Last Updated: January 2026 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Florida has become one of the most promising states for registered nurses pursuing advanced practice careers in midwifery. With more than 10% of births in Florida now attended by midwives—and that number steadily rising—the demand for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) is stronger than ever. Following the 2023 expansion of autonomous practice authority, Florida CNMs now have unprecedented opportunities for independent practice. RNs looking to leap into nurse-midwifery education will find numerous ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs available to Florida residents, along with clearly defined licensure steps through the Florida Board of Nursing. Whether you’re seeking a flexible online master’s degree in nurse-midwifery, preparing for the AMCB certification exam, or evaluating job prospects across Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a nurse midwife in Florida.
Overview: Why Become a Nurse-Midwife in Florida?
Florida is a leader in certified nurse-midwifery education and practice. The state’s 2023 legislative expansion of autonomous practice authority removed traditional physician supervision requirements for experienced CNMs, positioning Florida as an increasingly attractive destination for midwifery practice. With 860 certified nurse-midwives currently employed statewide and projected job growth of 25.9% through 2034, Florida offers robust career opportunities combined with online CNM program accessibility and competitive compensation.
Dual Certification Opportunities: CNM + WHNP
Many nurse-midwifery programs offer a dual track with Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) certification. This dual certification increases versatility and long-term career value in clinical and outpatient settings, allowing CNMs to provide broader gynecologic and primary care services beyond traditional midwifery practice.
Credentialing and Regulatory Resources
- American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
- Florida Board of Nursing
- American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
- National Certification Corporation (NCC)
How Florida Compares to Other States
Florida’s 2023 autonomous practice legislation (HB 1067) significantly improved the regulatory environment for experienced CNMs by eliminating hospital transfer agreements and physician referral requirements. While full-practice states like New Mexico offer complete independence from the start, Florida’s autonomous pathway—available to CNMs with 3,000 supervised practice hours—now provides substantial practice independence. Florida offers strong salary potential (mean $105,650), online program accessibility, and the fifth-highest CNM employment nationally, with 860 positions.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Higher Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
To qualify as a certified nurse-midwife in Florida, you must complete a master’s or higher degree from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program. Florida has no in-state ACME-accredited programs, making distance and hybrid options the primary educational pathway for residents.
ACME-Accredited Programs Available to Florida Residents (2025 Update)
All major programs serving Florida residents maintain current accreditation with recent renewals:
| School | Program Type | Delivery | Accreditation Status | Florida Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | MSN – CNM/WHNP Dual | Online + 3 Campus Intensives | Accredited through July 2033 | ✅ |
| Frontier Nursing University | MSN or Post-Master’s CNM | 100% Online + Local Clinicals | Renewed Feb 2025 through 2035 | ✅ |
| Thomas Jefferson University | MSN – CNM | Online + FL Preceptors | Renewed July 2025 through 2035 | ✅ |
| Shenandoah University | MSN – CNM | Fully Distance | Accredited through July 2035 | ✅ |
| Vanderbilt University | MSN – CNM | Hybrid Format | Accredited through July 2031 | ✅ |
Important: A certified CNM/CM must supervise clinical training; over 50% of your clinical hours must be under CNM/CM supervision. All programs listed maintain current ACME “Continued Accreditation” status, the highest designation available. Frontier Nursing University and Thomas Jefferson University both received fresh 10-year accreditation renewals in 2025, confirming their continued excellence in nurse-midwifery education.
Step 2: Take the National Certification Exam in Nurse-Midwifery
Florida CNMs must pass the national certification exam through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This comprehensive examination tests clinical knowledge, professional standards, and evidence-based practice across all aspects of midwifery care. Successful completion demonstrates competency to provide safe, high-quality care throughout the reproductive lifespan.
Step 3: Apply for ARNP Licensure in Florida
Florida recognizes two distinct APRN pathways that dramatically impact practice autonomy and requirements.
Florida’s Dual Licensure Pathways (Updated 2023)
Supervisory APRN (Traditional Pathway)
The supervisory pathway requires an active Florida RN license, national certification as a CNM, and a collaborative practice protocol with a supervising physician. This pathway is appropriate for new graduates or those not meeting autonomous requirements.
Autonomous APRN (Independent Pathway)
Florida’s 2023 legislative expansion (HB 1067) significantly improved autonomous practice by eliminating hospital transfer agreements and physician referral requirements previously mandated for out-of-hospital intrapartum care. CNMs providing out-of-hospital births now need only maintain a written emergency transfer policy and an Emergency Plan-of-Care Form signed by patients.
Autonomous APRN Requirements:
- Active, unencumbered Florida APRN license
- 3,000 clinical practice hours under physician supervision within the past five years
- Graduate-level coursework in differential diagnosis (3 semester hours or 45 CE credits) within the past five years
- Graduate-level coursework in pharmacology (3 semester hours or 45 CE credits) within the past five years
- No disciplinary actions within five years
- An additional 10 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle
Registration for autonomous practice carries no fee and dramatically expands practice flexibility. Learn more on the Florida Board of Nursing autonomous practice page.
Before applying for either pathway, CNMs must also provide proof of malpractice insurance or submit a financial responsibility form (see the form).
Step 4: Prescriptive Authority and Practice Guidelines
Enhanced Prescriptive Authority (2023 Update)
Florida CNMs with prescriptive authority can prescribe controlled substances (Schedule II-V) with a DEA registration. Schedule II prescriptions are limited to 7-day supplies, but this represents a significant expansion from previous restrictions. CNMs can also prescribe non-controlled medications, order diagnostic tests, and perform minor procedures within their scope of practice.
Autonomous CNMs practice with substantially greater independence, managing women’s reproductive health services without required physician oversight for routine care. They maintain full prescriptive authority and can independently manage low-risk pregnancies, births, and gynecologic care.
Step 5: Explore Career Opportunities and Maintain Credentials
Once licensed, certified nurse-midwives in Florida can explore various career paths in clinical and non-clinical settings. While many CNMs work in hospital labor and delivery units, birthing centers, and OB/GYN practices, others pursue roles in education, advocacy, research, or public health.
Major Healthcare Systems Hiring CNMs
Florida’s healthcare expansion creates exceptional opportunities for new graduates and experienced practitioners:
AdventHealth represents the most aggressive CNM expansion in Florida, with active recruitment across Orlando, Brandon, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Wesley Chapel, Winter Park, Celebration, and Altamonte Springs. The system launched an OB/GYN residency program in 2023 specifically to address workforce shortages and is investing $750+ million in facility expansions, including a 14-story tower opening in 2030.
Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital, ranked the #1 dedicated women’s hospital nationally, actively recruits CNM hospitalists for its 350-bed facility with 142 NICU beds. Positions offer 14 clinical shifts monthly with no on-call requirements.
HCA Florida Healthcare operates 50+ hospitals statewide, integrating CNMs into women’s care practices throughout Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and South Florida. Baptist Health, Tampa General Hospital/USF Health, Jackson Health System, Memorial Healthcare System, UF Health, and Lee Health all maintain active CNM recruitment.
Community-Based Opportunities:
Birth centers like Magnolia Birth House (South Florida) recruit CNMs for combined birth center, home birth, and hospital-privilege models. Tampa Family Health Centers, Evara Health (Pinellas County), and Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida offer FQHC opportunities serving underserved populations.
Standard CNM Job Titles in Florida:
- Certified Nurse-Midwife – Labor & Delivery Unit
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (with dual WHNP certification)
- Midwifery Faculty or Clinical Educator
- Public Health Midwife or Program Coordinator
- Perinatal Case Manager or Maternal Health Advocate
- Director of Midwifery Services
- Clinical Practice Manager
Certification Maintenance:
CNMs must recertify through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) every five years. They can renew by completing three continuing education modules and 20 CE hours or by retaking the certification exam.
Many CNMs also expand their scope by earning WHNP certification, enabling them to practice in broader settings, including gynecologic and primary care beyond traditional midwifery.
Step 6: CNM Salary and Job Outlook in Florida
Certified Nurse-Midwife Salary Data for Florida
According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, certified nurse-midwives in Florida demonstrate strong earning potential with excellent job growth projections:
Statewide Florida CNM Salary Statistics:
| Salary Metric | Annual Amount | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Wage | $105,650 | $50.79 |
| Median Wage | $115,440 | $55.50 |
| Entry Level (25th percentile) | $64,290 | $30.91 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $130,010 | $62.50 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $141,010 | $67.79 |
Metropolitan Area Salary Comparison:
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Mean Annual Salary | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 310 | $130,910 | $194,150 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 70 | $78,210 | $114,420 |
Employment Context and Market Analysis:
| Employment Metric | Florida Statistics | National Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total CNM Employment | 860 | Top 5 State |
| Employment per 1,000 jobs | 0.088 | Above Average |
| Location Quotient | 1.6 | 60% Higher Concentration |
| Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) | 25.9% | Much Faster Than Average |
Florida employs 860 certified nurse-midwives statewide as of May 2024, ranking fifth nationally for total CNM employment. The location quotient of 1.6 indicates a 60% higher concentration of CNM positions compared to the national average, reflecting robust market demand and exceptional career opportunities.
The projected job growth rate of 25.9% through 2034 significantly exceeds the national average, driven by Florida’s rapidly expanding population, healthcare system growth, and increasing recognition of midwifery care benefits. Workforce analyses indicate Florida faces a CNM adequacy gap—with current supply meeting only approximately 16.5% of projected demand. The state will need approximately 470 additional CNMs by 2030 to address workforce shortages.
Career Progression and Salary Advancement:
The substantial salary range—from $64,290 at the 25th percentile to $141,010 at the 90th percentile—reflects significant opportunities for career advancement. CNMs can enhance their earning potential through:
- Specialization in high-acuity obstetric care
- Leadership positions in healthcare systems
- Dual certification as Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners
- Autonomous practice registration for independent practice
- Advanced practice in metropolitan areas like Miami-Fort Lauderdale ($130,910 mean salary)
The certified nurse-midwife salary trajectory in Florida shows strong growth potential, with demand projected to increase substantially through 2034 due to expanding recognition of midwifery care benefits, growing birth volumes in major metropolitan areas, and significant healthcare workforce shortages across the state.
For additional Southeast options, consider Georgia nurse-midwife programs, North Carolina midwifery schools, or Alabama CNM education pathways.
Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024. Job growth projections provided by Projections Central, a resource funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Figures represent state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a CNM in Florida with an associate’s degree?
Yes. RN-to-MSN bridge programs offer a path for ADN-prepared nurses to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a seamless program, qualifying for CNM certification.
Are online CNM programs available to Florida residents?
Yes. Several ACME-accredited schools offer online programs with Florida clinical placement support. Frontier Nursing University, Thomas Jefferson University, Georgetown University, and Shenandoah University all accept Florida residents and recently received accreditation renewals through 2033-2035.
Can CNMs in Florida prescribe medications?
Yes. Florida CNMs with prescriptive authority and DEA registration can prescribe controlled substances (Schedule II-V), with Schedule II prescriptions limited to 7-day supplies. They can also prescribe all non-controlled medications.
What’s the difference between supervisory and autonomous APRN licensure?
Supervisory APRNs require physician collaboration protocols. Autonomous APRNs—those with 3,000 supervised practice hours and additional coursework—may practice independently without physician supervision following Florida’s 2023 legislative expansion.
How long does it take to become a CNM in Florida?
Most MSN nurse-midwifery programs require 18-36 months of full-time study. RN-to-MSN bridge programs for nurses with associate’s degrees typically take 2-3 years.
What is the job outlook for CNMs in Florida?
Excellent. Florida’s CNM job growth is projected at 25.9% through 2034—significantly exceeding the national average—with 860 current positions and approximately 470 additional CNMs needed by 2030.