How to Become a Nurse-Midwife
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Credit: pixelfit / E+ / Getty ImagesWhat Is a Nurse-Midwife?
A nurse-midwife is a health professional who focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the first six weeks of postpartum care. They also provide routine reproductive health screenings, manage contraceptive use, and assess and treat low-complexity gynecological problems. Individuals who are expecting a child often prefer to work with nurse-midwives as they can provide a more intimate experience.
For instance, some private-practice nurse-midwives can offer special services, including at-home births. Research shows that patients who work with nurse-midwives benefit from better health outcomes, fewer interventions, and higher levels of satisfaction.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average 7% increase in job growth for nurse-midwives from 2023-2033. This helps make nurse-midwifery an attractive profession, but students should also consider factors that can help them stand out from the competition, such as credentials and experience.
Many nurse-midwives provide care in birthing centers, obstetrician and gynecologist outpatient offices, and hospitals. They can work autonomously or in collaboration with physicians and other care providers. Their responsibilities include providing primary care for pregnant patients, performing physical exams, developing patient care plans, and educating people on birth options.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse-Midwife
Students interested in becoming nurse-midwives must first hold a registered nurse (RN) license, which requires either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
While an ADN is the minimum requirement to become an RN, a BSN is required to pursue more advanced degrees. Students interested in advanced nurse-midwife positions can earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree to become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM). CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and as the name suggests must earn certification.
A BSN is a four-year degree that develops students’ leadership skills and offers more opportunities than an associate degree. However, students interested in quickly launching their career may want to consider an ADN.
An ADN requires successful completion of a two-year program and a passing grade on the NCLEX licensure exam. After that, prospective ADNs must petition their state board of nursing for licensure. Proof of education, certification, and a background check are often required for state licensure.
Students with a bachelor’s degree or college experience in another field may be accepted into an accelerated BSN program if they have passed the required prerequisite courses. This can offer a quicker path to a nurse-midwifery degree.
Most graduate-level nursing programs require at least 1-2 years of clinical experience before admission. Hands-on experience can aid in applications to competitive graduate programs. Therefore, nurses often gain experience as RNs before pursuing certification as a nurse-midwife. This experience gives them the responsibility and expertise needed for advanced practice roles.
During this time, nurses can pursue additional certifications to prepare them to become certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). For instance, RNs can earn their neonatal intensive care nursing certification through the National Certification Corporation. This credential, which strengthens nurses’ skills with newborn infants, requires one year of relevant professional experience and passing an exam.
Students exploring midwifery should plan to earn their MSN in two years with full-time attendance, while part-time students may earn their degree in up to five years.
While an MSN is the minimum requirement for CNMs, students can go on to earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). A BSN-to-DNP program can take 3-4 years to complete, while an MSN-to-DNP program generally takes an additional 1-2 years. Universities may also offer part-time options, for which times can vary. A DNP allows students to target the population and issues they want to focus on.
After completing the degree program, aspiring CNMs must take a national certification exam for the nurse-midwifery specialty. Certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) indicates that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to serve patients safely and effectively.
To qualify, students must earn their degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education and hold an unencumbered RN license. CNMs need to apply for recertification every five years. Once nurse midwives pass their certification exam, they can apply for an APRN license in their state. Requirements for licensure vary by state.
Nurse-Midwife Education
The minimum degree requirement for certified nurse midwives is an MSN. Students should note that the amount of time it takes to become a nurse midwife depends on how much education and experience applicants hold.
The following sections outline admission requirements, coursework, and average program lengths.
BSN Degree
Students who want to become a nurse-midwife should begin with earning a BSN, which prepares graduates for an MSN. ADN graduates also qualify for an RN license. However, practitioners would need to consider alternative bridge programs to earn an MSN.Some common BSN program requirements include:
- Admission Requirements: 2.5 GPA; resume; essay; 2-3 letters of recommendation
- Program Curriculum: Courses may include fundamentals of caregiving and introductory science and math classes. Students must also complete clinical field experiences.
- Time to Complete: Four years with full-time attendance
- Skills Learned: Students learn to provide patient care to diverse communities and develop evidence-based practice, leadership, and management skills.
MSN Degree
An MSN is the minimum requirement to become a nurse midwife or CNM. Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA, a resume, three letters of recommendation, an RN license, and some schools may ask for GRE scores.Some common characteristics of these programs include:
- Program Curriculum:MSN programs emphasize clinical leadership and patient advocacy. Courses may include gynecologic health, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, and healthcare ethics. Students must participate in clinicals to qualify for licensure.
- Time to Complete: Two years with full-time attendance
- Skills Learned: Students build clinical skills and improve their interpersonal communication, decision-making, and leadership abilities.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree
To qualify for DNP programs, applicants must hold an MSN from an accredited institution. Some nurse-midwifery programs allow students to complete their MSN and DNP in a bridge program where students can receive both a master’s and a doctorate in three years. Practitioners who earn a DNP establish a competitive advantage as subject-matter experts.
- Admission Requirements: 3.0 GPA at a minimum; an unencumbered RN license; GRE scores; clinical experience with the target population
- Program Curriculum: Goals include independently maintaining and restoring women’s health. Courses may include the science of healthcare delivery and clinical experiences.
- Time to Complete: Three years with full-time attendance
- Skills Learned: Graduates gain advanced clinical instruction and research methods for improving patient outcomes.
Nurse-Midwife Certifications
A CNM must earn certification to legally practice nurse-midwifery. The AMCB offers the CNM credential and sets the minimum standards for practitioners.
Aspiring CNMs also need clinical expertise. They must have competency in skills related to women’s health, providing reproductive care, assisting with delivery, caring for newborns, and treating sexually transmitted diseases.
Qualified applicants must also hold an advanced nursing degree from an accredited program and an unencumbered RN license. Applicants must complete a computer-based, four-hour exam at an approved testing site. The exam includes 175 multiple-choice questions.
Nurse-Midwife Licensure
CNMs need two licenses at the state level: RN licensure and APRN licensure. RN licensure requirements vary by state, as do APRN licensure requirements.
APRNs must get a state license to practice nurse-midwifery. Students should review their state requirements when selecting schools as each state board of nursing establishes minimum standards.
Applicants should begin with earning their AMCB certification and then apply for a certificate of authority.
Working as a Nurse-Midwife
Students may want to consider building relationships during clinicals and field experiences as part of networking to help find jobs after nurse-midwife schooling. Another strategy may include reaching out to practices prior to graduation or volunteering.
BLS data shows that nurse-midwives earned an average annual wage of $131,570 in 2022. However, students should explore average salaries in their state or county, as they can vary by location, workplace, and other factors.
Common nurse-midwife practice settings include:
Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)
CNMs offer primary care for pregnant individuals, collaborate with physicians, and provide nonsurgical methods of family planning.
Birthing Centers
CNMs assist parents with labor, provide emotional support, and monitor people in labor for complications.Public Health ClinicsCNMs reduce the rates of poor outcomes such as stillbirth and preterm birth. They can explore inequities in healthcare, such as how nurses can address disparities in infant mortality. They run initiatives to promote women’s health.
Private Homes
Many expectant parents choose to give birth in their own residence. Nurse-midwives are equipped to make this a safe and rewarding experience for all parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse-Midwife
It takes approximately 6-8 years to become a nurse-midwife.
Related Pages
The Best Online Nurse-Midwifery Programs
Consult this guide to learn about the top online nurse midwifery programs, including information on tuition, admission requirements, and accreditation.
How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse
Understanding how to become a labor and delivery nurse can help you plan your education and career advancement. Consider the steps needed to achieve your goals.