic health, and family planning including preconception care.
CNMs also provide primary care for individuals, including adolescents, adults, and healthy newborns during the first 28 days of life. They care for all individuals who seek midwifery care, inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Midwives also conduct physical examinations, prescribe medications, and provide assessments, diagnostics, and treatment.
CNMs provide these services in partnership with individuals and families in diverse settings such as ambulatory care clinics, private offices, telehealth, community and public health systems, homes, hospitals, and birth centers.
Key Responsibilities
- Patient assessment and education
- Conducting physical examinations
- Prescribing medication
- Ordering tests and procedures
- Creating care plans
Career Traits
- Stress management
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Team-oriented
- Able to work long and/or irregular hours
- Strong work ethic
How Is a Certified Nurse-Midwife Different From a Traditional Midwife?
A CNM must hold a graduate midwifery degree, a valid registered nurse (RN) license, and certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This certification qualifies them to apply for licensure in all 50 states.
The direct-entry midwife designation includes both certified midwives (CMs) and certified professional midwives (CPMs). Unlike CNMs, direct-entry midwives may obtain certification without first becoming licensed nurses. While CMs may enter the field without nursing training, not all states allow them to practice. CMs and CNMs are educated at the graduate level, have the same scope of practice, and sit for the same AMCB national certification exam. CMs can practice in 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Most direct-entry midwives hold the CPM credential, which trains providers for out-of-hospital deliveries, including in private homes and birth centers. CPMs sometimes practice in hospitals in low-resource countries outside of the United States.
In comparison, traditional midwives lack formal nursing education but have acquired training through direct experience. These unlicensed midwives, typically working with poor and/or rural populations, rely on their experience, knowledge of traditional (or folk) medicine, and the trust of the communities they serve. However, they might not have a legal right to practice midwifery, though this will depend on the state where they practice.
How to Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife
To become a certified nurse-midwife, you must earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, obtain an RN license, and get national certification and licensure in the state where you intend to practice.
- 1
Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.
A BSN degree takes about four years. It is possible to complete an accelerated BSN in 18-24 months if you have another bachelor’s degree and the prerequisite science courses.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive licensure.
After earning their degree, students apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). State nursing boards use exam results to determine whether you have the necessary knowledge to practice.
- 3
Get your advanced degree.
Nurses with BSNs may pursue a master’s degree in nursing, a related master’s degree, or a doctorate with a midwife specialization. A master’s degree takes about two years while a doctorate takes about four years. Be sure your program meets all applicable licensure and certification requirements in your state.
- 4
Pass the board exam.
Before you can practice as a CNM, you must pass the certifying exam offered by the AMCB.
How Much Do Certified Nurse-Midwives Make?
Certified nurse-midwives can earn six-figure salaries in an in-demand field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse-midwives earn a median salary of $129,650. Their salary ranges from $87,320 to $177,530 depending on setting and experience. The BLS projects nurse-midwife jobs to grow 6% between 2022-2032, which is about twice as fast as the national average for all occupations
Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Nurse-Midwives
Generally, it takes 6-8 years to become a certified nurse-midwife. However, the time can vary based on personal obligations, program requirements, and other factors.
This page was last reviewed on July 17, 2024.
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