Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Mississippi’s approach to certified nurse midwifery represents a unique regulatory landscape where certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) operate as advanced practice registered nurses under specific collaborative practice requirements. The state currently recognizes CNMs as APRNs who provide comprehensive women’s health services throughout the lifespan, from adolescence through menopause, while traditional midwifery practice remains largely unregulated. This regulatory framework presents both opportunities and challenges for aspiring nurse midwives seeking to practice in Mississippi, where, as of 2018, less than 7% of births were attended by midwives.
Licensed through the Mississippi Board of Nursing as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), Mississippi’s certified nurse midwives are granted prescriptive authority and the ability to provide comprehensive care within their scope of practice under a collaborative agreement with a physician. With proper education and certification, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) in Mississippi can expect competitive salaries and growing job opportunities in this essential healthcare specialty.
“Completing my master’s in nurse midwifery through an online program while working as an RN in Mississippi was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The clinical placements at Baptist Memorial Healthcare gave me hands-on experience that prepared me for my current role as a CNM. The collaborative practice model here allows me to provide comprehensive women’s health care while having physician support when needed.” – Sarah P., CNM, Jackson, MS
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife in Mississippi
Mississippi’s registered nurses with unencumbered licenses in good standing can become certified nurse midwives by earning a qualifying master’s degree, obtaining national certification in nurse midwifery, and meeting the qualifications for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure through the Mississippi Board of Nursing:
Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To qualify for national certification in nurse midwifery and advanced practice licensure through the Mississippi Board of Nursing, aspiring CNMs must earn a master’s or higher degree through a program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Educational Prerequisites and Pathways
The pathway to becoming a certified nurse-midwife in Mississippi begins with establishing a solid nursing foundation through obtaining a registered nurse license. Prospective CNMs must first obtain their RN license, which requires completion of either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an approved educational program. While an ADN represents the minimum requirement for RN licensure, a BSN is essential for pursuing advanced practice roles, as it provides the necessary academic foundation for master ‘s-level study.
| Current Education Level | Recommended Pathway | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| High School Diploma | BSN → MSN in Nurse-Midwifery | 6-7 years total |
| ADN + RN License | RN-to-MSN Bridge Program | 3-4 years |
| BSN + RN License | Traditional MSN Program | 2-3 years |
| Bachelor’s (Non-Nursing) | Accelerated BSN → MSN | 4-5 years total |
Admissions Requirements for CNM Programs
RNs pursue different graduate programs based on the degree they currently hold. While bachelor’s prepared RNs would enroll in a conventional master’s program in nurse midwifery, RNs who only have an associate’s degree would enroll in an accredited RN-to-MSN bridge program with a focus in midwifery to earn both their BSN and master’s degree in one accelerated program.
Standard admissions requirements include:
- A BSN from an accredited program, or related education that provides for completion of nursing prerequisites
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (varies by program)
- Personal statement or video essay demonstrating commitment to midwifery
- Letters of recommendation from nursing supervisors or faculty
- GRE General Test (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Clinical experience in women’s health or obstetrics (preferred)
Program Structure and Clinical Requirements
Nurse midwife programs consist of two essential components: didactic coursework and clinical experience. The classroom component usually consists of between 40 and 60 credits, while clinical sequences generally require 500-1,000 hours and are completed concurrently with didactic coursework.
All accredited nurse midwife programs cover the core competencies for advanced practice nursing (Pathophysiology, Physiology, and Pharmacology) in addition to coursework specific to nurse midwifery and women’s health:
- Ambulatory Care of Women
- Family Crisis Care and Counseling
- Intrapartum Care and Labor Management
- Newborn Care and Assessment
- Midwifery Care During Labor and Delivery
- Midwifery Care During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Biostatistics for Health Care Providers
- Women’s Reproductive Healthcare Across the Lifespan
- Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
- Research Methods in Healthcare
Clinical Placement Opportunities in Mississippi
With just 39 ACME-accredited nurse midwife programs nationwide, Mississippi, like many other states, is not home to any schools with accredited campus-based programs that would qualify graduates for national certification and state licensure. As such, most aspiring nurse midwives in Mississippi opt to enroll in accredited online programs designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working registered nurses (RNs), while offering the same level of rigor and clinical training as campus-based programs.
Clinical sequences provide nurse-midwifery students with hands-on experience to complement their classroom learning. Students complete their clinical work at local hospitals and birth centers. Students in online programs work with their program’s advisor to arrange placement in a regional facility that meets the program’s requirements. Facilities in Mississippi that support clinical sequences for online students include:
- Baptist Medical Center in Jackson
- Baptist Memorial Hospital in locations throughout Mississippi
- Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg
- Garden Park Medical Center in Gulfport
- Madison River Oaks Medical Center in Canton
- Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth
- Memorial Hospital at Gulfport in Gulfport
- Merit Health Biloxi in Biloxi
- North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo
- Ocean Springs Hospital in Ocean Springs
- OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville
- River Oaks Hospital in Flowood
- Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian
- University of Mississippi Medical Center in Grenada
- Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg
- Woman’s Hospital in Flowood
- Women’s Hospital of Tupelo in Tupelo
Dual Specialization Options
Many of today’s bachelor’s prepared RNs are enrolling in programs that offer dual specialization in nurse midwifery and women’s health, structured as Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) master’s programs. Graduates of these programs have the option of becoming certified in both nurse midwifery (CNM credential) and board-certified as women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNP-BC credential).
As experts in women’s health and nurse midwifery, these advanced practitioners often serve the gynecological and general care needs of women well beyond pregnancy and childbirth, making them highly valuable in Mississippi’s healthcare landscape.
For aspiring nurse midwives in Mississippi, accredited nurse midwifery programs offer multiple pathways, including online CNM programs that accommodate working professionals. Whether pursuing MSN, DNP, or post-master’s CNM degrees, students can find programs that meet ACME accreditation standards and prepare them for successful careers in Mississippi’s collaborative practice environment.
Step 2: Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Upon graduating from a master’s degree program in nurse midwifery, CNM candidates must then apply to take the Certified Nurse Midwife Exam, offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
AMCB Certification Examination Details
National certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board represents a mandatory step for all CNMs seeking to practice in Mississippi. The AMCB certification examination assesses cognitive knowledge required for beginning midwifery practice, covering both normal and abnormal physical and psychological processes.
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, multiple-choice |
| Number of Questions | 175 questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Results | Immediate official results provided |
| Scoring | Pass/fail system |
The AMCB offers an online Candidate Handbook to help RNs prepare for the exam. The exam covers the following content areas:
- Antepartum Care – 19-26 percent
- Intrapartum Care – 17-26 percent
- Postpartum Care – 15-18 percent
- Gynecology and Women’s Health – 15-18 percent
- Women’s Health and Primary Care – 8-16 percent
- Newborn Care – 7-16 percent
Testing Locations and Application Process
Eligibility for the AMCB examination requires graduation from an ACME-accredited nurse midwifery program and maintenance of an unencumbered RN license. The examination provides candidates with immediate official results, streamlining the certification process. This national certification serves as the foundation for state-level APRN licensure and must be maintained throughout the CNM’s career through periodic recertification requirements.
The completed application form must be sent to the following address:
AMCB
849 International Drive, Suite 120
Linthicum, MD 21090
Additional Certification for Dual-Focused Practitioners
Graduates of dual focus nurse midwife/women’s health nurse practitioner programs who wish to practice as both a certified nurse midwife (CNM) and women’s health care nurse practitioner (WHNP-BC) must also take the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Exam through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
The 150-question WHNP exam is divided into the following content areas:
- 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 APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Mississippi Board of Nursing
Following successful completion of national certification, CNMs must apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure through the Mississippi Board of Nursing. The application process requires current RN licensure in Mississippi or an active, unrestricted multi-state compact license.
APRN Licensure Application Requirements
With their national certifications in hand, CNMs must then apply to become an APRN with the Mississippi Board of Nursing. The Board uses an online program called Nurse Gateway to handle applications. APRN certification candidates must register with the program to apply for APRN certification.
| Application Component | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| APRN Certification | $100 | Initial application fee |
| Criminal Background Check | $75 | Required for all applicants |
| Controlled Substance Prescriptive Authority | $100 | Optional, if desired |
| Practice Site Registration | $25 | Per practice location |
| Collaborative Physician Registration | $25 | Per a collaborative relationship |
Monitored Practice Hours Requirement
The Mississippi Board of Nursing requires APRNs to complete monitored practice hours under the guidance of a licensed physician or current APRN before beginning unmonitored practice. New CNMs in Mississippi must complete monitored practice hours before practicing independently at sites without qualifying providers physically present.
The number of required monitored practice hours depends on prior RN experience:
- Less than one year of RN experience: 2,000 monitored practice hours required
- One year or greater RN experience: 1,000 monitored practice hours required
Qualifying providers for monitored practice include licensed physicians, licensed dentists, and APRNs with at least three years of active practice experience and similar educational preparation. Clinical hours earned during accredited APRN educational programs may be applied toward the monitored practice requirement, provided national certification is obtained within two years of program completion.
Prescriptive Authority Requirements
RNs who have completed their monitored practice hours may apply for the privilege to prescribe controlled substances. To obtain prescriptive authority, they must:
- Register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and receive a Uniform Controlled Substances Registration Certificate
- Complete the appropriate application form under the Nurse Gateway program
- Pay a $100 fee to the Mississippi Board of Nursing
Step 4: Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Mississippi and Maintain Credentials
Mississippi operates under a reduced practice authority model, requiring all certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) to practice in collaborative relationships with licensed physicians whose practice areas are compatible with midwifery care. This collaboration requirement represents a significant aspect of CNM practice in the state, as practitioners must establish and maintain formal collaborative agreements prior to commencing practice.
Employment Opportunities for CNMs in Mississippi
Several Mississippi hospitals offering maternity services seek the expertise of certified nurse midwives and women’s health nurse practitioners. Among the top employers of nurse midwives in the state are Baptist Memorial Healthcare, the parent company of four hospitals providing maternity services throughout Mississippi. These organizations have come to rely on dedicated certified nurse midwives for overseeing high-risk pregnancies and attending childbirths while providing obstetric and neonatal care.
Major employers and clinical sites include:
- Baptist Medical Center in Jackson
- Baptist Memorial Hospital in locations throughout Mississippi
- Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg
- Garden Park Medical Center in Gulfport
- Madison River Oaks Medical Center in Canton
- Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth
- Memorial Hospital at Gulfport in Gulfport
- Merit Health Biloxi in Biloxi
- North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo
- Ocean Springs Hospital in Ocean Springs
- OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville
- River Oaks Hospital in Flowood
- Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian
- University of Mississippi Medical Center in Grenada
- Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg
- Woman’s Hospital in Flowood
- Women’s Hospital of Tupelo in Tupelo
Collaborative Practice Requirements
The collaborative relationship must include implementation of a formal quality assurance and quality improvement program maintained on-site and available for inspection by Board representatives. CNMs must notify the Board immediately regarding any changes in collaborative relationships. In cases where a collaborative physician becomes unavailable, CNMs may continue practicing for a 90-day grace period while securing a new collaborative physician.
Credential Maintenance Requirements
APRN Certification Maintenance with the Mississippi Board of Nursing
All Mississippi APRNs must renew their application with the Mississippi Board of Nursing between October and December of even-numbered years. The renewal process can be completed through the Nurse Gateway program. APRN licenses expire between October 1 and December 31 in even-numbered years, with renewal fees of $100.
CNM Certification Maintenance with the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
To maintain CNM certification with the AMCB, nurses must either retake the AMCB Certification Examination or complete three AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules and 20 AMCB-approved contact hours of continuing education during every five-year certification cycle. Nurses who choose to retake the exam are required to pay a one-time $500 fee to the AMCB.
Continuing Education Requirements
Mississippi certified nurse midwives (CNMs) must meet specific continuing education requirements to maintain their advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure. Current regulations require APRNs to complete a minimum of five contact hours of continuing education directly related to controlled substances per state certification period, regardless of whether they hold controlled substance prescriptive authority. APRNs must register for a basic user account with CE Broker to manage continuing education documents.
Certified Nurse Midwife Salaries and Job Outlook in Mississippi
The demand for certified nurse midwives in Mississippi continues to grow as healthcare systems recognize the value of CNM services in providing comprehensive women’s health care. Mississippi has one of the highest birth rates in the country, and many prefer at-home and birthing center deliveries, especially in the state’s rural regions.
Current Salary Information for Mississippi CNMs
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (New Graduates) | $85,000 – $95,000 | 10th – 25th percentile |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $105,000 – $125,000 | 25th – 75th percentile |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $135,000 – $165,000 | 75th – 90th percentile |
| Highly Experienced | $170,000+ | 90th+ percentile |
Factors Influencing CNM Salaries in Mississippi
Several factors influence certified nurse midwife salaries in Mississippi:
- Practice Setting: Hospital-employed CNMs typically earn higher base salaries than those in private practice
- Geographic Location: Urban areas like Jackson and Gulfport generally offer higher compensation
- Experience Level: Advanced practitioners with specialized skills command premium salaries
- Additional Certifications: Dual certification as CNM/WHNP increases earning potential
- Call Responsibilities: CNMs taking call may receive additional compensation
Job Growth and Market Demand
Despite a growing trend revealing that more women are interested in pursuing the safety and comfort of childbirth at home, a severe shortage of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), including nurse midwives, remains in Mississippi. The United States Department of Labor projects steady growth in advanced practice nursing positions statewide through 2032.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 29% national increase in home births from 2004 to 2009, with home births in many states reaching their highest point since the CDC began collecting data in 1989. Their findings also reported lower risk profiles in home births attended by certified nurse midwives than those that took place in hospital settings.
(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 Mississippi
How long does it take to become a certified nurse midwife in Mississippi?
The timeline varies based on your starting education level. If you already have a BSN and RN license, you can complete a master’s program in 2-3 years. If you have an ADN, an RN-to-MSN bridge program typically takes 3-4 years. After graduation, you’ll need to pass the national certification exam and complete monitored practice hours (1,000-2,000 hours, depending on your RN experience).
Can I become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Mississippi through online programs?
Yes, since Mississippi doesn’t have any on-campus ACME-accredited CNM programs, most students pursue online programs from accredited institutions. These programs include clinical placements at approved healthcare facilities in Mississippi. Students work with program advisors to arrange local clinical experiences.
What is the collaborative practice requirement in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires all CNMs to practice under collaborative agreements with licensed physicians whose practice areas are compatible with midwifery care. This includes maintaining a formal quality assurance program and notifying the Board of any changes in collaborative relationships. If a collaborative physician becomes unavailable, CNMs have a 90-day grace period to secure a new cooperative relationship.
How much do monitored practice hours cost in Mississippi?
The monitored practice hours themselves don’t have a direct cost, but you’ll need to arrange supervision with qualifying providers (licensed physicians, dentists, or experienced APRNs). Some facilities may charge preceptor fees, which typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the arrangement and duration.
Can CNMs prescribe controlled substances in Mississippi?
Yes, CNMs can apply for Controlled Substance Prescriptive Authority (CSPA) after completing their monitored practice hours. This requires DEA registration ($731 for three years) and a $100 application fee to the Mississippi Board of Nursing. CNMs must also complete five contact hours of continuing education related to controlled substances per certification period.
What clinical facilities in Mississippi accept CNM students?
Major facilities include Baptist Memorial Healthcare systems, University of Mississippi Medical Center locations, Forrest General Hospital, North Mississippi Medical Center, and various women’s hospitals throughout the state. Online program advisors assist in arranging clinical placements at facilities that meet the program’s requirements.
Is dual certification as CNM/WHNP worth pursuing in Mississippi?
Dual certification can increase your career flexibility and earning potential in Mississippi. CNM/WHNP practitioners can provide both midwifery services and comprehensive women’s health care throughout the lifespan, making them valuable to healthcare systems. However, this requires passing both the AMCB CNM exam and the NCC WHNP exam.
How often do CNMs need to renew their licenses in Mississippi?
APRN licenses must be renewed between October and December of even-numbered years, accompanied by a $100 fee. CNM national certification must be renewed every five years through either re-examination ($500) or completion of continuing education modules and 20 contact hours. Additionally, RN licenses must be maintained as a prerequisite for APRN status.