[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse-midwives are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) licensed to oversee pregnancy and childbirth. Many also provide postnatal care. Like all APRNs, they can diagnose conditions, order tests, and prescribe medication.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores the best nurse-midwifery programs online and how to pick the right one for your needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best online nurse-midwifery programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more, or go straight to our list of [hen-ui-link href=”#ranking”]the best online nurse-midwifery programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Nurse-Midwifery Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do as a Certified Nurse Midwife?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/”]Certified nurse-midwives[/hen-ui-link] or CNMs primarily provide prenatal, labor-and-delivery, and postnatal care. Most work in hospitals or birthing centers, and they can also provide care during home births.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse-midwifery is one of the higher paid non-physician jobs in healthcare, with a median annual salary of $111,130, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects that jobs for nurse-midwives could grow by 11% between 2020-2030, faster than the average job growth rate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Look for in an Online Nurse-Midwifery Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/how-to-become-a-nurse-midwife/”]To become a nurse-midwife[/hen-ui-link], you must [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]earn an MSN[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited school and pass board certification. The right program depends on your background and experience, career goals, program logistics, and financial situation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you choose your online midwifery program, consider these factors:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]The school’s admission requirements reflect what it values in students and tell you what applicants are most likely to be successful.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Program Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]While nurse midwifery program online courses are standardized around a core curriculum, electives vary. The program description also indicates a program’s values.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Clinical Experience[/hen-ui-heading]Attending a nurse-midwifery program online means you must find clinical placement in your community or be able to commute. Students should determine whether the format works with their existing schedule and responsibilities.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading]Only graduates of accredited programs are eligible for certification and licensure.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Program Length[/hen-ui-heading]Program lengths can vary by school. Do the time frame and pacing options work for your needs and existing responsibilities?[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]School NCLEX Pass Rate[/hen-ui-heading]Board exam pass rates are a vital quality indicator, even for graduate programs. This metric can tell you about the overall quality of the nursing program and school. Look at the pass rates and the graduation rate together, since a high pass rate but a low graduation rate may indicate if students have left the program before completion.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]School Graduation Rate[/hen-ui-heading]A high graduation rate, combined with a high pass rate, demonstrates program quality. It shows that the school makes the right admission decisions and that students succeed in the program.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Online Learning Format and Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]Attending a nurse-midwifery program online entails virtual interaction with faculty, staff, and other students while taking classes. Do the classroom, networking, and discussion tools meet your learning needs?[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online Nurse-Midwife Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Be sure to customize your application, especially your essay, for each school. Describe previous online learning or online professional successes to show that you can succeed in an online nurse-midwifery program. Make sure your references highlight your strengths.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Admission Materials”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current and unencumbered RN license; an undergraduate transcript; CV/resume; at least two references; an application that includes an essay or personal statement[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”GPA Requirement”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nurse midwife programs online require at least a 3.0 GPA.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Other Requirements”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most schools require or strongly prefer approximately two years of experience as an RN. Many schools require an undergraduate statistics class. If you do not have a BSN, you can enroll in an RN-to-MSN bridge program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why is Online Nurse-Midwifery Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Only graduates of an accredited program are eligible to take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.amcbmidwife.org/amcb-certification” target=”_blank”]board certification exam[/hen-ui-link], which is necessary to [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/how-to-become-a-nurse-midwife/”]become a nurse midwife[/hen-ui-link]. Attending a nurse-midwifery program online or on campus is a tremendous investment of time, money, and effort. Attending an unaccredited program can jeopardize opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]Accreditation means[/hen-ui-link] that a program meets a high standard of quality, as determined by an independent body of academics and practicing nurse-midwives.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Almost no accredited programs accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most federal financial aid is available only for those enrolled in accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most employers only consider hiring graduates of accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Online Nurse-Midwifery Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you plan how to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]pay for your online CNM program[/hen-ui-link], factors to consider include the tuition cost (including whether you are eligible for in-state tuition); other expenses, such as books and fees; travel to any on-campus components; whether you can work while studying; and your current financial situation and eligibility for various [hen-ui-link href=”/financial-aid/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who attend a nurse-midwifery program online are eligible for the same [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]grants and scholarships[/hen-ui-link] as on-campus students. In addition to your school’s financial aid programs, you can apply for financial assistance from government programs, foundations, nonprofits, associations, and corporations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some government programs may pay your full tuition costs or offer loan forgiveness in exchange for working in under-served areas once you graduate from your online midwifery program. Your current employer may also offer assistance, especially if you commit to remain with them for a period once you graduate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse-Midwifery Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What type of education is needed to become a nurse-midwife?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need to earn an MSN from an accredited nurse-midwifery program online or on campus and pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.amcbmidwife.org/amcb-certification” target=”_blank”]American Midwifery Certification Board examination[/hen-ui-link]. If you don’t have a BSN, many online nurse-midwifery programs offer a bridge program for ADNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between a nurse-midwife and a labor and delivery nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/how-to-become-a-nurse-midwife/”]nurse midwife[/hen-ui-link] is a board certified advanced practice nurse who is licensed to oversee a birth. A labor and delivery nurse typically has a BSN or ADN and may have additional certification, but is not licensed to oversee a birth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become a nurse-midwife?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a BSN, an MSN typically takes two years of full-time study, whether you attend your nurse-midwife program online or on campus. If you don’t have a BSN, it typically takes three years of full-time study.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is certification required to become a nurse-midwife?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a nurse-midwife, you must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.amcbmidwife.org/amcb-certification” target=”_blank”]American Midwifery Certification Board examination[/hen-ui-link]. All state nursing boards require this in order to earn your license. You also need [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]an MSN[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Online Nurse-Midwifery Program Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34239,33922,55765″][/hen-ui-article-row]