Certified Nurse Midwife Online Programs: Top Schools & Key Info
The role certified nurse midwives play in their community is significant, and quality education is crucial to prepare for this nursing practice. Online nurse midwifery programs provide that preparation with coursework that can be completed online for added flexibility. Learn more about schools that offer nurse midwife programs, plus get information on how to prepare for work in this rewarding nursing practice.
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Featured Online Certified Nurse Midwife Programs
If you’re interested in using your RN expertise to help families as they grow, a nurse midwife degree could be a good choice. Certified nurse midwifery (CNM) programs are designed for busy registered nurses, so you may be able to find an online option that fits into your lifestyle.
Features of online nurse midwife programs:
- Coursework may be completed on campus, entirely online, or in hybrid format
- Many are delivered asynchronously, so you can complete coursework when it’s convenient, rather than attending class at specific times
- All programs require you to complete hands-on clinical training in nurse midwifery settings, such as birthing centers and hospitals
Want to learn more about what to expect from an online certified nurse midwifery program? Read the program features below to get the details of three popular programs.
Bethel University
Bethel University’s master’s degree in nurse midwifery combines evidence-based practice with the school’s Christian values, resulting in highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses who display the empathy and understanding patients need as they navigate the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth.
Features:
- Focuses on how to assume a leadership role in providing safe patient care through advocacy and collaboration
- Offers small class sizes to foster quality interactions and success
- Prepares graduate for the certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
Duration: 12 to 36 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $887 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school
- A minimum 3.0 grade point average
- An unencumbered nursing license
- Successfully complete a statistics course
Curriculum:
- Newborn care
- Fetal evaluation
- Reproductive physiology
- Advanced pharmacology
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University of Cincinnati
The nurse-midwifery master’s degree program offered by the University of Cincinnati prepares students to provide holistic midwifery care with coursework based on the principles of nursing and related sciences.
Features:
- All classes are rooted in the nursing department’s core values of collaboration, accountability, equity, integrity, respect, and excellence
- Courses provide an understanding of how political, financial, and ethical factors influence the care that nurse midwives provide
- Student success coordinators help nurses navigate the online learning environment, answering questions throughout their studies
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $752 per credit in-state; $907 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- At least one year of RN work experience
- A BSN from an accredited school
- A grade point average of at least 3.0
- A minimum 3.0 average in science courses
- At least a C grade in a statistics class
Curriculum:
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Health assessment
- Intrapartum care
- Postpartum care
- Newborn care
George Washington University
George Washington University’s nurse-midwifery Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares nurses to apply evidence-based principles to midwifery nursing care.
Features:
- Stresses the importance of communication skills nurse midwives need to connect with families and colleagues
- Teaches students how to address needs and care for patients from diverse backgrounds through knowledge about social determinants of health and disparities
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,530 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- A nursing bachelor’s degree
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0
- An active, unencumbered nursing license
Curriculum:
- Health assessment
- Diagnostic reasoning
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Gynecologic care
- Pregnancy care
- Labor and birth care
- Postpartum care
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of CNM programs?
Online CNM programs come in varying types to meet the individual needs of students. Examples include:
- MSN programs in nursing midwifery: support working registered nurses who already possess a BSN and want to specialize via a graduate degree
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs in nurse midwifery: support students who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s and want to go on to earn a terminal degree to work at the top of their license
- Post-master’s CNM certificate programs: support students who already have a master’s degree but lack specialized training in nurse-midwifery
Is there financial aid available for certified nurse midwife programs?
Yes. The schools you’re researching are a great place to start looking for funding. For example, students at Bethel University can receive $1,000 per semester through the Brace New Student Nurse Midwifery Scholarship.
Student loans are another option, but if you want to graduate nursing school without debt, consider these other funding sources:
- RN scholarships and grants
- Research and teaching assistantships (some offer a stipend)
- Employee tuition assistance programs
Are certified nurse midwife programs accredited?
Yes many CNM programs are accredited. No matter your nursing specialization, you should always ensure your prospective nursing program is accredited.
Nurse midwifery programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). When ACME provides accreditation for programs, whether on campus or online, it means they have gone through a rigorous evaluation for their educational offerings.
Do I need a license or certification to become a certified nurse midwife?
Anyone who plans to work as a nurse-midwife must have licensure and certification. Each state sets licensure requirements that generally include earning a nurse-midwifery graduate degree, obtaining an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license, and passing a specialty certification exam.
The American Midwifery Certification Board exam is a four-hour test consisting of 175 questions covering topics such as women’s health and primary care; antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care; gynecology; and family planning.
Expert Insight
To practice as a nurse midwife, you’ll need both an APRN license and CNM certificate. The license permits you to legally diagnose, prescribe, and treat. The certificate proves your competency in the specialty. This is why if you’re already an APRN (such as a nurse practitioner), you’ll only need to earn a CNM certificate to get started in the field.
Are CNMs required to take continuing education courses?
Yes, CNMs are expected to have a career-long commitment to learning. Since the field of nurse-midwifery continues to evolve with emerging research, CNMs need continuing education to stay on top of new practices and approaches.
To maintain both certification and licensure, nurse-midwives must complete a minimum number of continuing education credits during each renewal period. The American Midwifery Certification Board requires 20 continuing education credits.
Check with your state board of nursing to learn about license renewal mandates around continuing education.
Salary & Career Outlook for Certified Nurse Midwives
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $74,670 | $128,790 | $177,040 |
| Alaska | $108,190 | $130,030 | $179,930 |
| Arizona | $102,980 | $135,590 | $239,200+ |
| California | $111,800 | $196,700 | $226,840 |
| Connecticut | $109,110 | $124,530 | $147,350 |
| Delaware | $79,210 | $99,060 | $139,790 |
| District of Columbia | $89,010 | $106,580 | $145,350 |
| Florida | $45,930 | $115,440 | $141,010 |
| Georgia | $97,760 | $125,830 | $159,250 |
| Idaho | $20,780 | $89,870 | $138,540 |
| Illinois | $52,660 | $114,420 | $143,630 |
| Indiana | $110,770 | $129,010 | $165,000 |
| Iowa | $82,950 | $136,450 | $204,960 |
| Louisiana | $86,180 | $95,420 | $131,150 |
| Maine | $106,670 | $132,920 | $163,810 |
| Maryland | $116,190 | $129,910 | $159,650 |
| Massachusetts | $127,950 | $155,710 | $225,190 |
| Michigan | $94,320 | $116,810 | $142,440 |
| Minnesota | $85,560 | $127,180 | $157,660 |
| Missouri | $111,590 | $134,970 | $163,960 |
| Nebraska | $129,440 | $133,890 | $133,940 |
| New Hampshire | $75,690 | $135,860 | $147,970 |
| New Jersey | $106,630 | $135,680 | $161,010 |
| New Mexico | $37,290 | $118,650 | $144,930 |
| New York | $108,970 | $137,860 | $173,130 |
| North Carolina | $94,310 | $121,490 | $143,100 |
| Ohio | $105,790 | $121,720 | $148,630 |
| Oregon | $69,340 | $123,080 | $159,480 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,670 | $107,740 | $152,890 |
| Rhode Island | $114,400 | $127,480 | $161,890 |
| South Carolina | $82,920 | $118,100 | $135,180 |
| Tennessee | $89,710 | $97,380 | $130,780 |
| Texas | $80,890 | $111,190 | $146,030 |
| Utah | $78,270 | $138,020 | $179,250 |
| Vermont | $119,470 | $140,240 | $171,620 |
| Virginia | $89,290 | $139,770 | $160,430 |
| Washington | $105,990 | $145,000 | $205,640 |
| Wisconsin | $91,500 | $135,360 | $161,450 |
Source: Nurse Midwives, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 8,200 | 8,700 | 500 | 6.10% | 400 |
| Alaska | 60 | 60 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Arizona | 140 | 180 | 40 | 28.60% | 10 |
| Colorado | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Connecticut | 240 | 250 | 10 | 4.20% | 10 |
| Delaware | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| District of Columbia | 80 | 90 | 10 | 12.50% | 10 |
| Florida | 510 | 600 | 90 | 17.60% | 30 |
| Georgia | 330 | 370 | 40 | 12.10% | 20 |
| Idaho | 50 | 60 | 10 | 20.00% | – |
| Illinois | 470 | 490 | 20 | 4.30% | 20 |
| Indiana | 120 | 130 | 10 | 8.30% | 10 |
| Kansas | 90 | 100 | 10 | 11.10% | 10 |
| Louisiana | 40 | 40 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Maine | 60 | 60 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Maryland | 220 | 240 | 20 | 9.10% | 10 |
| Massachusetts | 60 | 70 | 10 | 16.70% | – |
| Michigan | 290 | 300 | 10 | 3.40% | 20 |
| Minnesota | 240 | 260 | 20 | 8.30% | 10 |
| Missouri | 80 | 90 | 10 | 12.50% | 10 |
| New Hampshire | 50 | 50 | – | 0.00% | – |
| New Jersey | 220 | 240 | 20 | 9.10% | 10 |
| New Mexico | 60 | 80 | 20 | 33.30% | 10 |
| New York | 530 | 670 | 140 | 26.40% | 10 |
| North Carolina | 290 | 330 | 40 | 13.80% | 20 |
| Ohio | 130 | 130 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Oregon | 130 | 150 | 20 | 15.40% | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | 270 | 290 | 20 | 7.40% | 10 |
| Rhode Island | 90 | 90 | – | 0.00% | – |
| South Carolina | 80 | 100 | 20 | 25.00% | 10 |
| Tennessee | 170 | 190 | 20 | 11.80% | 10 |
| Texas | 500 | 590 | 90 | 18.00% | 30 |
| Utah | 130 | 170 | 40 | 30.80% | 10 |
| Vermont | 50 | 50 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Washington | 130 | 150 | 20 | 15.40% | 10 |
| West Virginia | 50 | 60 | 10 | 20.00% | – |
| Wisconsin | 200 | 220 | 20 | 10.00% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
