Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
This comprehensive guide outlines the specific steps to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Kentucky, from educational requirements and clinical training to certification and licensure. As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specializing in women’s health, a Kentucky nurse-midwife provides personalized care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health journeys.
According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s 2024 data, approximately 12–15% of births in Kentucky are now attended by midwives, showing a steady increase from previous years. This growing demand creates excellent career opportunities for registered nurses looking to advance their practice into midwifery.
My journey to becoming a certified nurse-midwife in Kentucky transformed not only my career but my entire approach to women’s healthcare. Though the educational path was challenging, the opportunity to provide personalized, evidence-based care to women throughout their lives has been incredibly rewarding. The combination of nursing knowledge and midwifery philosophy creates a unique practice model that’s increasingly valued by Kentucky families.
Steps to Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Kentucky
If you’re a registered nurse in Kentucky interested in becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife, you’ll need to complete the following steps as required by the Kentucky Board of Nursing:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
Aspiring nurse-midwives must complete a master’s or higher degree in nurse-midwifery through a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), the sole accrediting agency for nurse-midwifery programs in the U.S.
Nurse-Midwifery Program Options
RNs in Kentucky can choose from various ACME-accredited program types based on their educational background:
| 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 |
Program Features and Curriculum
Master’s degrees in nurse-midwifery include both didactic coursework and intensive clinical training. The clinical practicum occurs in various community settings, where students work alongside experienced certified nurse-midwives in real-world healthcare environments.
Online programs often establish partnerships with healthcare institutions throughout the U.S., enabling students to complete their clinical requirements close to home. Clinical practicum hours typically range from 600–1,000 hours, with rotations across diverse settings such as hospitals, OB/GYN practices, women’s health clinics, and birthing centers.
Notable clinical sites in Kentucky include:
- The Women’s Hospital at St. Joseph East, Lexington
- Baptist Health Lexington, Women’s Health, Lexington
- Norton Women’s Care, Louisville
- Clark Regional Medical Center, Center for Women & Babies, Winchester
- University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington
- Baptist Health Women’s Care, Louisville
Foundation courses typically include:
- Principles of health promotion
- Epidemiology and biostatistics
- Evidence-based practice
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Advanced health assessment
- Advanced pharmacology
Core midwifery coursework encompasses:
- Primary care of women
- Midwifery care during pregnancy
- Midwifery care during labor and birth
- Midwifery care during postpartum
- Women’s health across the lifespan
- Newborn care and assessment
Unique Program Features
Additional program options available through ACME-accredited institutions include:
- Dual Specialization: Many institutions offer master’s degree programs with dual nursing specializations. A popular option is the nurse-midwife/women’s health nurse practitioner program, allowing dual APRN recognition.
- Part-Time Format: Part-time programs extend completion to ~3 years versus 2 years full-time.
- Online Formats: Due to limited in-state programs, online coursework allows students to complete academic requirements remotely with local clinical placements.
Admission Requirements
RNs in Kentucky without a BSN can pursue:
- RN-to-MSN Programs: Streamlined curriculum for RNs with associate’s degrees.
- Post-Graduate Certificates: For MSN-prepared RNs adding CNM certification.
Competitive admission requirements typically include:
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Prerequisite coursework (statistics, health assessment)
- Professional letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or admissions essay
- 1–2 years of RN clinical experience (preferred)
- Interview (for selected candidates)
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination
Graduates of ACME-accredited programs must pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Dual specialty graduates may also take the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) examination through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
The examination process involves:
- Applying to AMCB and receiving approval
- Scheduling at a Prometric testing center (e.g., Louisville, Lexington)
- Completing the 175-question, computer-based test in 4 hours
- Paying the $500 exam fee (2025 rate)
A passing score is approximately 75%. Dual certification requires a separate NCC application for the WHNP exam.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Graduate degree from an ACME-accredited program |
| RN License | Current, active U.S. RN license |
| Program Verification | Confirmation of degree completion and competency |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of required clinical experiences |
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure through the Kentucky Board of Nursing
After passing the CNM exam (and WHNP exam, if applicable), candidates apply for APRN licensure through the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Application Requirements
Applicants with a Kentucky RN license submit:
- APRN license application (specifying CNM, and WHNP if applicable)
- $165 APRN license fee
- Fingerprint card and criminal background check fee
- Kentucky criminal history report
- Official transcripts from the educational institution
- Proof of CNM certification (and WHNP, if applicable)
Processing takes 2–3 weeks for complete applications.
Prescriptive Authority Requirements
CNMs in Kentucky need collaborative agreements for prescribing:
| Agreement Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CAPA-NS | Prescribing non-scheduled drugs |
| CAPA-CS | Prescribing controlled substances (requires DEA registration) |
As of 2025, CNMs with 4 years of collaborative practice may qualify for expanded prescriptive authority, reducing physician oversight for non-controlled prescribing (Senate Bill 7, 2014).
Step 4. Now That You’re a Nurse-Midwife in Kentucky
License Maintenance and Renewal
Kentucky Board of Nursing Renewal:
- Annual RN and APRN renewal (September 15–October 31)
- Combined fee: $120 ($65 RN + $55 APRN)
- Maintain national certification (CNM/WHNP)
- Prescriptive authority: 5 pharmacology CE hours annually
- CAPA-CS: 1.5 CE hours on KASPER, pain management, or addiction
AMCB Certification Maintenance:
- Option 1: 3 AMCB modules + 20 CE hours per 5-year cycle
- Option 2: Retake CNM exam ($500 fee)
NCC (WHNP) Maintenance: Complete continuing competency assessment every 3 years with CE hours based on results.
Employment Opportunities
Kentucky CNMs work in:
- Lexington Women’s Health, Lexington
- Physicians for Women Center, Auxier
- Seven Hills Women’s Health Centers, Florence
- Norton Women’s Pavilion, Louisville
- OB/GYN & Women’s Health, Louisville
- Family Health Centers, Louisville
- Women First, Louisville
- Associates for Women’s Care, Lexington
- University of Louisville Hospital Women’s Center
- Kentucky Birth Coalition Centers (multiple locations)
Professional Resources
Valuable organizations include:
- Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse-Midwives
- Kentucky Home Birth Coalition
- Kentucky Nurses Association
- American College of Nurse-Midwives
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Kentucky
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024 data), certified nurse-midwives in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $115,820, with those in the 75th and 90th percentiles earning $132,450 and $161,780, respectively.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $95,130 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $100,450 |
| Mid-Career (50th percentile/median) | $115,820 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $132,450 |
| Highly Experienced (90th percentile) | $161,780 |
Nurse-midwife salaries in Kentucky highlight the value of their expertise in delivering personalized maternal and women’s healthcare, with strong earning potential in both urban and rural practice settings.
Metropolitan Area Salaries
Salary variations exist based on location:
| Metropolitan Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville-Jefferson County | $119,640 |
| Lexington-Fayette | $117,250 |
| Northern Kentucky-Cincinnati (KY portion) | $122,310 |
| Bowling Green | $112,780 |
| Rural Eastern Kentucky | $108,450 |
Job Outlook
The Kentucky Department for Labor and Statistics projects a 15.3% growth in CNM positions between 2022 and 2032, driven by:
- Increased recognition of midwifery’s role in maternal health outcomes
- Growing demand for less medicalized birthing options
- Physician shortages in rural Kentucky
- Legislative improvements in prescriptive authority (Senate Bill 7, 2014)
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. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed May 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Kentucky
What is the average salary for nurse midwives in Kentucky?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the average annual salary for nurse midwives in Kentucky is $115,820. Entry-level salaries start around $95,130, while highly experienced CNMs can earn up to $161,780, depending on location and practice setting.
How long does it take to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Kentucky?
The complete journey to becoming a CNM in Kentucky typically takes 6–8 years: 4 years for a BSN degree, 1 year of recommended clinical experience as an RN, 2–3 years for a graduate degree in nurse-midwifery, and several months for certification and licensure processes. Accelerated or part-time options may shorten or extend this timeline.
Are there any ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs physically located in Kentucky?
Frontier Nursing University, based in Versailles, Kentucky, offers ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs primarily through distance learning, with clinical placements throughout Kentucky. No other in-state physical campuses offer ACME-accredited programs, but many online programs provide Kentucky-based clinical opportunities.
What is the average salary for a new CNM in Kentucky compared to experienced midwives?
Entry-level nurse-midwives in Kentucky typically earn around $95,000–$100,000 annually, while those with 5–10 years of experience average $115,000–$125,000. The most experienced CNMs (15+ years) or those in leadership positions can earn $135,000–$165,000, especially in metropolitan areas or specialized practice settings.
Can I practice independently as a CNM in Kentucky?
Kentucky law requires nurse-midwives to establish collaborative agreements with physicians for prescriptive authority. However, 2014’s Senate Bill 7 allows CNMs with four years of collaborative practice experience to qualify for reduced physician oversight when prescribing non-controlled medications, providing expanded autonomy, especially in rural areas.
What is the job outlook for CNMs in Kentucky over the next decade?
The Kentucky Department for Labor and Statistics projects 15.3% growth in CNM positions through 2032, with robust demand in rural and medically underserved areas, driven by consumer interest in midwifery care and physician shortages.
How does Kentucky’s prescriptive authority compare to neighboring states?
Kentucky’s prescriptive authority requirements for CNMs sit in the middle range compared to neighboring states. The four-year pathway to reduced oversight offers more flexibility than restrictive states like Alabama, but Illinois and Tennessee provide broader independent prescribing rights. Ohio and West Virginia maintain similar requirements.
What financial aid options are available for Kentucky nurses pursuing CNM education?
Kentucky nurses can access the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program, Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (up to $3,000/year), employer tuition reimbursement, federal loan forgiveness for underserved areas, and graduate assistantships at universities offering nurse-midwifery programs.