Last Updated: June 2025 | 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. Whether you’re a registered nurse seeking greater autonomy and advanced clinical practice or someone driven by a passion for holistic women’s healthcare, Oregon offers an ideal environment to begin your journey toward becoming a CNM.
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 is home to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), which offers a competitive DNP program in Nurse-Midwifery. Many students also enroll in online CNM programs offered nationwide, which allow for clinical placements in Oregon facilities such as OHSU, Legacy Health, or local birth centers.
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.
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.
- Complete the online application
- Submit official transcripts and AMCB certification verification
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check
- Pay application fees (approximately $150-$200)
- Apply for prescriptive authority (requires 45 hours of pharmacology coursework)
- Obtain a DEA number for controlled substances
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)
- Birth centers (e.g., Andaluz Waterbirth Center, Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center)
- Private OB/GYN practices
- Community health clinics
- Home birth practices
Prominent employers include:
- Oregon Health & Science University (Portland)
- Adventist Health (Portland)
- PeaceHealth (Eugene)
- Samaritan Albany General Hospital (Albany)
- Legacy Health (Portland)
Credential Maintenance
- APRN License Renewal: Biennial renewal by the Oregon State Board of Nursing ($145 fee), requires 45 hours of continuing education, including 15 in pharmacology for prescriptive authority.
- 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, among the highest in the U.S. In the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area, the mean annual wage is $136,150, with an hourly mean wage of $65.46. These figures are above the national median annual wage for nurse-midwives of $129,490 in 2023, reflecting Oregon’s strong market for CNMs.
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 |
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, 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
(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 June 2025.)
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 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) for clinical placements, allowing flexibility for working RNs.
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. Learn more here.
Where can I find accredited nurse-midwife schools?
OHSU offers a DNP program, and many online programs are ACME-accredited. Visit our accredited CNM programs page for 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. Read more about master’s in CNM programs.
Can CNMs practice independently in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon grants CNMs full practice authority, including prescriptive authority, without requiring physician supervision.
What is the job outlook for CNMs in Oregon?
The job outlook is strong, with a projected 15.7% growth from 2020 to 2030, driven by demand for midwifery care and supportive state policies.
Are midwifery services covered by Medicaid in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon’s Medicaid program covers midwifery services, including hospital and out-of-hospital births, enhancing access for low-income patients.
Explore More Resources
To explore additional educational opportunities or learn more about nurse-midwife education options, check out the following:
- Dual-Focus Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health NP Programs
- ACME-Accredited Nurse-Midwife Programs
- Master’s in Nurse-Midwifery Programs
- MidwifeSchooling.com – Home