Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Becoming a certified nurse midwife (CNM) in Michigan allows you to play a central role in women’s health, from prenatal care and labor support to primary care and gynecology. This step-by-step guide explains how to become a nurse midwife in Michigan, including how to meet licensing requirements, find accredited CNM programs (both online and on-campus), prepare for national certification, and explore salary expectations and job outlook across the state.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Michigan
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
Registered nurses (RNs) in Michigan begin their journey to becoming certified nurse-midwives by enrolling in an accredited graduate program in nurse-midwifery. These programs, which include MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate tracks, must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
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 |
Some programs offer a dual focus in women’s health and midwifery, allowing graduates to pursue additional WHNP-BC certification. Learn more about dual-focus CNM and WHNP programs for expanded career options.
In Michigan, registered nurses (RNs) can access on-campus options in cities such as Ann Arbor and Detroit. However, due to limited in-state availability, most students opt for accredited nurse-midwifery programs offered through online delivery, which partner with local hospitals and clinics to fulfill clinical hour requirements.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Nurse-midwifery programs require 40-60 semester credits and approximately 1,000 hours of clinical training. Core coursework includes:
- Midwifery care during pregnancy and labor
- Advanced pharmacology and reproductive health
- Newborn care and postpartum support
- Advanced health assessment and biostatistics
- Women’s primary care and gynecology
Clinical rotations are completed at sites like University of Michigan Health System (Ann Arbor), Henry Ford Health System (Detroit), and birthing centers such as Greenhouse Birth Center (Okemos).
Admission Requirements
Typical admission requirements include:
- Valid Michigan RN license
- Bachelor’s degree (BSN preferred)
- Minimum GPA (usually 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Clinical experience in women’s health (preferred)
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After graduating from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program, you’ll be eligible to take the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) exam through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
The CNM exam comprises 175 multiple-choice questions across six content domains:
- Antepartum (19-26%)
- Intrapartum (17-26%)
- Postpartum (15-18%)
- Newborn care (7-16%)
- Women’s health and primary care (8-16%)
- Gynecology (15-18%)
Testing centers are available across Michigan, including Flint, Dearborn, Wyoming, and Grand Rapids through Professional Service Industries (PSI). You can use the AMCB Candidate Handbook to guide your exam preparation.
Graduates of dual-focus programs may also take the NCC WHNP-BC exam for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner certification.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Michigan Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse-Midwives in Michigan must apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure with a specialty in nurse-midwifery through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Applicants will need to:
- Submit a completed specialty certification packet
- Pay a processing fee (typically $38–$52)
- Request AMCB to send verification of certification directly to the Michigan Board of Nursing
- Provide official transcripts from the nurse-midwifery program
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check
If you are also certified as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), you may apply for additional recognition using the appropriate form provided by LARA. CNMs in Michigan have limited prescriptive authority under a collaborative agreement with a physician.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Michigan and Maintain Credentials
With your license and CNM credential in hand, you’re ready to begin your career as a nurse-midwife in Michigan. Most certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in the state work in hospitals, OB-GYN clinics, birthing centers, or private practices. Others provide home birth services in rural areas.
Here are some Michigan-based employers that may hire CNMs:
- Henry Ford Health System – Detroit & West Bloomfield
- Hutzel Women’s Hospital – Detroit
- Beaumont Health – Royal Oak
- Greenhouse Birth Center – Okemos
- Born – Grand Rapids
- University of Michigan Health System – Ann Arbor
Credential Maintenance
- APRN License Renewal: Renew biennially through LARA ($60-$80 fee), requires 25 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours in pain management.
- AMCB Certification: Renew every 5 years via the AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program (3 modules and 20 CE hours or re-examination).
- WHNP Certification (if applicable): Renew every 3 years through the NCC with 45 CE hours.
Professional organizations like the Michigan Nurses Association and the Michigan Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives offer networking and CE opportunities.
“Choosing a CNM program allowed me to support women at every stage of life. The online format gave me the flexibility I needed while raising my kids.” — Jenna T., CNM graduate from Michigan
What About Licensed Midwives (LMs)?
Michigan also offers state licensure for direct-entry midwives who are not nurses. These professionals are known as Licensed Midwives (LMs) and typically practice out-of-hospital birth care using a more traditional midwifery model. They are certified through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) as Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs).
Learn more about this alternate path in our full guide on pathways to midwifery credentials.
Step 5. Understand Salary Expectations for CNMs in Michigan
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2024, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in Michigan earn a mean annual wage of $116,360, with an hourly mean wage of $55.94. In the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area, the median annual wage is $111,220. These figures are competitive, though slightly below the national median annual wage for nurse-midwives of $129,490 in 2023.
Salary Breakdown
Michigan CNM Salary Percentiles (May 2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $83,570 | $40.18 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,230 | $46.75 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $112,750 | $54.21 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,460 | $63.20 |
| 90th Percentile | $148,080 | $71.19 |
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI CNM Salary Percentiles (May 2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $81,890 | $39.37 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,620 | $45.49 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $111,220 | $53.47 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,890 | $61.48 |
| 90th Percentile | $143,650 | $69.06 |
Factors influencing CNM salaries in Michigan include:
- Practice setting (hospital vs. birthing center vs. clinic)
- Geographic location (urban Ann Arbor vs. rural areas)
- Years of experience and additional certifications
- Patient volume and delivery load
- Additional roles (teaching, administration)
Job Growth and Market Demand
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Projections Central estimates a 16.7% growth in CNM employment in Michigan from 2020 to 2030, driven by:
- Increasing demand for personalized maternity care
- Shortages of OB/GYN physicians in rural areas
- Growing acceptance of nurse-midwives in healthcare systems
(Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024. Figures represent state and regional 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. Data accessed June 2025.)
Step 6. Explore Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNM in Michigan
How long does it take to become a nurse-midwife in Michigan?
Typically, 6-8 years: 4 years for a BSN (or RN plus bridge program) and 2-3 years for an MSN or DNP in nurse-midwifery. RN-to-MSN or DNP pathways may take 3-4 years.
Can I become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) online in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan RNs can complete didactic coursework online through ACME-accredited programs, with clinical placements arranged at local sites like Henry Ford Health System or University of Michigan Health.
What is the difference between a CNM and a Licensed Midwife (LM)?
CNMs are registered nurses with graduate education and AMCB certification, practicing in hospitals, clinics, or birthing centers. LMs are direct-entry midwives credentialed by NARM, typically focusing on out-of-hospital births.
Do Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in Michigan have prescriptive authority?
Yes, CNMs in Michigan have limited prescriptive authority under a collaborative agreement with a physician, allowing them to prescribe medications within their scope of practice.
Where do CNMs typically work in Michigan?
CNMs work in hospitals (e.g., Beaumont Health, Hutzel Women’s Hospital), birthing centers (e.g., Greenhouse Birth Center), OB/GYN clinics, private practices, or home birth settings.
What is the job outlook for CNMs in Michigan?
The job outlook is strong, with a projected 16.7% growth in CNM positions from 2020 to 2030, driven by demand for maternity care and physician shortages in rural areas.
Are midwifery services covered by Medicaid in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan Medicaid covers midwifery services, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, for eligible patients, improving access to care.
Can CNMs in Michigan attend home births?
Yes, CNMs can attend home births as part of their scope of practice, provided they are licensed and follow state regulations, though many also work in hospitals or birthing centers.
Explore More Resources
To explore additional educational opportunities or learn more about nurse-midwife education options, check out the following:
- Dual-Focus Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health NP Programs
- ACME-Accredited Nurse-Midwife Programs
- Master’s in Nurse-Midwifery Programs
- MidwifeSchooling.com – Home