Certified Nurse Midwife FAQs

To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), you must obtain certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB):

Requirements:

1. Graduate from an accredited program:

   • Must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
   • Programs are typically Master’s or Doctoral level
   • Takes 2-3 years to complete

2. Hold an active RN license:

   • Must maintain current RN licensure in your state

3. Pass the AMCB certification exam:

   • Computer-based exam covering all areas of midwifery practice
   • Must recertify every 5 years through continuing education or re-examination

After certification, you’ll need to apply for state CNM licensure, which requires the AMCB credential in all states.

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) provide a full range of primary care services for women across the lifespan:

Pregnancy and Birth:

• Prenatal care and monitoring
• Labor and delivery management
• Cesarean section first assist
• Postpartum care

Reproductive Health:

• Annual gynecological exams
• Family planning and contraception
• Preconception counseling
• Fertility support

Primary Care:

• Well-woman exams
• STI screening and treatment
• Menopause management
• Newborn care (first 28 days)

Prescriptive Authority: CNMs can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, in all 50 states. The level of physician collaboration required varies by state.

CNMs attend approximately 10% of all U.S. births and practice in hospitals, birth centers, and home birth settings.