How to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
A comprehensive guide to becoming a CNM. Learn about education, certification, and the rewarding career of nurse-midwifery.
What Do Certified Nurse Midwives Do?
CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. They provide holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan.
Pregnancy & Birth Care
- Prenatal care and monitoring
- Labor and delivery management
- Postpartum care
- Newborn care (first 28 days)
Women's Health Care
- Well-woman exams
- Family planning and contraception
- STI screening and treatment
- Menopause management
Steps to Become a CNM
Earn Your BSN
4 yearsStart with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program. Some CNM programs accept non-nursing bachelor's degrees with prerequisite courses.
Program Options:
- Traditional 4-year BSN program
- Accelerated BSN for second-degree students (12-18 months)
- ADN-to-BSN bridge program if you're already an RN
Gain RN Experience
1-2 yearsWork as an RN in women's health, labor and delivery, or postpartum care to build foundational skills.
Recommended Experience Areas:
- Labor and delivery
- Mother-baby/postpartum
- Women's health clinic
- NICU or high-risk antepartum
Complete an Accredited CNM Program
2-3 yearsGraduate from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Master's (MSN/MS)
2-3 years
Traditional entry-level degree for CNM practice.
Doctorate (DNP)
3-4 years
Highest clinical degree with leadership focus.
Clinical Requirements:
- Minimum 30 prenatal exams
- Minimum 30 births as primary attendant
- Minimum 30 postpartum exams
- Minimum 30 newborn exams
- Plus gynecological and primary care experiences
Pass the AMCB Certification Exam
1-2 monthsThe American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam is required for CNM certification in all states.
Exam Details:
Obtain State APRN License
2-8 weeksApply for APRN licensure as a CNM through your state board of nursing.
Requirements:
- Active RN license
- AMCB certification
- Graduate degree verification
- DEA registration for prescribing
Where CNMs Practice
Hospitals
Most common setting. Work in labor and delivery units with OB/GYN backup.
Birth Centers
Freestanding facilities focused on low-intervention, family-centered birth.
Home Birth
Attend births in patient homes for low-risk pregnancies. Growing practice area.