Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Learning how to become a nurse midwife in Kansas involves completing a comprehensive educational pathway that combines advanced nursing education with specialized training in midwifery. Today’s Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are experts in gynecologic and maternity care, utilizing their advanced skills to support women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and their lives from adolescence to menopause.
Kansas has recently transitioned oversight of nurse-midwifery practice from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, creating a streamlined regulatory framework that emphasizes the nursing foundation of midwifery practice. This pathway prepares nurse midwives to provide comprehensive women’s health care with a whole-person approach to care.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, midwife-attended births have been steadily increasing as more women seek personalized, evidence-based maternity care with fewer unnecessary interventions.
“The CNM program at University of Kansas prepared me exceptionally well for practice. The combination of online coursework and hands-on clinical training gave me the confidence to provide comprehensive care to women and families throughout Kansas.” – Anne S., KU Graduate, practicing CNM in Wichita
Certified nurse midwives in Kansas have authorization to perform the following under the Independent Practice of Midwifery Act:
- Provide clinical services for normal, uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery
- Prescribe drugs and diagnostic tests
- Perform episiotomy and repair minor vaginal lacerations
- Provide initial care for normal newborns
- Offer family planning services and women’s health care throughout the lifespan
- Conduct state-required newborn screenings and emergency care
Steps to Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Kansas
The Kansas State Board of Nursing requires RNs with aspirations of becoming nurse midwives to become licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in the nurse-midwifery specialty. Follow these essential steps to learn how to become a nurse midwife in Kansas:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
The foundation for how to become a nurse midwife in Kansas begins with completing a master’s degree or higher graduate degree in nurse-midwifery through a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). ACME remains the sole accrediting agency for nurse-midwifery schools in the U.S.
Kansas Educational Requirements by Program Completion Date
Kansas has specific degree requirements that have evolved to ensure adequate preparation for advanced practice roles:
| Program Completion Date | Degree Requirement | Additional Coursework |
|---|---|---|
| After July 1, 2000 | Baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing | 3 credit hours advanced pharmacology (if completed after Jan 1, 1997) |
| After July 1, 2010 | Master’s degree or higher, specifically in midwifery | 3 credit hours each: advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment (if completed after July 1, 2009) |
CNM Degree Options in Kansas
For Kansas RNs pursuing CNM education, several pathways accommodate different educational backgrounds:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nurse-Midwifery – Standard pathway for RNs with a BSN
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse-Midwifery – Advanced practice doctorate option
- RN-to-MSN Programs – For RNs with associate degrees
- Post-Graduate Certificates – For RNs with existing master’s degrees
- Dual Specialization Programs – Nurse-midwifery/women’s health combinations
University of Kansas Medical Center CNM Program
Kansas is home to the University of Kansas Medical Center, which offers a highly ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a nurse-midwifery specialization. The program:
- Ranks #7 among public universities in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings
- Requires 76 credit hours of coursework
- Offers the majority of courses online, with some campus attendance required
- Provides extensive clinical training partnerships throughout Kansas and neighboring states
Online CNM Programs for Kansas Residents
Due to limited in-state options, many Kansas RNs pursue online nurse-midwifery programs. These programs offer:
- Flexible scheduling for working professionals
- Part-time and full-time options (2-3 years completion time)
- Clinical placement assistance near your location
- Distance learning technology for didactic coursework
Clinical Training Components
CNM programs include up to 1,000 hours of clinical experience in various settings:
- Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
- The University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City
- Wesley Medical Center, Wichita
- Shawnee Mission Medical Center
- North Kansas City Hospital
- Private OB/GYN practices throughout Kansas
Accredited nurse-midwifery programs in Kansas and nationwide emphasize both online CNM programs and traditional on-campus options. These MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees prepare graduates for comprehensive women’s health care delivery across diverse practice settings.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After completing an ACME-accredited program, graduates must obtain national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This certification is required for APRN licensure in Kansas.
AMCB Certification Examination Details
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 175 multiple-choice questions |
| Content Areas | Antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, gynecological, and primary care |
| Testing Centers in Kansas | Olathe and Wichita (through PSI LLC) |
| Application Process | Apply online and wait for approval before scheduling |
Graduates of dual specialization programs may also take the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) examination through the National Certification Corporation.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Kansas Board of Nursing
To practice as a nurse midwife in Kansas, individuals must obtain licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) through the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Important notes about Kansas APRN licensure:
- Single-state licensure only – Kansas does not participate in multi-state compact
- Prescriptive authority included – No separate prescriptive license required
- Collaborative practice required – Must practice under physician collaboration agreements
Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| RN License | Current, unencumbered Kansas RN license |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Background Check | Fingerprinting is required for every application |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts sent directly from the institution |
| Malpractice Insurance | Policy information required (temporary permit available if pending) |
Complete the Advanced Practice Application through the Kansas State Board of Nursing website.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Kansas and Maintain Credentials
Kansas nurse midwives work in diverse healthcare settings, reflecting the versatility of their education and training:
- Hospital-based practices – Labor and delivery units, women’s health departments
- Private OB/GYN practices – Collaborative care with physicians
- Birth centers – Only three currently operating statewide
- Family planning clinics – Reproductive health services
- Federally qualified health centers – Serving underserved populations
- Academic institutions – Teaching and research roles
Continuing Education Requirements
| Credential | Renewal Period | CE Requirements | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas APRN License | Every 2 years | 30 contact hours | $55 |
| AMCB Certification | Every 5 years | 3 modules + 20 CE hours OR retake the exam | Annual fees of $500 exam |
| WHNP Certification (if applicable) | Every 3 years | Competency assessment + CE hours | Varies |
Professional resources for Kansas nurse midwives include:
CNM Salary Information in Kansas
Understanding nurse midwife salary expectations is a crucial step in learning how to become a nurse midwife in Kansas. According to the most recent data available:
Kansas CNM Salary Breakdown
| Experience Level | Kansas City Metro | Kansas Statewide Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (25th percentile) | $76,720 | $82,000* | $89,490 |
| Average (50th percentile) | $111,420 | $115,000* | $120,880 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $152,420 | $145,000* | $148,210 |
*Estimated based on regional data
Factors Affecting CNM Salaries in Kansas
- Geographic location – Urban areas typically offer higher compensation
- Practice setting – Hospitals vs. birth centers vs. private practice
- Years of experience – Significant salary growth with experience
- Additional certifications – Dual CNM/WHNP credentials increase earning potential
- Rural shortage areas – Higher compensation for serving underserved populations
Employment opportunities for CNMs in Kansas are expected to grow significantly, with projections showing 6.5% growth in advanced practice nursing roles through 2028. This growth is driven by increasing demand for women’s health services and recognition of the cost-effective, high-quality care provided by nurse midwives.
(Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2023. Figures represent state data, not school-specific information. Job growth data provided by Projections Central, a resource funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed June 2025.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Kansas
How long does it take to become a nurse midwife in Kansas?
The typical pathway takes 6-8 years total: 4 years for a BSN, 2-3 years for a master’s or doctoral program, plus time for certification and licensure. RNs with associate degrees may need additional time for bridge programs.
Can I practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) independently in Kansas?
No, Kansas requires certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) to practice under collaborative practice agreements with physicians. However, CNMs have a broad scope of practice authority within this collaborative framework.
Are there online CNM programs available for Kansas residents?
Yes, many accredited programs offer online coursework with clinical placements arranged near your location. This is particularly valuable given the limited in-state options.
What is the difference between a CNM and a CPM in Kansas?
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority and hospital privileges. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) are not currently licensed to practice in Kansas.
Do I need to live in Kansas to get an APRN license there?
No, but you must obtain a Kansas RN license first and meet all state-specific educational and certification requirements. Kansas APRN licenses are not part of the multi-state compact.
How much does it cost to become a nurse midwife in Kansas?
Total costs vary significantly based on the chosen program. In-state tuition at KU is approximately $20,000-30,000 for the entire program, while private or out-of-state programs may cost $50,000-100,000 or more.