- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Certified nurse midwife
Certified nurse midwife
A certified nurse midwife is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who is specialized in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.
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Required education
MSN
In demand
Certified nurse midwives are in demand because they care for patients holistically and fill an increasing need for out-of-hospital birth scenarios.
Higher salary
Earn more by having advanced skills and responsibilities.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
High demand
This specialty is in high demand in the U.S.
What is the role of a certified nurse midwife?
You’ll work with women who have relatively low-risk pregnancies, guiding them on their exciting journey from prenatal visits to labor, delivery, and postpartum counseling.
What you’ll do as a certified nurse midwife
Antepartum assistance
You’ll confirm the pregnancy, monitor fetal development and test for congenital diseases.
Postpartum assistance
You’ll help mothers after the birth with everything from breastfeeding to newborn care.
Education
You’ll teach patients about family planning and contraception.
Women’s health
You’ll perform health screenings, educate women on sexual behaviors and menopause, and treat gynecological disorders.
Intrapartum assistance
You’ll assist and make sure everything goes smoothly as you deliver the baby.
Where you’ll work as a certified nurse midwife
Certified nurse midwifes typically work in the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient facilities
- Patients’ homes
What it’s like to be a certified nurse midwife?
Learn all about the responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Midwife from Jamie, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC.
I get to guide women through pregnancy, through gynecological problems, and probably the most exciting part of my day is that I get to deliver babies.
Jamie, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC
Certified nurse midwife
How to become a certified nurse midwife
Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Get your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which includes Nurse Midwife courses.
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
You’re ready to work as a certified nurse midwife.
Certified nurse midwife career resources
Become a member of a Certified Nurse Midwife organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
