Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) provide essential healthcare services for women throughout Maryland, offering comprehensive care during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. These advanced practice registered nurses combine clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach, emphasizing natural processes while ensuring safety and positive outcomes. Learn more about what midwives do and the differences between midwives and OB/GYNs.
Not only has the practice of nurse-midwifery been shown to reduce the number of neonates born with low birth weight, but the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) has documented numerous other benefits, including fewer costly and invasive procedures like episiotomies and C-sections.
The practice of nurse-midwifery has reduced health care costs during pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. It has also helped increase access to high-quality obstetric and gynecologic care.
Though most certified nurse-midwives in Maryland work in the obstetric units of major hospitals, CNMs attend virtually all births that take place outside of the hospital setting in birthing centers and in the home. In 2023, approximately 14% of births in Maryland 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.
Explore Midwifery Programs in Neighboring States
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the occupation is expected to grow approximately 12% from 2022 to 2032 in the state of Maryland, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth trajectory creates excellent opportunities for nurses considering this specialty.
The growing interest in a gentler, less invasive approach to childbirth, coupled with the current shortage of CNMs practicing in Maryland, is creating unprecedented opportunities for nurse-midwives interested in establishing independent women’s health clinics and partner practices that cater to the unique needs of women and expectant mothers.
Working within hospitals, clinics, and birth centers throughout Maryland, CNMs are dedicated to providing women-centered healthcare services at all stages of life and pregnancy. CNMs in Maryland independently manage clients and collaborate with licensed physicians to provide comprehensive healthcare services to women and expectant mothers.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Maryland
Becoming a nurse-midwife in Maryland requires RNs with licenses in good standing to meet the education and certification requirements for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure through the Maryland Board of Nursing. RNs in Maryland interested in becoming nurse-midwives must complete the following steps to attain APRN licensure and recognition as a certified nurse-midwife in the state:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
Becoming a nurse-midwife in Maryland starts by earning a master’s or higher degree in nurse-midwifery through a program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in Maryland or a compact state to qualify for admission to these programs.
Graduate Program Options and Dual Specialty Tracks
Since there are limited campus-based nurse-midwifery programs in the United States, many aspiring CNMs in Maryland choose to enroll in ACME-accredited online programs that offer flexible scheduling for working RNs. While there are no campus-based graduate-level nurse-midwife programs in Maryland, several online programs accept Maryland residents and provide quality education that meets all state requirements.
RNs apply to different programs based on their prior education:
| Educational Background | Program Option | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSN-prepared RN | Traditional MSN or DNP with nurse-midwifery focus | 2-3 years |
| Associate Degree RN | RN-to-MSN bridge program with nurse-midwifery focus | 3-4 years |
| Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holder | Direct-entry MSN with nurse-midwifery focus | 3+ years |
An increasing number of aspiring CNMs elect to pursue dual specialty tracks structured as nurse-midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) master’s programs. Graduates of these programs can earn board certification as a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP-BC) and their certified nurse-midwife (CNM) credential, expanding their scope of practice and career opportunities.
Program Structure and Components
Upon admission to a master’s program in nurse-midwifery, students will encounter both didactic and clinical coursework designed to provide a full spectrum of knowledge in the field.
Didactic coursework, which typically consists of between 40-60 credits, would cover such topics as:
- Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Midwifery Care During Pregnancy
- Midwifery Care During Labor and Birth
- Postpartum and Newborn Care
- Women’s Reproductive Healthcare
- Primary Care for Women
- Healthcare Policy and Ethics
- Evidence-Based Practice and Research
Clinical coursework occurs at approved healthcare facilities and generally consists of between 700 and 1,000 supervised clinical hours, depending on the program. Online students work with program directors to arrange placements in appropriate clinical settings nearby. Examples of facilities that have served as clinical sites for nurse-midwifery students in Maryland include:
- Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville
- Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis
- Family Childbirth and Children’s Center at Mercy Medical Hospital in Baltimore
- Holy Cross Hospital in Rockville
- Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cleverly
- Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore
- University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore
- Special Beginnings Birth & Women’s Center in Annapolis
The following table compares key aspects of online nurse-midwifery programs available to Maryland residents:
| Program | Degree Type | Credits | Clinical Hours | Dual Specialty Option | Online Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | MS | 49 | 1,000+ | Yes (NM/WHNP) | Hybrid with periodic on-campus intensives |
| Frontier Nursing University | MSN or DNP | 64-85 | 675-1,035 | Yes (NM/WHNP) | Distance learning with brief on-campus orientation |
| Thomas Jefferson University | MSN | 53 | 800+ | No | Primarily online with limited campus visits |
| Shenandoah University | MSN | 48 | 720 | No | Online with three campus visits |
| Stony Brook University | MS | 45 | 900+ | Yes (NM/WHNP) | Distance learning with limited campus requirements |
Step 2. Pass the National Nurse-Midwife Certification Examination
After completing an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program, you must pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife Exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to qualify for advanced practice registered nurse licensure as a nurse-midwife in Maryland. Learn more about the CNM certification requirements and process on our dedicated certification page.
To apply for the certification exam, you must submit:
- Completed application form
- Verification of graduation from an ACME-accredited program
- Current RN license verification
- Examination fee of $500
Application materials should be submitted to:
AMCB
849 International Drive, Suite 120
Linthicum, MD 21090
The Certified Nurse-Midwife Exam is a computer-based test consisting of 175 multiple-choice questions. Examinees have a four-hour time limit to complete the exam. The test is regularly updated to reflect current practice and is administered year-round at Prometric testing centers throughout Maryland and nationwide.
To help candidates prepare for the exam, the AMCB offers an online Candidate Handbook and practice tests. The content areas covered on the exam include:
| Content Area | Percentage of Exam |
|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 19-26% |
| Intrapartum Care | 17-26% |
| Postpartum Care | 15-18% |
| Gynecology | 15-18% |
| Women’s Health and Primary Care | 8-16% |
| Newborn Care | 7-16% |
The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis, with results typically available within 2-4 weeks. Upon passing, you will receive the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) credential from the AMCB, which must be maintained through continuing education and recertification every five years.
Candidates who complete a dual specialty Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) program may also choose to take the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Exam offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC) to earn the WHNP-BC credential.
The WHNP exam is also computer-based, consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed within three hours. The content areas include:
- Pharmacology – 5-10 percent
- Primary Care – 10-15 percent
- Diagnostic Testing and Physical Assessment – 10-15 percent
- Obstetrics – 25-30 percent
- Gynecology – 35-40 percent
Step 3. Apply for Advanced Practice Licensure in Maryland as a Certified Nurse-Midwife
After passing the AMCB certification exam, you must apply for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure with certified nurse-midwife recognition through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
To apply for APRN licensure as a certified nurse-midwife, submit the Nurse Midwife Certification Application Form along with the following documents:
- Copy of your active RN license
- American Midwifery Certification Board-issued certificate
- Completed criminal history records check (CHRC)
- $50 application fee (check or money order payable to the Maryland Board of Nursing)
- Proof of Maryland residency (two items from: driver’s license, federal income tax return, voter registration card, W2 form, or Military Form #2058)
- Signed clinical practice guidelines
Mail all application materials to:
ADVANCE PRACTICE DEPARTMENT
MARYLAND BOARD OF NURSING
4140 PATTERSON AVENUE
BALTIMORE, MD 21215-2254
The Board typically processes complete applications within 2-4 weeks. Once approved, your APRN licensure with CNM recognition will be valid for the same renewal period as your RN license. Both licenses must be renewed simultaneously. For detailed information about maintaining your license, see our Midwife License Renewal Requirements guide.
Suppose you also passed the NCC’s Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Exam and received WHNP-BC certification. In that case, you may apply for additional APRN recognition as a WHNP using the Nurse Practitioner Certification Application Form.
Nurse-midwives in Maryland practice under these key regulations:
| Regulatory Aspect | Maryland Requirements |
|---|---|
| Practice Authority | Full practice authority with written clinical practice guidelines |
| Physician Collaboration | Required in formal written agreement; consultation and referral protocols must be established |
| Prescriptive Authority | Full prescriptive authority, including controlled substances (requires DEA registration) |
| Continuing Education | Maintain AMCB certification through continuing education requirements |
| License Renewal | Same renewal cycle as RN license (every 2 years) |
Step 4. Begin a Career as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Maryland
With advanced practice licensure and CNM recognition from the Maryland Board of Nursing, you can begin practicing as a certified nurse-midwife in various healthcare settings. Maryland law grants certified nurse-midwives significant autonomy in practice, though collaborative agreements with physicians are required. For a complete overview of career paths and employment settings, visit our Midwifery Career Paths page.
In April of 2015, Maryland senators unanimously approved a bill that allows Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) to assist women in home childbirth. The bill does not, however, allow CPMs to provide care to women with previous cesarean sections, a role reserved for Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs).
CNMs in Maryland enjoy diverse employment opportunities in:
- Hospital obstetric departments
- Private physician practices
- Independent midwifery practices
- Birth centers
- Community health centers
- Military facilities
- Academic medical centers
- Home birth services
The following are among the top employers of CNMs in Maryland:
| Facility Type | Prominent Maryland Employers |
|---|---|
| Major Hospital Systems |
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| Birth Centers |
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| Private Practices |
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A review of recent job listings for certified nurse-midwives in Maryland revealed these representative opportunities (shown for informational purposes only and do not constitute a job offer or the assurance of employment):
- Full-time CNM at the University of Maryland Medical System with rotation at multiple outpatient sites
- Hospital-based CNM at Anne Arundel Medical Center with both inpatient and outpatient responsibilities
- CNM Faculty position at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing with a clinical practice component
- CNM/WHNP at a community health center focusing on underserved populations
- Birth center midwife at Special Beginnings Birth & Women’s Center
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Maryland
Certified nurse-midwives in Maryland earn competitive salaries that reflect their advanced education and specialized skills. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2023), CNMs in Maryland earned an average annual salary of $124,780, significantly higher than the national average for this profession. For nationwide salary information, see our Certified Nurse-Midwife Salary Guide.
Salaries for nurse-midwives vary depending on experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state:
| Experience Level | Maryland Annual Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $92,640 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $108,350 |
| Mid-Career (50th percentile/median) | $124,780 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $142,910 |
| Highly Experienced (90th percentile) | $159,220 |
Maryland’s Legislation Recognizes Statewide Shortage of Nurse-Midwives
The Maryland Department of Health continues to address the state’s shortage of certified nurse-midwives through legislation and initiatives designed to increase access to midwifery care. Recent policy changes have focused on reducing barriers to practice and expanding opportunities for nurse-midwives in various healthcare settings.
Laura Herrera, former Deputy Secretary for Public Health in Maryland, was instrumental in proposing legislation to break down barriers in nurse-midwife training and licensure. This included plans for expanding employment opportunities for CNMs in hospital and non-hospital settings, creating promising developments for both new and experienced nurse-midwives in the state.
Nurse-Midwives in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Area Enjoy Competitive Regional Salaries
While certified nurse-midwives practice throughout Maryland, the highest concentration is in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area, partly due to the competitive salaries and numerous employment opportunities in this region.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified nurse-midwives in major Maryland metropolitan areas earned the following in 2023:
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
- Average Annual Salary: $126,930
- Entry-Level: $94,580
- Experienced: $162,750
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (including Maryland suburbs)
- Average Annual Salary: $118,240
- Entry-Level: $89,470
- Experienced: $148,920
(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 March 2024.)
Online Nurse-Midwifery Programs Available to Maryland Residents
Since there are no campus-based nurse-midwifery programs in Maryland, prospective students typically choose from several high-quality online programs that accept Maryland residents. These programs combine online coursework with clinical placements arranged near the student’s location. For a comprehensive directory of all available programs, visit our Browse All Midwifery Schools page.
| School | Program Details | Admission Requirements | Maryland-Specific Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University |
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| Frontier Nursing University |
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| Thomas Jefferson University |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNM in Maryland
How long does it take to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Maryland?
The typical pathway requires 2-3 years of graduate education after obtaining your RN license and BSN. RNs with associate degrees may need an additional 1-2 years to complete bridge coursework. The total time from starting nursing education to CNM certification typically ranges from 6-8 years.
Can I work while completing my nurse-midwifery program?
Yes, many online programs are designed for working nurses. Part-time study options allow you to continue working while completing coursework. However, during clinical rotations (typically in the final year), you may need to reduce work hours to accommodate clinical requirements.
What is the scope of practice for CNMs in Maryland?
Maryland CNMs have a broad scope of practice that includes:
- Providing primary healthcare to women throughout the lifespan
- Managing prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care
- Prescribing medications, including controlled substances
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Attending births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes
- Providing family planning and gynecological care
Practice requires written collaborative agreements with physicians and defined clinical practice guidelines. For more information, visit the Maryland Board of Nursing website.
What is the difference between a CNM and a CPM in Maryland?
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses with graduate education who can practice in all settings. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) have midwifery training but are not required to be nurses and have a more limited scope focused primarily on out-of-hospital births. In Maryland, only CNMs can provide care to women with previous cesarean sections. Learn more about the differences.
How often must I renew my CNM certification in Maryland?
In Maryland, your APRN license with CNM recognition must be renewed on the same schedule as your RN license (every 2 years). Additionally, you must maintain your national certification through the AMCB, which requires recertification every 5 years through continuing education or re-examination.