Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Nurse midwives are valued practitioners throughout the United States, and Louisiana is no exception. These advanced practice nurses offer comprehensive healthcare services to women of all ages and stages of life. Thanks to their advanced education and specialized training, nurse midwives remain some of the most forward-thinking healthcare providers in the U.S. today.
Learning how to become a certified nurse midwife (CNM) in Louisiana requires understanding degree requirements, licensure steps, and certification processes. Although traditionally sought out by women during their childbearing years, nurse midwives also provide care to women from adolescence through menopause, where their medical expertise, personalized attention, and focus on evidence-based, low-intervention care allow them to provide:
- General healthcare services
- Family planning services
- Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
- Gynecological examinations
- Menopausal care
- Prenatal and postpartum care
- Labor and delivery support
- Newborn care during the first 28 days of life
In 2018, less than 7% of births in Louisiana were attended by midwives, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Center for Health Statistics. This low percentage indicates a significant opportunity for growth in midwifery services as consumer demand for personalized, evidence-based maternity care continues to increase.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Louisiana
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing sets forth the requirements necessary to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the nurse midwife role, which encompasses the successful completion of the following steps:
Note: Louisiana is one of 28 states to also recognize the certified professional midwife (CPM). The CPM is not an advanced practice nursing role and therefore cannot achieve the nurse midwife designation through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Instead, certified professional midwives are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and approved by the North American Registry of Midwives.
Step 1. Earn a CNM Degree: Master’s or DNP Programs in Nurse-Midwifery
RNs in Louisiana interested in expanding their professional scope of practice and earning APRN licensure as a nurse midwife must first complete a master’s degree or higher through a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). CNM degree programs include master’s in nurse midwifery (MSN), DNP nurse midwifery programs, and post-graduate certificates for those seeking to become certified nurse midwives.
Louisiana’s DNP Program in Nurse-Midwifery
Louisiana now offers an in-state option for aspiring nurse midwives through the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in nurse-midwifery. This program received pre-accreditation status from ACME and began admitting students in 2023. The comprehensive 86-semester credit hour curriculum prepares graduates to function as leaders in both midwifery practice and nursing.
| Program Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing |
| Degree Type | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Credit Hours | 86 semester credit hours |
| Duration | Full-time: 9 semesters (3 years) Part-time: Flexible options available |
| Accreditation Status | ACME pre-accreditation |
| Start Dates | Multiple start dates throughout the academic year |
Educational Pathways for CNM Degree Programs
Educational options for RNs in Louisiana seeking nurse midwifery graduate degrees include multiple pathways to earn your CNM degree:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nurse-midwifery or Master of Science (MS) in Nurse Midwifery: An MSN or MS degree in nurse-midwifery is the ideal educational path for RNs in Louisiana who possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse-Midwifery: DNP nurse midwifery programs provide the highest level of clinical preparation and are increasingly preferred by employers, and offer advanced leadership training.
- RN-to-MSN Bridge Programs: RN-to-MSN degree programs accommodate Louisiana RNs who possess an associate’s degree. These accelerated programs combine bachelor’s and master’s level coursework with a specialization in midwifery.
- Post-Graduate Certificate Programs: Post-graduate certificate programs in nurse-midwifery appeal to currently licensed APRNs seeking an additional APRN specialty or master’s-prepared RNs seeking initial APRN certification.
“Choosing a Masters CNM program was the best decision for my career. The comprehensive curriculum and supportive faculty prepared me not just to provide excellent midwifery care, but to be a leader in advancing evidence-based practice in Louisiana. Having an in-state program made it possible for me to pursue my dream without relocating.” – Briana P., CNM Graduate
Unique Program Features for Today’s Busy RNs
Many ACME-accredited programs offer unique features for today’s busy RNs, such as:
- Dual Specialization: Many dual focus programs in nurse-midwifery provide students with the opportunity to achieve dual specialization. One such program gaining in popularity is the nurse-midwifery/women’s health master’s degree. Upon graduation, students are eligible to earn both the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) designations, thereby expanding their practice opportunities.
- Part-Time Study Options: Most institutions offering nurse midwifery degree programs provide students with the option to complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time programs typically take about two years to complete, while part-time programs take approximately three years.
- Online and Hybrid Learning: Many accredited schools offer students the opportunity to complete some or all of their didactic coursework online, with clinical rotations conducted in person at approved sites. Online CNM programs provide flexibility for working nurses while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Core Curriculum Components
Nurse midwifery master’s and doctoral degrees consist of a didactic (classroom study) component and a comprehensive clinical component. The didactic component provides students with a rich theoretical and research-based foundation, along with study in healthcare leadership and the role of the nurse midwife in healthcare systems.
Core coursework in these programs includes the study of:
- Advanced health assessment and clinical reasoning
- Pathophysiology concepts for advanced practice
- Women’s health across the lifespan for nurse-midwifery
- Advanced pharmacotherapeutics
- Advanced practice nursing in primary care
- Antepartum care for nurse-midwifery
- Clinical skills for nurse-midwifery practice
- Intrapartum and postpartum care for nurse-midwifery
- APRN role within the U.S. healthcare delivery system
- Evidence-based practice and research methods
- Healthcare policy and leadership
Clinical Training Opportunities
Rotations in various clinical settings enhance the didactic component of nurse midwifery programs. The clinical component, which typically consists of 675-1,000+ hours depending on the degree level, provides students with real-world exposure and hands-on learning under expert supervision.
Clinical training sites in Louisiana where nurse midwife students may complete their clinical requirements include:
- Women’s Hospital, Baton Rouge
- Center for Women’s Healthcare, Baton Rouge
- Women & Children’s Hospital, Lafayette
- Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women, Lake Charles
- Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Lafayette
- Ochsner Health System facilities statewide
- LSU Healthcare Network locations
For students considering programs outside of Louisiana, many accredited nurse midwifery programs partner with clinical sites throughout the United States, allowing students to complete their clinical requirements closer to home. Online CNM programs often provide this flexibility while maintaining rigorous clinical standards. Whether pursuing MSN, DNP, or post-master’s CNM degrees, students have multiple pathways to meet their educational goals and career objectives.
Step 2. Pass CNM Certification Requirements and National Examination
After graduating from an accredited nurse midwife master’s or doctoral degree program, candidates must take and pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Understanding CNM certification requirements is essential for successfully obtaining your credential.
AMCB Certification Requirements
To be eligible for the CNM examination, candidates must meet specific requirements established by the AMCB:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Graduate degree from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program |
| RN License | Current, active U.S. registered nurse license |
| Program Verification | Confirmation from the program director of degree completion and competency |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of required clinical experiences per ACME standards |
Dual Certification Options
Graduates of nurse-midwifery/women’s health programs may also take the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) examination through the National Certification Corporation if they desire dual recognition in both APRN specializations.
Testing Centers in Louisiana
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 Louisiana and nationwide, with over 300 testing centers across the United States providing convenient access for candidates.
Step 3. CNM Licensure Application: How to Get Your Nurse Midwife License
Upon earning a graduate degree in nurse-midwifery and achieving national certification as a CNM, candidates for APRN licensure as a nurse midwife must complete the Louisiana state licensure process. The nurse midwife license application process involves APRN licensure through Louisiana’s nursing board and includes specific requirements for practice authorization.
Application Requirements for Nurse Midwife Licensure
Candidates must submit the following to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing:
- Complete and submit the Application for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License
- Submit a $100 application fee
- Complete Verification of Advanced Practice Education form (form AP2 included in application packet)
- Complete Verification of National Certification (form AP3 included in application packet)
- Complete Authorization to Disclose Criminal History Record Information forms
- Submit to a background check as required
Additional APRN Role Applications
If applying for an additional APRN role, such as the WHNP, applicants must request approval from the Board by completing the Request for APRN Licensure in an Additional APRN Role/Population Focus/Specialty form.
Collaborative Practice Agreement Requirements
All nurse midwives in Louisiana must enter into a collaborative practice agreement with at least one licensed physician. This is a mandatory requirement that ensures appropriate oversight and consultation for complex cases while allowing nurse midwives to practice with relative autonomy within their scope of practice.
| CPA Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Template Usage | Must use the official Louisiana State Board of Nursing template |
| Physician Requirements | Collaboration with at least one licensed physician |
| Documentation | Signed agreement maintained on-site at all practice locations |
| Compliance | Subject to board inspection and site visits |
The Collaborative Practice Agreement template must be completed and sent in with the application forms. Custom forms are not acceptable and do not meet compliance requirements.
Prescriptive Authority Privileges
CNMs in Louisiana seeking prescriptive authority privileges must complete additional steps:
- Submit an Initial Prescriptive Authority application
- Include original, signed, notarized Affidavit of Verification sent directly to the board office
- Complete Attestation of Collaborative Practice identifying collaborating physicians
- For controlled substances: Obtain a Louisiana CDS license from the Board of Pharmacy
- For controlled substances: Obtain a federal DEA registration
- Submit copies of CDS and DEA licenses to LSBN within 30 days of approval
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Louisiana and Maintain Credentials
Nurse midwives in Louisiana are responsible for maintaining their APRN license and national certification(s) as required by the respective authorities.
License Renewal Requirements
APRN License Renewal through the Louisiana Board of Nursing
Nurse midwives in Louisiana must complete renewal applications for their RN and APRN licenses between October 1 and December 31 every year through the Louisiana Nurse Portal. Key renewal requirements include:
- Annual license renewal cost: $100
- Continuing education: Minimum of 30 board-approved contact hours during a 2-year licensure period, OR minimum of 900 practice hours during the 2 years
- CNMs with prescriptive authority: Complete at least six contact/credit hours of continuing education in pharmacotherapeutics
- Random audit compliance: Be prepared for CE verification if selected (minimum 3% of renewals audited annually)
National Certification Maintenance
CNM Certification Renewal through the American Midwifery Certification Board
CNMs can satisfy their continuing education requirements through the AMCB’s Certification Maintenance Program, which offers two options:
- Option 1: Complete at least 3 AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules during each five-year certification cycle and at least 20 contact hours of approved continuing education units; pay annual fees
- Option 2: Retake the AMCB Certification Examination and pay the $500 examination fee instead of the annual fees
WHNP Certification Renewal through the National Certification Corporation
WHNPs in Louisiana must take the NCC’s continuing competency assessment at the beginning of each three-year maintenance cycle and complete continuing education credit hours based on assessment results.
Professional Practice Settings and Opportunities
Certified Nurse Midwives in Louisiana work in diverse healthcare settings, providing comprehensive women’s health services. Clinical practice environments encompass hospitals, birth centers, health centers, and private practice offices, offering flexibility tailored to individual preferences and the needs of the local community.
Current employment opportunities for nurse midwives in Louisiana include positions at:
- Louisiana Women’s Healthcare Associates, Baton Rouge
- Women’s Clinic of Southwest Louisiana, DeRidder
- Bayou Regional Women’s Clinic, Zachary
- Women’s Clinic, Minden
- Care Pregnancy Clinic, Baton Rouge
- Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital CNM Program, Lafayette
- Ochsner Health System locations statewide
- LSU Healthcare Network facilities
Professional Associations and Resources
Professional associations in Louisiana that serve as beneficial resources for nurse midwives include:
- Louisiana Midwives Association
- Louisiana State Nurses Association
- Louisiana Small Business Development Center
- Louisiana Center for Nursing
With limited birth centers in Louisiana as of 2025, nurse midwives with aspirations of establishing their own birth center or private midwifery practice may find Louisiana an ideal environment for building a patient base and expanding access to midwifery services.
CNM Salary Information in Louisiana
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national annual average salary for nurse midwives in 2023 was $125,470. While Louisiana-specific data for nurse midwives was not published separately, the national salary data provides a helpful benchmark for earnings expectations.
| Experience Level | National Average Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (25th percentile) | $103,350 |
| National Average | $125,470 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $144,430 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $184,230 |
Job Growth and Demand Outlook
The demand for nurse-midwifery services continues to drive job growth for CNMs in Louisiana. According to recent workforce projections, employment for nurse midwives is expected to grow much faster than average, driven by:
- Increased consumer demand for personalized, evidence-based maternity care
- Focus on cost-effective healthcare delivery models
- Recognition of positive maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with midwifery care
- Expansion of healthcare access in rural and underserved areas
The establishment of Louisiana’s first DNP nurse-midwifery program at LSU Health New Orleans provides crucial educational infrastructure to meet growing workforce demands and ensure adequate access to midwifery services throughout the state.
(Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2023. Figures represent national 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 Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Louisiana
How long does it take to become a nurse midwife in Louisiana?
The timeline to become a CNM in Louisiana typically takes 4-6 years after high school: 2-4 years to earn your BSN and become an RN, followed by 2-3 years for a master’s degree or 3-4 years for a DNP in nurse-midwifery. Part-time programs may take longer.
What degree do you need to become a CNM in Louisiana?
To become a CNM in Louisiana, you need a master’s degree or higher from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program. Options include an MSN in nurse-midwifery, a DNP in nurse-midwifery, or a post-graduate certificate for those with existing graduate degrees.
Can I become a nurse midwife with an ADN in Louisiana?
Yes, RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing can pursue nurse-midwifery through RN-to-MSN bridge programs. These accelerated programs combine bachelor’s and master’s level coursework with a specialization in midwifery.
How do I apply for nurse midwife licensure in Louisiana?
To apply for nurse midwife licensure in Louisiana, you must submit an APRN license application to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, pay the $100 fee, provide verification of education and certification, complete background checks, and establish a collaborative practice agreement with a physician.
What are CNM certification requirements?
CNM certification requirements include graduation from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program, current RN license, program director verification of competency, completion of required clinical hours, and passing the AMCB certification examination.
How long does CNM licensure take in Louisiana?
CNM licensure processing in Louisiana typically takes 7-10 business days after the Louisiana State Board of Nursing receives your complete application with all required documentation and fees.
Are there online nurse midwifery programs available to Louisiana residents?
Yes, Louisiana residents can pursue online nurse midwifery programs from accredited institutions nationwide. However, all programs require extensive in-person clinical rotations, which can often be completed at approved sites in Louisiana.
What is the difference between a CNM and a Licensed Midwife in Louisiana?
CNMs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, while Licensed Midwives (CPMs) are regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. CNMs have a broader scope of practice and can prescribe medications, while Licensed Midwives primarily provide out-of-hospital birth services.
Do nurse midwives need a collaborative practice agreement in Louisiana?
Yes, all APRNs, including CNMs, in Louisiana are required to practice under a collaborative practice agreement with at least one licensed physician. This agreement must be prepared using the official state template and maintained on-site at all practice locations.
Can nurse midwives prescribe controlled substances in Louisiana?
Yes, CNMs can prescribe controlled substances after obtaining additional approvals, including a Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) license from the Board of Pharmacy and a federal DEA registration, in addition to their APRN prescriptive authority.
What clinical settings do nurse midwives work in Louisiana?
CNMs in Louisiana work in hospitals, birth centers, private practice offices, community health centers, and academic medical centers. They provide care ranging from routine gynecology to prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum services.
Is there a nurse midwifery program in Louisiana?
Yes, the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing offers a DNP program in nurse-midwifery, which began admitting students in 2023. This is currently the only nurse-midwifery program located within Louisiana.