Last Updated: May 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 (RN) 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.
These programs typically include:
- Midwifery care during pregnancy and labor
- Pharmacology and reproductive health
- Newborn care and postpartum support
- Advanced health assessment and biostatistics
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, including antepartum, intrapartum, gynecology, and newborn care. You can use the AMCB Candidate Handbook to guide your exam preparation.
Testing centers are available across Michigan, including locations in Flint, Dearborn, and Wyoming. Passing this exam is a requirement for both national certification and state licensure.
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 that the AMCB send verification of certification directly to the Michigan Board of Nursing
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.
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
To maintain your CNM credential, you must complete the AMCB’s Certificate Maintenance Program, which includes completing continuing education modules every five years.
“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.
Certified Nurse-Midwife Salary in Michigan
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified nurse-midwives in Michigan earned an average annual salary of $105,820 as of May 2023. Salaries can vary significantly depending on location, experience level, and work setting.
Entry-level CNMs in Michigan can expect to earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, while those with more experience or working in high-demand urban centers may earn upwards of $130,000.
Salary Breakdown by City
- Ann Arbor: $111,750 average | Up to $155,160
- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn: $83,530 average | Up to $125,010
- Grand Rapids-Wyoming: $97,000 average | Up to $138,000
(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.)
FAQs About Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Michigan
How long does it take to become a nurse-midwife in Michigan?
The timeline varies, but most students complete their education and certification within 6 to 8 years, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Can I become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) online in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan RNs can complete didactic coursework online and arrange local clinical placements through accredited online Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) programs.
What is the difference between a CNM and a Licensed Midwife (LM)?
CNMs are registered nurses with graduate education and AMCB certification. LMs are direct-entry midwives who are credentialed by NARM and typically practice outside of hospital settings.
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, as outlined by state law.