Last Updated: January 2026 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) represent a critical healthcare specialty addressing Oklahoma’s significant maternal care shortage. With approximately 72-85 certified nurse-midwives practicing across the state, this advanced practice nursing pathway offers exceptional career opportunities for registered nurses seeking to specialize in comprehensive women’s health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
Oklahoma recognizes CNMs as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) authorized to practice independently, providing comprehensive care to women and newborns without requiring physician collaboration agreements. Following the November 2025 enactment of House Bill 2298, experienced CNMs can now obtain independent prescriptive authority, significantly expanding practice autonomy. This complete guide outlines the structured pathway to becoming a certified nurse-midwife in Oklahoma, including educational requirements, national certification processes, and professional licensure procedures.
Program Overview
Becoming a certified nurse-midwife in Oklahoma involves a comprehensive educational and certification process to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice in women’s health. This specialized training encompasses:
- Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Comprehensive maternal and newborn care
- Women’s health across the lifespan
- Evidence-based midwifery practice
- Complex care coordination and management
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Oklahoma
Oklahoma registered nurses with unencumbered licenses follow these structured steps to become nationally certified nurse-midwives and licensed to practice in the state:
Step 1. Complete ACME-Accredited Graduate Program in Nurse-Midwifery
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing mandates that completing a graduate program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) is the foundational requirement for becoming a certified nurse-midwife.
Current Program Availability in Oklahoma
As of January 2026, no ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs operate within Oklahoma, necessitating enrollment in accredited programs in neighboring states or accredited online programs. However, promising developments emerged in November 2024 when the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center hosted a symposium in partnership with NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and the George Kaiser Family Foundation to explore creating a successful pathway to nurse-midwifery education and practice in Oklahoma. While no formal program has been announced, this initiative signals institutional interest in addressing the state’s severe maternal care workforce shortage.
Oklahoma students pursuing CNM certification currently access programs through:
- Neighboring State Programs: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock), Baylor University (Dallas), University of Kansas (Kansas City)
- Distance Learning Options: Frontier Nursing University (Kentucky), which operates a fully online program and graduates nearly 40% of the nation’s nurse-midwives
- Emerging Programs: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Little Rock), currently in preaccreditation status
Program Admission Requirements
Before pursuing advanced education to become a certified nurse-midwife, candidates must establish the following prerequisites:
- Active RN License: Current, unencumbered registered nurse licensure in Oklahoma
- Educational Foundation: Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) or completion of nursing prerequisite courses
- Academic Performance: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Standardized Testing: GRE General Test scores meeting program requirements
- Professional Documentation: Letters of recommendation from nursing professionals
- Personal Statement: Comprehensive statement of purpose demonstrating commitment to nurse-midwifery
- Clinical Experience: Nursing experience in women’s health or related areas (preferred)
Educational Program Options
Aspiring certified nurse-midwives can choose from several graduate program pathways designed to accommodate different educational backgrounds and career timelines:
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 |
Dual-Focus Specialization Programs
Many institutions offer Nurse Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) programs that prepare graduates for dual certification as both certified nurse-midwives and women’s health nurse practitioners. This comprehensive educational approach expands career opportunities and the scope of practice, allowing practitioners to serve broader women’s health populations.
Core Curriculum Components
Graduate programs to become a certified nurse-midwife integrate didactic coursework with extensive clinical training. The curriculum typically encompasses 40-60 semester credits across these essential domains:
Advanced Clinical Sciences
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the reproductive lifespan
- Advanced health assessment techniques for women and newborns
- Pharmacotherapeutic management for maternal and reproductive health
- Advanced maternal-fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancy management
Specialized Midwifery Practice
- Antepartum care and prenatal health promotion
- Intrapartum management and birth attendance
- Postpartum care and breastfeeding support
- Gynecological health across the lifespan
- Newborn care and early childhood health
Professional Practice Development
- Evidence-based practice and research methodology
- Legal and ethical issues in maternal healthcare
- Cultural competency and community health
- Healthcare systems and policy analysis
- Leadership and entrepreneurship in midwifery practice
Clinical Training Requirements
Students work closely with faculty advisors to secure clinical placements that provide comprehensive exposure to diverse practice environments. Potential clinical training sites throughout Oklahoma include:
- Academic Medical Centers: University of Oklahoma Medical Center – Oklahoma City
- Major Hospital Systems: Integris Baptist Medical Center, Saint Francis Hospital – Tulsa
- Community Hospitals: Norman Regional Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma City
- Specialty Centers: Hillcrest Medical Center – Tulsa, Southwest Medical Center
- Rural Healthcare Facilities: Duncan Regional Hospital, Community Health Centers
- Birth Centers: Freestanding birthing centers and midwifery practice,s including Breathe Birth and Wellness in Tulsa
“The flexibility of the online CNM program allowed me to maintain my nursing career while pursuing advanced education. The clinical rotations throughout Oklahoma provided comprehensive experience in diverse practice settings. The program’s rigorous preparation made me confident for both the AMCB examination and my transition into independent practice. Oklahoma’s shortage of certified nurse-midwives meant multiple employment opportunities upon graduation.”
– Sherie A., CNM Graduate, Currently Practicing in Tulsa
Step 2. Pass the National AMCB Certification Examination
Upon completing an ACME-accredited graduate program, candidates must demonstrate competency through national certification administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This comprehensive examination validates the knowledge and skills necessary to become a certified nurse-midwife and practice safely and effectively.
Examination Structure and Content
The AMCB Certified Nurse-Midwife Examination is administered by Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) at testing centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. It is computer-based and consists of 175 multiple-choice questions with a four-hour time limit.
Examination Content Distribution
| Clinical Content Area | Percentage of Examination | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 19-26% | Prenatal assessment, health promotion, risk identification |
| Intrapartum Care | 17-26% | Labor management, birth attendance, emergency interventions |
| Postpartum Care | 15-18% | Maternal recovery, breastfeeding support, and family planning |
| Gynecology | 15-18% | Reproductive health, contraception, and gynecological disorders |
| Women’s Health and Primary Care | 8-16% | Preventive care, health maintenance, and chronic conditions |
| Newborn Care | 7-16% | Neonatal assessment, routine care, and early intervention |
Examination Preparation Resources
Candidates can optimize preparation through comprehensive study using the AMCB’s Candidate Handbook, which provides detailed content outlines, sample questions, and examination policies. Additional preparation resources include review courses, practice examinations, and study groups with fellow candidates.
Additional Certification Opportunities
Graduates of dual-focus NM/WHNP programs possess eligibility for additional certification through the National Certification Corporation (NCC) Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner examination, expanding practice opportunities and professional credentials.
Step 3. Obtain Oklahoma APRN Licensure as Certified Nurse-Midwife
Following successful completion of national certification, candidates apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. This state licensure authorizes independent practice as a certified nurse-midwife within Oklahoma’s healthcare system.
Licensure Application Requirements
To obtain APRN licensure as a certified nurse-midwife in Oklahoma, candidates must demonstrate completion of the following requirements:
- Foundation Licensure: Current, unencumbered registered nurse license in Oklahoma
- Educational Verification: Official transcripts from an ACME-accredited graduate program
- National Certification: Valid AMCB certification as a Certified Nurse-Midwife
- Application Submission: Completed APRN licensure application through the board’s online portal
- Fee Payment: Application fee of $70.00 (waived for active military personnel and spouses)
- Background Verification: Criminal background check and professional reference verification
Scope of Practice Authorization
Oklahoma law recognizes certified nurse-midwives as qualified professional nurses possessing AMCB certification with comprehensive practice authority. CNMs in Oklahoma enjoy several practice advantages:
- Independent Practice: No collaborative practice agreement required with physicians for general midwifery practice
- Full APRN Scope: Complete autonomy in clinical decision-making and patient management
- Professional Title Protection: Legal right to use “Certified Nurse-Midwife” and “CNM” designation
- Hospital Privileges: Eligibility for medical staff membership and clinical privileges
Prescriptive Authority: Major 2025 Legislative Update
Oklahoma certified nurse-midwives experienced a significant expansion of practice authority with the November 1, 2025, enactment of House Bill 2298. This landmark legislation, achieved after the legislature overrode Governor Stitt’s veto, established a pathway for experienced CNMs to obtain independent prescriptive authority.
Independent Prescriptive Authority Requirements (Effective November 2025)
CNMs can now obtain independent prescriptive authority by meeting these qualifications:
- Clinical Experience: Minimum 6,240 hours (approximately 3 years) of clinical practice with supervised prescriptive authority
- Active Licensure: Valid Oklahoma APRN-CNM license in good standing
- Professional Liability Insurance: Minimum $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate annually
- Application Fee: $85.00 for independent prescriptive authority recognition
- Continuing Education: 40 hours of Category I CME every two years for renewal
Supervised Prescriptive Authority (Entry-Level Option)
CNMs who don’t yet meet the experience threshold can obtain supervised prescriptive authority requiring:
- Written collaborative agreement with an Oklahoma-licensed physician
- Application fee of $85.00
- Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs permit
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number
Prescriptive Authority Limitations
Important restrictions apply to all CNM prescriptive authority in Oklahoma:
- CNMs cannot prescribe Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances
- Must follow the Board’s Exclusionary Formulary for prohibited medications
- Prescriptive authority renewal is required biennially with 15 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics
Understanding Oklahoma’s Midwifery Credentials
Oklahoma’s 2020 Senate Bill 1823 (“Shepherd’s Law”) established distinct licensure pathways for different midwifery credentials, creating important practice distinctions. It’s crucial to understand that this law does not regulate Certified Nurse-Midwives:
Midwifery Credentials and Regulatory Framework
| Professional Credential | Educational Requirements | Regulatory Oversight | Practice Authorization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Graduate nursing degree from an ACME-accredited program | Oklahoma Board of Nursing | Full APRN scope with independent practice and independent prescriptive authority available |
| Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) | Direct-entry midwifery pathway | Oklahoma Department of Health | Limited scope for low-risk pregnancies |
| Certified Midwife (CM) | Graduate degree in midwifery (non-nursing) | Oklahoma Department of Health | Limited scope for low-risk pregnancies |
Step 4. Launch Professional Practice and Maintain Credentials
Upon receiving active APRN licensure, newly licensed certified nurse-midwives can verify their credentials through the board’s online license verification system and establish a professional practice throughout Oklahoma’s healthcare system.
Career Opportunities in Oklahoma’s Underserved Market
Oklahoma’s significant shortage of certified nurse-midwives creates exceptional job opportunities across diverse healthcare settings. With only 72-85 CNMs serving a population of 4 million residents, and over half of Oklahoma’s counties classified as maternity care deserts, employment demand remains exceptionally strong:
Major Healthcare Systems
- Integris Health System: Oklahoma’s largest privately owned healthcare system with comprehensive women’s services across the Oklahoma City and Tulsa regions
- OU Health / University of Oklahoma Medical Center: Academic medical center offering research opportunities and complex care
- Saint Francis Health System: Full-service maternity and gynecological care in Tulsa
- Ascension St. John: Major healthcare provider in the Tulsa metropolitan area
- Norman Regional Health System: Regional-based women’s health services
- Mercy Hospital Systems: Faith-based healthcare with statewide presence
- Cherokee Nation Health Services: Tribal healthcare serving significant populations
Practice Settings and Environments
- Hospital labor and delivery units
- Freestanding birthing centers (including Breathe Birth and Wellness in Tulsa)
- Obstetric and gynecology group practices
- Community health centers serving underserved populations
- Rural health clinics addressing practitioner shortages
- Home birth practices emphasize natural childbirth
- Women’s health clinics providing comprehensive care
- Academic medical centers with teaching responsibilities
Professional Development and Specialization
Certified nurse-midwives in Oklahoma can pursue advanced practice specializations and leadership roles:
- Clinical Care: High-risk pregnancy management, reproductive endocrinology
- Educational Roles: Clinical instruction, academic appointment, continuing education
- Leadership Roles: Department management, quality improvement, policy development
- Entrepreneurship: Independent practice establishment, birth center development
Credential Maintenance Requirements
Maintaining professional practice as a certified nurse-midwife requires ongoing compliance with both state and national requirements:
Oklahoma APRN License Renewal
- Biennial renewal expiring on the last day of the licensee’s birth month in even-numbered years
- Maintenance of current AMCB national certification
- Completion of 24 contact hours of continuing education applicable to nursing practice
- Online renewal through the board’s electronic portal
- Professional liability insurance (recommended)
- Renewal fee: $40-45
Prescriptive Authority Renewal
- Biennial renewal coinciding with APRN license renewal
- 15 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics
- Renewal fee: $40
- For independent prescriptive authority: Maintenance of 40 hours Category I CME every two years
AMCB Certification Maintenance
- Five-year renewal cycle
- Participation in Certificate Maintenance Program
- Choice of re-examination or continuing education modules
- Demonstration of continued competency in practice
Step 5. Professional Compensation and Career Outlook
The exceptional demand for certified nurse-midwives in Oklahoma significantly exceeds the current supply, creating outstanding career opportunities despite compensation levels below national averages. With approximately 72-85 certified nurse-midwives serving the entire state population, job prospects remain exceptional for new graduates.
Salary and Compensation Analysis
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified nurse-midwives nationally earned a median annual salary of $132,050 in May 2024. Oklahoma CNM salaries average approximately $104,707 annually—roughly $27,000 below the national median. However, Oklahoma’s significantly lower cost of living often translates to competitive purchasing power and quality of life for CNM professionals.
Oklahoma vs. National Certified Nurse-Midwife Salary Comparison (2025)
| Salary Metric | Oklahoma | National | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | $104,707 | $131,570 | -$26,863 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,900 | $108,840 | -$17,940 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | Estimated $105,000 | $132,050 | -$27,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,600 | $158,990 | -$45,390 |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | Estimated $130,000+ | $217,270 | Variable |
Geographic Salary Variations
Within Oklahoma, CNM compensation varies by location and setting:
- Above-Average Markets: Enid and Moore report higher-than-average CNM salaries
- Metropolitan Areas: Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer competitive compensation with more employment options
- Rural Opportunities: Rural and underserved areas may offer loan repayment programs and recruitment incentives
Employment Growth Projections
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthetist employment combined to grow 35% nationally between 2024 and 2034, classified as “much faster than average.” Oklahoma’s documented provider shortage and maternal care deserts suggest even stronger local growth potential and career stability.
Geographic Practice Distribution and Workforce Shortage
Analysis of Oklahoma licensure data reveals significant geographic concentration and exceptional rural practice opportunities:
- Oklahoma County (Oklahoma City): 21.4% of licensed certified nurse-midwives
- Tulsa County: 17.1% of licensed certified nurse-midwives
- Cherokee County: 11.0% of licensed certified nurse-midwives
- Rural and Underserved Areas: Over half of Oklahoma’s counties lack adequate maternity care coverage, creating exceptional opportunities for practice establishment
(National salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024. Oklahoma salary data from the 2025 market analysis. 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 January 2026.)
Beginning Your Journey: Essential Next Steps
The pathway to becoming a certified nurse-midwife in Oklahoma demands significant educational investment and professional commitment. Yet, the substantial provider shortage—with only 72-85 CNMs serving 4 million residents—creates exceptional opportunities for career advancement and professional fulfillment in this vital healthcare specialty.
The November 2025 enactment of House Bill 2298, establishing independent prescriptive authority, represents a watershed moment for Oklahoma CNMs, significantly expanding practice autonomy and professional opportunities. Combined with the state’s severe maternal care workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas, Oklahoma offers strong employment prospects for practitioners willing to address critical healthcare needs.
Prospective students should begin by researching ACME-accredited programs that align with their educational background and career objectives. Consider whether a traditional master’s degree program or dual-focus specialization best supports your professional goals. While Oklahoma currently lacks in-state programs, developments at the University of Oklahoma suggest future opportunities may emerge.
For the most current licensing information, application procedures, and regulatory updates, contact the Oklahoma Board of Nursing directly at (405) 962-1800 or visit their official website. Begin exploring educational pathways to become a certified nurse-midwife and take the first step toward this rewarding healthcare career.
Step 6. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a certified nurse-midwife in Oklahoma?
The complete pathway typically requires 4-6 years: 2-4 years for initial nursing education and RN licensure, plus 2-3 years for graduate CNM program completion. Accelerated and part-time programs may modify this timeline based on individual circumstances.
Can certified nurse-midwives practice independently in Oklahoma?
Yes, Oklahoma law permits certified nurse-midwives to practice independently without mandatory collaborative practice agreements with physicians. The November 2025 enactment of House Bill 2298 further expanded autonomy by enabling experienced CNMs to obtain independent prescriptive authority after accumulating 6,240 clinical hours (approximately 3 years) with supervised prescriptive authority.
Are there nurse-midwifery programs located within Oklahoma?
As of January 2026, no ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs operate within Oklahoma. However, the University of Oklahoma hosted a symposium in November 2024 exploring pathways to establish nurse-midwifery education in the state. Currently, students must pursue accredited programs in neighboring states or enroll in approved online programs that meet state requirements.
What distinguishes a CNM from other midwifery credentials in Oklahoma?
Certified nurse-midwives are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses regulated by the Board of Nursing with a comprehensive APRN scope of practice, including independent practice authority and the ability to obtain independent prescriptive authority. CPMs and CMs follow alternative educational pathways and are regulated by the Department of Health with a more limited practice scope focused on low-risk pregnancies.
What are the costs associated with becoming a certified nurse-midwife in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma APRN license application fee is $70.00, though it is waived for active-duty military personnel and their spouses with transfer orders to Oklahoma. Prescriptive authority (supervised or independent) requires an additional $85.00 application fee. Graduate program tuition varies significantly by institution and program format.
How does House Bill 2298 affect CNM prescriptive authority?
House Bill 2298, effective November 1, 2025, created an independent prescriptive authority pathway for experienced CNMs. After completing 6,240 hours (approximately 3 years) of clinical practice with supervised prescriptive authority and meeting insurance and continuing education requirements, CNMs can prescribe without physician supervision. However, CNMs cannot prescribe Schedule I or II controlled substances regardless of authority level.
What clinical training is required in CNM programs?
ACME-accredited programs mandate extensive clinical rotations across antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, gynecology, and newborn care settings. Students typically complete 500+ supervised clinical hours in diverse practice environments, including hospitals, birth centers, and community clinics throughout Oklahoma.
Can I maintain both CNM and WHNP certifications simultaneously?
Yes, graduates of dual-focus programs can maintain both certifications, though each credential requires separate maintenance requirements, continuing education, and renewal processes with different timelines. Dual certification significantly expands career opportunities and the scope of practice.
What is the job market like for CNMs in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma faces an acute CNM shortage with only 72-85 certified nurse-midwives serving 4 million residents. Over half of Oklahoma’s counties are classified as maternity care deserts, creating exceptional employment demand. While salaries average approximately $104,707 annually—below the national median—strong demand, lower cost of living, and enhanced practice autonomy through HB 2298 offset this differential for many practitioners.
What continuing education requirements apply to certified nurse-midwives?
Oklahoma requires 24 contact hours of nursing-related continuing education biennially for APRN license renewal, plus 15 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics for prescriptive authority renewal. CNMs with independent prescriptive authority must complete 40 hours of Category I CME every two years. AMCB certification requires participation in the Certificate Maintenance Program every five years, offering options for re-examination or completing continuing education modules with practice hour documentation.