Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
With rising interest in less-invasive, holistic care during pregnancy and childbirth, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are playing an increasingly vital role in Arkansas’s healthcare system. Yet the state has historically seen some of the lowest CNM participation rates in the nation, highlighting a clear opportunity for nurses seeking to advance into this rewarding career.
Whether you’re a bedside RN ready to specialize or an aspiring women’s health advocate, becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Arkansas is a clear path toward a rewarding, autonomous healthcare career. CNMs provide comprehensive care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum — and play a critical role in expanding access to maternal healthcare, particularly in underserved parts of the state.
Arkansas offers several flexible online CNM programs and accredited nurse-midwifery degrees that prepare you for APRN licensure. Whether you’re starting from an ADN or already hold a BSN, you’ll find tailored educational pathways — including MSN in Nurse-Midwifery programs and dual-focus options.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a nurse-midwife in Arkansas, from selecting accredited CNM programs to applying for APRN licensure, passing national board exams, and exploring top career paths in women’s health.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Arkansas
What Degree Do You Need to Become a CNM in Arkansas?
To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Arkansas, you’ll need to complete a graduate-level program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Most CNMs earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), while others pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for advanced training and leadership opportunities.
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Education in Nurse Midwifery
To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Arkansas, registered nurses must earn a graduate degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs are designed to prepare registered nurses (RNs) for advanced clinical practice in women’s health, with many offering online delivery to support working nurses.
Accredited nurse-midwifery programs in Arkansas or nearby states, such as Texas and Tennessee, often provide flexible formats including full-time, part-time, and fully online CNM programs. Whether you’re a BSN-prepared RN or entering through an RN-to-MSN track, Arkansas offers accessible options to advance your education in midwifery and women’s health.
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 |
Some programs offer dual specializations, allowing students to pursue CNM and WHNP (Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner) credentials simultaneously. Learn more about dual-focus CNM/WHNP programs.
Programs typically include classroom learning in reproductive health, pharmacology, and maternal care, followed by over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training. Students in Arkansas can often complete these clinicals at local hospitals such as:
- Baptist Health Medical Center – Little Rock
- Washington Regional – Fayetteville
- Saline Memorial – Benton
- Mercy Hospital – Fort Smith
Explore MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees to begin your journey into midwifery practice in Arkansas.
🩺 Start Your Nurse-Midwifery Degree in Arkansas Today
Ready to take the next step in becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife? Explore ACME-accredited midwifery programs that fit your schedule and licensure goals. Whether you’re seeking a traditional MSN, a post-master’s certificate, or an online DNP pathway, Arkansas offers accessible options to launch your CNM career.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After completing an ACME-accredited CNM program, Arkansas RNs are eligible to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to earn national certification as a Certified Nurse-Midwife.
The AMCB’s national certification process includes a 175-question multiple-choice exam that covers:
- Antepartum and Intrapartum Care
- Gynecology and Postpartum Care
- Primary Care and Newborn Health
Applicants can prepare using the AMCB Candidate Handbook and register through PSI/AMP testing centers, with locations in Fayetteville and Little Rock.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Once nationally certified, candidates apply for APRN status through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). CNMs may apply:
- By Examination: For first-time applicants who recently completed training and passed the AMCB exam.
- By Endorsement: For CNMs licensed in another state.
Licensure applicants must submit proof of national certification, current RN license, and official transcripts. The ASBN also offers a six-month temporary permit for applicants waiting on final certification results.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Arkansas and Maintain Credentials
Newly licensed CNMs in Arkansas find employment in hospitals, birth centers, and private women’s health clinics. Many also establish their practices or work collaboratively in OB-GYN or WHNP teams. Sample practice settings include:
- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary – Little Rock
- Creekside Center for Women – Springdale
- Center for Women’s Health – Fort Smith
- Willow Creek Women’s Hospital – Johnson
APRN licensure must be renewed every two years with the ASBN. CNMs must also maintain national certification through the AMCB’s Certificate Maintenance Program, which includes continuing education or re-examination.
“Becoming a nurse-midwife in Arkansas allowed me to finally practice the kind of compassionate, whole-person care I always believed in. The flexibility of an online CNM program and the support during my clinical placement made all the difference.” — Emily S., CNM in Little Rock
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Arkansas
The demand for certified nurse-midwives in Arkansas continues to rise in tandem with national growth trends. CNMs here can expect competitive salaries that increase with experience and advanced certifications.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for nurse-midwives in Arkansas was $108,810 as of 2023. Entry-level CNMs typically earn around $69,000, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $158,000.
Arkansas hospitals and health systems are actively recruiting Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) to expand access to maternal and reproductive healthcare, particularly in underserved regions of the state.
Job Outlook: According to Projections Central, the job outlook for nurse-midwives nationwide is expected to grow by over 40% through 2032. In Arkansas, the outlook is similarly strong, particularly in rural communities and cities with limited access to OB-GYN services.
Top Cities Hiring CNMs in Arkansas:
- Little Rock
- Fort Smith
- Fayetteville
- Springdale
- Jonesboro
Advanced-practice RNs with CNM certification often receive additional stipends, relocation assistance, and signing bonuses, especially when entering full-scope midwifery practice in medically underserved areas.
| Experience Level | Estimated CNM Salary in Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level CNM | $69,000 – $82,000 |
| Mid-Career CNM | $95,000 – $115,000 |
| Experienced CNM (Top 10%) | $140,000 – $158,000+ |
(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.)
FAQs About Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Arkansas
How long does it take to become a CNM in Arkansas?
It typically takes 6–8 years total—4 years for a BSN and 2–4 additional years for a nurse-midwifery program, depending on the pathway.
Are there any CNM programs based in Arkansas?
Although Arkansas does not currently have an in-state CNM program, many registered nurses (RN) enroll in accredited online CNM programs that offer clinical placements in local hospitals.
Can I become both a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)?
Yes! Many graduate programs offer dual certification. Learn more about CNM/WHNP dual-focus nurse-midwife programs.
Do Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in Arkansas have prescriptive authority?
Yes. CNMs licensed as APRNs in Arkansas have prescriptive authority under collaborative agreements with physicians.
Is midwifery in demand in Arkansas?
Absolutely. With a limited number of CNMs in rural and underserved areas, demand for midwifery services is growing rapidly.