Last Updated: June 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
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher 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.
Although Arkansas does not currently host in-state CNM programs, many RNs enroll in accredited online CNM programs offered by universities in nearby states like Texas or Tennessee, or nationally recognized institutions. These programs arrange clinical placements at Arkansas facilities such as Baptist Health Medical Center (Little Rock) or Washington Regional (Fayetteville).
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 |
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Nurse-midwifery programs require 40-60 semester credits and over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training. Core coursework includes:
- Antepartum and intrapartum care
- Postpartum and newborn care
- Gynecology and women’s primary care
- Advanced pharmacology
- Evidence-based practice and research methods
Clinical rotations are completed at sites like:
- Baptist Health Medical Center – Little Rock
- Washington Regional Medical Center – Fayetteville
- Saline Memorial Health System – Benton
- Mercy Hospital – Fort Smith
Dual-Focus Programs
Some programs offer dual specializations, allowing students to pursue CNM and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) credentials simultaneously. Learn more about dual-focus CNM/WHNP programs.
Admission Requirements
Typical admission requirements include:
- Valid Arkansas RN license
- Bachelor’s degree (BSN preferred)
- Minimum GPA (usually 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Clinical experience in women’s health (preferred)
Step 2: Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After graduating from an ACME-accredited CNM program, candidates must pass the National Certification Examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
The exam includes 175 multiple-choice questions covering:
- Antepartum care (19-26%)
- Intrapartum care (17-26%)
- Postpartum care (15-18%)
- Newborn care (7-16%)
- Women’s health and primary care (8-16%)
- Gynecology (15-18%)
Testing centers are available in cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith via PSI Exams. Candidates can prepare using the AMCB Candidate Handbook.
Graduates of dual-focus CNM/WHNP programs may also take the NCC WHNP-BC exam for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner certification.
Step 3: Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Once nationally certified, candidates apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure 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.
Requirements include:
- Completed application
- Proof of AMCB certification
- Official transcripts
- Valid Arkansas RN license
- Application fee (approximately $125)
- Collaborative practice agreement with a physician for prescriptive authority
The ASBN offers a six-month temporary permit for applicants awaiting final certification results. License status can be verified via the ASBN License Lookup Portal.
Step 4: Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Arkansas and Maintain Credentials
Newly licensed CNMs in Arkansas find employment in hospitals, birth centers, private women’s health clinics, or establish independent practices. Many work collaboratively with OB-GYNs or WHNPs. 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
- NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital – Jonesboro
Credential Maintenance
- APRN License Renewal: Renew biennially through ASBN ($65 fee), requires 15 hours of continuing education, including 5 in pharmacotherapeutics for prescriptive authority.
- AMCB Certification: Renew every 5 years via the AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program (3 modules and 20 CE hours or re-examination).
- WHNP Certification (if applicable): Renew every 3 years through the NCC with 45 CE hours.
Professional organizations like the Arkansas Nurses Association provide networking and CE opportunities.
“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
Step 5: Understand Salary Expectations for CNMs in Arkansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2024, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in Arkansas earn a mean annual wage of $110,890, with an hourly mean wage of $53.31. These figures are slightly below the national median annual wage for nurse-midwives of $129,490 in 2023 but reflect a competitive salary given Arkansas’s lower cost of living.
Arkansas CNM Salary Percentiles (May 2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,250 | $35.70 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,670 | $44.55 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $108,340 | $52.09 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,820 | $60.97 |
| 90th Percentile | $141,910 | $68.23 |
Top Cities Hiring CNMs in Arkansas
- Little Rock
- Fort Smith
- Fayetteville
- Springdale
- Jonesboro
Factors influencing CNM salaries in Arkansas include:
- Practice setting (hospital vs. birthing center vs. clinic)
- Geographic location (urban Little Rock vs. rural areas)
- Years of experience and additional certifications
- Patient volume and delivery load
- Additional roles (education, administration)
Job Growth and Market Demand
According to Projections Central, nurse-midwife employment nationwide is projected to grow by 40.1% from 2020 to 2030. In Arkansas, demand is particularly strong in rural and underserved areas, where CNMs help address shortages of OB-GYN services.
Arkansas hospitals and health systems offer incentives like stipends, relocation assistance, and signing bonuses to attract CNMs, especially in medically underserved regions.
(Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024. 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. Data accessed June 2025.)
Step 6: Explore Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNM in Arkansas
How long does it take to become a CNM in Arkansas?
Typically, 6-8 years: 4 years for a BSN (or RN plus bridge program) and 2-4 years for an MSN or DNP in nurse-midwifery, depending on the pathway.
Are there any CNM programs based in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not currently have in-state CNM programs, but RNs can enroll in ACME-accredited online programs with clinical placements at local facilities like Baptist Health or Mercy Hospital.
Can I become both a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)?
Yes, many graduate programs offer dual CNM/WHNP certification, expanding your scope to include gynecology and primary care. Learn more about CNM/WHNP dual-focus programs.
Do Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in Arkansas have prescriptive authority?
Yes, CNMs licensed as APRNs in Arkansas have prescriptive authority under a collaborative agreement with a physician, allowing them to prescribe medications within their scope.
Is midwifery in demand in Arkansas?
Yes, demand is high, especially in rural and underserved areas, where CNMs help address maternal healthcare shortages. Job growth is projected at over 40% nationally through 2030.
Where do CNMs typically work in Arkansas?
CNMs work in hospitals (e.g., CHI St. Vincent, Willow Creek), birthing centers, private OB/GYN clinics, or independent practices, often in cities like Little Rock or Fayetteville.
Are midwifery services covered by Medicaid in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas Medicaid covers midwifery services, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, for eligible patients, improving access to care.
Can CNMs in Arkansas attend home births?
Yes, CNMs can attend home births as part of their scope of practice, provided they are licensed and follow state regulations, though many also work in hospitals or clinics.
Explore More Resources
To explore additional educational opportunities or learn more about nurse-midwife education options, check out the following:
- Dual-Focus Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health NP Programs
- ACME-Accredited Nurse-Midwife Programs
- Master’s in Nurse-Midwifery Programs
- MidwifeSchooling.com – Home