Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
This comprehensive guide explains how to become a nurse-midwife CNM in Maine, including educational requirements, licensing steps, and career opportunities. Maine is a leader in autonomous midwifery practice, offering certified nurse-midwives full independent practice authority with comprehensive prescriptive privileges. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, Maine CNMs attend over 13.7% of births statewide, earning a mean annual salary of $134,440 while enjoying complete practice autonomy without physician oversight requirements.
Nurse-midwives are advanced practice registered nurses who provide comprehensive women’s healthcare across the lifespan. In Maine, CNMs offer comprehensive care, including antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care, gynecological services, family planning, and primary care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond.
Maine’s status as an independent practice state means nurse-midwives here enjoy full professional autonomy, making it an attractive destination for aspiring certified nurse-midwives seeking comprehensive career opportunities.
“Choosing Maine for my CNM career was the best decision I made. The independent practice authority and collaborative relationships with physicians created the perfect environment to provide comprehensive women’s health care. The master’s program preparation combined with Maine’s supportive regulatory environment allowed me to practice to my full scope immediately after licensure.” – Skylar A., CNM, Portland Women’s Health
Requirements to Become a Nurse-Midwife in Maine
The Maine State Board of Nursing recognizes certified nurse-midwives as educationally and clinically prepared to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including:
- Primary healthcare and case management during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
- Primary health care of newborns up to age one
- Gynecological care, family planning, and STD treatment
- Women’s primary care across the lifespan
Steps to Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Maine
Registered nurses in Maine seeking to become nurse-midwives must meet Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure requirements through the Maine State Board of Nursing by following these essential steps:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To become a nurse-midwife in Maine, registered nurses must complete a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). While Maine currently has no ACME-accredited programs within the state, numerous online and out-of-state options accommodate Maine residents.
Program Options Available to Maine Residents
ACME accredits various master’s degree pathways designed to accommodate registered nurses with different educational backgrounds:
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 |
Specialized Program Pathways
- Dual-Specialization Programs: Many institutions offer dual-focus programs combining nurse-midwifery with women’s health nurse practitioner specializations, allowing graduates to practice across both specialties.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The highest level of clinical preparation, incorporating advanced practice, leadership, and evidence-based practice components.
- Online Learning Options: Particularly beneficial for Maine residents, offering flexibility while maintaining rigorous clinical requirements.
Program Components and Curriculum
Master’s degrees in nurse-midwifery focus on comprehensive women’s healthcare across the lifespan. Programs typically require 2-3 years of full-time study and include both didactic and clinical components.
Core Didactic Areas:
- Advanced health assessment for women
- Advanced pharmacology and prescriptive authority
- Midwifery philosophy and evidence-based practice
- Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Newborn assessment and care
- Reproductive and gynecological health
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Professional leadership and healthcare policy
Clinical Training Requirements:
All ACME-accredited programs require a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice across diverse healthcare settings. Maine students can complete clinical rotations at approved sites, including:
- Southern Maine Health Care, Biddeford
- Maine Medical Partners, Portland
- Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick
- Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, Bangor
- Rural health clinics and community health centers statewide
Admission Requirements
Candidates for nurse-midwifery programs typically must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from accredited institution |
| Licensure | Current, unencumbered RN license |
| GPA | Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (varies by program) |
| Experience | 1-2 years nursing experience (preferred) |
| Testing | GRE scores (program-dependent) |
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After graduating from an ACME-accredited master’s program, candidates must pass the national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM).
Examination Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based examination with approximately 175 multiple-choice questions |
| Content Areas | Antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, and gynecological care |
| Testing Centers | Available in Maine through PSI Services (PSI) in Holden and Portland |
| Eligibility | Graduation from an ACME-accredited program is required |
Additional Certification Options
Graduates from dual-specialization programs may also pursue Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) certification through the National Certification Corporation, expanding practice opportunities.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Maine State Board of Nursing
Registered nurses with valid Maine RN licenses and national CNM certification must complete the Application for Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Required Application Materials
- Completed the APRN application form
- Application fee of $100
- Recent passport-style photograph (2×2)
- Verification of AMCB certification as a CNM
- Official transcripts from an ACME-accredited program
- Background check documentation
Prescriptive Authority in Maine
Maine CNMs automatically receive prescriptive authority with their APRN license, including authority to prescribe controlled substances (Schedules II-V). After receiving their license, CNMs may apply for their DEA number.
| Prescriptive Authority Feature | Maine CNM Status |
|---|---|
| Independent Prescribing | ✅ Full authority |
| Controlled Substances | ✅ Schedules II-V |
| Physician Oversight | ❌ Not required |
| Collaborative Agreement | ❌ Not required |
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Maine and Maintain Credentials
Maine offers diverse career opportunities for certified nurse-midwives across various healthcare settings, from urban medical centers to rural community health clinics.
Practice Settings for Maine CNMs
- Hospital Systems: Labor and delivery units, women’s health departments
- Birthing Centers: Independent and hospital-affiliated facilities
- Women’s Health Clinics: Primary and specialty care settings
- Community Health Centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Private Practice: Independent midwifery practices
- Academic Settings: Teaching and research positions
Maintenance of Credentials
Maine APRN License Renewal
CNMs must maintain both RN and APRN licenses through the Maine Regulatory Licensing and Permitting online portal:
- Complete 50 continuing education hours every two years
- Complete an additional 3 contact hours in opioid prescription education (if prescribing)
- Submit renewal application and fees
National CNM Certification Maintenance
The AMCB Certification Maintenance Program offers two pathways:
- Option 1: Complete 3 AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules plus 20 contact hours of continuing education every five years
- Option 2: Retake the AMCB Certification Examination every five years
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Maine
Certified nurse-midwives in Maine enjoy exceptional compensation, reflecting the state’s commitment to midwifery care and the high demand for women’s health services. The mean annual salary for CNMs in Maine is $134,440, significantly exceeding the national average.
Maine CNM Salary Breakdown (2023)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Comparison to National |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $90,670 | Above the national average |
| 25th percentile | $102,920 | Above the national average |
| 50th percentile (median) | $115,200 | Above the national average |
| 75th percentile | $125,460 | Above the national average |
| 90th percentile | $133,820 | Above the national average |
| Mean | $134,440 | $25,630 above national |
Factors Influencing CNM Salaries in Maine
- Independent Practice Authority: Full scope practice without physician oversight
- Rural Health Needs: High demand in underserved areas
- Prescriptive Authority: Complete medication management capabilities
- Multiple Practice Settings: Diverse employment opportunities
- Birth Center Growth: Expanding alternative birth options
(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.)
Career Outlook and Professional Opportunities
According to the Maine Association of American College of Nurse-Midwives, approximately 75 certified nurse-midwives practice in Maine. They serve as primary care providers with full autonomy and prescriptive authority. Maine CNMs hold delivery privileges in 22 state hospitals and serve across diverse practice settings.
Recent Employment Opportunities
Representative positions for Maine CNMs include:
- Staff CNM, Maine Medical Partners Women’s Health, Portland
- Certified Nurse-Midwife, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, Bangor
- CNM – Birth Center, Southern Maine Health Care, Biddeford
- Nurse-Midwife, Lincoln County Healthcare, Damariscotta
Professional Support and Resources
- Maine Association of American College of Nurse-Midwives: State professional organization
- Medicaid Coverage: CNM services are mandatory benefits for eligible patients
- Hospital Privileges: Delivery privileges available at 22 Maine hospitals
- Collaborative Relationships: Strong partnerships with OB/GYN physicians
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nurse-midwife in Maine?
The complete process typically takes 4-6 years after becoming an RN, including 2-3 years for a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery, followed by national certification and state licensure applications.
Are there nurse-midwifery programs in Maine?
Currently, Maine does not have any ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs within the state. However, numerous online programs and out-of-state options are available, and clinical placements are possible at Maine healthcare facilities.
What is the scope of practice for CNMs in Maine?
Maine CNMs enjoy full independent practice authority, including complete prescriptive privileges (Schedules II-V), without requirements for physician oversight or collaborative agreements.
How much do nurse-midwives earn in Maine?
The mean annual salary for CNMs in Maine is $134,440, with entry-level positions starting around $90,670 and experienced practitioners earning up to $133,820 annually.
What continuing education is required for Maine CNMs?
Maine CNMs must complete 50 continuing education hours every two years for APRN license renewal, plus 3 additional hours in opioid education if prescribing controlled substances.
Can Maine CNMs prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, Maine CNMs have full prescriptive authority, including controlled substances (Schedules II-V), and may obtain DEA numbers for prescribing purposes.