Last Updated on January 2, 2023
Midwifery is not a regulated profession in every US state, but it remains a viable option for those interested in birthing babies. Many people are curious about how long it takes to become a midwife and whether or not it’s an expensive option. This article looks at the history of midwifery and its certification process. […] We do not include an apostrophe after “Midwives”.
Becoming a midwife takes between 3 to 7 years. Midwifery programs are a post-graduate certificate or diploma program designed to train midwives. Becoming a midwife consists of an intensive course of study in public health, reproductive biology, anatomy, foot care and more!
How long does it take to become a midwife? If you are serious about midwifery this should give you an idea of the steps involved in becoming a midwife. Many people wish they could spend their days looking after pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and new born babies, but the journey to becoming a midwife is not always easy. Midwifery is an honest job which requires self-motivation, perseverance and lots of study.
Becoming a midwife is a great way for a woman to combine her love of children with her love of people. Becoming a midwife is challenging, yet worth the time and effort to help birthing mothers, their families and babies. It might interest you to know that it can take anywhere from two to four years to become a midwife. In some states, one must have a registered nurse certification before becoming a midwife. Here you will find important and most recent information on How Long Does It Take To Become A Midwife, how long does it take to become a midwife nurse, how much does it cost to become a midwife, how to become a midwife and more. Ensure you read up to get the best from this article.
You will also discover related posts on you have to be a nurse to be a midwife, how much do midwives make, and so much more right here on Collegelearners.
Midwifery is a skilled and rewarding profession with a very promising future. In order to become a midwife, one must first complete high school, then at least one year of either an associate’s degree or an extended diploma in midwifery education and training. While these requirements will vary from one country to the other, a midwife is usually required to have completed a degree in midwifery that included not just classroom study but also practical training. A diploma certifying completion of Midwifery training is usually required as well.
The scope of practice of a midwife varies widely by jurisdication, but contemporary midwifery practice involves normal pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In most cases, this includes care provided by a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), which is a midwife who is internationally certified to meet high standards of midwifery including education, experience, and in-depth clinical knowledge.
how long does it take to become a midwife nurse
Becoming a midwife is more than just a decision – it is a major commitment that requires years of rigorous training. Midwives account for or supervise all aspects of childbirth, or help deliver babies at home under the supervision of more experienced practitioners.
Many people are unaware of the training required to become a midwife. There are many different paths you can take to become a midwife, depending on your goals and educational background. Some become certified as a direct-entry midwife which requires only 70 hours of education, while others will have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in their field before applying for professional certification.
What Is a Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) take on a vital role in the healthcare field: they bring new life into the world. Along with working in a rewarding career, CNMs earn substantial salaries. In 2018, nurse midwives made a median income of about $103,770 at the national level, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure is over $30,000 more than the median pay for registered nurses (RNs). This guide covers basic information about the CNM career and outlinesdo
CNMs deliver babies and offer patients gynecological, prenatal, and post-pregnancy care. These professionals work as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which allows them to prescribe medications and take on more medical responsibilities than an RN. The career also requires more challenging education and experience requirements. CNMs must earn advanced practice licensure at the state level, along with nurse midwife certification. These credentials require graduate-level schooling, so these nurses must earn either a master’s or doctoral degree.
What Do Certified Nurse Midwives Do?
CNMs provide women’s health services, including primary care, gynecological care, and care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. CNMs can care for newborns during the first 28 days of life. They can also treat male partners for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
CNMs can serve as the main and only care provider during childbirth. They are trained to handle all of the most common complications that can arise during labor or immediately after birth. All midwives are also certified in neonatal resuscitation. In hospital settings, CNMs typically have collaborative relationships with physicians, who are available if more serious complications arise. Some CNMs have specialized training to assist physicians in emergencies that call for cesarean sections.
These responsibilities demand critical-thinking skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure. After all, CNMs make decisions that can affect both the infant’s and mother’s health. These professionals should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. They often work on teams, and they also educate parents-to-be on the birthing experience and caring for newborns.
What kind of training is required to become a midwife?
The type of education required of midwives depends on what type of certification one is seeking.
Certified nurse midwives have master’s degrees in nurse midwifery, and to enter a nurse midwifery program, one must typically have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and some experience working as a registered nurse. Some programs accept registered nurses with associate degrees, however.
Prospective nurse midwives should select a program that is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. Students in these programs study health assessment, normal pregnancy care, high risk pregnancy care, well woman care, management of complications, nursing research, and pharmacology. Students also complete clinical rotations in different areas of midwifery practice.
While nurse midwives must first be registered nurses, certified midwives can enter a master’s degree program in midwifery with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Certified midwife programs are also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education and offer a curriculum similar to a nurse midwifery curriculum, including coursework and clinical rotations. Because students in CM programs are not coming from a nursing background, however, they may have to take supplemental courses in health skills and medical sciences.
Prospective midwives who want to follow the certified professional midwife path should seek a midwifery program accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council. MEAC-accredited midwifery programs may lead to associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. Students take courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, prenatal care, pregnancy care, postpartum care, and newborn care. Students are also paired with a certified nurse midwife or certified professional midwife in an apprenticeship. Through their apprenticeship, students will observe and assist with a minimum number of prenatal exams, births, postpartum exams, and prenatal exams.
Are there any certification or licensure requirements?
Each midwifery path results in certification through a certifying agency. CNMs and CMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and CPMs are certified through the North American Registry of Midwives. Both certifying organizations are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. To earn a certification, CNMs and CMs must graduate from an accredited nurse midwifery or midwifery program. CPMs can earn certification by completing an accredited program, but they may also earn certification by passing a portfolio evaluation process.
In addition to certification, most states require midwives to have a license to practice, but the licensure requirements for midwives vary by state. All states license certified nurse midwives, but only roughly half recognize certified professional midwives, and five recognize certified midwives.
To become licensed, CNMs must have a current registered nursing license, complete an accredited nurse midwifery program, and pass a national board licensing exam given by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Three states license CMs: New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. CMs in these states must also complete an accredited program and pass a national board exam.
Recognition and licensing of CPMs varies by state. Some states require CPMs to obtain a license to practice, while in other states licensure is voluntary.
How long does it take to become a midwife? This depends on many factors, including your chosen school and whether you already have a background in the sciences. Midwifery schools require study of both practical midwifery skills and the science of pregnancy and childbirth before they’ll let you earn your certification. Once you’ve decided on a program and graduated, you’ll be able to work as a full-fledged midwife.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Midwife
Are there any certification or licensure requirements?
Each midwifery path results in certification through a certifying agency. CNMs and CMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and CPMs are certified through the North American Registry of Midwives. Both certifying organizations are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. To earn a certification, CNMs and CMs must graduate from an accredited nurse midwifery or midwifery program. CPMs can earn certification by completing an accredited program, but they may also earn certification by passing a portfolio evaluation process.
In addition to certification, most states require midwives to have a license to practice, but the licensure requirements for midwives vary by state. All states license certified nurse midwives, but only roughly half recognize certified professional midwives, and five recognize certified midwives.
To become licensed, CNMs must have a current registered nursing license, complete an accredited nurse midwifery program, and pass a national board licensing exam given by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Three states license CMs: New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. CMs in these states must also complete an accredited program and pass a national board exam.
Recognition and licensing of CPMs varies by state. Some states require CPMs to obtain a license to practice, while in other states licensure is voluntary.
How long does it take to become a midwife?
It can take at least eight years to become a CNM: four years for a bachelor’s degree, one year of nursing experience, and three years in a nurse midwifery program. Some CNMs may take less or more time to gain certification and licensure. Becoming a CM may take slightly less time, as nursing experience is not required.
The amount of time it takes to become a CPM depends on one’s program. A CPM program can take one to five years to complete after high school graduation.
To become a CNM, you’ll need at least eight years: four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, one year of nursing experience, and three years to complete a nurse midwifery program. Certification and licensure may take less or more time for some CNMs. Some CNMs may take less or more time to gain certification and licensure. Becoming a CM may take slightly less time, as nursing experience is not required.
The amount of time it takes to become a CPM depends on one’s program. A CPM program can take one to five years to complete after high school graduation.
Midwives provide primary health care to women during pregnancy and beyond. Some types of midwives, notably certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs), provide gynecological care for women throughout their lives. Other types of midwives, such as certified professional midwives (CPMs) deal primarily with pregnancy. All types of midwives guide women through prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.
Midwifery training is a four-year program, on average. That number doesn’t include college education that you might have taken or required classes outside of the traditional classroom environment that you might need to fulfill requirements for the program.
Getting certified nurse midwife program certification is the best way to start a midwifery career in any part of the world.
Yes, you might be passionate about helping mothers and newborns, it might only turn to mere wishes if you don’t equip yourself with the required skills and knowledge of doing that effectively and efficiently.
This is why the importance of CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) cannot be overemphasized.
The amount of time it takes to become a midwife very much depends on the route taken and the requirements set forth by the different regulatory bodies. To become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in the U.S., accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree programs must be completed, which generally span five to six years. In Canada, the type of midwifery program followed largely depends on where training is taking place and whether or not a formal university degree is required.
To help out, we’ve put together this detailed information on how to become a midwife including some certified nursing midwife programs that provide the appropriate coursework and field experience support to help you with your goals.
The path to becoming a CNM can seem daunting at times. The list below walks you through the process of becoming a certified nurse midwife, step by step.
1.First thing first get a Degree In Bachelor Of Science in Nursing(BSN)
The first thing to do is to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in nursing accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. As a full-time student, you can get your degree in four years.
Whereby you enrolled in accelerated program, you may graduate sooner, while part-time students may have to wait an extra semester or year.
2. Get your Registered Nurse License
Once you graduate, you get a registered nurse license which will require you to sit for NCLEX-RN exam. Note, you must also apply to your state for RN licensure. Basically, each state has its own standards, some of which include an additional exam covering state nursing laws. To learn more, contact your state’s licensing board.
3. Get a Specialization while working
Nurses frequently work as RNs before obtaining CNM degrees and additional certification. This experience allows you to polish your talents and gain the authority and competence required for advanced practice roles.
You can get extra qualifications during this period to help you prepare for your future employment as CNMs.
The National Certification Corporation, for example, offers neonatal intensive care nursing certification to registered nurses. One year of professional experience and a passing grade on an exam are required for this certificate, which strengthens nurses’ backgrounds in working with newborn newborns.
4. Enroll in Master of Science in Nurse or Doctor of Nursing practice program with a specialty in Nurse Midwifery
After that, RNs should apply for a master’s degree or a DNP with a nurse midwifery focus. While you can gain certification with either degree, a doctorate can lead to higher wages and additional work prospects.
The standards for admission differ from one school to the next. Most schools, on the other hand, require that all applicants have a bachelor’s degree with a good GPA and an RN license.
Some programs require applicants to have prior experience in midwifery or prenatal care, but many do not. The website of the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) has an online database of certified programs.
5. Get a DNP or MSN degree
Getting a master’s program may take you two years to finish, whereas a DNP may take three to four years to complete.
You can pursue advanced nursing courses in graduate school, such as fetal evaluation and antepartum care.
And also complete practicum hours, which allows you to put what you’ve learned into practice while being supervised.
All you have to do is to ensure that your courses and practicum hours meet the standards for nurse midwifery certification and licensing when pursuing a graduate degree.
6. Get an American Midwifery Certification Board Certification
Before you can get this American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) certification, you must have a graduate degree and a registered nurse license.
In addition, you must complete the AMCB certification exam.
During this exam, your knowledge of physiology, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making as well as your understanding of safe practice will be evaluated.
7. Get state Licensure
Similarly to RN certification, each state sets its own advanced practice license standards for certified nurse midwives.
Some states, for example, require nurses who want to prescribe medication to fill out an additional application, while others grant immediate prescriptive authority to any qualified CNM.
On this page from the Midwives Alliance of North America, you may learn more about each state.
8. Get your Dream Job
CNMs can network at prior jobs or through professional organizations, in addition to browsing internet employment boards. Attending conferences might also help them extend their professional network.
What Kind of Training Is Required To Become A Midwife
The type of education required of midwives depends on what type of certification one is seeking.
Certified nurse midwives have master’s degrees in nurse midwifery, and to enter a nurse midwifery program, one must typically have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and some experience working as a registered nurse. Some programs accept registered nurses with associate degrees, however.
Prospective nurse midwives should select a program that is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. Students in these programs study health assessment, normal pregnancy care, high risk pregnancy care, well woman care, management of complications, nursing research, and pharmacology. Students also complete clinical rotations in different areas of midwifery practice.
While nurse midwives must first be registered nurses, certified midwives can enter a master’s degree program in midwifery with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Certified midwife programs are also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education and offer a curriculum similar to a nurse midwifery curriculum, including coursework and clinical rotations. Because students in CM programs are not coming from a nursing background, however, they may have to take supplemental courses in health skills and medical sciences.
Prospective midwives who want to follow the certified professional midwife path should seek a midwifery program accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council. MEAC-accredited midwifery programs may lead to associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. Students take courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, prenatal care, pregnancy care, postpartum care, and newborn care. Students are also paired with a certified nurse midwife or certified professional midwife in an apprenticeship. Through their apprenticeship, students will observe and assist with a minimum number of prenatal exams, births, postpartum exams, and prenatal exams.
Are there any certification or licensure requirements?
Each midwifery path results in certification through a certifying agency. CNMs and CMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and CPMs are certified through the North American Registry of Midwives. Both certifying organizations are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. To earn a certification, CNMs and CMs must graduate from an accredited nurse midwifery or midwifery program. CPMs can earn certification by completing an accredited program, but they may also earn certification by passing a portfolio evaluation process.
In addition to certification, most states require midwives to have a license to practice, but the licensure requirements for midwives vary by state. All states license certified nurse midwives, but only roughly half recognize certified professional midwives, and five recognize certified midwives.
To become licensed, CNMs must have a current registered nursing license, complete an accredited nurse midwifery program, and pass a national board licensing exam given by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Three states license CMs: New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. CMs in these states must also complete an accredited program and pass a national board exam.
Recognition and licensing of CPMs varies by state. Some states require CPMs to obtain a license to practice, while in other states licensure is voluntary.
How long does it take to become a midwife?
It can take at least eight years to become a CNM: four years for a bachelor’s degree, one year of nursing experience, and three years in a nurse midwifery program. Some CNMs may take less or more time to gain certification and licensure. Becoming a CM may take slightly less time, as nursing experience is not required.
The amount of time it takes to become a CPM depends on one’s program. A CPM program can take one to five years to complete after high school graduation.
Midwife Salary
The median yearly pay for CNMs in the United States was $89,600 in 2012. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep data for CPMs, but the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council reports that CPMs charge $2000 to $4000 per birth, depending on location and experience, and that a busy solo practice can expect to can attend to two to four births per month.
Job Opportunities For Midwife
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of nurse midwives in the United States will grow by 31 percent between 2012 and 2020. This growth is much faster than the average growth for all occupations, and the BLS attributes this to increased access to health care and the expanding role of the advanced practice registered nurse.
What are the long term career prospects for midwives?
Successful nurse midwives may further their education by pursuing a doctoral degree and go into higher education, training the next generation of midwives.
Certified professional midwives typically practice independently, and an experienced CPM with a good reputation can build a highly successful solo practice.
How can I find a job as a midwife?
Nurse midwives may work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or birthing centers, and new graduates can seek work in these locations. CNMs often make valuable professional connections through their clinical experiences, possibly earning a job offer or advice on job openings in the field.
As certified professional midwives often work independently, new CPMs can start their careers by marketing their services and seeking clients. Building good relationships with clients and a good reputation in the community can lead to new referrals.
Becoming a midwife requires many years of education and licensure. However, you first have to determine if it is the right career for you. Midwives lead very rewarding lives as they are helping women achieve their dreams of becoming mothers. There are two main training tracks to become a midwife – direct entry or nurse-midwifery:
How can I learn more about becoming a midwife?
You can learn more about becoming a CNM or CM through the American College of Nurse Midwives. The ACNM website details the process of becoming a CNM or CM, including education and certification. The North American Registry of Midwives offer similar resources for CPMs.
Many advocacy organizations exist for midwives, including the Midwives Alliance of North America, Citizens for Midwifery, and Midwife International, and these websites offer resources that detail the practice of midwifery and describe the differences between the various certifications that are available.
midwifery degree
Midwifery is a whole lot more than just supporting women to give birth.
It’s the professional care of women – before, during, and after the birth of their child. Midwifery has been an honoured and important profession for thousands of years.
Midwifery is a global profession. Childbearing women, newborn infants, and families share similar needs wherever they live and midwives make a vital contribution to their survival, health and well- being across the world. The World Health Organisation has stated that ‘strengthening midwifery education is a key step to improving quality of care and reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity’.
The BSc Midwifery course will prepare you to provide skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate care to women, newborn infants and their families as a qualified midwife. Midwives work across the continuum from pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labour and birth, postpartum and early weeks of newborn infants’ life.
This course covers all aspects of midwifery including supporting mothers in a wide variety of ways after the birth; promoting breastfeeding, establishing feeding routines, bonding with babies, checking their bodies are returning to pre-pregnancy state, and discussing contraceptive choices. Furthermore, you will develop knowledge and positive role modelling to promote leadership in midwifery.
There is a strong focus on linking theory to practice with 50% of the course delivered in placement settings and the other 50% supplying you with academic theory within the university.
Midwifery course entry requirements
The entry criteria for midwifery courses and programmes are quite specific. Almost all universities will require a qualification in biology (or at least another science), to show your scientific ability. To show your compassion and understanding, qualifications in psychology or sociology, for example, would help.
Grade requirements will vary by university. You will need to check their individual requirements.
Midwives work in partnership with women so there are many skills you should reflect in your application that you have the potential to develop. These include communication, compassion, empathy, high attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, and work as part of a team.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Programs
1. Baccalaureate degree (BA/BS) to CNM:
These three-year nurse-midwifery programs provide bachelor’s-degree prepared students who do not have an RN with the required nursing and midwifery components to earn an RN license and a master’
2. Diploma/associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) to CNM:
These nurse-midwifery programs equip RNs with a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing with the credits needed to obtain both a BSN and a master’s degree in nurse midwifery.
3. Traditional master’s degree programs in nurse-midwifery:
This certification program provide bachelor’s prepared RNs a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery through programs organized as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in Nurse-Midwifery or a Master of Science (MS) in Nurse-Midwifery.
4. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in Nurse-Midwifery:
Master’s prepared RNs may pursue a DNP degree in Nurse-Midwifery to complete their graduate-level education in nurse-midwifery.
Some DNP programs are also meant to serve as a bridging program for RNs with a bachelor’s degree.
Post-graduate certificates are developed for graduate-prepared APRNs who desire to add midwifery to their practice.
how long does it take to become a midwife assistant
Becoming a midwife assistant takes about four years. However, a lot depends upon the choice of degree of the aspirant. The approved course by the state nursing board decides the duration of education. After enrolling in a degree program, the students must pass the NCLEX-RN to start as midwife assistants. If one passes the exam, the National Council Licensure Examination, they earn a license to practice as a certified nurse. Many midwife assistants choose to further their understanding and experience by doing a lot of volunteering work and internships.
Students need to learn various topics to work as midwife assistants. They learn theoretical topics as well as practical skills. They learn about the history of the birthing arts, the history of midwifery, client relations, communication skills, nutritional support, prenatal care and support, anatomy of pregnancy, birth, lactation process, labor support techniques & skills, etc.
Midwife assistants need to help the new mother and the family as a continuous process. Their help follows from birth, postpartum and then the raising of the child. They may work in private practices or birthing centers in the USA. Some even offer services in home births.
For more information about midwives, check out this article: Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife: Programs & Requirements
how much does it cost to become a midwife
A program that prepares registered nurses to independently deliver babies and treat mothers in the prenatal, delivery, and post-delivery periods. Includes instruction in pre-delivery screening, physician referral, and the care of infants during the delivery and immediate post-delivery phases
For the academic year 2020-2021, the average tuition costs of colleges offering Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery program is $38,816 for undergraduate programs and $28,837 for graduate programs. The following table shows the average tuition & fees for Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery programs.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $12,391 | $38,816 |
| Graduate | $15,114 | $28,837 |
