Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Rhode Island offers certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) the ability to practice independently, making it an excellent state for registered nurses looking to advance their careers in women’s healthcare. With a growing demand for midwifery care and holistic maternity services, the Ocean State presents rewarding opportunities for those pursuing a CNM degree.
“Midwifery gave me the chance to empower women throughout their journey—before, during, and after childbirth. Practicing in Rhode Island has been deeply fulfilling because of the trust and autonomy CNMs are given.” – Amanda L., CNM
Follow these steps to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Rhode Island:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To become a CNM in Rhode Island, you’ll need to complete a graduate program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs are offered online and across the country and can culminate in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a post-master’s certificate.
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 |
Looking for flexibility? Online CNM programs make it easier for working RNs to complete coursework and clinical hours from home. Graduates of accredited nurse-midwifery programs in Rhode Island are eligible to sit for national certification exams and apply for licensure. These programs may lead to MSN, DNP, or post-master’s CNM degrees.
Admission Requirements for Nurse-Midwifery Programs
Admission into accredited CNM graduate programs in Rhode Island or online typically requires:
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- BSN degree (or associate degree for RN-to-MSN bridge programs)
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE scores (required by some programs)
- Personal statement or video interview
- Experience in labor and delivery or women’s health preferred
Curriculum in Nurse-Midwifery Programs
The didactic portion of a CNM program prepares students for advanced practice through coursework in:
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Reproductive and perinatal pharmacology
- Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Primary care and health promotion
- Diagnostic reasoning and women’s health
- Newborn care and assessment
- Professional issues in nurse-midwifery
Clinical Training in Rhode Island
Whether you attend an online or campus-based program, clinical hours —typically 1,000 or more —are a required component. Schools assist students in securing local placements across Rhode Island in settings such as:
- Women & Infants Hospital – Providence
- Newport Hospital – Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center
- Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island – Pawtucket
- South County Hospital – Wakefield
- Kent Hospital – Warwick
Online programs coordinate with students early to secure preceptors and meet state requirements while minimizing travel and disruption.
Dual CNM and WHNP Certification Options
Many graduate programs allow students to earn dual certification as both a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). This dual path expands your scope of care, allowing you to manage reproductive health across the lifespan, not just during the childbearing years.
Students pursuing the dual CNM/WHNP track will complete overlapping coursework and sit for both the AMCB and NCC certification exams upon graduation.
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
To become certified, Rhode Island CNM candidates must pass the national exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This four-hour, 175-question exam covers:
- Antepartum care
- Intrapartum and postpartum care
- Gynecology and primary care
- Newborn care
Candidates pursuing dual certification must also pass the NCC’s Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC) exam.
Both exams are administered at PSI test centers, including one located in Warwick, RI.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Rhode Island Department of Health
After passing the national CNM exam, you’ll apply for licensure through the Rhode Island Department of Health. Required forms include:
Applications are submitted to:
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 103
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Prescriptive Authority: CNMs can prescribe independently in Rhode Island after completing a Uniform Controlled Substance Registration and a DEA number application.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Rhode Island and Maintain Credentials
New CNMs in Rhode Island may find opportunities in hospitals, women’s clinics, or home birth settings. Some choose to open independent practices or join existing midwifery groups. Major employers include:
- Women & Infants Hospital
- Newport Hospital
- Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
- VA Medical Center – Providence
- South County Hospital
Maintaining Your License: CNMs must renew their license every two years and complete 20 hours of continuing education, including 4 hours in pharmacology. National AMCB certification must also be renewed every 5 years through continuing education or re-examination.
Why Become a Certified Nurse Midwife in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is among the most CNM-friendly states in the nation. With full practice authority and a strong emphasis on maternal health outcomes, CNMs here enjoy broad autonomy and a growing client base. The state consistently ranks high in midwife-attended births, and the public’s trust in midwifery care is rising.
From community hospitals to private practices, midwives are valued members of the healthcare system, especially in underserved and rural areas where personalized care is critical.
Comparing CNM vs WHNP Roles
Considering dual certification? Here’s how CNMs and WHNPs compare in scope and settings:
| Credential | Primary Focus | Scope of Practice | Common Work Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | Pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and newborn care | Midwifery care + primary care for women | Hospitals, birthing centers, and private practices |
| Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC) | Gynecologic and reproductive health throughout the lifespan | Preventive care, contraceptive management, and menopause care | Clinics, OB/GYN offices, health departments |
Certified Nurse-Midwife Salary in Rhode Island
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNMs in Rhode Island earn an average salary of $107,200, with experienced CNMs in the Providence-Warwick area earning up to $146,720.
- Entry-level: $75,180
- Average: $107,200
- Experienced: $146,720
Factors that influence salary include certifications, setting, and geographic location. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) with WHNP certification may command higher salaries in outpatient women’s health 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.)
“I chose a dual CNM/WHNP program because I wanted the flexibility to do more than just deliveries. Now I manage wellness exams, birth care, and postpartum visits in one setting. Rhode Island’s independence laws make that possible.” – Jasmine T., CNM/WHNP
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNM in Rhode Island?
Depending on your entry point, it can take 2–4 years to complete an accredited nurse-midwifery program and earn national certification.
Can I become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Rhode Island through an online program?
Yes. Many ACME-accredited programs offer online learning with in-person clinical placements throughout Rhode Island.
Do CNMs need a collaborative agreement with a physician in Rhode Island?
No. CNMs in Rhode Island have full practice authority and can work independently.
What is the difference between a CNM and a WHNP?
CNMs are trained in pregnancy and birth, while WHNPs focus on gynecological and reproductive health across the lifespan. Many providers pursue both certifications to expand their practice.
How much do CNMs make in Rhode Island?
The average annual salary is $107,200, with experienced Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) earning over $146,000 in the Providence metro area.