Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
For registered nurses exploring how to become a nurse midwife in Tennessee, the state offers comprehensive educational pathways and growing career opportunities in this essential healthcare specialty. Tennessee recognizes both Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) through the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensing system and provides multiple accredited educational programs for aspiring midwives. The demand for midwifery services continues to expand throughout Tennessee, with birthing centers gaining popularity statewide and approximately 7-10.99% of births attended by midwives as of 2018.
Certified nurse-midwives serve as advanced practice nurses who provide comprehensive maternity care, primary care, gynecologic services, preconception care, family planning, and newborn care during the first 28 days of life. In Tennessee, these healthcare providers enjoy prescriptive authority, can order laboratory tests, and provide health education and counseling to women of all ages. With the U.S. Department of Labor projecting significant industry growth of 28.6% in Tennessee from 2018 to 2028 and more than 20,000 qualified maternity care providers needed nationally by 2050, pursuing nurse-midwifery education represents a strategic career advancement opportunity for Tennessee’s registered nurses.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Tennessee
The Tennessee Board of Nursing licenses certified nurse-midwives as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). RNs in Tennessee must complete specific requirements for APRN certification through the following steps:
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To become a nurse-midwife in Tennessee, RNs must complete a master’s degree or higher in nurse-midwifery through programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), the only programmatic accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for nurse-midwifery education.
Educational Program Options
Tennessee offers multiple educational pathways to accommodate RNs with different levels of current education:
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 |
Many master’s degrees in nurse-midwifery offer dual specialization options, with the most popular being nurse-midwife/women’s health nurse practitioner programs. Graduates are eligible for both Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) national certification.
Tennessee Nurse-Midwifery Programs
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing offers the only nurse-midwifery program at a public university in Tennessee through its Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse-Midwifery (DNP NMW) option. This program received four-year pre-accreditation from ACME and serves Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
“The UTHSC DNP program transformed my career. The faculty support and clinical experiences prepared me incredibly well for certification and practice. I’m now working at a birthing center in Nashville and couldn’t be happier with my choice.” – Kelly M., DNP-NMW Graduate, Class of 2023
Program Details:
- Full-time plan of study: 3 years
- Part-time option: 4 years
- Maximum enrollment: 8 students per cohort
- Personalized attention and quality clinical experiences
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing operates a highly regarded nurse-midwifery program ranked number one for nearly a decade. The program offers an accelerated specialty track with more than 840 clinical hours.
Program Structure:
- MSN full-time students: 20 months
- Vanderbilt Master of Nursing Prespecialty students: 16 months
- Nearly 100 hours of direct, hands-on skills practice
- Clinical placements: First summer within 4-5 hours of Nashville; fall and spring rotations nationwide
Curriculum and Clinical Training
Nurse-midwifery programs provide advanced preparation in women’s health across the lifespan, emphasizing evidence-based practice and wellness paradigms. The clinical component often exceeds 1,000 hours of practice in diverse settings, including:
- Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, Memphis
- Women’s Hospital at Centennial, Nashville
- Tennessee Women’s Care, Hermitage
- Erlanger Women’s East, Chattanooga
- Memorial Ooltewah Women’s Center, Ooltewah
Core Coursework Includes:
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Advanced health assessment
- Clinical pharmacology
- Primary care of women
- Intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal care
- Nursing research and evidence-based practice
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into Tennessee nurse midwife programs, candidates must possess:
- Valid RN license
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Personal statement
- Letters of reference
- Minimum undergraduate GPA (varies by program)
- RN experience (requirements vary)
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Tennessee requires nurse-midwife candidates to pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). The examination assesses cognitive knowledge essential for beginning midwifery practice.
AMCB Certification Examination Details
Examination Format:
- 175 multiple-choice items
- Computer-based testing at 120+ national testing sites
- Immediate official results provided at the testing site
- Each state has at least one test center within two hours of major metropolitan areas
Content Areas Covered:
- Normal and abnormal physical examination findings
- Laboratory values and interpretation
- Physiology and pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical decision making
Tennessee testing centers are available in Chattanooga, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville through Professional Service Industries (PSI).
Graduates of dual specialty programs may also pursue the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) examination through the National Certification Corporation.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Tennessee Board of Nursing
Upon achieving national CNM certification, candidates apply for APRN state licensure through the Tennessee Board of Nursing Advanced Practice Nurse Application.
Application Requirements
In addition to a completed, signed, and notarized application, candidates must submit:
- 2×2 passport photograph
- Page 4 completed by the Dean, Director, or Chairman of the nurse-midwifery program
- Official nursing transcript sent directly to the Board
- Official verification of current CNM certification from AMCB
- Mandatory practitioner profile questionnaire
- Certificate fee of $210
- Current Tennessee RN license or multistate licensure privileges
Prescriptive Authority
Nurse-midwives seeking prescribing privileges must complete the Application for Prescriptive Authority (part 4 of the application). Tennessee nurse-midwives must:
- Complete a Notice and Formulary when changing prescription formulary, practice site, or supervising physician
- Obtain a DEA number before prescribing controlled substances
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Tennessee and Maintain Credentials
Certified nurse-midwives in Tennessee enjoy a broad scope of practice as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, providing family-centered primary care across the lifespan. Services extend well beyond pregnancy and childbirth to include primary care, gynecology wellness visits, family planning, fertility counseling, and newborn care.
Practice Settings and Career Opportunities
CNMs in Tennessee practice in diverse healthcare settings:
- Hospitals and birthing centers
- OB-GYN clinics and private practices
- Public health clinics
- Military bases
- Community health centers
Notable Tennessee Healthcare Facilities:
- West End Women’s Health Center, Old Hickory
- West Tennessee Women’s Center, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital
- Mary’s Birth and Midwifery Center, Knoxville
- Hope Clinic for Women, Nashville
- Vanderbilt One Hundred Oaks: Women’s Health, Nashville
Professional Development and Renewal Requirements
APRN Certificate Renewal (Tennessee Board of Nursing):
- Biennial renewal required
- Renewal cost: $110
- Online renewal through the Tennessee Department of Health License Renewal Service
- Proof of current CNM certification required
- Two contact hours of controlled substance prescribing education for those with prescriptive authority
CNM Certification Maintenance (AMCB):
- Option 1: Complete 3 AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules per five-year cycle, plus 20 contact hours of continuing education; pay annual fees
- Option 2: Retake the AMCB Certification Examination and pay the $500 examination fee
Professional Resources
Tennessee professional associations provide ongoing support for practicing nurse-midwives:
- Tennessee Midwives Association
- Tennessee Nurses Association
- Middle Tennessee Advanced Practice Nurses
- Greater Memphis Area Advanced Practice Nurses
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Tennessee
As of 2023, certified nurse-midwives in Tennessee earn competitive salaries reflecting their advanced education and specialized skills. The median nurse midwife salary in Tennessee was $95,420 in 2023, with entry-level positions starting around $68,000 and experienced practitioners earning upwards of $125,000 annually.
Tennessee CNM Salary Ranges (2023)
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $68,000 – $78,000 | $33 – $38 |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $82,000 – $105,000 | $39 – $50 |
| Experienced (8-15 years) | $98,000 – $125,000 | $47 – $60 |
| Senior Level (15+ years) | $115,000 – $140,000 | $55 – $67 |
(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.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Tennessee
How long does it take to become a CNM in Tennessee?
The timeline varies by educational pathway. RNs with a BSN can complete an MSN in nurse-midwifery in 2-3 years full-time. Those with associate degrees typically need 3-4 years to complete RN-to-MSN programs. DNP programs typically require 3-4 years of full-time study.
What’s the job outlook for nurse-midwives in Tennessee?
The job outlook is excellent, with Tennessee projecting 28.6% industry growth from 2018 to 2028. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists projects a shortage of more than 20,000 qualified maternity care providers nationally by 2050, creating significant opportunities.
Can CNMs practice independently in Tennessee?
Yes, certified nurse-midwives in Tennessee have full practice authority as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including prescriptive privileges. They can practice independently without physician oversight, though collaboration and consultation agreements are encouraged for complex cases.
What clinical sites are available for students in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers numerous clinical placement opportunities, including Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women in Memphis, Women’s Hospital at Centennial in Nashville, Tennessee Women’s Care in Hermitage, and various birthing centers throughout the state.
Are there online nurse-midwifery programs available to Tennessee students?
Yes, Tennessee students can enroll in accredited online nurse-midwifery programs from institutions nationwide. Clinical components must be completed at approved sites, which are often available throughout Tennessee through program partnerships.
What’s the difference between a CNM and a CPM in Tennessee?
CNMs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with full prescriptive authority and a broad scope of practice. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) have a more limited scope, focusing on normal, physiologic birth, and cannot prescribe medications. Both require different educational pathways and certification processes.
Becoming a nurse-midwife in Tennessee offers excellent career prospects in a growing field with a significant impact on maternal and infant health outcomes. With established educational programs at UTHSC and Vanderbilt University, as well as distance education options, aspiring midwives have multiple pathways to achieve their goals. The state’s support for midwifery practice through comprehensive APRN licensing ensures that CNMs can practice to the full extent of their education and training while serving Tennessee’s diverse communities. For more information about midwifery education opportunities, explore accredited programs and take the first step toward this rewarding healthcare career.