Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Becoming a nurse midwife in Nebraska requires completing a comprehensive educational and licensure pathway that integrates both national certification and state-specific requirements. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) serve as pillars of obstetric departments in Nebraska’s top hospitals, facilitating the birthing process and providing comprehensive care to mothers and newborns under collaborative practice agreements with physicians.
In addition to working with expectant mothers, CNMs in Nebraska serve as primary providers of gynecologic and obstetric care for many women, often maintaining lifelong provider-patient relationships. Under the Nebraska legislature, CNMs may practice in settings authorized by their collaborating physician or within organized public health agencies, ensuring comprehensive women’s healthcare throughout the state.
The process involves earning an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in nurse-midwifery, passing the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) examination, obtaining Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure as a CNM from Nebraska, and establishing a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. Nebraska recognizes nurse midwives as one of four advanced practice roles and requires practitioners to maintain both active registered nurse licensure and specialized midwifery credentials throughout their careers.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife in Nebraska
Nebraska RNs with licenses in good standing become certified nurse-midwives by obtaining national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and qualifying for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Nursing.
The steps in this guide provide detailed instructions on how to become a certified nurse-midwife in Nebraska:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requires APRN-CNM applicants to complete a master’s or higher degree in nurse-midwifery through a program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). ACME serves as the only programmatic accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for nurse-midwifery education, maintaining rigorous standards since 1982.
Educational Prerequisites and Program Types
The foundation of becoming a nurse midwife begins with completing an appropriate educational program that meets both national and state standards. Aspiring nurse midwives must first hold an active registered nurse (RN) license, which serves as the prerequisite for all advanced practice nursing education. Without exception, all registered nurses seeking national recognition as a CNM through the AMCB must graduate from a master’s or higher degree program that has received ACME accreditation.
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 |
Program Format and Accreditation Standards
With campus-based nurse-midwifery master’s programs in short supply throughout the nation, flexible online programs that accommodate the schedules of working RNs have become dominant in the field. Many accredited programs offer hybrid learning formats that combine online coursework with hands-on clinical training, making education accessible to working professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
ACME currently awards three types of accreditation status: preaccreditation for new programs (up to 5 years), initial accreditation for programs achieving their first full accreditation status (5 years), and continued accreditation for established programs (up to 10 years). Graduates from programs with any of these accreditation statuses qualify to sit for the AMCB certification examination.
Dual Specialization Options
Dual-focus programs that incorporate a broader patient population have become increasingly popular in recent years. RNs who elect to pursue a dual focus master’s program in nurse midwifery and women’s health are eligible to become dual-certified as both nurse-midwives (CNM) and women’s health care nurse practitioners (WHNP-BC). Conferring expertise in midwifery, obstetrics, and gynecology/well-woman care, dual focus NM/WHNP programs are increasingly sought after by nurses interested in serving women as primary care providers well beyond maternity.
Curriculum and Clinical Requirements
Master’s programs in nurse-midwifery and nurse-midwifery/women’s health comprise two essential components:
- Classroom work: Typically 40-60 credits of didactic coursework
- Clinical work: Typically 700-1,000 hours of supervised practice
Didactic courses cover comprehensive topics including:
- Biostatistics for Health Care Providers
- Midwifery Care During Labor and Delivery
- Physiology & Pathophysiology
- Ambulatory Care of Women
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Women’s Reproductive Healthcare
- Midwifery Care During Pregnancy
- Newborn Care and Assessment
- Family Crisis Care and Counseling
The clinical portion is designed to give RNs hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced CNMs and physicians. Online students collaborate with their program director to secure suitable local facilities for clinical rotations.
Clinical Training Sites in Nebraska
Supporting hospitals and healthcare facilities in Nebraska that partner with midwifery education programs include:
- Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln
- CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
- CHI Health Lakeside Hospital in Omaha
- CHI Health St. Elizabeth Medical Regional Center in Lincoln
- Community Hospital in McCook
- Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk
- Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings
- Memorial Hospital in Seward
- Methodist Women’s Hospital in Elkhorn
- Nebraska Medicine Bellevue in Bellevue
- Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
- Ogallala Community Hospital in Ogallala
- Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff
- University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
“The clinical experience in Nebraska’s hospitals was incredible. Working alongside experienced CNMs at Nebraska Medicine helped me develop the confidence and skills I needed to provide comprehensive care to women and families. The collaborative environment really prepared me for my career as a nurse-midwife.”
– Amanda R., CNM Graduate, Class of 2024
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Earning the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) credential through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) is a fundamental step to becoming a nurse midwife and qualifying for licensure as an APRN-CNM with the Nebraska Board of Nursing. The AMCB was originally established as the ACNM Certification Council in 1971 and began certifying nurse-midwives that same year, later changing its name to AMCB in 2005.
Examination Requirements and Process
To qualify for CNM certification, candidates must have a registered nurse license in good standing and hold a master’s or higher degree in nurse-midwifery from an ACME-accredited program. The AMCB certification examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions with a four-hour time limit, designed to assess the cognitive knowledge of a beginning midwifery practitioner.
| Content Area | Percentage of Exam | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 19-26% | Pregnancy management, prenatal care, risk assessment |
| Intrapartum Care | 17-26% | Labor management, delivery, and emergency interventions |
| Postpartum Care | 15-18% | Recovery care, breastfeeding support, complications |
| Gynecology | 15-18% | Well-woman care, reproductive health, contraception |
| Women’s Health & Primary Care | 8-16% | Health promotion, disease prevention, and screening |
| Newborn Care | 7-16% | Assessment, feeding, growth, and development |
Computer-Based Testing and Results
The AMCB offers computer-based testing in collaboration with PSI Services LLC, providing more than 120 testing sites nationally. Computer-based testing provides immediate official results to all candidates at the testing site, making the certification process more convenient and efficient. The 2023 pass rate for the Certified Nurse-Midwife exam is approximately 80 percent.
Testing centers in Nebraska are located in the following cities:
- Lincoln
- North Platte
- Omaha
- Scottsbluff
Dual Certification Option
RNs who have completed a nurse midwife program that included a secondary specialty in women’s health also have the option of taking the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Exam to achieve their WHNP-Board Certification through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Nebraska Board of Nursing
After successfully passing the AMCB certification examination, aspiring nurse midwives must obtain Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure as a Certified Nurse Midwife from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The Nebraska Board of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses recognizes four advanced practice roles: Nurse Practitioner (APRN-NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN-CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (APRN-CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (APRN-CRNA).
Application Requirements and Process
Applicants must undergo a criminal background check with the Office of the Nebraska State Patrol before beginning the licensure process. The background check costs $45.25 and can take several weeks, so applicants are encouraged to start early. Complete instructions for the criminal background check are available on the State Patrol website.
The application to become a Certified Nurse Midwife must include the following documentation:
| Required Documentation | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Check payable to “DHHS, Licensure Unit” | $68 (>6 months before expiration) or $25 (<6 months) |
| Criminal Background Check | Completed through the Nebraska State Patrol | $45.25 |
| Proof of Age & Citizenship | Birth certificate or passport | No additional cost |
| AMCB Certification | Copy of national certification | No additional cost |
| Official Transcripts | From a degree-granting institution | Varies by institution |
Active RN Licensure Requirements
Nebraska requires all APRN-CNM applicants to maintain active registered nurse licensure either through a Nebraska RN license or, for residents of Nurse Licensure Compact states, an active multistate RN license from their home state. Nebraska participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses with multistate licenses to practice across participating states without requiring additional state licensure.
Temporary Licensure Provisions
Nebraska offers mechanisms for temporary licensure to facilitate a smooth transition into practice. The department may grant temporary licensure as a certified nurse midwife for up to 120 days to graduates of approved programs pending certification exam results, and to nurse midwives currently licensed in another state pending completion of the Nebraska license application. A temporary license may be extended for up to one year, subject to board approval.
Practice Agreement Requirements
A critical component of nurse midwifery practice in Nebraska involves establishing and maintaining a practice agreement with a collaborating licensed practitioner before beginning clinical practice. According to Nebraska Revised Statutes 38-609, a practice agreement must identify authorized practice settings, name all collaborating practitioners, and define medical functions consistent with the CNM Practice Act.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Nebraska and Maintain Credentials
After receiving state licensure and establishing their practice agreement, nurses may embark on their careers as APRN-licensed certified nurse-midwives. Because Nebraska’s certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are not authorized to attend home deliveries, expectant mothers typically seek their services exclusively through the state’s hospitals and medical centers.
Employment Opportunities
Potential employers for certified nurse-midwives in Nebraska include:
- Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln
- CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
- CHI Health Lakeside Hospital in Omaha
- CHI Health St. Elizabeth Medical Regional Center in Lincoln
- Community Hospital in McCook
- Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk
- Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings
- Memorial Hospital in Seward
- Methodist Women’s Hospital in Elkhorn
- Nebraska Medicine Bellevue in Bellevue
- Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
- Ogallala Community Hospital in Ogallala
- Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff
- The Midwife’s Place in Bellevue
- University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
License Renewal and Maintenance
Maintaining nurse midwifery licensure in Nebraska requires compliance with specific renewal and competency requirements on a biennial basis. APRN-CNMs are not required to undergo formal continuing education; however, by October 31st of every even-numbered year, certified nurse midwives must have either a physician or another CNM mail a competency attestation letter to the Nebraska Board of Nursing.
The competency letter must verify that the CNM has completed either:
- 850 practice hours in the previous two years, OR
- 2,080 practice hours in the last 5 years
The renewal process also requires payment of a $68 renewal fee to the Department of Health and Human Services during the two-year renewal period.
National Certification Maintenance
In addition to state licensure renewal, CNMs must maintain their national certification with the AMCB. The CNM credential is valid for five years, after which recertification is necessary through one of two pathways:
- Completing three AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules and 20 AMCB-approved contact hours of continuing education, plus paying annual fees
- Passing the AMCB Certification Examination and paying a one-time fee of $500
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Nebraska
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national annual average salary for nurse midwives in 2023 was $120,880. For more experienced nurse midwives in the 75th and 90th percentiles, the national average wages are $140,530 and $169,760, respectively.
The 2010 annual report published by the Nebraska Center for Nursing provided a detailed breakdown of salary ranges for certified nurse-midwives who responded to their workforce survey:
- $105,000 and more: 16%
- At least $85,000 but less than $105,000: 30%
- At least $65,000 but less than $85,000: 46%
- At least $35,000 but less than $45,000: 8%
Job Growth Projections and Employment Opportunities
In 2018, less than 7% of births in Nebraska were attended by midwives, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. However, the number of jobs for certified nurse-midwives in the state is expected to increase by 25% over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The shortage of OB/GYN physicians in Nebraska presents significant opportunities for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs). The state’s Rural Health Advisory Commission identified several state-designated shortage areas in obstetrics and gynecology in 2013, particularly in western Nebraska, where only Scotts Bluff County did not have an OB/GYN shortage.
(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
Are there midwifery schools located in Nebraska?
While Nebraska doesn’t have campus-based CNM programs, several ACME-accredited online programs accept Nebraska students for clinical rotations at local hospitals, including Nebraska Medicine, Bryan Medical Center, and CHI Health facilities.
How long does it take to become a midwife in Nebraska?
Most CNM programs require 18-24 months for students with a BSN, or 3-4 years for RN-to-MSN bridge programs. This includes both didactic coursework (40-60 credits) and clinical experience (700-1,000 hours).
Can midwives deliver babies at home in Nebraska?
No, Nebraska law requires CNMs to practice under physician collaboration agreements in hospital or clinical settings only. Home births are not authorized for CNMs in Nebraska.
What is the pass rate for the AMCB certification exam?
The 2023 pass rate for the Certified Nurse-Midwife exam is approximately 80 percent. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, gynecology, women’s health, and newborn care.
How much does it cost to get licensed as a CNM in Nebraska?
The total cost includes a $45.25 criminal background check fee and application fees of either $68 (if applying more than 6 months before license expiration) or $25 (if applying within 6 months of expiration).
Do Nebraska CNMs need continuing education?
Nebraska doesn’t require formal continuing education; however, CNMs must submit a competency attestation letter every two years, verifying either 850 practice hours in the previous two years or 2,080 hours in the previous five years.