“We’re highly educated. We can provide care from puberty to death, and we do a lot more than catch babies. We do primary care, we provide contraception, and we do procedures like colposcopies and inserting devices.”
Renee Spain, DNP, Clinical Associate Professor, East Carolina University College of Nursing
Certified nurse-midwives are caring advanced practice nurses who have received additional training in caring for women and newborns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, certified nurse-midwives reduce the stress of pregnant mothers, the cost of care, and the number of interventions during pregnancy and labor. Certified nurse-midwives also increase access to care as they are relied on heavily in low-income and rural areas.
To become a certified nurse-midwife, nurses must earn either a master’s of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice degree. During these intensive two- to four-year programs, nurses learn to provide prenatal care, deliver babies, provide postpartum care, and care for newborns. Often, these programs also teach nurses to provide well-woman care, prescribe birth control, and administer routine gynecological exams.
Currently, there is a significant physician shortage in the US that could leave the country short 139,000 doctors by 2033 (AAMC 2025). This shortage is driving an increase in demand for advanced practice nurses, including nurse-midwives.
If a career in a growing field caring for mothers and babies sounds interesting, continue reading to learn what is needed to start this career, including a step-by-step guide, top programs, and what certification and licensing may be required.
Meet the Expert: Renee Spain, DNP, MAED, CNM, AGPCNP-BC
Dr. Renee Spain is a clinical associate professor at East Carolina University College of Nursing. She is a highly experienced nurse-midwife with nearly 25 years in the field and is also a certified adult-gerontology nurse practitioner.
Primarily an academician, Dr. Spain has practiced full-scope midwifery and continues to provide outpatient care in antepartum and gynecology clinics, in addition to teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals. She holds a BSN, a master’s in education, and a master’s in nursing from East Carolina University, as well as a doctor of nursing practice from the University of Alabama.
Dr. Spain is passionate about the full spectrum of care that nurse midwives provide, from puberty through all stages of life, and is committed to educating the public about the diverse roles of midwives beyond childbirth. She values the deep, long-term relationships she builds with her patients, helping them manage their health and supporting them through significant life events. Her dedication to her patients and her field is evident in her ongoing commitment to both clinical practice and education.
HealthcareDegree.com: What do you wish the people understood about nurse midwives?
Dr. Spain: We’re highly educated. We can provide care from puberty to death, and we do a lot more than catch babies. We do primary care, we provide contraception, and we do procedures like colposcopies and inserting devices. We don’t do surgery, but all the rest of your GYN needs we can take care of. If you have a cold or high blood pressure, your midwife can manage that.
HealthcareDegree.com: What advice would you give to aspiring nurse midwives?
Dr. Spain: First, find a midwife and shadow to see what we do. Get that hands-on experience. Next, investigate programs and learn about all the different educational paths and options. Lastly, you need to know the licensing options in the state where you plan to work—they vary from state to state, so knowing where you’re going to practice will help you decide what kind of midwife you want to be.
HealthcareDegree.com: What is your favorite thing about nurse midwives?
Dr. Spain: I get to know people. I meet them, establish a relationship, and see them year after year. I watch their families grow, help them manage their health, and make good decisions. The children I delivered are now having children of their own, which is such a neat part of what I get to do. It’s an honor to be chosen as the person responsible for someone’s well-being and to develop that trust.
Certified Midwife Specializations & Degree Types
Certified nurse-midwives are nurse practitioners who have specialized training in midwifery. They have earned either at least a master’s of science in nursing (MSN), although most earn a doctor of nursing practice (DPN) degree. In addition to specializing in midwifery, some MSN and DNP degree programs also specialize in women’s health.
Admissions Requirements for Certified Midwife Programs
Generally, certified nurse-midwife programs require applicants to be licensed and registered nurses. Most MSN and DNP programs also require candidates to have already completed a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) as well as prerequisite coursework. Some DNP programs may require applicants to hold an MSN, although there are BSN-to-DNP programs where students earn their MSN as part of the program.
Other admission requirements can include letters of recommendation, an in-person interview, GRE or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) exam scores, and a personal statement. International students may need to provide proof of English proficiency with an IELTS or TOEFL test score.
Certified Midwife Program Accreditation
The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredits certified nurse-midwife programs. Nurses should ensure the program they attend is accredited by the ACME, as this is a requirement to be eligible for board certification. ACME accreditation demonstrates that a program provides high-quality education, is committed to improvement, and has effective administration policies.
On-Campus Certified Midwife Degree Programs
Rutgers University – School of Nursing
Rutgers University School of Nursing offers a DNP for licensed nurses, which can be completed in as little as three years of full-time study. Nurses will learn the fundamentals of caring for pregnant women and newborns using evidence-based practices that ensure quality care across ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition to learning the technical skills for day to day work, students will also learn leadership skills and how to incorporate research into everyday practice.
Lecture courses students must complete include management and analysis of health data for the doctor of nursing practice, evidence translation and implementation science, healthcare economics and business practices, and social determinants of health. Clinical rotations are required in gynecology, childbearing, primary care, postpartum, and neonatal care.
- Location: Newark, NJ
- Duration: Three to four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Columbia University-School of Nursing
The Columbia University School of Nursing DNP program is ranked number one in the nation, according to US News & World Report. This full-time on-campus program teaches midwifery and newborn care principles, in addition to well-woman care, gynecology, and family planning. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the AMCB certification exam.
This program provides a strong foundation in theoretical health science and then has students apply it in the clinical setting to gain the skill necessary to be excellent midwives. All courses and clinical practices are taught with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and awareness. Admission requirements include holding an RN license, a BSN or MSN degree, and prerequisite coursework.
- Location: New York, NY
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Eastern Carolina University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) with a concentration in nurse-midwifery. The courses include instruction in human physiology and pathophysiology for advanced nursing practice, healthcare finance and economics, clinical pharmacology for advanced nursing practice, and influencing healthcare quality, safety, and policy, among others.
The program is designed to prepare graduates for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam.
- Location: Greenville, NC
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
University of Illinois at Chicago
UIC’s College of Nursing offers a DNP program with a nurse-midwifery focus that prepares clinicians to care for women and families across the lifespan. The program covers the full range of midwifery care, from gynecologic and reproductive health to labor, delivery, and newborn care.
Required courses include advanced physical assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, health promotion and disease prevention, midwifery principles and practice, and population health. Students progress through supervised practicum and clinical experiences in hospital, outpatient, and birth center settings. UIC arranges clinical placements and works with qualified preceptors so students don’t always have to find their own sites.
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
OHSU offers one of the nation’s leading nurse-midwifery DNP programs. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to provide advanced prenatal, labor, postpartum, neonatal, and reproductive health services.
Students complete about 116 credits, including approximately 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice across settings like clinics, mother-baby units, birthing rooms, and lactation clinics. The program includes formal training in obstetric ultrasound and offers diverse clinical experiences, with OHSU handling placement logistics.
- Location: Portland, OR
- Duration: Typically 3–4 years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
The University of Washington’s School of Nursing offers a DNP track in Nurse Midwifery, preparing practitioners to deliver full-spectrum reproductive and gynecologic care, including prenatal, birth, postpartum, newborn, and well-woman services across the lifespan. Their program emphasizes anti-racism and reproductive justice, integrating trauma-informed care into training for underserved and diverse populations. The school handles students’ clinical placements through partnerships across Washington and beyond, so students don’t have to find every site themselves.
During the course of study, students take a shared first-year DNP core before branching into specialized midwifery coursework. Core and midwifery classes include advanced health assessments, diagnostics, reproductive health and pharmacology, sexual and reproductive care theory, and leadership and policy in midwifery.Clinical experiences span hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, and community settings, allowing students to gain hands-on skills in care continuity, acute and chronic condition management, and collaborative practice.
- Location: Seattle, WA (University of Washington)
- Duration: Nine quarters
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Online or Hybrid Certified Midwife Degree Programs
Georgetown University – School of Nursing and Health Studies
Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a dual MSN program in midwifery and women’s health. Combining these two disciplines allows nurses to provide holistic patient-centered care for women even before or after childbearing years. This part-time program is offered online, with three required on-campus intensive sessions. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AMCB certification exam and the National Credentialing Corporation (NCC) women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNP) certification.
With over 1,000 hours of required clinical practice, nurses in this program have extensive hands-on experience with women and newborns. Admission requirements to this program include already holding a BSN, be a licensed RN, have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and have completed a college-level statistics course.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Duration: 27 months
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Baylor University – Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers a fully online DNP program that can be completed in as little as two years. In 2019 100 percent of graduates of this program passed their AMCB certification exam, proving that nurses who earn this degree are well prepared to serve mothers and babies in a variety of settings. As this program is entirely online, students can complete their clinical studies at hospitals or clinics near them.
Candidates for this program must already have one year of experience as a nurse in a labor and delivery, mother-baby unit, or outpatient OB/GYN clinic. Nurses who have extensive experience observing childbirth or who have worked as doulas will also be considered.
- Location: Waco, TX
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers a doctor of nursing practice – nurse-midwifery specialty (DNP-NM) program. This program blends online didactic coursework with on-campus intensives and clinical placements, enabling students to gain full scope midwifery training. Within this program, students complete courses in midwifery theory, normal physiologic birth, pharmacology in midwifery, reproductive health, and advanced health assessment. Clinical rotations are arranged across diverse settings including hospitals, birthing centers, ambulatory clinics, and home birth settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
- Location: Tucson, AZ & online/hybrid components
- Duration: Varies (full-time and part-time options)
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Marquette University’s nurse-midwifery program prepares graduates to provide full-spectrum care for women, from adolescence through menopause, as well as comprehensive newborn care. Students are trained to manage pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum care, family planning, and gynecological health. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, cultural humility, and patient advocacy, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to serve diverse communities.
The program is delivered in a hybrid format, with both online coursework and significant on-campus requirements. Students must also complete hands-on clinical experiences across various practice settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and community clinics. Depending on the track chosen, MSN, certificate, or DNP, graduates will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and go on to practice as licensed certified nurse-midwives.
- Location: Milwaukee, WI
- Duration: Varies by track (MSN, certificate, or DNP)
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) track in nurse-midwifery. Though the curriculum is delivered primarily online, the program includes periodic on-campus immersions for hands-on skills training such as birth maneuvers, suturing, and simulation labs. Graduates complete approximately 75 credits and theory/practicum requirements, including 1,125 clinical hours, with strong support for arranging clinical placements and preceptors.
Admission to Baylor’s DNP-NM track requires a BSN from an accredited program, a minimum GPA of 3.0, an active and unrestricted RN license, and at least one year of clinical experience in areas such as labor and delivery, mother-baby units, or outpatient OB/GYN. No GRE or GMAT is required. BSN-prepared applicants generally complete the program in about three years and four months; those entering with an MSN take about 18 to 24 months. Students progress through core DNP coursework (e.g., advanced assessment, pharmacology, population health, health policy) before branching into midwifery specialties like wellness & prenatal care, gynecology, childbirth, and high-risk families.
- Location: Waco and Dallas, Texas
- Duration: Three years for BSN-to-DNP and 18 to 24 months for MSN-to-DNP
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
How Long Does it Take to Become a Certified Midwife?
It takes at least seven years (after graduating from high school) to become a certified nurse-midwife because of education and work experience requirements. If a nurse chooses to pursue a DNP degree, it can take one to two more years of education.
How To Become a Certified Midwife – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)
Completing high school or obtaining a GED is the first step towards becoming a certified nurse-midwife. Courses such as math, chemistry, and health will help prepare students for future studies necessary to enter this field. Advanced placement classes also help prepare students for the rigors of college coursework.
Step 2: Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Four Years)
Most advanced nursing degrees require applicants to complete a bachelor’s of science in nursing. This degree can either be completed as a stand-alone four-year program or be done as a completer program for nurses who only have an associate. Aspiring nurse-midwives should look for programs that include a rotation in labor and delivery or a mother-baby unit.
Step 3: Become a Registered Nurse (Timelines Vary)
Applicants to MSN and DNP programs typically must already be registered nurses (RNs). While licensing requirements vary by state, they usually include completing an accredited program, a background check, and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Step 4: Gain Work Experience (One Year Minimum)
One of the requirements for many MSN and DNP programs is at least one year of work experience. Aspiring certified nurse-midwives need to earn their work experience in a labor and delivery unit, mother-baby floor, or OB/GYN clinic. Some schools will accept experience observing labor and delivery or as a doula.
Step 5: Complete a Graduate Degree in Nursing (Two to Four Years)
Certified nurse-midwives must complete an MSN or DNP program with a specialization in midwifery. This program must be accredited by the ACME. During their studies, nurses will learn the necessary techniques and skills to care for women and newborns during normal pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Some of these programs also include dual degrees in women’s health.
Step 6: Obtain Certification From The American Midwifery Certification Board (Timelines Vary)
Certified nurse-midwives must be board-certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board (ACMB). To earn certification, midwives must pass an exam. More details about certification can be found below.
Step 7: Obtain Certified Midwife State Licensure (Timeline Varies)
Certified nurse-midwives must be licensed in all 50 states. While requirements vary by state, most require candidates to hold AMCB certification, have completed an accredited midwifery program, pay a licensing fee, submit a completed application, and pass a background check. The certification and licensing section below has further details.
What Do Certified Midwives Do?
Certified nurse-midwives work in hospitals, OB/GYN clinics, and birth centers. Some nurse-midwives work independently and provide homebirth services. Nurse-midwives work with uncomplicated pregnancies and births. Typical day-to-day duties include:
- Performing prenatal checks for pregnant clients
- Attending patients’ births
- Repairing lacerations that happen during birth
- Managing emergencies that may arise during a birth
- Caring for newborns immediately after birth
- Providing follow up care post-partum to mother and baby
- Administering gynecological exam
- Prescribing medications including birth control and antibiotics
- Educating patients and their partners on wellness, birth control, and family planning
- Maintaining careful client records
Certified Midwife Certifications & Licensure
Certified nurse-midwives must be both board-certified and licensed by the state where they practice. Board certification is obtained through the American Midwifery Certification Board (ACMB). To be eligible to sit for the exam, nurses must complete an Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredited certified nurse-midwife program and earn either an MSN or DNP.
Licensing requirements for certified nurse-midwives varies by state. Typical requirements include ACMB certification, proof of an ACME accredited degree program, pass a background check, and submit a completed application.
For example, in California, the requirements are:
- Hold a current RN license in California or apply for one by endorsement
- Verification of completion of a nurse-midwife academic program
- Verification of completion of clinical training in a nurse-midwife academic program
- Proof of ACMB certification
- Pay $500 application fee
How Much Do Certified Midwives Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the 8,280 certified nurse-midwives in the US earned $74,670 per year on average. Wages vary based on graduate degree earned, place of employment, and years of experience. The percentiles for wages were as listed below—the latest figures available as of October 2025:
- 10th percentile: $74,670
- 25th percentile: $104,260
- 50th percentile (median): $128,790
- 75th percentile: $146,520
- 90th percentile: $177,040
Certified Midwife Career Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to a career as a certified nurse-midwife:
Become a Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists, also known as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), are advanced practice nurses who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgeries, pain management, and critical care procedures. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe anesthesia delivery before, during, and after procedures. CRNAs are highly trained to monitor patients’ vital signs, adjust anesthesia levels, and respond to emergencies during surgery.
- Typical Education: Master’s or DNP in nurse anesthesia
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
Become an ER and Critical Care Nurse
Emergency room (ER) and critical care nurses are registered nurses who thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure settings where quick decision-making is essential. Their responsibilities include triaging patients, stabilizing critical conditions, administering medications, and coordinating with physicians and specialists during life-threatening emergencies. In critical care units, they manage ventilators, IV drips, and complex monitoring systems, providing continuous care to patients with severe injuries or illnesses.
- Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing (ADN or BSN)
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: State Board of Nursing (RN licensure); Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
Become a Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses specialize in caring for newborns, especially those who are premature, have congenital conditions, or are critically ill. They work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), providing round-the-clock monitoring, administering medications, assisting with feeding, and offering family support during challenging times. Neonatal nurses also play an essential role in educating parents on caring for their newborns once they are discharged.
- Typical Education: BSN or higher
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: State Board of Nursing (RN licensure); National Certification Corporation (NCC) for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.