What Education Is Needed to Become A Midwife
Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by Omoyeni Adeniyi
Want to know more What Education Is Needed to Become A Midwife, what education is needed to become a midwife, what education is needed to become a certified nurse midwife, how much education do you need to be a midwife & what education is needed for a midwife.
what education is needed for a midwife
Certified Nurse Midwife: Salary, Duties and Requirements
A midwife plays a critical role in the healthcare sector. They play the role of supporting a mother with a newborn child. The midwives assist with breast feeding and taking care of the delicate child in this critical period. Effectively the midwife is a specialized nurse who has trained to care for young children. The role of the midwife is most essential in the first six weeks of the child’s life. This is when the mother is still recovering and keeping an eye on her baby twenty four hours a day is not possible. The midwife serves as a useful substitute on occasions when the mother needs some rest.
If you would like to learn how to become a midwife, you should be aware that like most medical professionals, a midwife too is regulated by governing bodies. This means you can only work as a midwife after you have cleared licensing examinations. Many different states have laid out procedures and licensing examinations that need to be cleared.
It is difficult to become a midwife without completing relevant coursework designed to prepare you for the licensing examinations. The coursework has a strong technical component. You need to be aware of the illnesses an infant can be exposed to at that stage and how they are treated. You also need to learn how to treat an infant to facilitate its breathing, learning, bowels and emotional stability at that stage.
While you are learning about how to become a midwife, you should also realize that much of the role of the midwife comes from being able to be a counselor and support for the mother. When you are studying to become a midwife, it is ideal to take some courses with role playing and case studies that really teach you how to become a midwife.
Certified Nurse Midwife Job Description
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are considered advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary and specialty care to women. These nurses are specifically trained to provide family planning services, prenatal care, and gynecological exams for female patients. They also provide care for newborn babies and mothers after delivery.
The primary duties of a nurse midwife include:
- Gynecological exams
- Family planning services
- Prenatal care
- Delivering babies
- Postnatal care
Other duties of a midwife may include assisting with cesarean births, handling labor emergencies, educating patients, repairing cuts and tears from birth, and discussing sexual or reproductive health issues with partners. CNMs are also prepared to assess patients, diagnose health issues, and administer medication and treatment.
Midwife Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse midwives made an average annual salary of $105,030 in 2019. These nurses most commonly worked in offices of physicians and made an average of $106,760. Nurse midwives that worked for local governments, excluding schools and hospitals, made the highest average salary at $153,280.
PayScale.com reported that the median salary for a certified nurse midwife was $96,737, as of October 2019. This salary could vary based on factors like location, specific skill sets, and experience. For example, a CNM with 20 years or more experience was reported to have a median salary of $107,933, while those with entry-level experience reported a median of $89,838.
Midwife salaries can vary among states, and the highest paying states for nurse midwifes according to the BLS are listed in the following table:
| State | Yearly Income (Mean, 2019) |
|---|---|
| California | $154,500 |
| Minnesota | $121,980 |
| New York | $120,380 |
| Mississippi | $119,640 |
| Maryland | $118,240 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Midwife Outlook
The BLS reported a job outlook of 45% for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the national average. The BLS also reported a job outlook of 12% specifically for nurse midwives during the same period. The website notes that nurse midwife is a small occupation, so this growth may only mean about 800 new jobs for the specialty. In general, the high rate of growth is attributed to the growing need for health services.
How to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife
Those wondering how to be a midwife should know that CNM’s must meet certain midwife education requirements, including completing formal education at the undergraduate and graduate levels and then pursue certification in the field. Here we discuss each of those steps in more detail.
‘Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse
Midwife schooling usually begins with an RN (registered nurse) credential. This can be accomplished by earning a diploma, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in nursing and then passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). However, those considering becoming an APRN should pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, as that is the preferred education for APRN candidates. There is a wide range of RN colleges available around the country.
Step 2: Complete a Master’s Program
After becoming an RN, aspiring midwives should earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a nurse-midwifery program. Some of these degree programs are available in hybrid formats and some nurse practitioner schools may offer joint programs in nurse midwifery and women’s health nurse practitioner. The following is a table which lists four of the top nurse midwifery programs in the United States:
| University | Length of Study |
|---|---|
| Yale University | 2 Years |
| Oregon Health and Science University | 3 Years |
| University of Minnesota | 3 Years |
| University of Michigan | 2-4 Years |
These master’s degree programs can usually be completed in about 2 years and include various hands-on clinical experiences in the field. Students may take courses in topics like:
- Care of newborns
- Midwifery management
- Antepartum care
- Postpartum care
- Health assessment
- Biostatistics
Step 3: Earn Certification
After completing their master’s in nurse midwifery, graduates can sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) examination to become a CNM. Once they earn their certification, CNMs must recertify every 5 years through AMCB’s Certificate Maintenance Program. CNMs must also meet the specific midwife education requirements of their state to practice, but this typically requires an RN license, master’s degree, and certification in their specialization, which CNMs will have already.
- programs & curriculum
- career opportunities
- tuition & financial aid
- admissions & starting dates
- 1 University of Pennsylvania School Info School locations:
- Pennsylvania (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, MasterPost Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate CertificateUndergraduate: Associate, BachelorMedical and Health Professions
- DentalMedical Administrative ServicesMedical Ethics and BioethicsMedical Residency ProgramsMental Health ServicesNursing Professions
- Clinical NursingCritical Care NursingMental Health NursingNeonatal NursingNurse AnesthetistNurse MidwifeNurse Practitioner or Family Nurse PractitionerNursing AdministrationNursing for Adults and SeniorsOccupational Health NursingOperating Room and Surgical NursingPediatric NursingRegistered Nurse
- DentalMedical Administrative ServicesMedical Ethics and BioethicsMedical Residency ProgramsMental Health ServicesNursing Professions
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, MasterPost Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate CertificateUndergraduate: Associate, BachelorMedical and Health Professions
- 2 Vanderbilt University School Info School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences
- Medical Administrative Services
- Medical Residency Programs
- Nursing Professions
- Clinical Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Neonatal Nursing
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing for Adults and Seniors
- Nursing Science
- Pediatric Nursing
- Public Health and Safety
- 3 Western Governors University School Info School locations:
- Online Learning
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Medical Administrative Services
- Medical Informatics and Illustration
- 4 University of Cincinnati School Info School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences
- Medical Administrative Services
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
- Medical Residency Programs
- Mental Health Services
- Nursing Professions
- Mental Health Nursing
- Neonatal Nursing
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Pediatric Nursing
- Public Health Nurse or Community Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Nutrition Services
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
- Public Health and Safety
- Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
- 5 Stanford University School Info School locations:
- California (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Medical Administrative Services
- Medical Informatics and Illustration
- Medical Residency Programs
- 6 Harvard University School Info School locations:
- Massachusetts (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Dental
- Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
- Medical Residency Programs
- Public Health and Safety
- 7 Duke University School Info School locations:
- North Carolina (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
- Medical Residency Programs
- Nursing Professions
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Registered Nurse
- Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
- 8 University of Notre Dame School Info School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
- 9 University of Florida School Info School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Medical and Health Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences
- Dental
- Health and Fitness
- Medical Administrative Services
- Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
- Medical Residency Programs
- Mental Health Services
- Nursing Professions
- Nursing Science
- Registered Nurse
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
- Public Health and Safety
- Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
- Veterinary Medicine and Clinical Sciences
- 10 Cornell University School Info School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, MasterNon-Degree: CourseworkUndergraduate: BachelorMedical and Health Professions
- Medical Administrative ServicesMedical and Health Preparatory SciencesNutrition ServicesVeterinary Medicine and Clinical Sciences
How To Become A Midwife: A Step-By-Step Guide
Midwives play a crucial role in the birthing process, providing guidance and care throughout pregnancies and after childbirth. Aspiring midwives may take various pathways toward this career in terms of education and credentials.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to becoming a midwife. Individuals wondering how to become a midwife can use our research to inform their journey from student to healthcare professional.
What Is a Midwife?
Midwives are medical professionals who provide care to patients before, during and after they give birth. Along with directly managing the birthing process and recommending other care services, these healthcare workers educate individuals on reproductive health.
An aspiring midwife can follow several avenues to this profession. Potential titles include Certified Midwife (CM), Direct-Entry Midwife, Lay Midwife, Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). Some certifications are consistent across the U.S., while others vary among states. CNM certification is considered the industry standard for nurse-midwifery.
Role and Responsibilities
Before childbirth, midwives educate pregnant individuals on options for their delivery process to set a concrete plan for the day of the birth. A midwife provides physical exams throughout a patient’s pregnancy while monitoring the fetus’s health and growth process.
Midwives may assist in inducing labor or providing pain relief after labor begins. These healthcare workers also collaborate with physicians and doctors as necessary throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
After delivery and beyond, midwives continue to provide education and training in areas like self-care, postpartum care and breastfeeding. Depending on their certification level, midwives in some states may work without supervision in independent practices, where they can write prescriptions and order lab tests.
Midwives do not administer epidurals. Though midwives may order epidurals for people in labor, these pain relief methods are delivered by anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. Midwives also do not perform C-sections or provide care to individuals with high-risk pregnancies.
Work Environment
Midwives typically work in hospitals, birthing centers and healthcare clinics. Given the unpredictable nature of childbirth, these professionals may work atypical shifts and have to be on call during nights, weekends and holidays.
How to Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife
CNMs require more education and certification than other midwife professionals. The following section explores the requirements to become a midwife with certification.
Earn a BSN Degree
Prospective CNMs can start their journey by pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Midwifery concentrations typically appear at the master’s and doctoral levels. Still, aspiring certified midwives can use their BSN electives to focus their undergraduate studies on areas like human anatomy, physiology, chemistry and microbiology. These courses may meet the prerequisites for graduate-level midwife programs.
A BSN degree typically takes four years to complete. Students who already hold associate degrees in nursing or registered nurse (RN) licensure may pursue RN-to-BSN bridge programs, which are usually shorter—just one to two years.
Obtain a Nursing License
All CNM candidates must hold RN licensure, which they may earn before or after their BSN. We recommend earning a BSN first since many RN employers now require nursing candidates to hold bachelor’s degrees.
Becoming an RN entails passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Gain Experience as a Nurse
Graduate programs in nurse-midwifery typically require applicants to have completed some professional nursing experience to qualify for admission. This allows prospective CNMs to gain hands-on experience with foundational nursing practices.
Aspiring midwives who are gaining RN experience may consider working as OB-GYN nurses to become familiar with the specialization.
Obtain an Advanced Nursing Degree
To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife, you must earn a graduate-level nursing degree accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. This degree may be a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with a concentration in nurse-midwifery. Master’s in nursing programs usually take about 18 to 24 months to complete, though BSN-to-MSN bridge programs may be quicker. A DNP degree may take three to four years.
Earn CNM Certification
The next step in becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife is obtaining the formal credential. The American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) administers the CNM designation, which involves a certification exam. Candidates must pass the CNM exam within 24 months of completing their graduate program, and AMCB recommends taking the exam as soon as possible after graduation.
Many healthcare institutions require practicing midwives to be CNMs.
Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Most states classify midwives as APRNs and require APRNs to seek special state licensure. Many states require aspiring midwives to obtain CNM certification before they can qualify for APRN licensure. Other common stipulations for APRN licensure include RN licensure and a graduate-level nursing degree, which CNM certification already requires.
Other Midwife Certifications
Though the CNM certification is the industry standard for midwives, other midwife credentials—such as the CM and the CPM—also exist and apply different requirements.
For example, AMCB also administers the CM designation, which does not require RN licensure. CM candidates must still complete a graduate degree and pass a certification exam. However, only 10 jurisdictions currently recognize the CM certification.
CPM certification does not require an academic degree but does mandate the completion of an accredited midwifery program. Alternatively, the North American Registry of Midwives can grant the credential through a portfolio review. This status only applies in 35 states and Washington, D.C. CPMs typically assist in home births and work in dedicated birthing centers.
Salary and Job Outlook for Midwives
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that CNMs earn a median annual salary of $112,830—about $67,000 more than the national average for all occupations. The BLS projects a steady employment growth rate of 7% for nurse midwives from 2021 to 2031.