Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
As the demand for holistic, evidence-based maternity care continues to grow across New York, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are stepping in to fill a critical gap in women’s healthcare. With the ability to provide everything from prenatal care and labor support to postpartum follow-up and primary care for women, CNMs in New York are licensed and nationally certified professionals making a lasting impact on maternal health outcomes.
Whether you’re an RN with a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree holder looking to bridge into advanced practice, becoming a CNM in New York offers a rewarding path forward. With multiple accredited nurse-midwifery programs, flexible online degree options, and a supportive regulatory environment, New York is one of the most promising states for aspiring midwives.
This guide offers a step-by-step roadmap to becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife in New York—from selecting an MSN in nurse-midwifery or dual-focus CNM/WHNP program, to earning licensure through the New York State Education Department.
Student Success Story:
“I wanted to make a difference in maternal care and felt called to midwifery. Thanks to an online CNM program and a local clinical rotation in Brooklyn, I earned my certification without quitting my job as an RN.”
– Danielle S., CNM – Brooklyn, NY
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in New York
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in New York, the first and most crucial step is earning a graduate degree from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program. These programs ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and state licensure through the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
Several educational pathways depend on your current level of nursing education:
- RNs with a BSN: Enroll in a traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in nurse-midwifery.
- RNs with an ADN or diploma: Choose an RN-to-MSN bridge program that leads to a graduate degree in nurse-midwifery.
- Advanced practice RNs: Pursue a post-master’s certificate or DNP program with a nurse-midwifery focus.
Students interested in expanding their scope of practice can also enroll in a dual-focus Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) program, earning eligibility for both CNM and WHNP-BC credentials.
New York-Based and Online CNM Programs
While New York offers several on-campus CNM programs—especially in NYC and surrounding regions—many working RNs prefer the flexibility of online nurse-midwifery programs. These distance learning programs allow students to complete didactic coursework online while fulfilling clinical rotations at healthcare facilities near their residence.
Common clinical placement sites in New York include:
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- NYU Langone Health
- New York-Presbyterian
- Montefiore Medical Center
- Stony Brook University Hospital
Curriculum Overview
Whether online or on campus, CNM programs include rigorous academic and clinical training in topics such as:
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Women’s Reproductive Health
- Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum Care
- Newborn Assessment and Care
- Primary Care for Women
- Health Policy, Ethics, and Leadership
Admissions Requirements
Though specific admission requirements vary by program, most expect applicants to have:
- An active, unencumbered RN license
- A BSN degree (or enrollment in a bridge program)
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or video interview
Graduates of these programs become eligible to sit for the AMCB exam and apply for state licensure as a CNM in New York.
Accredited nurse-midwifery programs in New York—along with flexible online CNM programs—make it easier than ever for RNs to earn an MSN, DNP, or post-master’s CNM degree while balancing personal and professional commitments.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After graduating from an ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program, candidates in New York are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
This exam serves as the national certification required to obtain state licensure and officially practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). The exam is computer-based and consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering key areas of midwifery care.
Exam Content Breakdown
| Topic Area | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Primary Care | 12–16% |
| Antepartum Care | 15–25% |
| Intrapartum Care | 25–35% |
| Postpartum Care | 5–10% |
| Newborn Care | 10–15% |
| Well-Woman / Gynecology | 15–20% |
| Professional Issues | Up to 5% |
Where to Take the Exam in New York
The AMCB exam is administered by PSI at multiple locations throughout New York, including:
- Albany
- Buffalo
- New York City (Queens, Long Island)
- Rochester
- White Plains
- Utica
Candidates may schedule their exam online once their application is approved. Exam results are typically available within a few weeks of completion.
Dual Certification Option: CNM + WHNP
If you enrolled in a dual-focus CNM/WHNP program, you may also pursue board certification as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC) through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
This additional credential requires passing a separate exam and completing a different application process. It opens doors to expanded clinical roles and may increase job opportunities across OB/GYN clinics and women’s health practices.
Step 3. Apply for Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the New York State Education Department
Once you pass the national certification exam through the AMCB, the next step is to apply for state licensure. In New York, nurse-midwives are licensed directly through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions. This license grants you the authority to use the title Licensed Midwife (LM) and practice legally within the state.
Application Requirements
To apply for your LM license, you must submit several forms and documents. These include:
- Form 1 – Application for Licensure, along with the $322 fee
- Form 2 – Certification of Professional Education submitted by your graduate program
- Form 2A – Proof of advanced pharmacology coursework (minimum 3 semester hours)
- Form 2B – Instruction in federal and New York State prescription laws
These forms must be sent directly from your educational institutions to:
New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
PO Box 22063
Albany, NY 12201
Prescriptive Authority
To prescribe medication as a Licensed Midwife in New York, you must complete pharmacology training. Once approved, prescriptive authority is granted under New York law, enabling CNMs to provide comprehensive care, including the writing of prescriptions.
Licensing for Non-Nurses
New York is one of a few states that recognizes the Certified Midwife (CM) credential for individuals who do not hold a nursing degree. If you’re coming from a non-nursing background, you can still qualify for licensure by completing a graduate-level midwifery program and passing the AMCB’s CM certification exam.
For more information on the CM pathway, visit the NYSED Midwifery Section.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in New York and Maintain Credentials
After obtaining your CNM certification and New York State licensure, you’re ready to launch your career as a Certified Nurse-Midwife. CNMs in New York are in high demand across both urban and rural areas, particularly as more families seek midwifery care as a cost-effective and patient-centered alternative to traditional OB-GYN services.
Top Employers of CNMs in New York
New York’s healthcare landscape includes a range of employers, from major hospital systems to specialized women’s health clinics. Some leading employers of nurse-midwives in New York include:
- Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health
- NYU Langone Health
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- Downtown Women OB/GYN Associates, LLP
- Maimonides Women’s Health Services
- Choices Women’s Medical Center
- Planned Parenthood NYC
Job Titles and Settings
Standard job titles and practice settings for CNMs include:
- Certified Nurse-Midwife – Hospitals, Birth Centers, Private Practices
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (if dually certified)
- OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner in outpatient clinics
- Academic Faculty for Midwifery or Nursing Programs
Maintaining Certification and Licensure
To maintain your CNM credential and continue practicing in New York:
- CNM Credential: Renew through the AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program every 5 years by either retaking the exam or completing continuing education modules.
- New York LM License: Must be renewed every 3 years via the NYSED Office of the Professions.
- WHNP-BC (Optional): If dually certified, renew through the National Certification Corporation (NCC) every 3 years, based on competency assessment results.
“After completing my online MSN in Nurse-Midwifery, I was able to secure a job at a women’s health center just outside Albany. The flexibility of online learning allowed me to continue working as an RN while gaining the advanced skills I needed. I now attend births and lead prenatal care appointments every day.”
– Danielle R., CNM, Albany, NY
Step 5. Salary Expectations for Certified Nurse-Midwives in New York
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in New York are among the highest-paid in the country. Salaries vary based on experience, geographic location, and employer, but they consistently exceed national averages.
Average CNM Salaries by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $84,910 |
| Mid-Career | $117,680 |
| Experienced | $155,760 |
CNM Salaries by Region
| Metro Area | Entry-Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $84,910 | $117,680 | $155,760 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $90,710 | $114,950 | $138,030 |
Demand Outlook for CNMs in New York
The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 25% increase in CNM jobs in New York between 2018 and 2028. This is driven by both the rising demand for midwifery care and the shortage of providers in rural regions.
In 2023, CNMs attended an estimated 7–11% of all births in New York, highlighting their increasing role in maternal care statewide.
(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.)
Step 6. Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNM in New York
Can I become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in New York without a nursing background?
Yes. New York recognizes the Certified Midwife (CM) credential for individuals without a nursing degree. You must complete an ACME-accredited graduate midwifery program and pass the AMCB’s CM certification exam to qualify for licensure as a Licensed Midwife (LM) in New York.
Do I need a separate license to prescribe medication as a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) in New York?
Yes. CNMs must complete at least three semester hours in advanced pharmacology and complete training on NYS and federal prescription laws. Once approved, you will receive prescriptive authority as part of your LM license.
Are there online nurse-midwifery programs available for New York RNs?
Yes. Many ACME-accredited programs offer fully or partially online CNM degrees. These programs include local clinical placements, making them ideal for working RNs in New York. Learn more about your options on our page for accredited nurse-midwife programs.
What’s the difference between a CNM and a WHNP?
A CNM is certified in nurse-midwifery and provides prenatal, birth, postpartum, and women’s primary care. A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) focuses more broadly on gynecologic and reproductive health. Some programs offer dual certification in both roles.
Can CNMs practice independently in New York?
Yes. CNMs in New York can practice independently and have prescriptive authority once licensed as a Licensed Midwife. Collaboration with a physician is not required under state law.
How long does it take to become a CNM in New York?
The whole process typically takes 2–3 years for BSN-prepared RNs enrolled in a master’s program. RN-to-MSN bridge students may take 3–4 years, depending on the program structure.