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.”
— Sarah Mitchell, CNM, MSN, Graduate of Frontier Nursing University, practicing in Louisville since 2020
Steps to Become a 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 degree programs in the U.S.
Nurse-Midwifery 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 |
RNs in Kentucky who possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on nurse-midwifery or a Master of Science (MS) in Nurse-Midwifery.
Additional program options available through today’s 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, which allows students to broaden their scope of practice in women’s health and earn dual APRN recognition.
- Part-time format: To accommodate working RNs, part-time programs are widely available. While full-time programs typically take about two years to complete, part-time options usually extend to three years.
- Online formats: Due to the limited number of nurse-midwifery programs in Kentucky, online coursework has become increasingly accessible, allowing students to complete most of their academic requirements remotely.
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 where nurse-midwifery students may complete their practicum include:
- The Women’s Hospital at St. Joseph East, Lexington
- Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington Women’s Health, Lexington
- Norton Women’s Care, Louisville
- Clark Regional Medical Center, Center for Women & Babies, Winchester
- University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington (added 2023)
- Baptist Health Women’s Care, Louisville (added 2024)
The curriculum of a nurse-midwifery graduate program prepares students to become competent practitioners, leaders, and advocates in maternal and infant healthcare.
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
- Role of the nurse-midwife
- Midwifery care during pregnancy
- Midwifery care during labor and birth
- Midwifery care during postpartum
- Advanced midwifery care of the childbearing woman
- Women’s health across the lifespan
- Newborn care and assessment
Admission Requirements
RNs in Kentucky without a BSN can still pursue a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery through programs designed to accommodate various educational backgrounds:
- RN-to-MSN Degree Programs: These accelerated programs enable RNs with associate’s degrees to earn both BSN and MSN credentials in a streamlined curriculum.
- Post-Graduate Certificate Programs: Current APRNs or RNs with master’s degrees can add nurse-midwifery certification through specialized post-graduate programs.
For BSN-prepared applicants, competitive admission requirements typically include:
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum undergraduate GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)
- Prerequisite coursework in statistics and health assessment
- Professional letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or admissions essay
- Clinical experience (many programs prefer or require 1-2 years of RN experience)
- Interview (for selected candidates)
Kentucky nurses should note that while there are currently no physical ACME-accredited programs within the state, many quality accredited nurse-midwife programs offer distance education options with clinical placements in Kentucky.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination
After completing an ACME-accredited graduate program in nurse-midwifery, candidates must pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Graduates of dual specialty programs in nurse-midwifery and women’s health may also take the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) examination offered through the National Certification Corporation (NCC) to obtain dual APRN specialization.
The examination process requires:
- Applying to the appropriate certification agency (AMCB or NCC)
- Receiving approval to schedule the examination
- Taking the computer-based test at an approved testing center
Examinations are administered through Prometric testing centers, which have locations throughout the U.S., including Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky.
The CNM certification examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering the full scope of nurse-midwifery practice, with a passing score of approximately 75%. Candidates are allowed 4 hours to complete the examination. The current examination fee is $500 (as of 2025).
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure through the Kentucky Board of Nursing
After successfully passing the CNM examination (and WHNP examination, if applicable), candidates can apply for APRN licensure with the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Applicants who currently hold a Kentucky RN license must submit:
- APRN license application (specifying CNM specialization, and WHNP specialization if applicable)
- APRN license fee of $165
- Fingerprint card and fee for criminal background check
- Kentucky criminal history report
- Official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
- Proof of current CNM certification (and WHNP certification, if applicable)
Processing time for APRN applications is typically 2-3 weeks after a complete application is submitted, assuming no issues require additional review.
Prescriptive Authority Requirements
Certified nurse-midwives in Kentucky must establish collaborative agreements with physicians to prescribe medications, though recent legislative changes have expanded their practice authority:
- Collaborative Agreement for Prescriptive Authority for Non-Scheduled Drugs (CAPA-NS) – Required for all new CNMs
- Collaborative Agreement for Prescriptive Authority for Controlled Substances (CAPA-CS) – Required for prescribing controlled substances
- A DEA registration is also required for prescribing controlled substances
As of 2025, Kentucky nurse-midwives who have practiced under a collaborative agreement for four years may qualify for expanded prescriptive authority that reduces physician oversight requirements for routine prescribing, based on legislation passed in 2014 (Senate Bill 7).
Step 4. Now That You’re a Nurse-Midwife in Kentucky
License Maintenance and Renewal
All nurse-midwives in Kentucky must maintain their RN and APRN licenses and their national CNM certification.
Kentucky Board of Nursing Renewal Requirements:
- Annual renewal of both RN and APRN licenses between September 15 and October 31
- Combined renewal fee of $120 ($65 for RN license + $55 for each APRN designation)
- Maintenance of national certification (CNM and/or WHNP)
- For CNMs with prescriptive authority: at least five contact hours of pharmacology education annually
- For CNMs with CAPA-CS: 1.5 approved continuing education hours on the use of KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting), pain management, or addiction disorders
AMCB Certification Maintenance Requirements:
The American Midwifery Certification Board offers two options for maintaining CNM certification:
- Option 1: Complete at least 3 AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules during each five-year certification cycle, plus 20 contact hours of approved continuing education units
- Option 2: Retake the AMCB Certification Examination and pay the examination fee
NCC Certification Maintenance Requirements (for dual CNM/WHNP):
WHNPs must complete the continuing competency assessment at the beginning of each three-year maintenance cycle and fulfill continuing education requirements based on assessment results.
Employment Opportunities for Kentucky Nurse-Midwives
Nurse-midwives in Kentucky practice in diverse settings, including:
- 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 (added 2023)
- Kentucky Birth Coalition Centers (multiple locations, added 2024)
Professional Resources for Kentucky Nurse-Midwives
Kentucky nurse-midwives seeking to establish independent practices or advance their careers can access valuable resources through professional organizations:
- 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.
Salary variations exist based on location, experience, practice setting, and additional certifications. For example:
| 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 for Kentucky Nurse-Midwives
The Kentucky Department for Labor and Statistics projects a 15.3% growth in CNM positions between 2022 and 2032, significantly higher than the average growth rate for all occupations in the state. This expansion is driven by:
- Increased recognition of midwifery’s role in improving maternal health outcomes
- Growing consumer demand for less medicalized birthing options
- Ongoing physician shortages in rural Kentucky areas
- Legislative improvements in prescriptive authority and scope of practice
The 2014 Senate Bill 7, which expanded prescriptive authority for advanced practice nurses, has significantly improved practice opportunities in Kentucky’s underserved regions. Nurse-midwives now provide essential women’s healthcare services.
(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.)
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Kentucky
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?
While Frontier Nursing University was historically based in Kentucky, it has relocated its main campus to Versailles, Kentucky. However, many ACME-accredited programs offer distance learning options with clinical placements throughout Kentucky, making quality nurse-midwifery education accessible to Kentucky residents without relocating.
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. While not full independent practice, this provides expanded autonomy, especially in rural and underserved 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. Growing consumer interest in midwifery care and physician shortages in many Kentucky counties create substantial opportunities for nurse-midwives throughout the state.
How does Kentucky’s prescriptive authority for CNMs compare to neighboring states?
Kentucky’s prescriptive authority requirements for CNMs sit in the middle range compared to neighboring states. While Kentucky requires collaborative agreements with physicians, the four-year pathway to reduced oversight offers more flexibility than some restrictive states like Alabama. However, neighboring Illinois and Tennessee provide broader independent prescribing rights for experienced CNMs. Ohio and West Virginia maintain requirements similar to those of Kentucky.
What financial aid options are available for Kentucky nurses pursuing CNM education?
Kentucky nurses pursuing CNM education can access several financial assistance options, including: the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program for students committed to working in underserved areas; the Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund providing up to $3,000 annually; employer tuition reimbursement programs offered by many Kentucky healthcare systems; federal loan forgiveness programs for APRNs working in qualified settings; and graduate teaching/research assistantships at many universities offering nurse-midwifery programs.