Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Arizona presents exceptional opportunities for registered nurses seeking to become certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), with a growing demand driven by the state’s high fertility rate and increasing consumer preference for personalized maternal care. Of the more than 81,000 registered nurses working in Arizona, only 254 were certified nurse midwives as of recent data, representing just 0.003 percent of all nurses despite Arizona having the 13th highest fertility rate in the nation.
In 2018, approximately 7-10.99% of births in Arizona were attended by midwives, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Statistics from the Arizona Department of Health Services show that home births statewide increased by 80 percent over a 10-year period, highlighting the growing demand for the personalized service that nurse midwives provide to women and families.
“After a traumatic hospital birth experience with my first child, I decided to pursue midwifery care for my second pregnancy. The personalized attention and gentle approach my CNM provided was life-changing. It inspired me to become a nurse midwife myself to help other women have positive birth experiences.” – Mallory P., CNM Graduate
Steps to Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Arizona
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Achieving APRN licensure and CNM credentials requires completing a master’s degree or higher in nurse midwifery from an ACME-accredited program before obtaining national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Follow these essential steps to learn how to become a certified nurse midwife in Arizona:
Step 1. Earn a Graduate Degree in Nurse Midwifery
RNs interested in becoming nurse midwives must earn a master’s degree or higher in nurse midwifery through a graduate program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). ACME serves as the sole programmatic accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for nurse midwifery education programs.
Arizona Nurse Midwifery Program Options
Arizona now has educational opportunities within the state through the University of Arizona at Tucson, which has achieved pre-accreditation status for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse-Midwifery program. This pre-accreditation status allows the program to accept students and offer fully accredited education, with graduates eligible to sit for the AMCB certification examination.
The University of Arizona’s DNP-NM program utilizes a hybrid format combining online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives, and clinical placements, accommodating both post-BSN and post-MSN students. For working RNs seeking more flexible options, numerous accredited online CNM programs partner with Arizona healthcare facilities for clinical experiences.
| Program Type | Duration | Best For | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s in Nurse Midwifery (MSN) | 2-3 years | BSN-prepared RNs | 1,000+ hours |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-4 years | BSN-prepared RNs seeking a terminal degree | 1,000+ hours |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 12-18 months | MSN-prepared nurses | 600-800 hours |
| Dual CNM/WHNP Programs | 2.5-3.5 years | RNs seeking dual certification | 1,200+ hours |
Admission Requirements for CNM Programs
Common admission standards for nurse midwifery graduate programs include:
- Current RN license (Arizona or multistate compact privileges)
- BSN degree or completion of nursing prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
- GRE General Test scores (some programs waive this requirement)
- Personal essay, video essay, or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation (usually 3 professional references)
- At least one year of clinical nursing experience
Clinical Training Locations in Arizona
Clinical education serves as the point where classroom knowledge is applied under supervision. Online students work with faculty advisors to secure clinical placements at Arizona healthcare facilities, including:
- Banner Health System locations (Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson)
- Dignity Health facilities
- Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix
- Tucson Medical Center
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- Community birth centers
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
For nurses seeking accredited nurse midwifery programs in Arizona, online CNM programs provide excellent flexibility while maintaining rigorous educational standards. These programs offer MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees, designed to meet the diverse career goals and educational backgrounds of students.
Step 2. Earn National Certification in Nurse Midwifery
The Arizona State Board of Nursing requires all Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to obtain national certification in their specialty area. For nurse midwives, this means passing the certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
AMCB Certification Examination Details
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 175 multiple-choice questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Testing Company | PSI Services LLC (formerly Applied Measurement Professionals) |
| Arizona Testing Locations | Glendale, Mesa, Tucson |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 4 attempts within 24 months of graduation |
Exam Content Areas
The AMCB certification examination covers six major areas of midwifery practice:
- Antepartum care – 19-26 percent
- Intrapartum care – 17-26 percent
- Postpartum care – 15-18 percent
- Gynecology – 15-18 percent
- Women’s health and primary care – 8-16 percent
- Newborn care – 7-16 percent
Candidates can prepare using the AMCB Candidate Handbook and various exam preparation resources. The examination ensures that new CNMs meet national standards for safe, competent practice.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife
After completing an ACME-accredited program and passing the AMCB certification examination, candidates must apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) status through the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
APRN Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| RN License | Current Arizona RN license or multistate compact privileges |
| Education Verification | Official transcripts from an ACME-accredited program |
| Program Letter | Official letter stating role and population focus |
| National Certification | Proof of AMCB certification |
| Practice Requirements | Program completion within 5 years OR 960 hours of practice in the past 5 years |
| Background Check | Criminal background check results |
Prescriptive Authority
Arizona allows CNMs to apply for prescribing and dispensing privileges. To obtain prescriptive authority, candidates must complete:
- Three semester-hour pharmacology course within the last three years, OR
- 45 contact hours of pharmacology or clinical drug therapy education within the last three years
- DEA number application for controlled substance prescribing
Arizona recognizes CNM autonomous practice without requiring physician supervision or collaboration, though CNMs must consult with other providers when situations exceed their knowledge and experience.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options and Maintain Credentials
Once the Arizona State Board of Nursing approves APRN status, new CNMs can begin practicing and pursuing career advancement opportunities. Arizona’s growing population and expanding acceptance of midwifery care create diverse employment options.
Practice Settings and Employers
Arizona CNMs work in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospital-based maternity services
- Freestanding birth centers
- Home birth practices
- OB/GYN clinics
- Federally Qualified Health Centers
- Indian Health Service facilities
- Academic medical centers
Scope of Practice
Arizona law defines a comprehensive CNM scope of practice, including:
- Healthcare services for women from adolescence through menopause
- Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Reproductive and gynecologic services
- Primary care for women
- Newborn care during the first 28 days of life
- Treatment of men for sexually transmitted diseases
- Ordering epidural and regional analgesia (administered by qualified providers)
Credential Maintenance
Maintaining CNM credentials requires ongoing professional development:
- RN License Renewal: Maintain current Arizona RN license
- AMCB Certification: 5-year renewal cycle requiring re-examination OR completion of three maintenance modules plus 20 CE hours
- Continuing Education: CNMs with DEA numbers must complete 3 hours of opioid-related education when renewing
- Professional Development: Many CNMs pursue additional certifications or leadership roles
CNM Salary Information and Job Outlook in Arizona
Certified nurse midwives rank among Arizona’s highest-paid healthcare professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse midwives working in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area earned an average annual salary of $108,530. With several years of experience, Arizona’s most experienced Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) can expect salaries reaching $136,260, placing them in the 90th percentile for their field.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $85,000 – $95,000 | $41 – $46 |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $105,000 – $120,000 | $50 – $58 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $125,000 – $136,260 | $60 – $66 |
Research published by the American College of Nurse-Midwives revealed that Arizona had 190 licensed certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) actively practicing, with 69% holding membership in the professional organization. The job outlook remains strong due to Arizona’s growing population and increasing demand for personalized maternal care from consumers.
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 CNM in Arizona
How long does it take to become a nurse midwife in Arizona?
It typically takes 6-8 years total: 4 years for a BSN, 1-2 years of RN experience, and 2-3 years for a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse midwifery from an ACME-accredited program.
Are there any nurse midwifery programs in Arizona?
Yes, the University of Arizona at Tucson has a pre-accredited DNP Nurse-Midwifery program that accepts students. Graduates are eligible to take the AMCB certification exam. Additionally, many online programs accept Arizona students for clinical placements.
What is the average salary for nurse midwives in Arizona?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified nurse midwives in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area earned an average annual salary of $108,530, with experienced CNMs earning up to $136,260.
Do nurse midwives need physician supervision in Arizona?
No, Arizona allows certified nurse-midwives to practice independently without physician supervision or collaboration requirements, although CNMs must consult with other providers when situations exceed their knowledge and experience.
Can nurse midwives prescribe medications in Arizona?
Yes, certified nurse midwives in Arizona can obtain prescriptive authority by completing the required pharmacology education and applying for prescribing privileges through the state board. They can also apply for DEA numbers to prescribe controlled substances.
What types of births can CNMs attend in Arizona?
CNMs can attend to low-risk pregnancies and normal births in hospitals, birth centers, or at home. They cannot perform cesarean sections but can assist physicians during these procedures and can order epidural analgesia administered by qualified providers.
How many CNMs practice in Arizona?
According to recent data, approximately 190 licensed CNMs are actively practicing in Arizona, representing a significant shortage given the state’s high birth rate and growing population.
What continuing education is required for CNMs in Arizona?
CNMs must maintain their RN license, renew AMCB certification every 5 years, and complete continuing education requirements. Those with DEA numbers must complete 3 hours of opioid-related education when renewing.