Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Table of Contents:
- Introduction to Nurse-Midwifery in New Jersey
- Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
- Step 2: Pass the National Certification Examination
- Step 3: Apply for Licensure through the New Jersey Board of Nursing
- Step 4: Explore Career Opportunities and Maintain Credentials
- Certified Nurse-Midwife Salaries in New Jersey
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to Nurse-Midwifery in New Jersey
New Jersey presents excellent opportunities for nurse-midwives, with a growing demand for their holistic approach to women’s healthcare. The state has seen a steady increase in the percentage of births attended by midwives, reflecting a shifting preference toward more personalized maternal care. According to the most recent data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 10-12% of births in New Jersey are now midwife-attended, showing increased acceptance of midwifery care in the state.
The partnership between nurse-midwives and physicians in New Jersey has strengthened considerably over the past decade. This collaboration has expanded opportunities for CNMs to practice across various healthcare settings, from major hospital systems to community-based clinics and birth centers.
“My journey to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in New Jersey transformed not only my career but my entire perspective on healthcare. The Rutgers nurse-midwifery program provided me with exceptional clinical experiences and mentorship. Now practicing in central New Jersey, I’m able to offer the kind of comprehensive, patient-centered care that first drew me to midwifery. The growing acceptance of midwifery care in our state hospitals has created so many opportunities for new CNMs.”
— Maria Sanchez, CNM, Class of 2023, Rutgers School of Nursing
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% growth in nurse-midwife positions nationwide through 2032, with New Jersey showing even stronger employment prospects for CNMs. This growth is driven by increased recognition of the benefits of midwifery care, including lower rates of interventions, reduced costs, and high patient satisfaction.
To become a licensed nurse-midwife in New Jersey, registered nurses must complete specific educational requirements, earn national certification, and obtain state licensure. The following guide details each step of this process:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
All certified nurse-midwife candidates in New Jersey must earn a master’s or higher degree recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
New Jersey is home to one of the nation’s premier nurse-midwifery programs at Rutgers School of Nursing in Newark. Additionally, several ACME-accredited programs are located in neighboring states, including New York and Pennsylvania. For working RNs seeking flexibility, numerous online ACME-accredited master’s programs in nurse-midwifery are available nationwide.
Program Options for Aspiring Nurse-Midwives
| 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 |
Admissions Requirements for Nurse-Midwifery Programs
While specific requirements vary by institution, most nursing schools require the following for admission into a master’s degree program in nurse-midwifery:
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent nursing degree
- Minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume detailing clinical experience (some programs require 1-2 years of RN experience)
- Interview (for select candidates)
- GRE scores (required by some programs)
RNs with an associate’s degree can pursue an RN-to-MSN bridge program, which allows them to earn both a BSN and MSN in nurse-midwifery through an accelerated pathway.
Dual-Focus Program Options
Many ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs offer dual-focus tracks structured as nurse-midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) programs. Graduates of these programs can sit for both CNM and WHNP-BC examinations, becoming dually certified and licensed in both specialties. This dual credential expands career opportunities and the scope of practice.
Program Curriculum and Clinical Requirements
Graduate degree programs in nurse-midwifery consist of both academic coursework and extensive clinical practice hours:
Core Coursework (Examples)
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
- Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum Care
- Newborn Care
- Primary Care for Women
- Healthcare Ethics and Policy
- Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
- Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing
Clinical Requirements
ACME-accredited programs require a minimum of 500-1,000 supervised clinical hours. These experiences provide hands-on training in various aspects of midwifery care under the guidance of experienced preceptors. For students in online programs, clinical placements are arranged near their location, allowing them to gain practical experience while studying remotely.
The Rutgers School of Nursing nurse-midwifery program offers clinical placements throughout New Jersey and neighboring states. Online programs help students secure placements at approved healthcare facilities near their residence.
Notable Clinical Sites in New Jersey
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- Morristown Medical Center
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune
- St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick
- University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro
- Capital Health Medical Center, Hopewell
- Virtua Voorhees Hospital
- Various community-based birthing centers and midwifery practices
Step 2. Pass the National Certification Examination in Nurse-Midwifery
After completing an ACME-accredited graduate program in nurse-midwifery, candidates must pass the national Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Certification Process Timeline
| Stage | Timeframe | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Application Submission | Within 24 months of graduation | Completed application form, verification of education, fees |
| Exam Scheduling | 2-4 weeks after application approval | Selection of testing center and date |
| Examination | 4-hour computer-based test | 175 multiple-choice questions |
| Results | Immediate preliminary results | Official results within 2-3 weeks |
CNM Examination Content
The CNM examination assesses competency across all areas of midwifery practice. The exam content is distributed as follows:
- Antepartum Care: 15-25%
- Intrapartum Care: 25-35%
- Postpartum Care: 5-10%
- Newborn Care: 10-15%
- Well Woman/Gynecology: 15-20%
- Primary Care: 12-16%
- Professional Issues: up to 5%
The AMCB Candidate Handbook provides detailed information about the examination, including sample questions and test-taking strategies. The examination fee is $500 (as of 2025), and candidates may attempt the exam up to four times if necessary.
Testing Locations
The CNM examination is administered through PSI Testing Centers located throughout the United States. In New Jersey, testing centers are available in:
- Cherry Hill
- Fairfield
- Hamilton Township
- Princeton
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Certification (Optional)
Graduates of dual-focus Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner programs may also take the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) examination through the National Certification Corporation (NCC). This additional certification broadens practice opportunities and may be especially valuable for CNMs working in outpatient settings focused on well-woman care.
The WHNP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering:
- Gynecology (35-40%)
- Obstetrics (25-30%)
- Primary Care (10-15%)
- Pharmacology (5-10%)
- Professional Issues (5-10%)
- Assessment and Diagnostic Testing (10-15%)
Step 3. Apply for Licensure through the New Jersey Board of Nursing
After obtaining CNM certification through the AMCB, the next step is to apply for licensure through the New Jersey Board of Nursing. In New Jersey, certified nurse-midwives are licensed as Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) with a specialty in nurse-midwifery.
Nurse-Midwife Licensure Requirements
To become licensed as a nurse-midwife in New Jersey, candidates must submit the following to the New Jersey Board of Nursing:
- Completed Application for Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife
- Official transcripts from an ACME-accredited graduate program (sent directly from the institution)
- Verification of current, unencumbered New Jersey RN license
- Proof of current certification as a CNM from the AMCB
- Three recent passport-sized photographs
- Criminal background check results (fingerprinting required)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status
- Application fee ($125)
Prescriptive Authority
Nurse-midwives in New Jersey may apply for prescriptive authority as part of their licensure process. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate completion of at least 30 contact hours of education in pharmacology and therapeutics. This education must be relevant to the CNM’s specialty area and may be obtained through:
- Graduate-level pharmacology courses are included in the nurse-midwifery program
- Continuing education courses in advanced pharmacology
- A combination of graduate coursework and continuing education
The application for prescriptive authority includes a verification form that the educational institution must complete to confirm the required pharmacology education. An additional fee of $50 is required for prescriptive authority.
Collaborative Practice Agreement
New Jersey law requires CNMs to collaborate with a licensed physician. This agreement defines the parameters of the collaborative relationship, including:
- Consultation procedures
- Referral protocols
- Methods of communication
- Coverage during absence
- Clinical practice guidelines (if applicable)
While this agreement is required, New Jersey nurse-midwives have a relatively broad scope of practice and can provide comprehensive care to women throughout the lifespan.
Application Processing
The complete application packet should be submitted to:
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General
Division of Consumer Affairs
State Board of Medical Examiners
Midwifery Liaison Committee
140 East Front Street, 2nd Floor, PO Box 183
Trenton, NJ 08625
Application processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. Once approved, licensees receive formal notification and can verify their license status through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification Portal.
Step 4. Discover Potential Job Opportunities and Maintain Licensure and Certification
With approximately 240 certified nurse-midwives currently practicing in New Jersey (as of 2025), the profession continues to grow in response to increased demand for midwifery services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% increase in nurse-midwife positions in the state between 2022 and 2032, reflecting strong employment prospects for newly licensed CNMs.
Practice Settings for Nurse-Midwives in New Jersey
Certified nurse-midwives in New Jersey practice in diverse healthcare settings, including:
| Setting | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital-Based Practice | Full-scope midwifery within hospital labor and delivery units | Hackensack University Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center |
| Outpatient Women’s Health Centers | Well-woman care, family planning, gynecology services | Rutgers Health Women’s Care, Atlantic Health Women’s Health |
| Birth Centers | Freestanding facilities offering lower-intervention birth options | The Birth Center of New Jersey, Midwives of New Jersey |
| Private Practice | Midwife-owned practices often affiliated with hospitals | Avalon Midwives, Holistic Women’s Healthcare |
| Federally Qualified Health Centers | Community-based care for underserved populations | Zufall Health Center, CompleteCare Health Network |
Major Employers of Nurse-Midwives in New Jersey
The following healthcare systems and organizations regularly employ certified nurse-midwives in New Jersey:
- RWJBarnabas Health System
- Atlantic Health System
- Hackensack Meridian Health
- Virtua Health
- St. Peter’s Healthcare System
- Capital Health Medical Center
- The Valley Hospital
- Hunterdon Healthcare
- CarePoint Health
- Inspira Health Network
- Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey
Maintaining Certification and Licensure
To continue practicing as a CNM in New Jersey, midwives must maintain both their national certification and state licensure:
AMCB Certification Renewal
- Recertification is required every five years
- Three certification maintenance modules must be completed
- 20 contact hours of continuing education related to midwifery practice
- Current attestation of licensure as an RN and CNM
- Payment of recertification fee
New Jersey License Renewal
- APN license renewal is required every two years (biennial)
- RN license renewal (separate process, also biennial)
- 30 contact hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, including:
- At least 15 hours in pharmacology for CNMs with prescriptive authority
- One-time requirement of 6 hours in controlled substance prescribing
- Payment of renewal fees ($100 for APN license renewal)
Professional Organizations for New Jersey Nurse-Midwives
Joining professional organizations provides opportunities for networking, continuing education, and advocacy. Key organizations for New Jersey nurse-midwives include:
- New Jersey Affiliate of American College of Nurse-Midwives
- American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
- New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA)
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in New Jersey
New Jersey offers competitive compensation for certified nurse-midwives, with salaries that consistently rank among the highest in the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023 data), the annual salary ranges for CNMs in New Jersey are:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $92,470 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $105,340 |
| Mid-Career (50th percentile/median) | $121,840 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $138,920 |
| Highly Experienced (90th percentile) | $158,650 |
Salary by Metropolitan Area
Earnings vary by region within New Jersey and in neighboring metropolitan areas:
- New York-Newark-Jersey City: $124,780 (average), range $88,910 to $162,840
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: $105,630 (average), range $76,420 to $137,530
- Trenton: $108,390 (average), range $77,810 to $140,830
- Atlantic City-Hammonton: $118,470 (average), range $90,320 to $149,210
Factors Affecting Nurse-Midwife Salaries
Several factors influence earning potential for CNMs in New Jersey:
- Experience: Salaries typically increase with years of practice
- Education: Doctoral-prepared CNMs may command higher salaries
- Practice Setting: Hospital-based positions often offer higher base salaries than birth centers
- Urban vs. Rural: Urban areas generally offer higher compensation
- Specialization: Additional certifications or specialties can increase earning potential
- Employment Model: Salaried positions vs. fee-for-service or mixed compensation models
Certified nurse-midwives who maintain dual certification as Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNP-BC) may have enhanced employment opportunities and earning potential, particularly in outpatient 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 Nurse-Midwife in New Jersey
What is the scope of practice for Certified Nurse-Midwives in New Jersey?
Certified Nurse Midwives in New Jersey have a comprehensive scope of practice that includes primary care, gynecological care, family planning services, preconception care, care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, and care of the normal newborn during the first 28 days of life. CNMs with prescriptive authority can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, within their scope of practice. New Jersey requires CNMs to practice within a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician, but the relationship is not supervisory in nature.
Can I practice as a CNM in New Jersey if I was certified in another state?
Yes, New Jersey does recognize CNM certification from other states, but you must apply for licensure in New Jersey. You’ll need to submit verification of your current CNM certification from the AMCB, proof of RN licensure in New Jersey, and evidence that you meet all other state requirements, including background checks. The process is similar to initial licensure but may be expedited if you have an active license in good standing from another state.
What is the average time to complete a nurse-midwifery program in New Jersey?
The time to complete a nurse-midwifery program depends on the specific educational path and whether you attend full-time or part-time. For a BSN-prepared nurse, a typical MSN nurse-midwifery program takes 2-3 years full-time. RN-to-MSN bridge programs for nurses with an associate’s degree typically take 3-4 years. DNP programs in nurse-midwifery generally require 3-4 years of full-time study. Rutgers’ nurse-midwifery program offers both full-time and part-time options, with the part-time track extending program length by approximately one year.
Are there any loan forgiveness programs for CNMs in New Jersey?
Yes, several loan forgiveness programs are available to nurse-midwives practicing in New Jersey. The NJCLASS Loan Redemption Program for Primary Care Providers offers up to $120,000 in loan redemption for CNMs who practice in designated underserved areas in New Jersey for a minimum of four years. Additionally, CNMs may qualify for federal programs such as the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Can I attend an online nurse-midwifery program while living in New Jersey?
Yes, you can attend an online ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program while residing in New Jersey. These programs combine online didactic coursework with in-person clinical placements arranged near your location. Many online programs have established relationships with clinical sites throughout New Jersey. Before enrolling, confirm that the program can secure appropriate clinical placements in your area and meets all New Jersey licensure requirements. Some popular online programs among New Jersey students include those offered by Georgetown University, Frontier Nursing University, and Thomas Jefferson University.
What is the difference between a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses with graduate education in nursing and midwifery. They are licensed by the Board of Nursing, can practice in all settings (hospitals, birth centers, homes), and have prescriptive authority. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), in contrast, are not required to have nursing backgrounds and typically focus on out-of-hospital births. New Jersey recognizes both CNMs and CPMs, but their scopes of practice, educational requirements, and practice settings differ significantly. CNMs generally have more extensive hospital privileges and broader prescriptive authority than CPMs.