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What is a Midwife?

A Nurse Midwife is a professional that specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, women's reproductive health, postpartum, menopause, and women's sexual health.  Midwives are certified and licensed healthcare providers that attend to women of all ages through various stages of life.  Midwives will be trained in a variety of means to help diagnose, coach, treat, train, prescribe medication, and provide therapy to women.

A Nurse Midwife degree is built upon a set of rigorous coursework that helps to prepare students to become well-rounded, knowledgeable nurse practitioners.  After graduating as a midwife, students are equipped to step into a variety of medical, healthcare, science, research, and leadership roles.

Finding success in the Nurse Midwifery domain will require students to have a strong sense of compassion, attention to detail, strong analytic skills, and the resolve to manage a variety of health-based issues.  Nurse Midwifes must delicately balance medical know-how with technical skills in a professional, approachable manner.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$102,390

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

63.80%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

6,270

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Nurse Midwife Degree

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the top higher learning and research institutions in the United States. The university established the first medical school and one of the pioneer centers of technological invention. Academic programs at Penn fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum allowing students to be exposed to collaborations and further knowledge. Penn offers one of the most comprehensive nursing programs. It has a program dedicated to Nurse-Midwifery. The program provides a unique training and clinical experience for students. Graduates are expected to learn knowledge and skills that can help them land better opportunities. Home-birth practitioners, birth center practice directors, directors of midwifery educational programs, and directors of CNM services in large teaching and small community hospitals are just some the career opportunities for Penn Nurse-Midwifery graduates.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a private university with a very high research activity. Undergraduate students can choose from a wide variety of majors across four schools and colleges. The university also houses six graduate schools including School of Nursing which is recognized as a top nursing school in the United States. VU’s Nurse-Midwifery program is ranked #1 by the U.S. News & World Report. The program provides comprehensive theoretical and practical lessons for students. The program curriculum is designed to train students to provide first-rate healthcare to women and newborns.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

 Emory University (Atlanta, GA) is a private university that provides a long list of academic programs for students of both undergraduate and graduate studies. The university is the second oldest private university in the state. It is organized into nine schools and colleges. The university is affiliated with Emory Healthcare which is the largest healthcare system in GA assisting Emory to provide top notch medical and allied health programs. Nurse-Midwifery is offered as a graduate program in the university granting a master’s degree. The program is designed to be taken across four semesters. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Other interested applicants can also enroll for a part-time program. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized across the country and around the globe. Programs are organized across 16 colleges, institutions, and schools. Aside from NYU itself, the university also grants medical degrees taken at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. The university is also known for its top notch healthcare professional programs. NYU’s Nurse-Midwifery degree is based on the American College of Nurse-Midwives core competencies ensuring students to gain skill sets that are essential to the community and country. Students are also trained through a problem-based learning approach allowing them to practice their profession on actual situations. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a private research university that houses a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university has programs taught in conjunction with University Circle institutions which includes several medical and art centers. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers bachelor’s and master's degrees in nursing. Nurse-Midwifery is one of the disciplines offered under the master’s program. The program allows students to practice women-centered care. CWRU nurse-midwifery program has been accredited by the ACNM Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education since 1984. Students are expected to finish the program for 7 to 8 semesters.  

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

George Washington University (Washington, DC) has a variety of programs that can be beneficial while working alongside leaders of politics, science, law and many other disciplines. GWU’s School of Nursing has bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It also has professional programs for those who aim to enhance knowledge and skills. Nurse-Midwifery leads to a master’s degree. It is a collaborative program offered between GW and Shenandoah University. The program integrates research and the nurse-midwifery practice. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam given by the American Midwifery Certification Board. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburg, PA) is a public university that offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of academic disciplines. Pitt has been recognized as one of the best universities in the country for its academic and research programs. The university provides comprehensive nursing programs from undergraduate to doctoral as well as professional degrees. The School of Nursing is one of the top Nursing Grad Schools according to the U.S. News & World Report. Nurse-Midwife is a major under the DNP program. The curriculum includes theoretical coursework, clinical rotations, leadership development, and research. Graduates of this program are eligible to take a national certification examination in Nurse-Midwifery and to apply for state licensure as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) from appropriate state boards. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ) is a public research university recognized for its scientific innovations. The university provides all levels of academic advancements. It provides accessible education through online courses, satellite campuses, certificate programs, professional education, and lifelong learning programs to cater to everyone. Nurse-Midwifery is one of the university’s graduate programs awarding a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The curriculum is designed to train students’ clinical and leadership skills. Graduates are eligible to take the nurse midwifery certification exam. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY) is a public university known for its academic programs related to medical and health professions. The university was named as one of the “top 100 best national universities” in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. It is popular for its cutting edge facilities, research activities, and quality education. Nurse Midwifery is a Master’s program which is facilitated through distance education. Students are expected to be clinical experts after finishing the program. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in nursing or a clinical portfolio for non-nursing majors.  

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Baylor University (Waco, TX) is a private research university affiliated to the Baptist church. It is known to be the biggest Baptist university in the world. Baylor awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees including doctoral and professional degrees. The university offers on-campus and online education to students. Baylor provides a flexible and accessible program designed to allow industry professionals to enhance their skills. Its Doctor of Nursing Practice has a Nurse-Midwifery track that gives nursing professionals the opportunity to level their profession. It is an online program that aims to provide a holistic and women-centered care throughout the lifespan using the midwifery model of care. Christian values and teachings are integrated into the curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) is a public research university. It is also the flagship university under the Utah System of Higher Education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate levels of education. Nurse Midwifery degree is a doctoral program that prepares nursing professionals through relevant instructions, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. Interested professionals can earn a dual-program of Nurse Midwifery (NM) and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). Graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board.  

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Philadelphia University (Philadelphia, PA) is a private university that offers a wide range of academic programs. The university is also known as Thomas Jefferson University after PhiliU and Jefferson has been combined in 2017. Jefferson University has programs dedicated to Midwifery. It has master’s and doctoral programs focused on the discipline. Students can opt to get a degree through distance learning education with the proper guidance of the university’s experts and professionals. Graduates are expected to combine traditional and modern midwifery practices.

Acceptance Rate

65.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) is a private Jesuit university listed among the largest of its kind in the United States. The university also fosters high research activity. The main campus is organized into 11 schools and colleges that provides education on liberal arts, business, communication, education, engineering, law and various health sciences disciplines. The university extends its academic excellence across Milwaukee suburbs and in Washington D.C. The degree in Nurse Midwifery is a graduate program that aims to prepare professionals to a more advanced level of practice. Courses are given through a hybrid-online program that combines the best of both campus and online learning. Graduates are eligible for national certification programs. 

Acceptance Rate

82.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Seattle University (Seattle, WA) is a private university providing a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. It is an independent university organized into eight schools that houses both undergraduate and graduate programs. The university’s nursing programs are focused on providing lab practices that will develop students' clinical skills. Nurse Midwifery is a doctoral program that hones nursing professionals to be leaders in this particular discipline. The curriculum is composed of basic core competencies for the profession taught alongside high-tech and top notch facilities.  

Acceptance Rate

78.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (Cincinnati, OH) is a top-notch public university in the United States. The university offers bachelor's, associate’s, as well as graduate studies including professional degrees. Nurse Midwifery is offered as a master’s program by the University of Cincinnati. It is facilitated through the university's online platform. This allows busy professionals to pursue further education without compromising their current positions. The university also gives flexible options allowing full- or part-time schedules for course completion.

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Bethel University (Saint Paul, MN) is a private university affiliated with the Baptist church. The university houses a list of comprehensive programs for undergraduate, graduate as well as seminary programs. It also has several graduate certificate programs and licenses. Nurse Midwifery is a master’s program at Bethel University. It is facilitated through an online learning approach. Graduates are expected to learn advanced skills on healthcare practice across clinics, hospitals, and birth centers in the country and around the world.

Acceptance Rate

78.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

West Virginia Wesleyan College (Buckhannon, WV) is a liberal arts college that is focused on providing undergraduate education. The core curriculum of the university allows students to be exposed to a variety of topics and academic disciplines to study. The university is offering three Advanced Practice Nursing Concentrations including Nurse-Midwifery. Graduates of the programs will be granted with a Master of Science degree and a Graduate Certificate of Endorsement based on the chosen concentration. This program is provided by the WVWC together with Shenandoah University. 

Acceptance Rate

64.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Shenandoah University (Winchester, VA) is a private university offering a wide range of academic programs. It is affiliated with the United Methodist church which is evident on the school’s curriculum. The university grants Master’s degree and Postgraduate certificate on Nurse Midwifery. These programs allow students to learn necessary skills and knowledge to be a certified nurse-midwife in a variety of clinical settings. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination of the American Midwifery Certification Board. 

Acceptance Rate

74.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) is a public research university extending its academic excellence across six satellite campuses in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Jackson counties. The university has become popular because of its research activities. It focuses on innovations that solve real-world problems. The university offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree. One of the clinical specialties offered in nurse-midwife. Courses discuss foundational knowledge and specialty knowledge in primary care, women's health, newborn care and midwifery. 

Acceptance Rate

73.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN) is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university offers all sorts of academic programs granting associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university offers joint programs in a university in China and some universities across Europe. The university offers post masters certification programs for individuals who want to further their knowledge and enhance their skills. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is a post masters certification course that allows graduates to be eligible for national certification programs.

Acceptance Rate

92.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) is a public research university extending its academic excellence through its satellite campuses. The university houses high-tech laboratories and interactive classrooms adapting to the advancement of today’s educational landscape. KU has a long list of strong academic programs across graduate and undergraduate studies. KU's Nurse-Midwife program is a specialization under the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Willingness to work across underserved areas or in other areas with critical maternal and infant indicators is an advantage during application. Courses are available online for this program. 

Acceptance Rate

93.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Where Do Nurse Midwifes Work?

Nurse Midwife can work in a variety of healthcare settings. From small clinics to large public healthcare facilities, you can find a Nurse Midwife or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). A cross-section of employment arrangements can include any number of employers and work settings that include:

  • Hospital
  • Ambulatory Care Clinic
  • Home Healthcare Agency
  • Pharmaceutical Organization
  • Acute Care Facility
  • Durable Medical Equipment Facility
  • Electronic Medial Record Facility
  • Private, in-home care

Is a Nurse Midwife an Advance Practice Nurse?

A Nurse Midwife is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).  An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse are specialized nurses that have completed or become proficient in the following:

  • Successfully pass a board certified national exam
  • Earned a Master’s, Post-Master’s, or Doctorate Degree as a Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Provide primary and specialty care to patients
  • Education patients on health concerns
  • Provide referrals to other physicians and medical professionals
  • Advocate for patients and coordinate care
Different Types of Advance Practice Nurses

Other types of notable APRN disciplines include the following 4 types of nursing specialties:

  1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
  2. Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP)
  3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  4. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)

Types of Midwives

There are effectively four groups of midwives for prospective college students to consider.  Women may prefer to receive care from one type of midwife or another depending on geographic location and personal preference.  As you analyze midwife degree programs, keep in mind the applicability and relevance of each in your region.

Certified Midwife (CM)

A certified midwife is a health care professional that has earned a bachelor's degree in a field outside of nursing yet earned a graduate-level midwifery degree from a ACME accredited college.  The ACME is an acronym that stands for the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.

Educational programs for a Certified Midwife includes a variety of health training and skills following curriculum required by a Certified Nurse Midwife.  Similar to a CNM, a Certified Midwife will have pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) national certification examination.

After earning a degree and passing the national board exam, Certified Midwives can provide virtually the same services as a Certified Nurse Midwife unless state regulation dictates otherwise.  CM's can work at the same types of organizations as a CMN along with the ability to diagnose patients, provide treatments, and prescribe controlled medication.

Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)

A Certified Professional Midwife is a certified midwife that provides healthcare services to women less broadly than a CM or CNM.  For example, a CPM is not able to prescribe medication in most states.  Certified Professional Midwives can provide services associated with postpartum, birth, and pregnancy for women outside the confines of a hospital.  The most common work settings for a Certified Professional Midwife is a private home or birthing center.

Certified Professional Midwives can earn their certification via two primary paths: formal education or apprenticeship.  The formal education track requires a CPM to successfully complete approved coursework from an ACME accredited institution.  Alternatively, a CPM can complete their education through an approved apprenticeship program.  In either case, Certified Professional Midwives will need to pass a national certification examination administered by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

The most popular certification for a midwife is the Certified Nurse Midwife or CNM.  A CNM is a registered nurse with a midwifery graduate-level degree.  Certified Nurse Midwives will need to attend a school accredited by ACME and pass the national certification exam of the AMCB.

Certified Nurse Midwives provide a variety of healthcare services to women over the span of their lives.  Common job duties of a CNM nurse include:

  • Prescribing medications
  • Performing routine check-ups
  • Providing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Advising on sexual health
  • Providing gynecological care

You can find Certified Nurse Midwives working in hospitals, birth centers, private practices, homes, and a variety of health centers.

Other Midwives

Midwives that do not hold a CM, CPM, or CNM certification fall into the fourth category of other midwives.  This grouping of nurses are not certified by the NARM nor the AMCB but authorized to practice in select states.  Midwives that fall into this category may be licensed and may have passed a national certification examination.

How To Become a Midwife

Earning a midwifery degree and subsequent certifications such as a CM, CPM, or CNM will require students to successfully complete a graduate degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an ACME accredited institution. In some cases, midwives are required to hold a post-master's degree and/or doctorate degree to practice. Check with your state's governing nursing agency to determine which certifications necessitate advanced degrees.

To become a midwife, you will need to complete an application for admissions from a state-approved, ACME accredited college or university. Colleges establish their own admissions requirements that will vary from school to school. Generally speaking, a midwife degree program will require students to hold an associate's degree in nursing or bachelor's degree. Additionally, some school require applicants to have a current RN license, earn a minimum GRE, have an acceptable GPA, and a series of nursing courses prior to admissions.

Determining how long it takes to become a midwife depends on the school. Nurse midwife degrees will take eighteen months to three years to complete depending on the program requirements. After completing an accredited midwife program, you will need to pass a board certified midwife examination such as the AMCB. With a CPM, CNM, or CM certification in-hand you can apply for licensure as prescribed by your state of residence. The combination of education, certification, and licensure authorize you to work as a nurse midwife in a variety of capacities for various employers.

Online Midwifery Degree Programs

You can find Nurse Midwife programs online from an accredited college or university in the United States with our online search portal. With the rapid advanced in technology, midwifery students can participate in classroom chat groups, remotely join classroom lectures, watch nursing videos, webcasts, perform research, and complete projects through digital tutorials. Prospective midwives can find accredited colleges that offer online only programs or programs that blend on-line and classroom learning known as hybrid degrees.

Hybrid degree programs fuse together the best of classroom learning with the best of online learning. Earning your midwife degree online can help reduce the overall cost of attending college along with providing students with a high degree of independence and flexibility. Complete the form below or utilize our degree finder technology to locate online midwifery programs that suit you best.

Educational Requirements of a Nurse Midwife

In terms of educational requirements, Nurse Midwife degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Skills & Abilities Required of Nurse Midwives

  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Oral Expression
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Speech Recognition
  • Written Comprehension

Employment in Nurse Midwifery

For students that earn a college degree in Nurse Midwife, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue.  The options range from psychiatry, nursing assistant, occupational therapy, dental hygienist, Registered Nurse (RN), post-secondary teacher, researcher, audiologist, physical therapist, registered nurse, EMT, LPN, LVP, and physician assistant to name a few possible career tracks.

Job Description of a Nurse Midwife

Per a recent survey of active Nurse Midwives conducted by the U. S. Department of Labor, a typical day can be quite varied.  Depending on the work setting and defined responsibilities for that specific work environment, the daily activities for a nurse midwife will fluctuate.  The following to represent the majority of the job duties associated with a Nurse Midwife:

  • Develop, implement, and manage individualized healthcare management plans for patients
  • Perform emergency medical care and intervention procedures as required
  • Provide patients with appropriate and timely consultation and medical care. These can include prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and infant care to patients and their family members.
  • Management of fetal care plan and fetal development such as heartbeat, uterine measurements, fetal position, fetal size, and fetal weight.
  • Crisp and concise communication of treatment plans and medical procedures with patients and family members.
Job Titles of a Nurse Midwife

Depending on the clinic or hospital and region of the country, a Nurse Midwives may be called by different titles with varying job responsibilities.  A sampling of job titles associated and nomenclature associated with the core job responsibility of a Nurse Midwives include:

  • Nurse Midwife
  • Nurse Midwife/Clinical Instructor
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  • Staff Midwife
  • Staff Nurse Midwife
  • Certified Nurse-Midwife
  • Clinical Site Coordinator and Supervisor
  • Senior Instructor, Certified Nurse Midwife
  • Staff Certified Nurse Midwife

Nurse Midwife Salary and Job Outlook

The job growth in the greater Nurse Midwife domain are well above average and expected to rise 31% through 2024 adding some 2,500 jobs to the nursing sector. For reference, the rate of job growth for a Registered Nurse is expected to rise 16% through 2024 and Nurse Midwife an astounding 31% growth rate is expected during the same period which are both well above the average composite growth rate of 7%.

The mean annual wage for a Nurse Midwife is currently $102,390 or $49.23 per hour. Given the nature of the Nurse Midwife degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location. Related fields include teaching, research, nursing, genomics, immunology, psychology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, nursing, medical science, and microbiology.

Largest Employers of Nurse Midwives

  • Physicians Offices 2,830
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals 1,610
  • Outpatient Care Facilities 750
  • Offices of Health Practitioners 770
  • Colleges and Universities 100

States Employing the Most Number of Nurse Midwives

  1. California 740
  2. New York 480
  3. Georgia 370
  4. Massachusetts 340
  5. Maryland 310

Highest Paying States for Nurse Midwives

  1. California $132,950
  2. Iowa $125,650
  3. New Jersey $112,370
  4. Massachusetts $112,290
  5. Oregon $108,240

For more information about earning a Nurse Midwife degree, simply visit the accredited colleges and universities below or visit our online nursing resource page or career portal to learn more careers in nursing. Associations can be a useful resource for nursing graduates to help promote the field of study and advance your career. Top-tier organizations include the NACPM and MANA focused on midwifery and the vocational health of its collective member group.

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