Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
How to become a Certified Nurse Midwife in Wisconsin begins with choosing an accredited CNM program that aligns with your career goals. Whether you’re already a registered nurse or just starting your healthcare journey, Wisconsin offers flexible pathways to become a CNM without having to leave the state.
Certified Nurse Midwives are a vital part of Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce. With rural hospitals and OB-GYN clinics facing physician shortages, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) provide essential maternity, reproductive, and primary care services across underserved communities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse-midwives in Wisconsin earned an average salary of $115,100 as of 2023, with experienced CNMs earning upwards of $160,000. Job growth is also projected to increase, making CNM careers both rewarding and in-demand.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to becoming a CNM in Wisconsin — from choosing a degree and passing the certification exam to applying for licensure and finding your first midwifery job in the state.
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Wisconsin, you must earn a graduate degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs prepare registered nurses to provide comprehensive women’s health and perinatal care, from adolescence through menopause.
While Wisconsin does not have campus-based CNM programs, residents can enroll in accredited online CNM programs with clinical placements arranged locally at approved facilities across the state. Clinical training often takes place at hospitals, OB-GYN offices, and birthing centers.
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 |
Many ACME-accredited programs also offer dual-focus Nurse-Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) degrees for expanded scope in primary and reproductive care.
Schools such as Georgetown University, Frontier Nursing University, and Baylor University offer online CNM programs that are accessible to residents of Wisconsin. Clinical requirements are typically arranged in Wisconsin communities.
Graduates earn MSN, DNP, or post-master’s CNM degrees that meet the state’s licensing requirements. See our full list of accredited nurse-midwifery programs or explore your master’s in nurse-midwifery options.
These flexible formats enable Wisconsin nurses to pursue accredited nurse-midwifery programs and online CNM degrees without the need to relocate.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After graduating from an ACME-accredited program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the CNM exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This national exam is required for CNM licensure in Wisconsin and in all U.S. states.
The exam is computer-based, costs $500, and is offered through Pearson VUE testing centers. Wisconsin testing locations include Milwaukee and Green Bay.
The CNM exam covers six content areas:
- Antepartum
- Intrapartum
- Postpartum
- Newborn
- Well Woman/Gynecology
- Primary Care for Women
You must take the exam within 24 months of program completion. For prep resources, visit the AMCB Candidate Handbook.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing
After passing the AMCB certification exam, you’ll need to apply for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed the APRN license application form
- Proof of current Wisconsin RN license
- Official transcripts from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program
- Verification of national CNM certification
- $75 license fee
Download the application packet from the Board’s official website and mail it to:
Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Department of Safety and Professional Services
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
Once approved, your CNM license will be valid for two years, aligning with RN license renewal timelines.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Wisconsin and Maintain Credentials
With your APRN license in hand, you can begin practicing as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Wisconsin. CNMs in the state work in hospitals, OB/GYN offices, private practices, and birth centers across both urban and rural regions.
Wisconsin requires CNMs to maintain their license through:
- Renewing your CNM license every two years (due on February 28 of even-numbered years)
- Maintaining RN licensure, which is renewed simultaneously
- Completing eight contact hours of continuing education per renewal period
Certification through the AMCB’s Certificate Maintenance Program must also be kept current. CNMs must choose one of the following:
- Option 1: Complete 3 Certificate Maintenance Modules and 20 CE hours every 5 years
- Option 2: Retake the CNM certification exam
CNMs who hold dual certification in Women’s Health (WHNP) through the National Certification Corporation (NCC) must renew every 3 years using continuing education modules provided by the NCC.
Popular CNM employers in Wisconsin include:
- Gundersen Health System – Tomah
- UW Hospital and Clinics – Madison
- Women’s Care of Wisconsin – Appleton
- Planned Parenthood – Milwaukee, Racine
- Authentic Birth Center – Wauwatosa
“Becoming a CNM gave me the ability to serve families in my own community. With online classes and supportive preceptors, I never felt like I had to choose between my education and my life in Wisconsin.” — Samantha L., CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife Salary in Wisconsin
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Certified Nurse-Midwives in Wisconsin earned an average annual salary of $115,100 as of May 2023. Entry-level CNMs typically earn around $85,400, while experienced midwives in the 90th percentile can make up to $163,520.
In the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metro area, CNMs earn slightly different wages:
- Experienced: $143,450
- Average: $114,390
- Entry-Level: $87,830
As demand grows and more counties face provider shortages, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in Wisconsin are likely to see improved compensation packages, particularly those who open their own practices or specialize in underserved areas.
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 May 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Wisconsin?
Most CNM programs take between 2 and 4 years to complete, depending on whether you’re entering with a BSN, ADN, or MSN. Online programs with local clinical placements offer flexibility for working nurses.
Are online CNM programs accepted in Wisconsin?
Yes. As long as the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), it is valid for licensure in Wisconsin. Clinical hours must be completed at approved healthcare sites in the state.
Can Certified Nurse-Midwives prescribe medication in Wisconsin?
Yes, CNMs in Wisconsin can prescribe medications, but must have a collaborative agreement on file with a supervising physician to practice legally.
What’s the difference between a CNM and a CPM?
A CNM is a licensed registered nurse with graduate-level training and AMCB certification, eligible for APRN licensure. A CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) is a direct-entry midwife not recognized for licensure in Wisconsin.
Can CNMs open their own practices in Wisconsin?
CNMs can open independent clinics, but a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician is still required under Wisconsin law.
Are there any in-state nurse-midwifery programs in Wisconsin?
There are no ACME-accredited campus-based CNM programs in Wisconsin. However, residents can access several online CNM programs with local clinical placements, such as those from Frontier Nursing University and Georgetown University.
Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Wisconsin is an empowering path for RNs who want to expand their scope of practice. Whether you’re looking for accredited online CNM programs, dual-focus nurse-midwife and women’s health NP options, or want to earn an MSN or DNP, Wisconsin offers flexible nurse-midwifery degree pathways that fit your schedule. Explore programs today and take the first step to becoming a nurse-midwife in Wisconsin.