Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Montana presents exceptional opportunities for aspiring nurse midwives, offering independent practice authority with prescriptive privileges and strong market demand for midwifery services. The state recognizes Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) through the Montana Board of Nursing, with a comprehensive scope of practice that includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and primary women’s health services across the lifespan.
Montana’s regulatory environment supports autonomous practice, allowing CNMs to operate independently without requiring collaborative agreements with physicians. This positioning enables CNMs to manage their practices and make clinical decisions independently, thereby establishing them as autonomous healthcare providers. In 2018, more than 13.7% of births in Montana were attended by midwives, demonstrating strong consumer acceptance and market demand for midwifery services.
“Montana’s full practice authority was the deciding factor in my choice to pursue my CNM here. Completing my DNP in nurse midwifery through Montana State University’s DNP program while working as an RN was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The independent practice environment allows me to provide comprehensive women’s health care in rural communities where my services are desperately needed.” – Maria K., CNM, Kalispell, MT
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife in Montana
To gain recognition as a certified nurse midwife in Montana, RNs with licenses in good standing must follow these steps to meet the requirements for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure through the Montana Board of Nursing:
Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
The first step to becoming nationally certified as a nurse midwife and licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) through the Montana Board of Nursing is to earn a master’s degree or higher in nurse midwifery from a program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Educational Prerequisites and Pathways
The journey to becoming a certified nurse midwife in Montana begins with obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) license, which serves as the foundational requirement for all advanced practice nursing roles. Prospective CNMs must first complete either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. While an ADN provides the minimum educational requirement for RN licensure, most graduate-level nurse midwifery programs strongly prefer or require applicants to hold a BSN degree.
| Current Education Level | Recommended Pathway | Typical Duration | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Diploma | BSN → MSN/DNP in Nurse-Midwifery | 6-8 years total | College preparatory coursework |
| ADN + RN License | RN-to-MSN Bridge Program | 3-4 years | Current RN license, clinical experience |
| BSN + RN License | Traditional MSN/DNP Program | 2-4 years | 1-2 years of nursing experience |
| Bachelor’s (Non-Nursing) | Accelerated BSN → MSN/DNP | 4-6 years total | Nursing prerequisites |
Montana State University DNP Program
Montana State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a Nurse-Midwifery option, providing in-state educational opportunities for Montana residents. This program is delivered through distance education, supplemented with video conferencing, making it accessible to students throughout the state while requiring occasional travel to Bozeman for specific coursework.
Key Program Details:
- Application Deadline: December 15th for fall semester admission
- Residency Requirement: Limited to Montana residents
- Delivery Format: Distance education with video conferencing
- Focus Areas: Rural and underserved populations, cultural safety
- Curriculum Emphasis: Anti-racism and reproductive justice principles
Admissions Requirements for CNM Programs
Bachelor’s-prepared RNs are qualified to apply to traditional MSN programs with a focus on nurse midwifery. In contrast, RNs who have only earned an associate’s degree in nursing must enroll in an RN-to-MSN completion program with a focus in nurse midwifery to earn both their Bachelor of Science in Nursing and MSN in nurse midwifery.
Standard admissions requirements include:
- Current, unencumbered Montana RN license or Nurse Licensure Compact participation
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (BSN preferred)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (varies by program)
- One to two years of clinical nursing experience (women’s health preferred)
- Letters of recommendation from nursing supervisors or faculty
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Personal statement demonstrating commitment to midwifery practice
- Successful completion of prerequisite coursework
Program Structure and Clinical Requirements
Nurse midwife programs consist of both didactic coursework and clinical exposure, providing students with a broad spectrum of knowledge before they seek national certification and begin professional nurse midwifery practice. Graduate nurse midwifery programs typically require two years of full-time study for MSN completion, though part-time options may extend the timeline to five years.
The didactic coursework in these programs covers the key areas of nurse midwifery:
- Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Ambulatory Care of Women Across the Lifespan
- Midwifery Care During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Intrapartum Care and Labor Management
- Newborn Care and Assessment
- Gynecologic Health and Primary Care
- Healthcare Ethics and Cultural Competency
- Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Biostatistics for Health Care Providers
- Family Crisis Care and Counseling
- Women’s Reproductive Healthcare
Clinical Placement Opportunities in Montana
Clinical work is designed to complement classroom learning by providing registered nurses (RN) with hands-on experience. Working under the guidance of a physician or APRN at a nearby hospital or birth center, students typically accumulate between 700-1,000 hours of work experience in the clinical setting. Students who pursue a master’s in nurse midwifery online will work closely with a program director from their school to be placed in local facilities for the clinical component of their program.
In Montana, clinical sequences take place in the following facilities:
- Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings
- Bozeman Birth Center in Bozeman
- Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby
- Community Medical Center in Missoula
- Family Birth Center in Great Falls
- Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow
- Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell
- Livingston Memorial Hospital in Livingston
- Marias Medical Center in Shelby
- North Valley Hospital in Whitefish
- Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson
- Patrick Hospital in Missoula
- Vincent Healthcare in Billings
Dual Specialization Options
Programs offering dual specialization in nurse midwifery and women’s health are gaining in popularity, as they better prepare CNMs to provide comprehensive primary and well-woman gynecological care in addition to maternity and obstetric care. Structured as Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) master’s degrees, graduates of these programs are able to become dually certified as a nurse midwife (CNM) and board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP-BC) if they so choose.
For aspiring nurse midwives in Montana, 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 Montana’s independent practice environment.
Step 2: Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Upon earning a master’s degree in nurse midwifery, CNM candidates may apply to take the Certified Nurse Midwife Exam, which is administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
AMCB Certification Examination Details
All CNM candidates must obtain certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which administers the national certification examination for nurse midwifery. The AMCB certification program establishes national standards for the midwifery profession and protects the public by ensuring certified individuals meet predetermined criteria for safe practice.
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, multiple-choice |
| Number of Questions | 175 questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Results | Immediate official results provided |
| Testing Centers | Over 120 sites nationally |
| Scoring | Criterion-referenced cut-score determination |
The examination content areas and percentages are determined by the most recent Task Analysis completed by the AMCB Research Committee, ensuring the exam reflects current practice standards. To help RNs prepare for the exam, the AMCB offers an online Candidate Handbook.
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 in Montana
In Montana, the Certified Nurse Midwife Exam is offered at PSI testing centers in the following cities:
- Billings
- Great Falls
- Missoula
Additional Certification for Dual-Focused Practitioners
Candidates who have graduated from dual focus nurse midwife/women’s health nurse practitioner programs may additionally choose to sit for the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Exam administered through the National Certification Corporation (NCC), to achieve their WHNP-Board Certification.
The exam, offered at the same AMP testing centers as the Certified Nurse Midwife Exam, consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering the following topics, as detailed in the WHNP Candidate Guide:
- 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 Montana Board of Nursing
Once certified through AMCB, candidates must apply for APRN licensure through the Montana Board of Nursing to practice as CNMs in the state. The licensure application must be submitted through Montana’s online portal at https://aca-prod.accela.com/bcb/Default.aspx, along with comprehensive documentation of educational credentials and professional qualifications.
APRN Licensure Application Requirements
Prior to filling out the APRN application on the Montana Board of Nursing website, nurses must instruct their graduate program to send a copy of their official transcript to the Board. Additionally, they must undergo a fingerprint-based background check process through the Montana Department of Justice.
| Application Component | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Official Transcripts | Required | Sent directly from a graduate institution |
| AMCB Certification | Required | Current and valid CNM certification |
| License Verification | Required | Through the Nursys for participating states |
| Background Check | Required | Fingerprint-based through the Montana DOJ |
| Application Fee | $75 | Check, money order, or cashier’s check |
The Montana Board of Nursing requires submission of current and valid APRN certification from AMCB, along with verification of APRN licensure status from all jurisdictions where the applicant has held licenses within the preceding two years. License verification must be obtained through Nursys for participating states, while non-participating states require direct verification from the source.
All materials should be sent to the following address:
Montana Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
Prescriptive Authority Requirements
Montana CNMs may obtain prescriptive authority as part of their APRN license, enabling them to prescribe medications independently without collaborative agreements. To qualify for prescriptive authority, applicants must complete appropriate coursework within the past five years, hold current prescriptive authority in another state, or complete 45 contact hours of pharmacology-related continuing education within the past five years.
The independent practice authority in Montana positions CNMs among the most autonomous midwifery practitioners in the nation, allowing them to establish private practices, make independent clinical decisions, and provide comprehensive care without physician oversight.
Step 4: Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Montana and Maintain Credentials
Certified nurse midwife APRN licensure candidates may check the status of their license through a Licensee Lookup program on the NURSYS website. Upon receiving their license, they may begin practicing privately or apply for nurse midwife jobs at hospitals and birth centers in Montana.
Employment Opportunities for CNMs in Montana
CNMs in Montana practice across diverse healthcare settings, reflecting the profession’s versatility and the state’s commitment to expanding access to midwifery care. Most certified nurse midwives work in hospital obstetric departments, providing prenatal care, attending births, and managing postpartum care within established healthcare systems. Additionally, virtually all births occurring outside hospital settings, including those in birthing centers and at home, are facilitated by certified nurse-midwives.
Just some of the state’s top employers of nurse midwives include:
- Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings
- Bozeman Birth Center in Bozeman
- Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby
- Community Birth Center in locations throughout Montana
- Community Medical Center in Missoula
- Family Birth Center in Great Falls
- Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow
- Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell
- Livingston Memorial Hospital in Livingston
- Marias Medical Center in Shelby
- North Valley Hospital in Whitefish
- Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson
- Patrick Hospital in Missoula
- Vincent Healthcare in Billings
Scope of Practice and Professional Autonomy
Montana CNMs enjoy a comprehensive scope of practice that encompasses the full spectrum of women’s health services from adolescence through menopause. Their practice includes comprehensive health assessments, diagnostic procedures, differential diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and health promotion activities. CNMs provide pregnancy care from conception through postpartum, including prenatal visits, labor and delivery attendance, and newborn care during the first month of life.
The autonomous practice environment in Montana allows CNMs to function as primary care providers for women, managing both routine and complex health issues. They can prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, perform procedures within their scope of practice, and refer patients to specialists when appropriate.
Credential Maintenance Requirements
License Maintenance through the Montana Board of Nursing
In Montana, APRN licenses expire on December 31st of even-numbered years. Nurses are mailed renewal forms 45 days prior to the expiration of their license. APRNs must complete 24 hours of Continuing Education contact hours before each license renewal date.
CNM Credential Maintenance through the American Midwifery Certification Board
The AMCB requires recertification every five years, which may include continuing education requirements, practice hours, or additional examination. CNMs must complete one of the following Continuing Education options:
- Three AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules and 20 AMCB-approved contact hours of CE during every five-year certification cycle (CNMs must also submit annual fees to the AMCB)
- The AMCB Certification Examination (CNMs must pay a one-time fee of $500, but are not subject to annual fees)
Professional Development Opportunities
Professional development opportunities for Montana Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) include participation in state and national midwifery organizations, continuing education programs, and specialty certifications. The Montana Midwifery Association provides professional networking, advocacy, and educational resources for practicing midwives in the state.
Certified Nurse Midwife Salaries and Job Outlook in Montana
Montana’s healthcare landscape presents particular opportunities for CNMs interested in serving rural and underserved populations. The state’s geographic characteristics and population distribution create demand for healthcare providers willing to serve remote communities, making CNMs valuable contributors to maternal health access.
Current Salary Information for Montana CNMs
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (New Graduates) | $88,000 – $98,000 | $42 – $47 |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $105,000 – $125,000 | $50 – $60 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $130,000 – $155,000 | $63 – $75 |
| Highly Experienced/Private Practice | $160,000+ | $77+ |
Factors Influencing CNM Salaries in Montana
Several factors influence certified nurse midwife salaries in Montana:
- Practice Setting: Hospital-employed CNMs typically earn higher base salaries than those in private practice initially
- Geographic Location: Rural areas may offer higher compensation due to provider shortages
- Experience Level: Advanced practitioners with specialized skills command premium salaries
- Independent Practice Authority: Montana’s full practice authority increases earning potential
- Call Responsibilities: CNMs taking call may receive additional compensation
- Dual Certification: CNM/WHNP credentials expand practice opportunities and income potential
Job Growth Projections for Montana’s Certified Nurse Midwives
The number of jobs for certified nurse midwives in Montana has been growing dramatically in recent years. Most of Montana’s residents lack adequate access to healthcare, creating a critical shortage of OB/GYN physicians that certified nurse-midwives are expected to help fill. Montana’s certified nurse midwives have full practice authority, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
Montana’s geographic distribution reveals opportunities throughout the state, with particular need in eastern Montana counties. The state’s full practice authority model attracts CNMs seeking professional autonomy and the ability to establish independent practices serving rural and frontier communities.
(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 Montana
How long does it take to become a certified nurse midwife in Montana?
The total pathway typically requires 7-10 years of post-secondary education and clinical experience. This includes a 4-year BSN program, 1-2 years of nursing experience, and 2-4 years of graduate education (MSN or DNP). Following graduation, the certification and licensure process takes several additional months to complete.
Does Montana have any on-campus CNM programs?
Yes, Montana State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a Nurse-Midwifery option specifically for Montana residents. The program utilizes distance education, incorporating video conferencing, and requires occasional travel to Bozeman. The application deadline for fall admission is December 15th.
What are the benefits of Montana’s full practice authority for CNMs?
Montana CNMs have independent practice authority, eliminating the need for collaborative agreements with physicians. This allows CNMs to establish private practices, make independent clinical decisions, prescribe medications autonomously, and provide comprehensive care without physician oversight, positioning Montana CNMs among the most autonomous midwifery practitioners in the nation.
Can Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) practice in rural areas of Montana?
Absolutely. Montana’s healthcare landscape creates significant opportunities for CNMs in rural and underserved populations. The state’s geographic characteristics and population distribution create high demand for healthcare providers willing to serve remote communities, making CNMs valuable contributors to maternal health access in frontier areas.
What is the job market like for CNMs in Montana?
The job market is strong, with more than 13.7% of Montana births attended by midwives as of 2018. There is a critical shortage of OB/GYN physicians in Montana, creating opportunities for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) to fill this gap. The number of CNM positions has grown dramatically in recent years, particularly in rural counties.
How much do CNMs earn in Montana compared to the cost of living?
CNM salaries in Montana range from $88,000 for new graduates to $160,000+ for experienced practitioners. Montana’s lower cost of living compared to coastal states can make these salaries quite competitive, especially when combined with the professional autonomy and rural practice opportunities available.
What continuing education is required for Montana CNMs?
Montana CNMs must complete 24 hours of continuing education before each license renewal (every even-numbered year). They must also maintain AMCB certification through either recertification every five years via continuing education modules or re-examination.
Can CNMs establish their own practices in Montana?
Yes, Montana’s independent practice authority allows CNMs to establish and manage their own practices without requiring collaborative agreements with physicians. This includes prescribing medications, ordering diagnostic tests, and making independent clinical decisions within their scope of practice.