Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Understanding how to become a nurse midwife in Vermont requires comprehensive knowledge of the state’s advanced practice nursing requirements and healthcare delivery systems. Certified nurse midwives represent a critical component of Vermont’s healthcare infrastructure, providing specialized reproductive health services and comprehensive women’s healthcare across diverse practice settings. This advanced practice nursing specialty combines rigorous clinical training with evidence-based care delivery, positioning CNMs as essential providers in the state’s evolving healthcare landscape. Vermont’s regulatory framework for nurse midwifery practice establishes one of the most supportive environments in the United States for the autonomy of advanced practice nursing. As an independent practice state, Vermont eliminates collaborative practice requirements, enabling CNMs to practice to the full extent of their educational preparation and professional competencies. This regulatory approach reflects the state’s recognition of certified nurse midwives as qualified primary care providers capable of delivering comprehensive healthcare services.
Healthcare Delivery Statistics: According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 13.7% of births in Vermont were attended by midwives in 2018, significantly above the national average and reflecting strong consumer demand for midwifery services.
Workforce Integration: Major healthcare systems, such as the UVM Medical Center, employ substantial CNM workforces, with some institutions employing fifty or more certified nurse midwives across various service lines, including obstetrics, gynecology, and primary care.
Practice Environment Advantages: Vermont’s rural geography and healthcare access challenges create significant opportunities for CNMs to serve underserved populations while maintaining independent practice models.
“The transition from hospital-based nursing to independent midwifery practice in Vermont exceeded all my expectations. The state’s regulatory support for autonomous practice allowed me to establish a thriving birth center that serves three counties. Vermont’s commitment to midwifery care creates unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and meaningful patient relationships.”
— Rachel Thompson, CNM, Stowe Midwifery Center
Career Path Overview: Systematic Approach to CNM Credentialing
The Vermont Board of Nursing maintains comprehensive licensure requirements for certified nurse midwives, establishing clear pathways for advanced practice nursing credentialing. The systematic approach to becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Vermont encompasses educational preparation, national certification, state licensure, and ongoing professional development.
Step 1. Complete Accredited Graduate Education in Nurse-Midwifery
Vermont statute mandates that APRN nurse midwife candidates complete graduate-level education through programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). ACME maintains exclusive recognition by the U.S. Department of Education as the national programmatic accrediting agency for nurse midwifery education, establishing rigorous academic and clinical standards since 1982.
Educational Program Options and Delivery Models
Vermont’s geographic constraints necessitate strategic educational planning, as no in-state institutions currently offer ACME-accredited nurse midwifery programs. This limitation creates opportunities for Vermont residents to pursue innovative educational delivery models, including:
| Program Type | Degree Options | Typical Duration | Clinical Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Master’s Programs | MSN in Nurse-Midwifery | 24-30 months full-time | 1,350+ clinical hours |
| Doctoral Programs | DNP in Nurse-Midwifery | 36-42 months | 1,350+ clinical hours |
| Post-Master’s Certificates | CNM Certificate | 12-18 months | 1,350+ clinical hours |
| Dual-Focus Programs | CNM/WHNP Combined | 30-36 months | 1,800+ clinical hours |
Online Education Advantages: Many ACME-accredited master’s degree programs utilize online delivery models with clinical partnerships, enabling Vermont residents to complete didactic coursework remotely while accessing clinical training sites within the state or region.
Dual-Focus Specializations: Dual-focus nurse midwife programs, which combine CNM and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) credentials, offer an enhanced scope of practice and expanded career opportunities, particularly in Vermont’s rural healthcare environment.
Curriculum Requirements and Clinical Training
Vermont statute requires specific graduate-level coursework for APRN licensure, including advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. Nurse midwifery programs expand these core requirements with specialized content areas:
| Core APRN Content | Specialized Midwifery Content |
|---|---|
| Advanced health and physical assessment | Antepartum and postpartum management |
| Advanced physiology and pathophysiology | Intrapartum care and labor management |
| Advanced pharmacology for primary care | Reproductive healthcare management |
| Concepts for advanced nursing practice | Newborn assessment and care |
Clinical Training Sites in Vermont
Vermont offers diverse clinical training opportunities for nurse midwifery students, with established clinical sites including:
- UVM Medical Center Obstetrics and Midwifery, Burlington
- UVM Medical Center Maternal Fetal Medicine, Burlington
- Central Vermont Women’s Health, Berlin
- Copley Hospital, Morrisville
- The Women’s Health Center, Springfield
For Vermont residents pursuing accredited nurse midwifery programs, online CNM programs, and MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees, these clinical partnerships ensure access to comprehensive training experiences across hospital, birth center, and community-based settings, while maintaining proximity to home and professional networks.
Step 2. Achieve National Certification Through AMCB Examination
National certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) represents a critical milestone in the nurse midwifery credentialing process. The AMCB maintains responsibility for establishing and validating competency standards for certified nurse-midwives nationwide, operating independently of professional organizations to ensure objective assessment protocols.
Examination Structure and Content Distribution
The AMCB certification examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions administered over a 240-minute (4-hour) testing period. Content distribution reflects the comprehensive scope of midwifery practice:
| Content Area | Percentage | Key Competencies |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 21% | Prenatal assessment, risk identification, care planning |
| Intrapartum Care | 21% | Labor management, delivery, emergency interventions |
| Postpartum Care | 18% | Maternal recovery, breastfeeding support, and complications |
| Well Woman/Gynecological Care | 19% | Reproductive health, family planning, and gynecological disorders |
| Women’s Health/Primary Care | 11% | Primary care services, health maintenance, and chronic conditions |
| Newborn Care | 10% | Newborn assessment, routine care, abnormal findings |
Examination Logistics and Administrative Procedures
Testing Centers: Vermont candidates preparing for the AMCB certification examination can conveniently schedule their test at a PSI testing center in Burlington or any PSI facility nationwide. To find the nearest location and review the latest requirements, visit the official AMCB certification examination information page.
Examination Fees: Initial examination fee: $500; retake fee: $350 plus $121 processing fee
Application Process: Candidates may submit applications online or by mail to the AMCB office in Linthicum, Maryland
Dual Certification Options: Graduates of dual-focus programs may also pursue certification as a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) through the National Certification Corporation.
Step 3. Obtain APRN Licensure Through Vermont Board of Nursing
Vermont recognizes four advanced practice nursing roles: nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric and mental health nursing. The licensure process requires comprehensive documentation and adherence to specific regulatory requirements.
Application Requirements and Documentation
Vermont APRN licensure applications must include the following components:
| Required Documentation | Specifications | Processing Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $75 (online submission) | Non-refundable, required at submission |
| Passport-size Photograph | 2×2 inches, professional quality | Currently, a clear identification photo |
| Government-issued ID | Driver’s license or passport copy | Legible, unexpired identification |
| Official Transcripts | From the nurse midwifery program | Sent directly from the institution |
| CNM Certification | Current AMCB certification copy | Valid, unexpired certification |
| Practice Guidelines | Employer-specific protocols | Current practice setting requirements |
Transition to Practice Requirements
Vermont implements specific requirements for new APRN graduates transitioning to independent practice:
Transition Period Duration: 2,400 hours and two years for primary credential; 1,600 hours and one year for secondary credential
Documentation Requirements: APRNs in transition must submit collaborative agreements; those completing transition submit attestation of completion
Prescriptive Authority: CNMs seeking controlled substance prescribing authority must obtain DEA Registration and register with the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System
Step 4. Maintain Professional Credentials and Continuing Competency
Vermont maintains comprehensive requirements for ongoing professional competency, encompassing state licensure renewal, national certification maintenance, and compliance with continuing education.
Vermont APRN License Renewal
Renewal Cycle: Biennial renewal in odd-numbered years
Renewal Fee: $215
Practice Requirements: Documentation of 400 hours (50 days) of practice in the previous two years
Certification Maintenance: Current CNM certification required
AMCB Certification Maintenance
The AMCB Certification Maintenance Program offers two pathways for continuing competency:
| Option | Requirements | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Continuing Education | 3 AMCB modules per 5-year cycle plus 20 contact hours | Annual maintenance fees |
| Examination Retake | Retake the AMCB certification examination | $500 examination fee |
Step 5. Analyze Compensation and Career Advancement Opportunities
Vermont’s certified nurse midwife compensation reflects the state’s commitment to advanced practice nursing and the specialized nature of midwifery care. Current salary data demonstrates competitive compensation within the regional healthcare market.
Statistical Context: Vermont CNM Compensation
| Salary Metric | Vermont CNM | National Average | Regional Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | $102,160 | $129,650 | Competitive for the region |
| Hourly Rate | $49.08 | $62.33 | Adjusted for cost of living |
| Entry Level Range | $85,000-$95,000 | $80,500-$90,000 | Above the national entry level |
| Experienced Range | $115,000-$135,000 | $140,000-$170,000 | Reflects the regional market |
Employment Settings and Compensation Variations
Vermont’s certified nurse midwives practice across diverse healthcare settings, with compensation varying by practice model and geographic location:
Major Employers of CNMs in Vermont:
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington
- Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin
- Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, St. Johnsbury
- Porter Medical Center, Middlebury
- Copley Hospital, Morrisville
- Gifford Medical Center, Randolph
- Northwestern Medical Center, St. Albans
Practice Setting Compensation Analysis:
- Hospital Employment: Competitive base salaries with comprehensive benefits packages
- Birth Centers: Performance-based compensation models with patient volume incentives
- Independent Practice: Higher earning potential with business management responsibilities
- Rural Settings: Enhanced compensation packages to address recruitment challenges
(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.)
Step 6. Review Professional Development and Practice Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions: Vermont CNM Practice
Q: Does Vermont require collaborative agreements for certified nurse midwives?
A: No. Vermont is an independent practice state that does not require CNMs to maintain collaborative agreements with physicians after completing the transition-to-practice period. This regulatory framework affords qualified CNMs significant autonomy in practice.
Q: Can CNMs prescribe controlled substances in Vermont?
A: Yes. CNMs in Vermont may prescribe controlled substances after obtaining DEA registration and registering with the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System. Additional continuing education requirements apply to providers with prescriptive authority.
Q: Are there nurse midwifery schools in Vermont?
A: Currently, no institutions in Vermont offer ACME-accredited nurse midwifery programs. Vermont residents typically pursue online programs or attend institutions in neighboring states while completing clinical requirements at Vermont healthcare facilities.
Q: What is the job outlook for nurse midwives in Vermont?
A: The Vermont APRN workforce grew 21% between 2019 and 2021, reflecting strong demand for advanced practice nursing services. CNMs represent approximately 7% of Vermont’s APRN workforce, with continued growth anticipated due to increasing demand for midwifery services from consumers.
Q: Can CNMs provide primary care services in Vermont?
A: Yes. Vermont certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) may provide primary care services within their scope of practice, including well-woman care, family planning, gynecological services, and routine health maintenance for women across the lifespan.
Q: What professional organizations support CNMs in Vermont?
A: Vermont nurse midwives may access resources through the Vermont Midwives Association and the American Nurses Association Vermont, which provide networking, continuing education, and advocacy support.
Q: How long does it take to become a certified nurse midwife in Vermont?
A: The complete pathway typically requires 3-4 years beyond initial nursing preparation, including 2-3 years for graduate education and 2 years for transition to practice requirements before achieving full independent practice authority.
Q: Are there opportunities for CNMs in rural Vermont communities?
A: Yes. Rural Vermont communities offer significant opportunities for CNMs to serve underserved populations. The state’s independent practice authority and healthcare access challenges create favorable conditions for establishing comprehensive midwifery practices in rural settings.
Professional Development Considerations
Continuing Education Requirements: Vermont Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) must complete ongoing education to maintain their state licensure and national certification, ensuring currency with evolving practice standards and clinical innovations.
Emerging Healthcare Delivery Models: Vermont’s healthcare landscape emphasizes value-based care, population health management, and integrated service delivery, creating opportunities for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) to lead innovative practice models.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Strategies: Successful CNM practice in Vermont requires effective collaboration with obstetricians, family physicians, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Technology Integration: Electronic health records, telehealth capabilities, and patient engagement technologies are increasingly integrated into midwifery practice, requiring ongoing professional development in health informatics.