Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Understanding how to become a nurse-midwife CNM in Minnesota reveals exceptional opportunities in one of the nation’s most progressive states for midwifery practice. Minnesota provides registered nurses with multiple comprehensive pathways to become Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), supported by progressive legislation that continues expanding career options and practice autonomy. As an independent practice state, Minnesota grants CNMs full clinical autonomy without restrictive physician collaborative agreements after completing initial practice requirements, establishing the state as among the most midwife-friendly jurisdictions in the nation for advanced practice nursing professionals.
Currently, Minnesota recognizes three distinct pathways to midwifery practice: Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; Licensed Traditional Midwives with Certified Professional Midwife credentials; and a proposed Licensed Certified Midwife pathway that would eliminate nursing degree requirements. With midwives attending 16% of all births in Minnesota as of 2022—including 22% of vaginal births—the state demonstrates exceptional integration of midwifery care into its healthcare system.
“The University of Minnesota’s nurse-midwifery program transformed my career completely. The clinical rotations, including the international experience in Italy, gave me confidence to practice in diverse settings. Minnesota’s independent practice laws mean I can truly make a difference in women’s healthcare without unnecessary barriers.” – Sarah M., CNM Graduate, Class of 2023
Quick Navigation:
- Steps to Becoming a CNM
- Educational Programs Available
- Alternative Midwifery Pathways
- Salary & Career Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Minnesota
Certified Nurse-Midwives are licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) through the Minnesota Board of Nursing after earning national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Minnesota’s progressive practice environment allows CNMs to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including prescriptive authority and hospital privileges.
Registered nurses with an unrestricted license in good standing can pursue APRN licensure as a certified nurse-midwife by following these essential steps:
Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To qualify for CNM designation through the American Midwifery Certification Board and become eligible for APRN licensure in Minnesota, candidates must complete a master’s degree program in nurse-midwifery accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Educational Program Options in Minnesota
Minnesota offers exceptional educational opportunities through established institutions with strong clinical partnerships throughout the state:
Program Options
| Institution | Program Type | Special Features | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Nurse-Midwifery Specialization | Research-focused, comprehensive clinical training | Minneapolis |
| Bethel University | Master of Science (MS) in Nurse Midwifery | Faith-based education, small cohort sizes | Saint Paul |
| Mayo Clinic/University of Minnesota Partnership | Specialized CNM Program | International rotations (Italy) accept 6 students annually | Rochester/Minneapolis |
| Online ACME-Accredited Programs | Various MSN/DNP Options | Flexibility for working RNs, clinical placement assistance | Virtual with local clinicals |
Program Admission Requirements
Admission to accredited nurse-midwife programs is competitive, with admissions committees typically evaluating:
- Academic Performance: Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (many programs prefer 3.5+)
- GRE Scores: Required by most programs (some waiving during nursing shortage)
- Professional References: Letters from nursing supervisors, educators, or healthcare providers
- Personal Statement: Demonstrating commitment to midwifery and women’s health
- Clinical Experience: Preferred background in women’s health, obstetrics, or related areas
- Prerequisite Coursework: Statistics, research methods, and advanced health assessment
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Graduate programs integrate rigorous didactic coursework (40-60 credits) with extensive clinical experience (700- 1,000+ hours). Core curriculum includes:
- Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Women’s Reproductive Healthcare Across the Lifespan
- Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum Care
- Newborn Assessment and Care
- Family Planning and Contraceptive Management
- Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Policy and Leadership
- Cultural Competency in Women’s Health
Clinical rotations encompass diverse settings including hospitals, birth centers, community clinics, and private practices throughout Minnesota’s urban and rural areas.
Dual Specialization Options
Many programs offer dual-focus Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) tracks, allowing graduates to become dually certified and expand their scope of practice throughout women’s healthcare.
Step 2: Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Upon completing an ACME-accredited graduate program, candidates apply for and take the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Examination Details
The CNM exam is offered at AMP testing centers within H&R Block offices throughout Minnesota, including locations in:
- Duluth
- Minneapolis
- Rochester
- St. Cloud
- Mankato
CNM Exam Content Distribution
| Content Area | Percentage of Exam | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 19-26% | Prenatal assessment, risk identification, and health promotion |
| Intrapartum Care | 17-26% | Labor management, delivery techniques, and emergency procedures |
| Postpartum Care | 15-18% | Recovery assessment, breastfeeding support, complications |
| Gynecological Care | 15-18% | Reproductive health, contraception, and preventive screening |
| Women’s Health & Primary Care | 8-16% | Health maintenance, chronic conditions, referrals |
| Newborn Care | 7-16% | Assessment, feeding support, and health promotion |
The four-hour examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. Candidates can access the AMCB Candidate Handbook for comprehensive preparation guidelines.
Step 3: Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Minnesota Board of Nursing
After receiving notification of passing the CNM exam, successful candidates apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure through the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Application Process
Candidates must complete the Certified Nurse Midwife application and submit it with a $105 application fee to:
Minnesota Board of Nursing
2829 University Avenue SE #200
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Independent Practice Requirements
While Minnesota is an independent practice state, new Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) must complete 2,080 hours of practice under a written collaborative agreement before achieving full independence. This transitional period ensures the development of competency while maintaining patient safety standards.
Step 4: Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Minnesota and Maintain Credentials
Minnesota’s progressive healthcare environment offers diverse career opportunities for CNMs in both urban and rural settings. The state’s 123 independent nurse-midwifery clinics, birth centers, and hospitals provide numerous employment opportunities.
Major Employers of CNMs in Minnesota
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Minneapolis)
- Mayo Clinic Health System (Rochester and regional locations)
- Fairview Health Services (Multiple locations)
- Allina Health System (Twin Cities metro)
- HealthPartners (St. Paul and suburbs)
- Essentia Health (Duluth and northern Minnesota)
- Independent birth centers and midwifery practices
- Community health centers serving rural populations
Professional Development and Support
Minnesota maintains active professional organizations supporting CNM practice:
- Minnesota Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives: Professional advocacy and continuing education
- Minnesota Organization for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention & Parenting: Community health initiatives
- Regional APRN organizations: Networking and policy development
Alternative Pathways to Midwifery Practice in Minnesota
Licensed Traditional Midwife (LTM) Route
Minnesota recognizes Licensed Traditional Midwives who obtain Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credentials through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). This pathway focuses on out-of-hospital birth and community-based midwifery care.
Requirements for LTM licensure:
- Current NARM certification as CPM
- Completion of NARM-approved education or apprenticeship
- Initial license fee: $200
- Annual renewal: $100
- Criminal background check: $33.25
Note: Traditional midwife licensure is currently voluntary in Minnesota under Statute 147D.
Proposed Licensed Certified Midwife (LCM) Pathway
Groundbreaking legislation (House File 1010 and Senate File 832) proposes creating a direct-entry midwifery pathway that would eliminate nursing degree requirements while maintaining rigorous ACME accreditation standards.
Proposed LCM requirements would include:
- Graduate-level midwifery education from ACME-accredited programs
- American Midwifery Certification Board certification
- Unified oversight through the Minnesota Board of Nursing
- Exact scope of practice as CNMs
- Potential reduction of 7 years in educational pathway
The University of Minnesota has expressed its readiness to launch an LCM program, pending legislative approval, positioning Minnesota as a national leader in midwifery education innovation.
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Minnesota
Minnesota offers competitive compensation for CNMs, with salaries reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting advanced practice nursing and midwifery care.
CNM Salary Data for Minnesota (2023)
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate | Employment Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $85,000 – $105,000 | $41 – $50 | Hospital employment, clinic settings |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $105,000 – $135,000 | $50 – $65 | Independent practice, specialized roles |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $135,000 – $165,000+ | $65 – $79+ | Leadership roles, private practice ownership |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro | $110,000 – $155,000 | $53 – $75 | Higher cost of living, urban opportunities |
Factors Influencing CNM Salaries in Minnesota
- Geographic Location: The Twin Cities metro area offers the highest compensation
- Practice Setting: Hospital employment vs. independent practice variations
- Specialty Certifications: Additional credentials increase earning potential
- Patient Volume: Productivity-based compensation models
- Call Requirements: On-call responsibilities affect total compensation
Job Growth and Market Demand
The projected job growth for nurse-midwives in Minnesota remains robust at nearly 18% from 2018 to 2028, significantly outpacing most healthcare professions. Factors driving demand include:
- Physician shortages in obstetrics and women’s health
- Growing preference for personalized, patient-centered care
- Expansion of telehealth and rural health initiatives
- Legislative support for independent midwifery practice
- Cost-effectiveness of midwifery care models
Minnesota’s favorable reimbursement policies offer 100% physician fee parity for midwifery services under Medicaid programs, supporting the viability of midwifery practices and expanding access to underserved populations.
(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.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNM in Minnesota
How long does it take to become a certified nurse-midwife in Minnesota?
The typical pathway takes 4-6 years total: 2-4 years for the MSN/DNP program plus initial RN education. The proposed Licensed Certified Midwife pathway could reduce this timeline by eliminating the requirement for a nursing degree.
Can CNMs practice independently in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota is an independent practice state for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). However, new graduates must complete 2,080 hours of practice with a collaborative agreement before achieving full independence.
What’s the difference between CNMs and traditional midwives in Minnesota?
CNMs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with graduate degrees, while Licensed Traditional Midwives hold CPM certification through NARM. CNMs can practice in hospitals and provide full primary care, while traditional midwives typically focus on out-of-hospital births.
Are there online nurse-midwifery programs available for Minnesota residents?
Yes, several ACME-accredited online programs accept Minnesota residents, with clinical placements arranged locally. Working RNs often prefer this flexibility while maintaining employment.
What is the average salary for new CNMs in Minnesota?
New CNMs in Minnesota typically earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, with higher compensation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Do I need to retake the boards if I move to Minnesota from another state?
No, AMCB certification is nationally recognized. You’ll need to apply for APRN licensure in Minnesota, but you won’t need to retake the certification exam.
What clinical settings do CNMs work in throughout Minnesota?
CNMs practice in hospitals, birth centers, independent clinics, community health centers, and some provide home birth services. Minnesota’s 123 midwifery-friendly facilities offer diverse opportunities.
Are there scholarship opportunities for nurse-midwifery students in Minnesota?
Yes, various organizations, including the Minnesota Council of Certified Professional Midwives, offer scholarships, with a particular focus on supporting students of color and LGBTQIA students.
Minnesota’s commitment to expanding midwifery education and practice presents exceptional opportunities for current and future Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs). Whether pursuing traditional nursing-based pathways or considering emerging direct-entry options, the state provides comprehensive support for midwifery careers that make meaningful differences in women’s healthcare.