Certified Nurse-Midwife

A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse with advanced education and clinical training, usually at the master's level, in midwifery. This additional training classifies the CNM as an advanced practice nurse. A certified nurse-midwife's focus is on women's wellness and consumer choice. Safe, sensitive, confidential personal care is the hallmark of the CNM's unique attention to the special primary care and reproductive needs of women.

Work Environment
Certified nurse-midwives practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birth centers, private practice, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), clinics, universities, homes, group physician practices, and group CNM practices. CNMs may work in clinical practice, education, administration, research, or legislative affairs.

Job Outlook
A national shortage of qualified nurse-midwives has created excellent work opportunities for certified nurse-midwives that should continue to increase.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $54,000 - $110,000+.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Completion of registered nurse training is a prerequisite for entering a midwifery program. There are both certificate and master's-level programs for certified nurse midwives. Certificate programs are open to nurses with associate or bachelor's degrees and usually take nine to 12 months to complete. The master's program requires 16 to 24 months of study, and some require an additional year of clinical experience.

Professional Associations
American College of Nurse Midwives
818 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste. 900
Washington, DC 20006
202/728-9860