Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Learning how to become a nurse midwife in Connecticut offers one of the most comprehensive pathways to CNM certification in the United States, with diverse CNM degree programs, streamlined licensure processes, and independent practice authority. Connecticut’s certified nurse-midwives earn competitive salaries averaging $106,280 annually while enjoying full prescriptive authority and autonomous practice. The state recognizes nurse-midwives as a distinct professional category separate from other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), reflecting Connecticut’s commitment to comprehensive women’s healthcare and advanced midwifery education.
Whether you’re exploring online CNM programs or traditional campus-based options, Connecticut provides multiple pathways to earn your nurse midwifery degree. According to the Connecticut Childbirth and Women’s Center, CNM-attended births increased by nearly 1,000% between 1975 and 1994, demonstrating growing demand for qualified certified nurse midwives. The journey to CNM licensure in Connecticut requires a systematic progression through accredited master’s degree programs, national certification, and state licensure, which typically spans 2-4 years beyond initial RN licensure.
“Pursuing my CNM degree in Connecticut was the best decision I made for my nursing career. The state’s support for independent practice and the comprehensive education requirements really prepared me to provide excellent care to women throughout their lives. I now work at a birthing center in Hartford and absolutely love helping families during this special time.” – Janice T., Connecticut CNM Graduate, Class of 2023
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Connecticut
Connecticut’s Department of Public Health oversees CNM licensure requirements and maintains high standards for nurse midwifery education and practice. The Department recognizes nurse-midwives as a professional class separate from women’s health nurse practitioners and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
Connecticut RNs interested in pursuing CNM licensure and earning their nurse midwifery degree must complete these essential steps:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery from Accredited CNM Programs
Connecticut CNM licensure requirements mandate that all nurse-midwives hold national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) before being licensed in the state. To be eligible for AMCB certification, RNs must earn a master’s or higher degree in nurse-midwifery from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Connecticut CNM Degree Programs: Online and Campus-Based Options
Connecticut offers several pathways to earn your CNM degree, including traditional campus-based programs and flexible online CNM programs designed for working nurses. Whether you’re seeking a master’s in nurse midwifery in Connecticut or exploring online CNM degree programs from accredited institutions, students have multiple options to fit their educational and career goals.
Connecticut is home to one campus-based ACME-accredited graduate program in nurse-midwifery located in Orange. In-state RNs may also choose from several ACME-accredited online CNM programs designed to accommodate busy schedules while maintaining the highest educational standards for nurse midwifery degree completion.
Connecticut nursing students can also explore master’s in nurse midwifery programs to understand the different degree pathways available nationwide.
Connecticut CNM Program Types and Duration
| CNM Degree Program Type | Duration | Clinical Hours | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional MSN in Nurse-Midwifery | 2-3 years | 1,000+ hours | RNs with BSN degrees seeking CNM licensure |
| RN-to-MSN CNM Bridge Program | 3-4 years | 1,000+ hours | RNs with associate degrees pursuing a CNM degree |
| Post-Master’s CNM Certificate | 1-2 years | 1,000+ hours | NPs seeking CNM specialization and licensure |
| DNP in Nurse-Midwifery | 3-4 years | 1,000+ hours | RNs seeking a doctoral-level CNM degree |
| Dual-Focus NM/WHNP Programs | 2.5-3.5 years | 1,200+ hours | RNs seeking dual CNM and WHNP certification |
Online vs Campus CNM Degree Programs in Connecticut
Students choosing between online CNM programs and traditional campus-based options should consider:
| Program Format | Advantages | Clinical Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Online CNM Programs | Flexibility for working nurses, self-paced learning, and lower cost | Arranged locally in Connecticut healthcare facilities |
| Campus-Based CNM Programs | Face-to-face instruction, immediate faculty support, and on-site resources | Integrated with campus-affiliated clinical sites |
CNM Program Admission Requirements
Connecticut CNM degree programs and online nurse midwifery programs typically require:
- Current Connecticut RN license or eligibility for licensure
- BSN degree from an accredited nursing program (or prerequisite coursework completion)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Current curriculum vitae showcasing nursing experience
- GRE General Test scores (requirements vary by CNM program)
- Personal statement explaining interest in a nurse midwifery degree
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- One year of clinical nursing experience (strongly preferred)
- Background checks and health clearances
CNM Degree Program Curriculum and Clinical Training
All ACME-accredited CNM programs, whether online or campus-based, must meet rigorous standards for nurse midwifery education. The curriculum is divided into two integrated components:
Didactic Education for CNM Degree (40-60 semester credits)
The classroom portion of CNM programs includes essential topics such as:
- Advanced health assessment and physical examination techniques
- Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology for women’s health
- Theoretical foundations of midwifery care and practice
- Women’s reproductive, sexual, and gynecologic health
- Comprehensive antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Legal and ethical issues in maternal and women’s healthcare
- High-risk pregnancies, complications, and emergency management
- Research methods and evidence-based practice in midwifery
- 30 hours of specialized pharmacology for nurse midwives (Connecticut CNM licensure requirement)
- Cultural competency and diversity in women’s healthcare
Clinical Education for CNM Degree Programs (1,000+ hours)
Clinical rotations provide essential hands-on experience in various Connecticut healthcare settings, including:
- Middlesex Hospital in Middletown – Labor and Delivery
- Greenwich Hospital – Family Birth Center
- Danbury Hospital – Maternal Services
- Hartford Hospital – Childbirth Center
- Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury – Women and Infants’ Center
- Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital – Perinatal Services
- Saint Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport – Birthing Center
- Backus Hospital in Norwich – Women’s Health Services
- Private practice CNM clinics throughout Connecticut
- Community health centers offering women’s services
Many Connecticut nursing students pursue dual-focus Nurse Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) programs, allowing graduates to earn both CNM and WHNP certifications. Connecticut’s accredited nurse-midwifery programs, including both online CNM programs and campus-based options, offer flexible pathways for students to pursue MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees, depending on their career goals and educational background.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National CNM Certification Examination
Connecticut CNM licensure mandates that all nurse-midwives earn certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Students completing dual-focus programs would additionally earn certification through the National Certification Corporation for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner credentials:
| Certification Type | Sponsoring Organization | Credential Earned | Connecticut Testing Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNM Certification | American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) | CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife) | H&R Block Testing Center, Southington |
| Women’s Health NP | National Certification Corporation (NCC) | WHNP-BC | H&R Block Testing Center, Southington |
CNM National Certification Examination Details
Candidates must apply to take examinations and receive approval before scheduling through one of the PSI testing centers. PSI administers the AMCB certification examinations at multiple locations throughout Connecticut and nationwide, with over 300 testing centers across the United States providing convenient access for candidates.
- Format: Computer-based examination
- Questions: 175 multiple-choice questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours
- Testing Center: H&R Block, 768 Queen Street, Southington, CT 06489
- Registration: Through AMCB following CNM degree completion
CNM Certification Examination Content Areas
| Content Area | Percentage of Exam | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 19-26% | Prenatal care, risk assessment, nutrition |
| Intrapartum Care | 17-26% | Labor management, delivery techniques |
| Postpartum Care | 15-18% | Recovery, breastfeeding, and family planning |
| Gynecology | 15-18% | Well-woman care, contraception |
| Women’s Health and Primary Care | 8-16% | Health promotion, disease prevention |
| Newborn Care | 7-16% | Initial assessment, screening, and health maintenance |
Step 3. Apply for Connecticut CNM Licensure through the Department of Public Health
After obtaining national CNM certification, graduates from accredited nurse midwifery degree programs are ready to apply for Connecticut CNM licensure with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Connecticut CNM Licensure Requirements and Application Process
Connecticut General Statutes Section 20- 86c establishes the legal framework for CNM licensure in the state. The Connecticut CNM licensure application must include:
- Completed Connecticut Nurse-Midwife License Application
- Official verification of current AMCB certification
- Verification of 30-hour pharmacology requirement completion from the CNM degree program
- Official transcripts from accredited nurse midwifery education programs
- Verification of all RN licenses held (current or expired)
- Connecticut CNM licensure application fee of $100
- Background check and any required additional documentation
Connecticut CNM Licensure Fees and Processing Timeline
| Connecticut CNM Licensure Fee Type | Amount | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Initial CNM Licensure Application | $100 | 3-4 weeks for complete applications |
| Annual CNM License Renewal | $130 | Due annually |
| CNM License Reinstatement | $100 | If the license lapses |
| NCLEX-RN Registration (for initial RN licensure) | $200 | For initial RN licensure, the prerequisite |
Connecticut CNM Scope of Practice and Professional Authority
Connecticut CNM licensure provides comprehensive practice authority, including:
- Independent Practice Authority: No required physician supervision after initial collaborative period
- Full Prescriptive Authority: Authority to prescribe medications and controlled substances
- Hospital Privileges: Can admit, manage, and discharge patients in Connecticut hospitals
- Birth Certificate Authority: Legal authority to sign birth certificates for attended births
- Death Determinations: Authority to make death determinations under specific circumstances
- Collaborative Relationships: Must maintain clinical relationships with obstetrician-gynecologists for consultation
Step 4. Explore Connecticut CNM Career Options and Maintain Professional Credentials
Connecticut offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for licensed Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) across hospitals, birthing centers, women’s health clinics, and private practices throughout the state. The state’s recognition of independent practice authority enables CNMs to establish autonomous practices or work collaboratively within healthcare systems.
Connecticut CNM Continuing Education Requirements
Connecticut requires APRNs, including nurse-midwives, to complete comprehensive continuing education to maintain CNM licensure:
| Connecticut CNM Education Category | Required Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Total Continuing Education for CNM Licensure | 50 hours | Every 2 years |
| Pharmacotherapeutics | 5 hours | Every 2 years |
| Infectious Diseases (AIDS/HIV) | 1 hour | Every 2 years |
| Risk Management | 1 hour | Every 2 years |
| Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence | 1 hour each | Every 2 years |
| Mental Health/PTSD/Suicide Prevention | 2 hours | Every 6 years |
| Veterans’ Mental Health Conditions | 2 hours | Every 6 years |
Major Connecticut Employers for CNMs
Connecticut CNMs work in diverse healthcare settings, including:
- Connecticut Childbirth and Women’s Center in Danbury
- The Center for Women’s Health in Stamford
- Strong Women’s Health in New Haven and Guilford
- Pregnancy and Birthing Center at Middlesex Hospital
- Family Birth Center at Danbury Hospital
- Women and Infants’ Center at Saint Mary’s Hospital
- Hartford Hospital Childbirth Center
- Saint Vincent’s Medical Center Family Birthing Center
- Yale-New Haven Health System
- Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
- Nuvance Health Women’s Services
- Independent CNM practices throughout Connecticut
Connecticut CNM Salary Information and Job Market Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that certified nurse-midwives in Connecticut earned an average salary of $106,280 as of 2019, placing Connecticut among the higher-paying states for CNMs nationally. This competitive compensation reflects the state’s recognition of CNMs as highly skilled healthcare professionals and the value placed on comprehensive women’s healthcare services.
Connecticut CNM Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level CNMs | 25th percentile | $94,620 | $45.49 |
| Average Connecticut CNM Salary | 50th percentile | $106,280 | $51.10 |
| Experienced CNMs | 90th percentile | $127,580 | $61.34 |
Connecticut CNM Job Market and Employment Outlook
The Connecticut Department of Labor has designated certified nurse-midwives as a high-demand occupation, indicating projected job growth much faster than average. This positive outlook creates excellent opportunities for graduates of CNM degree programs seeking employment in Connecticut.
Key Market Factors:
- CNMs represented only 0.34% of all nurses in Connecticut, indicating significant growth potential
- Increasing consumer demand for midwifery services and natural birth options
- Growing recognition of CNM cost-effectiveness in healthcare delivery
- Expansion of CNM services beyond traditional birthing to comprehensive women’s health
Geographic Healthcare Opportunities for Connecticut CNMs
Connecticut faces geographic disparities in obstetric care availability, creating opportunities for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) to fill critical healthcare gaps. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Tolland and Windham Counties have exceptionally low numbers of OB/GYN physicians (fewer than 2.0 per 10,000 women), significantly below the national average.
These underserved areas present excellent opportunities for CNMs to:
- Establish independent practices in underserved communities
- Provide essential women’s healthcare services where specialists are limited
- Improve healthcare access for rural and underserved populations
- Develop innovative care delivery models utilizing telehealth and community partnerships
(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 Connecticut CNM Programs and Licensure
How long does it take to complete CNM degree programs in Connecticut?
Connecticut CNM degree programs typically require 2-4 years of additional education beyond initial RN licensure. Traditional MSN programs require 2-3 years, while RN-to-MSN bridge programs take 3-4 years. Online CNM programs offer similar timeframes with added flexibility for working nurses.
Can I complete a CNM degree through online programs while living in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut residents can enroll in ACME-accredited online Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) programs. Clinical placements are arranged locally through partnerships with Connecticut healthcare facilities, allowing students to complete hands-on training close to home.
What are the Connecticut CNM licensure requirements after completing my degree?
Connecticut CNM licensure requires AMCB certification, completion of 30 hours of pharmacology education, current RN licensure eligibility, and submission of a completed application with supporting documentation to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Does Connecticut require physician supervision for licensed CNMs?
No, Connecticut grants CNMs independent practice authority without requiring physician supervision. However, CNMs must maintain clinical relationships with obstetrician-gynecologists for consultation and referral purposes.
What’s the difference between CNM programs and women’s health nurse practitioner programs?
CNM degree programs focus specifically on pregnancy, birth, and comprehensive women’s health across the lifespan, while women’s health NP programs concentrate primarily on gynecologic and reproductive health. Many schools offer dual-focus programs leading to both certifications.
Are there specific CNM programs located in Connecticut?
Connecticut has one campus-based ACME-accredited CNM program located in Orange. Additionally, several nationally accredited online CNM programs offer local clinical placement arrangements for Connecticut students.
What continuing education is required to maintain Connecticut CNM licensure?
Connecticut requires CNMs to complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years, including specific requirements for pharmacotherapeutics (5 hours), infectious diseases, risk management, and mental health topics.
Can I pursue a DNP in nurse-midwifery instead of an MSN?
Yes, some institutions offer DNP programs in nurse-midwifery. These doctoral-level CNM degree programs typically take 3-4 years and provide advanced clinical training and leadership preparation while meeting Connecticut CNM licensure requirements.