Last Updated: January 2026 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Oregon has become a standout state for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), thanks to its progressive healthcare policies, widespread acceptance of midwifery care, and consistently strong demand. As more women turn to midwives for personalized care during pregnancy, birth, and throughout their reproductive lives, Oregon continues to be at the forefront of nurse-midwifery integration in both hospital and out-of-hospital settings. With full practice authority, among the highest CNM salaries in the nation, and robust job growth projections, Oregon offers an ideal environment for registered nurses seeking greater autonomy and advanced clinical practice in holistic women’s healthcare.
Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Oregon involves several key milestones, starting with earning an advanced degree and culminating in full licensure as an independent healthcare provider. Oregon’s supportive regulatory landscape allows CNMs to practice independently with prescriptive authority, making the path to advanced practice both empowering and practical. Below, we outline each step to becoming a CNM in Oregon, including education, certification, state licensure, career opportunities, salary expectations, and frequently asked questions.
“Studying to become a CNM while living in Portland gave me the best of both worlds — strong clinical placements and the flexibility to keep working. I now practice at a local birth center where I trained!”
— Jessica M., CNM Graduate
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Oregon
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Oregon, you must complete a graduate-level program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs may be offered in online or hybrid formats and are designed for registered nurses with various academic backgrounds.
Admission criteria generally include:
- Valid Oregon RN license
- Bachelor’s degree (BSN preferred)
- Minimum GPA (often 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- GRE scores (required by some programs)
- Clinical experience in women’s health (preferred)
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
Oregon is home to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), which offers the state’s only ACME-accredited CNM program. OHSU’s nurse-midwifery program holds Continued Accreditation (the highest accreditation status) through February 28, 2033, following its most recent review in February 2023. The program now offers exclusively a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree—a rigorous 3-year, 116-credit program requiring 1,000 clinical hours.
OHSU has achieved impressive outcomes, including a 100% AMCB certification pass rate in 2024 and recognition as the #3 nurse-midwifery program nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. The program operates in a hybrid format at OHSU’s Portland campus, with tuition at $713/credit for Oregon residents and $926/credit for non-residents. A $9,000 scholarship is available for incoming nurse-midwifery students. Clinical placements span OHSU Hospital, community health centers, and birth centers throughout Oregon.
Alternative Program Options
Students unable to attend OHSU have several alternatives, though they require looking outside of Oregon. The closest options are in Seattle: University of Washington (DNP, accredited through 2028) and Seattle University (DNP, ranked #20 nationally). Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky offers a fully distance-based MSN or DNP option popular among Oregon students, allowing clinical placements at Oregon facilities, including OHSU and Legacy Health. Many prospective CNMs also enroll in online CNM programs offered nationwide, which allow for clinical placements in Oregon facilities.
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 |
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Nurse-midwifery programs require 40-60 semester credits and approximately 1,000 hours of clinical training. Core coursework includes:
- Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Women’s health across the lifespan
- Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Newborn care and breastfeeding support
- Gynecology and primary care
- Evidence-based practice and research
Clinical rotations are completed at sites like OHSU Hospital, Providence Portland Medical Center, and birth centers such as Andaluz Waterbirth Center and Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center.
Dual-Focus Programs
Many programs offer dual-focus CNM/WHNP tracks, preparing graduates for certification as both a CNM and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Graduates of an accredited nurse-midwifery program must pass the national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
- 175 multiple-choice questions
- Computer-based format
- 4-hour time limit
- Testing centers in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and other Oregon cities via Professional Service Industries (PSI)
The exam covers:
- Antepartum (19-26%)
- Intrapartum (17-26%)
- Postpartum (15-18%)
- Newborn care (7-16%)
- Women’s health and primary care (8-16%)
- Gynecology (15-18%)
Graduates of dual-focus programs may also take the NCC WHNP-BC exam for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner certification.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Oregon State Board of Nursing
After certification, apply to the Oregon State Board of Nursing for licensure as a Nurse Midwife-Nurse Practitioner (NMNP). Oregon allows independent practice with prescriptive authority.
Application Process
- Complete the online application
- Submit official transcripts and AMCB certification verification
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check
- Pay application fees (see below for current costs)
- Apply for prescriptive authority (requires 45 hours of pharmacology coursework)
- Obtain a DEA number for controlled substances
2024-2025 Licensure Fee Updates
The Oregon State Board of Nursing implemented its first fee increase in 15 years, effective with the 2025-2026 biennium. Current combined renewal costs for CNMs include:
- Nurse Practitioner renewal with prescriptive authority: $205
- Prescription Monitoring Fund surcharge: $70 (biennial)
- RN license renewal (required concurrently): $245
- Workforce data and nursing advancement surcharges: $13
New Federal Requirements
The federal MATE Act now requires a one-time 8-hour training on opioid and substance use disorder management for all DEA registrants, including CNMs with controlled substance prescriptive authority. Additionally, all Oregon nurses must complete the Oregon Pain Management Commission module at each renewal.
License status can be verified through the Oregon Board of Nursing Verification Portal.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Oregon and Maintain Credentials
CNMs in Oregon work in diverse settings, including:
- Hospitals (e.g., OHSU, Providence Portland, Legacy Health)
- Birth centers (e.g., Andaluz Waterbirth Center, Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center, Alma Midwifery, Our Community Birth Center)
- Private OB/GYN practices
- Community health clinics
- Home birth practices
Major Oregon Employers
Prominent employers include:
- Oregon Health & Science University (Portland)
- Providence Health & Services
- Legacy Health (Portland)
- Kaiser Permanente
- St. Charles Health System (Central Oregon)
- Salem Health
- PeaceHealth (Eugene)
- Samaritan Albany General Hospital (Albany)
Workforce Distribution and Opportunities
Approximately 110-120 CNMs are actively employed in Oregon, with roughly 365 holding active licenses. The Portland metro area concentrates about 100 CNMs with a location quotient of 1.80 (indicating 80% more concentration than the national average). However, rural and remote areas face significant workforce shortages, with rural primary care capacity ratios of just 0.69 compared to 1.16 in urban areas.
Regions with the strongest CNM demand include:
- Central Oregon (Bend/Redmond)
- Southern Oregon (Medford/Grants Pass)
- Oregon Coast
- Eastern Oregon (Ontario, Pendleton, La Grande)
- Mid-Willamette Valley
Rural Practice Incentives
Oregon offers several incentive programs for CNMs willing to serve underserved populations:
- Health Care Provider Incentive Program: Provides loan repayment for practitioners in underserved areas
- Rural Medical Practitioner Insurance Subsidies: Reimburses 80% of OB provider malpractice insurance in rural areas
- Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative: Offers scholarships tied to underserved-area service commitments
Oregon Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) covers midwifery services, including home and birth center births, supporting practice viability across diverse settings. For more information on CNM career paths and opportunities, explore our comprehensive career resources.
Credential Maintenance
- APRN License Renewal: Biennial renewal by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (fees listed above), requires 45 hours of continuing education, including 15 in pharmacology for prescriptive authority. CNMs maintaining active AMCB certification meet Oregon’s CE requirements through their certification body.
- AMCB Certification: Renew every 5 years via the AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program (3 modules and 20 CE hours or re-examination).
- WHNP Certification (if applicable): Renew every 3 years through the NCC with 45 CE hours.
Professional organizations like the Oregon Midwifery Council and Oregon Nurses Association provide networking and CE opportunities.
Step 5. Understand Salary Expectations for CNMs in Oregon
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2024, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in Oregon earn a mean annual wage of $133,470, with an hourly mean wage of $64.17. This positions Oregon as the fifth-highest-paying state for nurse-midwives in the nation. In the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area, the mean annual wage is $136,150, with an hourly mean wage of $65.46. These figures exceed the national mean annual wage for nurse-midwives of $131,570 in 2023, reflecting Oregon’s strong market for CNMs.
Entry-level CNMs typically earn $100,000-$110,000, while experienced practitioners command $145,000 or more depending on practice setting, patient volume, and additional responsibilities.
Oregon CNM Salary Percentiles (May 2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $95,580 | $45.95 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,040 | $51.94 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $131,100 | $63.03 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,180 | $76.53 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,230 | $82.32 |
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA CNM Salary Percentiles (May 2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $97,340 | $46.80 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,650 | $53.20 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $133,870 | $64.36 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,250 | $78.00 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,660 | $83.97 |
For more comprehensive CNM salary information across different states and regions, explore our salary resources.
Factors influencing CNM salaries in Oregon include:
- Practice setting (hospital vs. birth center vs. clinic)
- Geographic location (urban Portland vs. rural areas)
- Years of experience and additional certifications
- Patient volume and delivery load
- Additional roles (teaching, research, administration)
Job Growth and Market Demand
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Projections Central estimates a 15.7% growth in CNM employment in Oregon from 2020 to 2030, significantly higher than the national average. This growth is driven by:
- High demand for midwifery care in urban and rural areas
- Oregon’s supportive policies for out-of-hospital births
- Shortages of OB/GYN physicians in underserved regions
- Increasing consumer preference for midwifery care models
- Strong reimbursement through Oregon Medicaid for midwifery services
(Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024. Figures represent state and regional 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. Data accessed January 2026.)
Step 6. Explore Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNM in Oregon
How long does it take to become a CNM in Oregon?
Typically, 6-8 years: 4 years for a BSN (or RN plus bridge program) and 2-3 years for an MSN or 3-4 years for a DNP in nurse-midwifery. RN-to-MSN or DNP pathways may take 3-4 years.
Can I complete a CNM program online while living in Oregon?
Yes, many ACME-accredited online programs partner with Oregon facilities (e.g., OHSU, Legacy Health, Providence) for clinical placements, allowing flexibility for working RNs. While OHSU offers the only in-state accredited program, distance-based programs like Frontier Nursing University are popular among Oregon students.
What are dual-focus CNM/WHNP programs?
These programs train students for both CNM and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner certifications, expanding scope to include gynecology and primary care beyond midwifery. Learn more here.
Where can I find accredited nurse-midwife schools?
OHSU offers Oregon’s only ACME-accredited DNP program (accredited through 2033). Many online programs are also ACME-accredited and allow Oregon-based clinical placements. Visit our accredited CNM programs page for comprehensive options.
What degree do I need to become a CNM?
A master’s degree in nurse-midwifery is the minimum; a DNP is increasingly preferred and is now the exclusive degree offered by OHSU. Read more about master’s in CNM programs.
Can CNMs practice independently in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon grants CNMs full practice authority, including prescriptive authority for all scheduled medications (II-V), without requiring physician supervision. This makes Oregon one of the most favorable states for independent midwifery practice.
What is the job outlook for CNMs in Oregon?
The job outlook is excellent, with a projected 15.7% growth from 2020 to 2030. Rural areas face the most acute shortages, creating opportunities for CNMs interested in underserved practice with available loan repayment incentives.
Are midwifery services covered by Medicaid in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon’s Medicaid program (Oregon Health Plan) covers midwifery services, including hospital and out-of-hospital births, enhancing access for low-income patients and supporting practice viability in diverse settings.
What are the new licensure fee changes for 2025-2026?
Oregon implemented its first fee increase in 15 years. CNMs now pay approximately $205 for NP renewal with prescriptive authority, $70 for the Prescription Monitoring Fund surcharge, $245 for RN renewal, and $13 in workforce/advancement surcharges, totaling over $530 biennially.
What rural incentives are available for CNMs in Oregon?
Oregon offers loan repayment through the Health Care Provider Incentive Program, malpractice insurance subsidies (80% reimbursement) for rural OB providers, and scholarships tied to underserved-area commitments through the Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative.
Explore More Resources
To explore additional educational opportunities or learn more about nurse-midwife education options, check out the following: