Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Nevada’s progressive stance on advanced practice nursing has opened the doors for registered nurses (RNs) to pursue independent midwifery practice. This page will guide you through every step of becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Nevada, from education and licensing to salary potential and career options.
Whether you’re a BSN-prepared RN or just starting with an associate’s degree, there are accredited nurse-midwifery programs, many online, designed to help you reach your goal. This guide also examines the growth of midwifery in Nevada, job prospects, and how Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are addressing the state’s healthcare needs.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Nevada
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To become licensed as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Nevada, you must complete a graduate program in nurse-midwifery accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). As of 2023, Nevada is home to its first in-state CNM program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). However, most students still opt for accredited online CNM programs to meet the educational requirement.
These programs prepare RNs through classroom and clinical training in areas such as women’s reproductive health, newborn care, pharmacology, and management of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care.
Program Pathways Based on Your Current Degree
| Current Nursing Credential | Best Path to CNM |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | Enroll in an RN-to-MSN nurse-midwifery bridge program online |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Apply to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a CNM track |
| MSN or NP (Non-CNM) | Pursue a Post-Master’s CNM Certificate program |
| Doctorate (e.g., DNP or PhD) | If needed, add a Post-Grad CNM Certificate |
Program Components
- 40–60 credit hours of didactic coursework
- Clinical experience (700–1,000 hours), arranged near your location
- Common subjects: Women’s primary care, labor & birth, newborn care, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and midwifery ethics
DNP and Dual Certification Options
Some RNs choose programs that offer dual certification as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC). These dual-focus CNM/WHNP programs provide greater versatility in care settings.
“When I started looking into CNM programs, I didn’t realize how many flexible online options were out there. Being able to stay in Reno and still work during my clinicals made all the difference.”
— Samantha P., RN, future CNM
Optimize Your CNM Program Search
Choosing among accredited nurse-midwifery programs can be a daunting task. Compare options carefully and prioritize ACME-accredited programs offering:
- Online coursework with clinical placement support
- Dual-degree MSN and DNP pathways
- Flexible enrollment for full- or part-time students
This ensures you meet Nevada’s APRN licensing standards and are fully prepared for certification.
Whether you’re pursuing an MSN in Nurse-Midwifery, DNP, or a post-master’s CNM certificate, Nevada RNs now have multiple online and in-state options to fulfill their goal of becoming a nurse-midwife.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination
Once you’ve completed your graduate program, the next step is national certification. All aspiring CNMs must pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife Exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
About the CNM Exam
- 175 multiple-choice questions
- 4-hour testing window
- Topics include antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, gynecology, primary care, and newborn care
You can prepare using the AMCB Candidate Handbook. Exam sites are available in Henderson and Reno, Nevada.
Optional: Dual Certification
Many CNM programs also allow you to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC). This requires passing the NCC’s WHNP Exam.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure Through the Nevada State Board of Nursing
Once nationally certified, you’ll apply for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Licensure Steps
- Request fingerprinting instructions: Call 1-888-590-6726
- Pay the $51.25 fingerprint fee
- Submit the APRN Application with:
- National certification proof (e.g., AMCB certificate)
- Official transcripts showing advanced coursework in health assessment, pathophysiology, and clinical preceptorship
- $200 licensure fee
Prescriptive Authority
In Nevada, CNMs gain independent prescriptive authority after 200 hours of supervised clinical practice. This allows you to prescribe medications without requiring a physician’s oversight.
Continuing Education
APRNs must complete the following CE requirements every renewal cycle:
- 15 hours in your specialty
- 30 general CE hours
- Suicide prevention training (for initial license)
- Substance use training (if applying for dispensing privileges)
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Nevada and Maintain Credentials
With your APRN license in hand, you can begin practicing as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Nevada. CNMs here work in a wide range of healthcare settings, from large hospitals to private women’s clinics and midwifery-led birth centers.
Common Employers of CNMs in Nevada
- University Medical Center of Southern Nevada – Las Vegas
- Centennial Hills Hospital – Las Vegas
- Renown Regional Medical Center – Reno
- Well-Rounded Momma – Las Vegas
- St. Rose Dominican Hospitals – Henderson
CNMs may work independently or collaboratively with OB/GYNs, depending on the setting. With the shortage of OB/GYN physicians in rural Nevada, CNMs are often the primary providers of reproductive and childbirth care.
“I was nervous about working in a rural county, but the need was so great. I’ve had the chance to open my own practice and serve women who would otherwise have no access to OB care.”
— Maria L., CNM, Elko County
To maintain CNM certification, you must fulfill AMCB’s 5-year Certificate Maintenance Program, which includes:
- 3 modules + 20 CE hours, or
- Re-taking the AMCB exam
WHNP-BC certified nurses must also meet NCC continuing competency requirements every 3 years, based on a customized CE plan sent to you post-assessment.
Certified Nurse-Midwife Salary in Nevada
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t publish Nevada-specific CNM salary data, the national average salary for nurse-midwives as of 2023 was $120,880. Experienced Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) in the top 10% earned over $160,000.
Why CNMs Are in Demand in Nevada
Nevada faces a critical shortage of OB/GYNs, particularly in rural counties. As of the most recent state reports, 11 of 17 counties had no OB/GYN. CNMs are stepping in to fill this essential gap in women’s healthcare.
This growing need is reflected in the state’s job outlook, which projects a 29% growth rate for nurse practitioners between 2020 and 2030, significantly above the national average.
(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 June 2025.)
Certified Nurse-Midwife FAQs – Nevada
How long does it take to become a CNM in Nevada?
The whole process takes 6–8 years from start to finish. This includes earning your BSN, completing a graduate-level nurse-midwifery program (2–3 years), passing certification exams, and obtaining APRN licensure.
Does Nevada offer any in-state CNM programs?
Yes. As of 2023, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) now offers an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program. Many students also attend accredited online CNM programs from out-of-state schools.
Can CNMs prescribe medications in Nevada?
Yes. CNMs in Nevada have independent prescriptive authority after completing 200 hours of supervised clinical practice post-graduation.
What are the continuing education requirements for Nevada CNMs?
You must complete 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years for APRN license renewal. Additionally, AMCB and NCC each have their continuing education (CE) modules and documentation processes for maintaining CNM and WHNP certifications.
Where can I find additional resources on becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?
Visit our in-depth guides to help you compare MSN nurse-midwifery programs, dual-focus CNM/WHNP programs, and find accredited nurse-midwife programs.