Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
If you’re a registered nurse in South Carolina looking to advance your career into women’s health and prenatal care, becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a decisive next step. This guide will walk you through how to become a nurse midwife in South Carolina, including licensure, certification, program pathways, and career outlook.
This guide covers everything from choosing a nurse-midwife program in South Carolina to earning national CNM certification and launching your career.
“I was able to complete my CNM program online while working full-time and doing clinicals at MUSC. It was intense, but so worth it—now I support women throughout their pregnancies in a community I love.” — Jessica R., CNM, Charleston, SC
Nurse-midwives have a rich legacy in South Carolina, dating back to the trailblazing work of Maude Callen, who was featured in Life magazine in 1951. Her story helped ignite a movement that continues today as demand for Certified Nurse-Midwives steadily grows across the state.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 33% increase in CNM jobs in South Carolina by 2028—nearly triple the average for other careers.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in South Carolina
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
The South Carolina Board of Nursing requires CNMs to graduate from an accredited nurse-midwifery program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
These graduate programs can be completed online, making it easier for working RNs to attend class while remaining employed. Students complete clinical hours at hospitals and birthing centers across South Carolina.
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 |
South Carolina also supports dual-focus CNM/WHNP programs, which allow students to become certified in both nurse-midwifery and women’s health nurse practitioner roles.
South Carolina is home to several accredited nurse-midwifery programs, including fully online and hybrid degree options. These CNM degree pathways serve working RNs pursuing an MSN, DNP, or post-graduate certification in nurse-midwifery and women’s health.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Nurse-midwifery programs include 40-60 semester credits of coursework and approximately 1,000 hours of clinical training. Core topics include:
- Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Women’s health across the lifespan
- Prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Newborn care and breastfeeding support
- Evidence-based practice and research methods
Clinical rotations take place at sites such as MUSC in Charleston, Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, and various birthing centers, providing hands-on experience in diverse settings.
Admission Requirements
Typical admission requirements include:
- Valid South Carolina RN license
- Bachelor’s degree (BSN preferred)
- Minimum GPA (usually 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Clinical experience in women’s health (preferred)
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination
All aspiring Certified Nurse-Midwives in South Carolina must earn national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
The exam includes 175 multiple-choice questions and covers the following topics:
- Antepartum (19-26%)
- Intrapartum (17-26%)
- Postpartum (15-18%)
- Newborn care (7-16%)
- Women’s health and primary care (8-16%)
- Gynecology (15-18%)
Testing centers are available in cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville through Professional Service Industries (PSI).
Those pursuing a dual-focus CNM/WHNP pathway may also take the NCC’s WHNP-BC exam to become a certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure Through the South Carolina Board of Nursing
After earning your graduate degree and national certification, you’ll need to apply for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in South Carolina.
- Submit the APRN licensure application (PDF or online)
- Include a Supervising Physician Agreement with an OB/GYN specialist
- Apply for prescriptive authority by documenting 45 hours in pharmacotherapeutics and registering with the DEA
- Submit official transcripts and AMCB certification verification
- Pay application fees (approximately $130-$160)
You can verify your license status anytime via the SC License Lookup Portal.
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options and Maintain Credentials
Once licensed, Certified Nurse-Midwives in South Carolina can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, private practices, and OB/GYN clinics.
Notable employers include:
- Lexington Medical Center – West Columbia
- Palmetto Health Baptist – Columbia
- Roper Saint Francis – Charleston
- Charleston Birth Place – North Charleston
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) – Charleston
To maintain certification and licensure:
- Renew your APRN license every 2 years (by April 30 of even years)
- Complete 30 hours of continuing education (60 if dual-certified)
- Complete 20 hours in pharmacotherapeutics to renew prescriptive authority
- Maintain certification with the AMCB or NCC through their Certificate Maintenance Programs
Professional organizations like the South Carolina Nurses Association offer networking and continuing education opportunities.
Step 5. Understand Salary Expectations for CNMs in South Carolina
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2024, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in South Carolina earn a mean annual wage of $108,700, with an hourly mean wage of $52.26. In the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area, which includes parts of South Carolina, the mean annual wage is higher at $120,390, with an hourly mean wage of $57.88. These figures reflect competitive compensation compared to the national median annual wage for nurse-midwives, which was $129,490 in 2023.
South Carolina CNM Salary Percentiles (May 2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,560 | $38.25 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,840 | $46.08 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $104,410 | $50.20 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,480 | $58.88 |
| 90th Percentile | $136,960 | $65.85 |
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC CNM Salary Percentiles (May 2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $91,080 | $43.79 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,350 | $51.61 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $118,960 | $57.19 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,150 | $62.57 |
| 90th Percentile | $142,220 | $68.37 |
Factors influencing CNM salaries in South Carolina include:
- Practice setting (hospital vs. birthing center vs. clinic)
- Geographic location (urban vs. rural)
- Years of experience and additional certifications
- Patient volume and delivery load
- Additional roles (education, administration)
Job Growth and Market Demand
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Projections Central estimates a 33% growth in CNM employment in South Carolina from 2018 to 2028, driven by:
- Increasing demand for midwifery care
- Shortages of OB/GYN physicians in rural areas
- Growing acceptance of nurse-midwives in healthcare systems
(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 South Carolina
How long does it take to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife in South Carolina?
Typically, 6–8 years: 4 years for a BSN (or RN plus bridge program) and 2–3 years for a master’s or DNP in nurse-midwifery.
Can I become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in South Carolina entirely online?
Didactic coursework can be completed online, but clinical hours must be completed in person at approved South Carolina sites, such as MUSC or Lexington Medical Center.
What is the difference between a CNM and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner?
CNMs specialize in pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while WHNPs focus on broader women’s health, including gynecology and primary care. Dual-certification programs prepare graduates for both roles.
Does South Carolina allow nurse-midwives to prescribe medication?
Yes, CNMs can earn full prescriptive authority with 45 hours of pharmacotherapeutics training, a Supervising Physician Agreement, and DEA registration.
Where do CNMs typically work in South Carolina?
CNMs work in hospitals (e.g., MUSC, Palmetto Health), birthing centers (e.g., Charleston Birth Place), OB/GYN clinics, and private practices across the state.
What is the job outlook for CNMs in South Carolina?
The job outlook is excellent, with a projected 33% growth in CNM positions from 2018 to 2028, driven by healthcare provider shortages and increased demand for midwifery services.
Do CNMs in South Carolina need a supervising physician?
Yes, South Carolina requires CNMs to have a Supervising Physician Agreement with an OB/GYN for licensure and prescriptive authority, though they can practice autonomously within their scope.
Are midwifery services covered by Medicaid in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina Medicaid covers midwifery services, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, for eligible patients, improving access to care.
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
- Accredited-Nurse-Midwife Programs
- Master’s Programs
- MidwifeSchooling.com – Home