How to become a Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified Nurse Midwives, or CNMs, are part of a rapidly expanding medical field. CNMs are responsible for the care of women throughout their childbearing years.

Certified Nurse Midwives:

• perform physical exams on female patients
• prescribe medications, including, but not limited to contraceptives
• order laboratory testing
• provide prenatal care
• provide labor care
• are present for births in the hospital or in the home
• provide women services care for women and female children of all ages

Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife

1. In order to become a Certified Nurse Midwife, a nursing degree must be held. The minimum requirement is holding a BSN, or Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. This is a four-year RN program. <i>Note: Some states require that a CNM hold a Master's degree. Please check with your state's nursing board.
2. A nursing license must then be obtained. Persons wishing to sit for their license exam may contact their state's nursing board to find out how to obtain the license.
3. Once a nursing license has been obtained, anyone wishing to specialize in midwifery must attend a school that offers a nurse-midwifery program. Courses are a combination of class work and clinical rotations, lasting between one and two years, depending on the state requirements.