[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text]6-8 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text]MSN or DNP[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook, 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text]11% Growth[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Nurse-Midwife?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]nurse-midwife[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For instance, some private-practice nurse-midwives can offer special services, including at-home births. [hen-ui-link href=”https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/the-value-of-midwives-during-prenatal-care-and-birth/” target=”_blank”]Research shows[/hen-ui-link] that patients who work with nurse-midwives benefit from better health outcomes, fewer interventions, and higher levels of satisfaction.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average 11% increase in job growth for nurse-midwives from 2024-2034. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse-Midwife[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in becoming nurse-midwives must first hold a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] license, which requires either an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctoral degree[/hen-ui-link] to become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM). CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and as the name suggests must earn certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN requires successful completion of a two-year program and a passing grade on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX licensure exam[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students with a bachelor’s degree or college experience in another field may be accepted into an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link] if they have passed the required prerequisite courses. This can offer a quicker path to a nurse-midwifery degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During this time, nurses can pursue additional certifications to prepare them to become certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). For instance, RNs can earn their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal intensive care nursing[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students exploring midwifery should plan to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]earn their MSN[/hen-ui-link] in two years with full-time attendance, while part-time students may earn their degree in up to five years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While an MSN is the minimum requirement for CNMs, students can go on to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link]. A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]BSN-to-DNP program[/hen-ui-link] can take 3-4 years to complete, while an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-msn-to-dnp-programs/”]MSN-to-DNP program[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing the degree program, aspiring CNMs must take a national certification exam for the nurse-midwifery specialty. Certification through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.amcbmidwife.org/” target=”_blank”]American Midwifery Certification Board[/hen-ui-link] (AMCB) indicates that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to serve patients safely and effectively.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN license[/hen-ui-link] in their state. Requirements for licensure vary by state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse-Midwife Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following sections outline admission requirements, coursework, and average program lengths.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] 2.5 GPA; resume; essay; 2-3 letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum:[/hen-ui-text] Courses may include fundamentals of caregiving and introductory science and math classes. Students must also complete clinical field experiences.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete:[/hen-ui-text] Four years with full-time attendance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned:[/hen-ui-text] Students learn to provide patient care to diverse communities and develop evidence-based practice, leadership, and management skills.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete:[/hen-ui-text] Two years with full-time attendance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned:[/hen-ui-text] Students build clinical skills and improve their interpersonal communication, decision-making, and leadership abilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To qualify for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]DNP programs[/hen-ui-link], applicants must hold an MSN from an accredited institution. Some nurse-midwifery[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/best-online-nurse-midwife-programs/”] programs[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] 3.0 GPA at a minimum; an unencumbered RN license; GRE scores; clinical experience with the target population[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum:[/hen-ui-text] Goals include independently maintaining and restoring women’s health. Courses may include the science of healthcare delivery and clinical experiences.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete:[/hen-ui-text] Three years with full-time attendance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned:[/hen-ui-text] Graduates gain advanced clinical instruction and research methods for improving patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse-Midwife Certifications[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A CNM must earn certification to legally practice nurse-midwifery. The AMCB offers the CNM credential and sets the minimum standards for practitioners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse-Midwife Licensure[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNMs need two licenses at the state level: RN licensure and APRN licensure. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]RN licensure requirements vary by state,[/hen-ui-link] as do APRN licensure requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants should begin with earning their AMCB certification and then apply for a certificate of authority.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Nurse-Midwife[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BLS data shows that nurse-midwives earned an average annual wage of $128,790 in 2024. However, students should explore average salaries in their state or county, as they can vary by location, workplace, and other factors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common nurse-midwife practice settings include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNMs offer primary care for pregnant individuals, collaborate with physicians, and provide nonsurgical methods of family planning.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Birthing Centers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Private Homes[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse-Midwife[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become a nurse-midwife?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes approximately 6-8 years to become a nurse-midwife.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the quickest way to become a nurse-midwife?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning your BSN degree will prepare you for your MSN degree, which is the minimum requirement needed to become a certified nurse-midwife.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do nurse-midwives get paid well?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Multiple factors can influence midwives’ earning potential. Students may want to consider geographic location, workplace setting, education level, and experience. For instance, candidates with a DNP can command higher salaries than MSN candidates. However, nurse-midwives earned an average annual salary of $128,790 in 2024, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Where do nurse-midwives get paid the most?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, nurse-midwives can expect to earn the most money in hospital settings, particularly academic medical centers, due to their larger budgets and greater resources. According to BLS data, the top five highest-paying states for nurse-midwives are California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Washington, and Iowa.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]