Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
West Virginia faces significant challenges in maternal healthcare access, with approximately half of the state’s counties lacking birthing facilities or maternity care providers. In this critical healthcare landscape, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) play an essential role in addressing healthcare gaps, particularly in the 53 medically underserved areas designated as health professional shortage areas throughout the state. As of recent data, West Virginia has substantial room for growth in the nurse-midwifery profession, making it an opportune time for registered nurses to pursue advanced midwifery education and help bridge these critical healthcare gaps.
This comprehensive guide outlines how to become a nurse midwife in West Virginia, covering educational requirements, certification processes, licensing procedures, and practice regulations necessary for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers as certified nurse-midwives in the Mountain State.
Steps to Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in West Virginia
RNs in West Virginia interested in becoming certified nurse midwives must meet all requirements for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure through the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. The steps in this guide provide detailed instructions on how to become a nurse-midwife in West Virginia:
“After completing my MSN in nurse-midwifery through an online program while working as an RN in Charleston, I was able to establish a collaborative practice that serves three rural counties in West Virginia. The flexibility of distance learning combined with local clinical placements made it possible to advance my career while staying close to the communities that needed midwifery care most.” – Sarah B., CNM, Rural West Virginia
Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
The pathway to becoming a certified nurse midwife in West Virginia begins with obtaining a solid educational foundation through an accredited nurse-midwifery program. The most critical educational requirement for CNM practice in West Virginia is completion of a graduate-level nurse-midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). ACME accreditation is mandatory, as only graduates of ACME-accredited programs are eligible to take the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) examination required for CNM credentials.
Educational Foundation Requirements
Prospective CNMs must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may be acceptable if followed by completion of an RN-to-BSN bridge program. Bachelor’s-prepared RNs are qualified to enroll in conventional master’s programs. In contrast, RNs holding an associate’s degree are eligible to enroll in bridge programs (RN-to-MSN), which offer students the opportunity to earn both a BSN and MSN at the same time.
Upon completion of their undergraduate nursing education, candidates must obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and gain clinical experience in obstetrics and gynecology settings. Many programs recommend at least one year of RN work experience, particularly in labor and delivery, postpartum care, or women’s health settings.
Graduate Program Options and Formats
Master’s programs in nurse-midwifery are available at the master’s (MSN) or doctoral (DNP) level, with master’s programs typically requiring 18-24 months of full-time study. These programs are divided into classroom study and clinical hours, normally involving 40-60 semester hours and 600-1,000 clock hours of clinical experience.
| Program Format | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Campus-Based | Full-time study on a physical campus with on-site clinical rotations | Students who can relocate and prefer in-person learning |
| Partial Distance Learning | Combination of online coursework with periodic campus visits | Working RNs who need flexibility but want some in-person experience |
| Fully Online Programs | Complete coursework online with local clinical placements | Working RNs in West Virginia, where no campus programs are available |
Admission Requirements for CNM Programs
In order to be accepted into ACME-accredited programs, most schools require:
- A BSN degree (not required for RN-to-MSN bridge programs)
- Current, unrestricted RN license
- Minimum 1 year of practicing experience as an RN in women’s health or related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Personal statement outlining career goals and commitment to midwifery
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors and colleagues
- GRE scores (required by some programs)
Curriculum and Clinical Training
The curriculum in ACME-accredited programs encompasses both didactic and clinical components designed to prepare students for the full scope of midwifery practice. Didactic coursework focuses on advanced physiology and pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and role development specific to nurse-midwifery.
Classroom study for a master’s program in nurse-midwifery includes:
- Comprehensive Antepartum Care
- Comprehensive Perinatal Care
- Roles and Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Advanced Concepts in Physiology & Pathophysiology
- Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Policy and Ethics
Dual Certification Programs
Some master’s programs offer additional areas of emphasis, including nurse midwifery/women’s health nurse practitioner (NM/WHNP) dual certification programs. These popular dual emphasis programs allow students the option to take both the CNM and WHNP exams, gaining certification as both a certified nurse-midwife and a women’s health nurse practitioner.
Dual certification NM/WHNP classes include:
- Well Woman Health Care
- The Childbearing Family
- Primary Care for Women
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Reproductive Endocrinology
For all nurse-midwife and NM/WHNP programs, clinical hours will be logged in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, working with patients in the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum stages of labor and delivery, as well as providing gynecologic and primary care services.
Online programs are the preferred format for working registered nurses (RN) in West Virginia and other states where no campus-based programs are available. Through distance learning, students complete courses online while logging clinical hours in West Virginia healthcare facilities. Students in hybrid programs may be required to visit the school in person for intensive courses or to validate their clinical skills.
Students seeking accredited nurse-midwifery programs in West Virginia will find that online CNM programs offer the flexibility needed for working professionals. At the same time, MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees provide various pathways to meet individual career goals and educational backgrounds.
Step 2: Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
After earning a qualifying master’s degree or higher from an ACME-accredited program, candidates become eligible to sit for the Certification Examination in Nurse-Midwifery through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and earn the CNM credential. This comprehensive examination assesses knowledge and competencies across all areas of midwifery practice and is required for CNM recognition in all states, including West Virginia.
American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) Examination
The CNM certification is offered through the American Midwifery Certification Board. The AMCB provides a candidate handbook to clarify eligibility requirements, offer additional information on applying for certification, provide tips on computer-based testing, and outline steps for maintaining current certification. Applicants are required to take the exam within 24 months of completing a nurse-midwifery program.
Students take the exam on a computer with a four-hour time limit. The test evaluates candidates’ understanding across six categories of questions:
- Antepartum care and management
- Intrapartum care and delivery management
- Postpartum care and support
- Newborn care and assessment
- Well Woman/Gynecology services
- Women’s Health/Primary Care
Application Process and Requirements
Candidates register for the exam online through PSI LLC and receive a date and time to take the exam at an PSI testing center. Testing locations are available throughout the region, with the nearest center to West Virginia residents typically in neighboring states.
Applicants can apply online or by sending a hard copy application to:
American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
849 International Drive, Suite 120
Linthicum, Maryland 21090
With the application, candidates must include:
- A $500.00 examination fee
- A copy of the candidate’s RN license
- A signed letter from the program director confirming completion of the midwifery program
- Official transcripts from the ACME-accredited program
Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Certification (Optional)
Graduates of dual focus NM/WHNP programs can also take the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam through the National Certification Corporation. The WHNP certification exam is a three-hour computer test with an examination fee of $325.
The WHNP test covers five categories:
- Gynecology care and management
- Obstetrics and perinatal care
- Primary care services
- Diagnostic testing and physical assessment
- Pharmacology and therapeutics
Step 3: Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the West Virginia Board
In West Virginia, certified nurse-midwives must obtain licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) through the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. This licensure process requires demonstration of graduation from an ACME-accredited program, successful completion of the AMCB examination, and maintenance of an active RN license in West Virginia.
APRN License Application Process
Candidates can apply for their APRN license as a certified nurse midwife online through the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. After submitting the initial information online, candidates must print the application and send it along with the required documentation.
| Required Documentation | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Transcripts | From an ACME-approved APRN program showing completion of required coursework |
| Verification of Certification | Documentation of passing the AMCB examination |
| Application Fee | $35 processing fee |
| Background Check | Criminal background verification is required |
| RN License Verification | Current, unrestricted West Virginia RN license |
Mail the application and included documents to:
West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive, Suite 102
Charleston, WV 25311-1620
Collaborative Practice Agreement Requirements
A distinctive feature of CNM practice in West Virginia is the requirement for formal collaborative agreements with physicians. All CNMs must establish written collaborative agreements with obstetricians or other qualifying physicians and file these agreements with the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses.
These collaborative agreements must include:
- Mutually agreed-upon written guidelines or protocols for practice
- Statements describing individual and shared responsibilities
- Provisions for periodic evaluation and review of the collaborative relationship
- Emergency consultation and referral procedures
- Quality assurance and improvement processes
Prescriptive Authority Application
Certified nurse-midwives in West Virginia may obtain prescriptive authority through a separate application process. The application for prescriptive authority requires:
- Additional application fee
- Submission of a voided prescription form sample
- Documentation of a collaborative relationship with a licensed physician
- Demonstration of completion of required pharmacology coursework
CNMs with prescriptive authority must renew this privilege biennially by June 30 of odd-numbered years, with requirements including maintenance of national certification and completion of eight contact hours of pharmacology education during the two years prior to renewal.
Step 4: Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options and Maintain Credentials
Once CNMs have received their certification from the West Virginia Board, they are qualified to begin practice in the state. Certified nurse-midwives in West Virginia work in diverse healthcare settings that reflect the comprehensive nature of their practice, with opportunities ranging from hospital-based positions to independent practice arrangements.
Practice Settings and Employment Opportunities
More than half of West Virginia’s CNMs work for primary care physicians or in hospital obstetrics units. At the same time, nearly as many find employment in birth centers and women’s clinics, or establish independent practices of their own. Employment opportunities are particularly strong in rural and underserved areas where CNMs help address critical gaps in maternal healthcare access.
Common employment settings include:
- Hospital Obstetrics Units: Full-service maternity care within established healthcare systems
- Women’s Health Clinics: Specialized practices focusing on reproductive and maternal health
- Birth Centers: Alternative birthing facilities offering midwifery-centered care
- Primary Care Practices: Integrated women’s health services within family medicine
- Independent Practice: Solo or group midwifery practices with physician collaboration
- Community Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers serving underserved populations
Examples of healthcare facilities in West Virginia where CNMs may find employment include:
- CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital (Charleston, WV)
- WVU Medicine (Morgantown, WV)
- Charleston Area Medical Center
- United Hospital Center (Bridgeport, WV)
- Various federally qualified health centers throughout the state
Scope of Practice and Clinical Responsibilities
CNMs in West Virginia provide advanced care to women and newborns, embracing a holistic approach to antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care, as well as reproductive care and women’s health. The West Virginia Nurses’ Association recognizes CNMs as being key to providing comprehensive women’s healthcare services to lower-income residents, who often have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy.
The scope of practice for CNMs includes:
- Prenatal care and monitoring throughout pregnancy
- Labor and delivery management for low-risk pregnancies
- Postpartum care for mothers and newborns
- Annual gynecologic examinations and preventive care
- Family planning and contraceptive counseling
- Menopausal care and hormone therapy management
- Primary care services for women across the lifespan
Continuing Education and License Maintenance
West Virginia requires annual renewal of APRN licenses by June 30 of each year. CNMs must maintain their national certification through the AMCB as a condition of state licensure renewal. The state requires completion of 24 contact hours of continuing education for APRN license renewal, with 12 hours specifically in pharmacotherapeutics and 12 hours in clinical management practice.
Additional continuing education requirements include three contact hours of best-practice prescribing and drug diversion training for nurses with prescriptive authority. These requirements ensure that CNMs stay current with evolving standards of practice, new research findings, and regulatory changes that affect their practice.
CNM Certification Maintenance
CNMs have two options for certification maintenance:
- Continuing Education Route: Complete continuing education credits over a five-year certification cycle
- Re-examination Route: Retake the AMCB certification exam in the fourth year of the cycle
If CNMs choose to complete continuing education credits, the credits are offered by the AMCB in three modules: the Intrapartum (IP), Antepartum (AP), and Gynecology (GYN) modules. Over the five-year cycle, CNMs complete all three modules online as evidence of certification maintenance.
Nurse-Midwife Salary Information in West Virginia
Understanding compensation expectations is an important consideration for nurses pursuing CNM education and career advancement. Salary information for certified nurse-midwives in West Virginia reflects both the specialized nature of the profession and the state’s healthcare market conditions.
Current Salary Data and Trends
According to recent data, nurse-midwives in West Virginia can expect competitive compensation that reflects their advanced education and specialized clinical expertise. The national median salary for CNMs provides a baseline for understanding potential earnings, while regional factors influence actual compensation levels.
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Typical Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level CNM (0-2 years) | $85,000 – $95,000 | Hospital systems, supervised practice |
| Experienced CNM (3-7 years) | $95,000 – $115,000 | Independent practice, leadership roles |
| Senior CNM (8+ years) | $110,000 – $130,000+ | Practice ownership, consultation, and education |
Factors Affecting CNM Compensation
Several factors influence nurse-midwife salaries in West Virginia:
- Geographic Location: Urban areas like Charleston and Morgantown typically offer higher salaries than rural regions
- Practice Setting: Hospital employment often provides comprehensive benefits, while independent practice offers income potential and flexibility
- Experience and Specialization: Advanced certifications and specialized skills increase earning potential
- Patient Volume: Practices serving higher patient volumes may offer performance-based compensation
- Additional Responsibilities: Teaching, research, or administrative duties can supplement base salary
Employment Outlook and Growth Projections
The job outlook for nurse-midwives in West Virginia is exceptionally strong, with projected growth significantly exceeding national averages for most healthcare occupations. This growth is driven by several factors:
- Increasing recognition of midwifery care quality and cost-effectiveness
- Growing preference for holistic, patient-centered birth experiences
- Physician shortage in rural and underserved areas
- Expanded scope of practice allowing greater practice autonomy
- Healthcare policy emphasizes improving maternal health outcomes
Benefits and Compensation Packages
CNM compensation typically extends beyond base salary to include comprehensive benefit packages:
- Health insurance with family coverage options
- Retirement plans with employer matching
- Continuing education allowances and paid conference attendance
- Professional liability insurance coverage
- Paid time off and sick leave
- Student loan repayment assistance programs
- Flexible scheduling options
West Virginia’s shortage of OB-GYN physicians, with more than half of the state’s counties lacking a single OB-GYN physician, according to recent analysis, is expected to continue increasing demand for certified nurse-midwives. Counties with higher concentrations of OB-GYNs include Cabell, Kanawha, Lewis, Monongalia, Ohio, and Raleigh counties, but even these areas benefit from CNM services to meet growing healthcare demands.
(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 CNM in West Virginia
How long does it take to become a nurse midwife in West Virginia?
The typical timeline to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in West Virginia is 6-8 years in total: 4 years for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, 1-2 years of Registered Nurse (RN) experience, and 2-3 years for a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery. RN-to-MSN bridge programs may reduce this timeline for nurses holding an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree.
Can I complete CNM education online while living in West Virginia?
Yes, several ACME-accredited programs offer fully online coursework with clinical placements arranged in West Virginia. This format is ideal for working RNs who cannot relocate for traditional campus-based programs.
What is the difference between a CNM and a women’s health nurse practitioner?
CNMs specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health, while women’s health nurse practitioners focus on broader women’s health issues across the lifespan. Dual certification programs allow professionals to earn both credentials.
Do CNMs need physician supervision in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires CNMs to have collaborative agreements with physicians, which differs from direct supervision. CNMs practice with significant autonomy while maintaining collaborative relationships for consultation and referral when needed.
Can CNMs prescribe medications in West Virginia?
Yes, CNMs can obtain prescriptive authority in West Virginia through a separate application process. This allows them to prescribe medications within their scope of practice and in accordance with collaborative agreement guidelines.
What clinical experience do I need before applying to CNM programs?
Most programs require at least one year of RN experience, preferably in women’s health, obstetrics, labor and delivery, or related areas. Some programs may accept equivalent experience in other nursing specialties.
Are there any CNM programs located in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not currently have campus-based CNM programs, making online and distance learning programs the primary pathway for residents. However, clinical placements can be arranged with local healthcare facilities throughout the state.
How much does CNM education cost?
Tuition for CNM programs varies widely, ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 for the entire program, depending on whether you choose public or private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may help offset costs.