Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Certified nurse-midwife (CNM) degree programs represent the gold standard pathway for registered nurses seeking to specialize in maternal-child health and primary care services. With 46 ACME-accredited programs currently available across the United States, aspiring CNMs have unprecedented access to high-quality graduate education that combines rigorous academic preparation with extensive clinical training.
Recent healthcare workforce analyses confirm that CNMs provide safe, cost-effective care with excellent patient outcomes, making this specialty increasingly valuable in today’s healthcare landscape. CNM graduates enjoy legal recognition to practice independently in all 50 states, offering unparalleled career flexibility and professional autonomy.
Two landmark publications confirm what many of us already know: nurse-midwives matter now, more than ever. The Lancet’s Series on Midwifery and the State of the World’s Midwifery revealed that federal and local public health funding allocated for midwifery education generates a 16-fold return on investment when examining near-term health costs associated with comprehensive maternal care.
“The CNM program at my university completely transformed my nursing career. The comprehensive clinical training and supportive faculty mentorship prepared me not just to pass the AMCB exam, but to provide confident, compassionate care to women and families. I now work as a CNM in a busy birth center, and I use the skills I learned every single day. The investment in my education has paid off both professionally and personally.”
– Jessica M, CNM Graduate, Class of 2024
Educational Requirements and Entry Pathways
All CNM degree programs require completion of graduate-level midwifery education accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). The U.S. Department of Education has recognized ACME as the official programmatic accrediting agency for midwifery education since 1982.
Only registered nurses who have completed an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program are eligible to take the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board, a requirement for licensure in all 50 states.
Academic Prerequisites
All CNM degree programs require:
- Active registered nurse (RN) licensure
- Graduate-level education (Master’s or DNP)
- ACME accreditation for certification eligibility
- Minimum 875 clinical practice hours
- Comprehensive examination passage
Multiple Educational Pathways Available
Program Options
| Program Type | Designed For | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN/MS Programs | RNs with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees | 2-3 years full-time |
| RN-to-MSN Programs | RNs with associate’s degrees in nursing | 3-4 years full-time |
| Post-Graduate Programs | RNs with an MSN wanting to add CNM certification | 1-2 years full-time |
| DNP Programs | RNs seeking the highest level of clinical preparation | 3-4 years full-time |
| Direct Entry Programs | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders | 3 years full-time |
For BSN-Prepared RNs (Traditional Pathway): Master’s in nurse-midwifery programs offer the most common route to CNM certification, requiring 2-3 years of full-time study with 875- 1,000+ supervised clinical hours.
For Associate Degree/Diploma RNs (Bridge Programs): RN-to-BSN-to-CNM streamlined progression programs combine bachelor’s and master’s degree completion over 3-4 years, designed specifically for working professionals.
For Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Holders (Direct Entry): Three-year intensive programs include RN licensure components alongside a comprehensive nursing and midwifery curriculum.
For Advanced Practice RNs: Post-graduate certificate programs lasting 12-18 months allow current APRNs to add a midwifery specialty while maintaining existing credentials. Learn more about dual-focus programs combining CNM and women’s health nurse practitioner credentials.
Comprehensive Curriculum Framework
Modern CNM degree programs integrate evidence-based midwifery practice with advanced nursing education, preparing graduates for independent practice across diverse healthcare settings.
Core Curriculum Components
CNM Curriculum Requirements
| Curriculum Area | Credit Hours | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Sciences | 12-15 credits | Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment |
| Midwifery Specialty Core | 25-30 credits | Antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn care |
| Clinical Practicum | 20-31 credits | 875-1,000+ supervised clinical hours |
| Professional Development | 6-12 credits | Leadership, policy, business aspects, research |
Foundational Sciences (12-15 credits):
- Advanced pathophysiology of women’s health conditions
- Advanced pharmacology and obstetric pharmacotherapeutics
- Health assessment across the lifespan
- Research methods and evidence-based practice
Midwifery Specialty Core (25-30 credits):
- Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Newborn care and lactation support
- Gynecologic and primary care services
- High-risk pregnancy management
- Cultural competency and social justice in healthcare
Professional Development (6-12 credits):
- Leadership in healthcare systems
- Health policy and advocacy
- Business aspects of midwifery practice
- Interprofessional collaboration
Clinical Training and Competency Development
Clinical preparation represents the cornerstone of CNM degree programs, with extensive supervised practice across diverse healthcare settings, ensuring graduates achieve professional competency.
Clinical Hour Requirements
- Minimum Standard: 875 supervised clinical hours
- Many Programs Exceed: 1,000+ clinical hours
- Progressive Training: Beginning to advanced competency levels
- Diverse Settings: Hospitals, birth centers, clinics, community health
Clinical Competency Areas
Clinical Training Components
| Clinical Area | Minimum Hours | Key Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 200-250 hours | Prenatal assessment, risk management, and patient education |
| Intrapartum Care | 300-400 hours | Labor support, birth attendance, emergency response |
| Postpartum & Newborn | 150-200 hours | Recovery assessment, breastfeeding support, and newborn care |
| Primary Care Services | 225-300 hours | Gynecologic exams, family planning, and reproductive health |
Antepartum Care Management: Students develop expertise in comprehensive prenatal assessments, risk assessment and management, patient education and counseling, and collaborative care coordination.
Intrapartum Care Expertise: Training encompasses labor support and management, attending to normal and complicated births, emergency response capabilities, and various pain management techniques.
Postpartum and Newborn Care: Clinical experience encompasses maternal recovery assessment, breastfeeding support and education, newborn examination and care, and family adaptation support.
Primary Care Services: Students gain competency in annual gynecologic examinations, family planning services, reproductive health management, and care for patients from adolescence through menopause.
Assessment and Certification Preparation
CNM degree programs incorporate rigorous assessment mechanisms to ensure graduates are fully prepared for professional practice and national certification.
Academic Performance Standards
- Minimum 80% (B grade) required in all courses
- Comprehensive written examinations
- Clinical competency evaluations
- Integration of theory and practice assessments
National Certification Pathway
- Program Completion: ACME-accredited degree
- Comprehensive Exam: Program-specific assessment
- AMCB Certification: National examination eligibility
- State Licensure: Advanced practice nursing license
- Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development
Success Rates and Outcomes
- First-time AMCB Pass Rate: 85%+ at most programs
- Employment Rate: Near 100% within 6 months of graduation
- Practice Settings: Diverse opportunities across all healthcare environments
Midwifery Schools Offering CNM Programs By State
Find accredited nurse-midwife programs in your state. Our comprehensive directory includes information about admission requirements, program formats, and specialization options.
Explore comprehensive midwifery education options at MidwifeSchooling.com to find the program that best fits your career goals and educational background.
Midwifery Schools Offering CNM Masters Degrees By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
CNM Degree Programs By the Numbers
As of 2025, ACME has 46 accredited nurse-midwifery programs across the United States. Current program statistics include:
Program Distribution and Characteristics
| Program Feature | Number of Programs | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total ACME-Accredited Programs | 46 | 100% |
| Programs with Online Components | 15 | 33% |
| Programs Offering DNP Degrees | 18 | 39% |
| Programs with Part-Time Options | 28 | 61% |
| Programs in Schools of Nursing | 42 | 91% |
- 15 programs provide significant didactic material through online curricula
- 18 programs offer Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees
- 28 programs offer part-time study options for working professionals
- More than half offer accelerated pathways for bachelor’s-prepared students
- Average program completion rate: 87%
- First-time AMCB pass rate: 85% +
Financial Investment and Support Resources
The cost of CNM degree programs varies significantly, depending on factors such as institution type, program length, and geographic location. Understanding available financial support options is crucial for program planning.
Program Cost Considerations
CNM Program Costs
| Program Type | Average Total Cost | Additional Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Public University MSN | $45,000-$65,000 | Clinical supplies, certification fees |
| Private University MSN | $65,000-$85,000 | Higher tuition, same additional costs |
| DNP Programs | $75,000-$120,000 | Extended program length increases costs |
| Post-Graduate Certificates | $25,000-$45,000 | Shorter duration, focused curriculum |
Major Funding Sources
Federal Programs:
- National Health Service Corps Scholarships and Loan Repayment
- Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship (AENT) Program
- Federal Pell Grants and Stafford Loans
Professional Organization Support:
- ACNM Foundation Scholarships: $2,000-$4,000 annually
- State nursing organization grants
- Employer tuition assistance programs
Return on Investment:
- Average CNM Salary: $115,000-$125,000 annually
- Job Outlook: 12% growth through 2031
- Practice Flexibility: Multiple career pathway options
Professional Practice and Career Outlook
Graduates of CNM degree programs enjoy comprehensive practice authority and a diverse range of career opportunities across the healthcare spectrum.
Scope of Practice
Certified Nurse-Midwives are legally recognized to practice in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. CNM practice authority includes:
- Independent provision of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
- Sexual and reproductive health services
- Gynecologic health care and family planning services
- Primary care for individuals from adolescence throughout the lifespan
- Care for healthy newborns during the first 28 days of life
- Prescribing medications, including controlled substances
- Ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Admitting and discharging patients
Career Opportunities
CNM practice settings include:
- Ambulatory care clinics and private offices
- Hospitals and birth centers
- Community and public health systems
- Telehealth and remote care delivery
- Home birth practices
- Academic and research institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a CNM degree program?
CNM degree programs typically require 2-4 years of full-time study, depending on your entry pathway. Traditional MSN programs take 2-3 years, while RN-to-MSN bridge programs require 3-4 years. DNP programs typically take 3-4 years to complete, while post-graduate certificates can be completed in 12-18 months.
What are the clinical hour requirements for CNM programs?
All ACME-accredited CNM programs require a minimum of 875 supervised clinical hours, though many programs exceed 1,000 hours. These clinical experiences occur in diverse settings, including hospitals, birth centers, clinics, and community health facilities.
Can I work while completing a CNM degree program?
Many CNM programs offer part-time options designed for working professionals. Approximately 61% of programs provide flexible scheduling, evening classes, or weekend intensives. However, the intensive clinical requirements may require some schedule adjustments.
What is the job outlook for certified nurse-midwives?
The job outlook for Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) is excellent, with a projected 12% growth through 2031. CNMs earn an average salary of $115,000-$125,000 annually and enjoy nearly 100% employment rates within 6 months of graduation.
Do I need to be an RN to be accepted into a CNM program?
Most CNM programs require active RN licensure for admission. However, some direct-entry programs accept non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders and provide the necessary nursing education components alongside midwifery training.
What is the difference between a CNM and other midwifery credentials?
CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized midwifery education, while Certified Midwives (CMs) have midwifery education but are not nurses. CNMs can practice in all 50 states, while CMs practice is more limited geographically.
Are online CNM programs available?
Yes, approximately 33% of ACME-accredited programs offer significant online components. These programs typically require in-person clinical experiences but deliver didactic content through online platforms, providing flexibility for working professionals.
What financial aid is available for CNM students?
CNM students can access federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. Additional funding sources include the National Health Service Corps scholarships and loan repayment programs, ACNM Foundation scholarships ($2,000-$4,000), and employer tuition assistance programs.