How to become a certified nurse midwife

Is becoming a certified nurse midwife right for me?

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Overview
What do certified nurse midwives do?

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How to become a Certified Nurse Midwife

Becoming a certified nurse midwife requires a significant amount of education and training. Here are the general steps to become a CNM:

  • Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: To become a registered nurse (RN) and eventually a CNM, you will first need to earn a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. The BSN program typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory and practice. Many nursing programs also require students to complete clinical rotations in hospitals and other healthcare settings to gain hands-on experience.
  • Obtain RN licensure: After completing your BSN degree, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a registered nurse in your state. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that assesses your knowledge and skills in nursing. Once you pass the exam, you can apply for RN licensure from your state's board of nursing.
  • Gain clinical experience: Most CNM programs require applicants to have at least one year of nursing experience as an RN before they are considered for admission. During this time, you will work in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, gaining experience in patient care, communication, and teamwork.
  • Obtain a Master's Degree in Nursing with a specialization in midwifery: To become a CNM, you will need to earn a Master's Degree in Nursing with a specialization in midwifery from an accredited program. The program typically takes two to three years to complete and includes coursework in obstetrics, gynecology, neonatology, and primary care. You will also complete clinical rotations in midwifery, working with women throughout their pregnancies, labor, and delivery, and providing postpartum care.
  • Pass the certification exam: After completing your master's degree, you will need to pass the national certification exam administered by the AMCB. The exam assesses your knowledge and skills in midwifery and includes multiple-choice questions and case studies. Once you pass the exam, you will earn the title of Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
  • Obtain state licensure: Once you have passed the certification exam, you will need to obtain a state license to practice as a CNM in the state where you plan to work. Requirements for state licensure vary by state, but typically include completing an application, providing proof of education and certification, and passing a background check.
  • Maintain certification and licensure: To maintain your certification as a CNM, you will need to complete continuing education requirements and recertify every five years. To maintain your state license, you will need to comply with your state's continuing education requirements and renew your license regularly.

Certifications
To become a certified nurse midwife (CNM), you must obtain certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which is the certifying body for midwives in the United States. The AMCB offers two types of certification for midwives:

  • Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): This is the most common type of certification for midwives. To become a CNM, you must hold an active RN license and a master's degree from an accredited nurse-midwifery program. You must also pass the AMCB certification exam, which tests your knowledge and skills in midwifery.
  • Certified Midwife (CM): This certification is available to individuals who do not hold an RN license, but who have completed a graduate-level midwifery education program that meets the AMCB's standards. To become a CM, you must also pass the AMCB certification exam.

Both CNMs and CMs are licensed to practice midwifery in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to obtaining certification from the AMCB, CNMs must also be licensed by their state board of nursing. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically include completing an approved midwifery education program, passing a state licensure exam, and meeting other state-specific requirements.

To maintain certification, CNMs and CMs must complete continuing education requirements and recertify every five years. The AMCB requires CNMs and CMs to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education annually, with a minimum of 3 hours in pharmacology. Additionally, CNMs and CMs must comply with their state's licensure requirements for continuing education and license renewal.

Associations
To support their professional development, CNMs can benefit from joining various professional associations that provide resources, support, and advocacy for their profession.

  • American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) - The ACNM is a professional association that represents certified nurse midwives and certified midwives in the United States. It provides resources and support for midwives and promotes excellence in midwifery practice.
  • National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) - The NACPM is a professional association that represents certified professional midwives in the United States. It provides resources and support for midwives and advocates for the recognition of certified professional midwives as an essential part of the maternity care team.
  • International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) - The ICM is a global organization that represents midwives and promotes the profession of midwifery around the world. It provides a platform for midwives to share knowledge, collaborate on research, and advocate for improved maternal and newborn health outcomes.
  • Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) - The MANA is a professional organization that represents midwives in North America. It provides resources and support for midwives and promotes access to high-quality, evidence-based midwifery care for all women and families.
  • National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) - The NPWH is a professional association that represents nurse practitioners who specialize in women's health. It provides resources and support for nurse practitioners and advocates for the integration of nurse practitioners into the healthcare team to improve women's health outcomes.