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. We will also answer some of the most common questions registered nurses have about midwife programs.
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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. These graduate programs are designed for busy registered nurses, so you may be able to find an online option that fits into your lifestyle.
In fact, online certified nurse midwife programs are often delivered asynchronously, so you can complete coursework when it’s convenient. Keep in mind that just as you did when you trained to become a registered nurse, you will be expected to complete hands-on training. You can learn the concepts of nurse midwifery online, you will be required to participate in a clinical experience at a healthcare facility.
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. The program focuses on how to assume a leadership role in providing safe patient care, advocating for policies that improve health practices, and collaborating with other medical professionals to boost outcomes. Bethel’s small class sizes foster quality interactions and success. By the end of the program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam from 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: Courses cover topics such as newborn care, fetal evaluation, reproductive physiology, and advanced pharmacology. There is also coursework designed to train nurses on the different perspectives of midwifery to give them a broad perspective on this nursing practice.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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 is based on the principles of nursing and related sciences. All classes are rooted in the nursing department’s core values of collaboration, accountability, equity, integrity, respect, and excellence. You will gain an understanding of how political, financial, and ethical factors influence the care that nurse midwives provide in this online program, geared toward the needs of busy adults. 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: The curriculum familiarizes students with advanced concepts related to physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Coursework covers intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn care for nurse-midwifery.
George Washington University
George Washington University’s nurse-midwifery MSN program prepares nurses to apply evidence-based principles to patient care. The program stresses the importance of communication skills nurse midwives need to connect with families, as well as their colleagues. Students graduate with an appreciation for the social determinants of health that can cause disparities, exploring ways to address needs and care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
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: Students learn advanced nursing concepts to increase knowledge of assessments, diagnostic reasoning, physiology, and pharmacology. The curriculum covers midwifery principles of gynecologic, pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum care.
Certified Nurse Midwife: Online Program FAQs
What are the different types of CNM programs?
Online CNM programs come in varying types to meet the individual needs of students. For example, MSN programs in nursing midwifery support working registered nurses who already possess a BSN and want to specialize via a graduate degree. DNP programs 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. If you already have a master’s degree and want to continue your education, a post-master’s certificate program is for those who already possess an MSN but lack specialized training in nurse-midwifery.
Is there financial aid available for certified nurse midwife programs?
Yes. RN scholarships and grants are a great option since they can offset costs and don’t need to be repaid, helping you graduate nursing school without debt. Universities, professional associations, government agencies, and medical organizations all provide this type of funding. 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.
Research and teaching assistantships may be available that allow you to gain valuable experience while also earning a stipend and/or tuition remission. Fellowships can provide similar funding, as can some internships. If you still need money for your education after exhausting other options, you can apply for student loans.
Are certified nurse midwife programs accredited?
Yes. Just as with other nursing specializations, CNMs must get a dedicated education, so choosing a program that has been accredited is a must. Accreditation ensures that a school has been vetted for its quality and ability to provide students with the skills employers need. As a result, you should look for a program that has been 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?
Yes. Anyone who plans to work as a nurse-midwife must maintain licensure in their state. Each state sets licensure requirements that typically include having an active and unencumbered RN license, a nurse-midwifery graduate degree, and an active and unencumbered APRN license.
You will also be expected to pass the American Midwifery Certification Board Exam. This 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.
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.
Certified Nurse Midwives: Careers & Salaries
| 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.
Ranking the Best Online Certified Nurse Midwife Programs
As the number of online certified nurse-midwife programs continues to grow, research is an important step to beginning your journey. Not all CNM programs are created equally, so you need to find one that matches your academic, career, and financial needs. If you are currently a working nurse, finding time for extensive research can be challenging, so we’re here to help. We’ve vetted the top online certified nurse-midwife programs across the United States with the accreditation that employers want and the affordability you need. Check out some of the top options below and read our methodology for curating this list.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Seattle University
- Seattle University’s Nurse-Midwifery DNP program offers a cohort-based experience fostering lifelong bonds and cultural awareness among students from diverse backgrounds.
- Students complete 100 hours of hands-on practice in a cutting-edge Clinical Performance Lab prior to clinical rotations, ensuring strong clinical confidence and skills.
- The program provides clinical training in a variety of settings, including community birth centers, rural and urban clinics, and high-acuity Level III hospitals, preparing graduates for diverse practice environments.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Virginia Wesleyan College
- West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Nursing Midwife program offers a hybrid format with flexible online and limited on-campus residency experiences, accommodating working nurses’ schedules.
- The program collaborates with Shenandoah University to provide specialized Certified Nurse Midwifery education, ensuring expert faculty guidance and accredited graduate-level training.
- Students benefit from strong employer partnerships like the Mon Health Nursing Fellows program, offering up to $20,000 in funding in exchange for service commitments post-graduation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stony Brook University
- The Stony Brook Nurse Midwifery master's program offers a 100% online format with live, real-time classes led by the same faculty as on-campus students, ensuring flexible yet high-quality education.
- The program prepares certified nurse midwives to focus on normal birth across diverse care settings while developing leadership, educator, consultant, and advocacy skills essential for clinical expertise.
- Graduates are eligible for both New York State and national certification exams, providing strong professional licensure opportunities post-completion.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Thomas Jefferson University
- The Nursing Midwife program offers transformative, individualized mentorship that supports adult learners through personalized guidance and active learning strategies.
- It provides strong clinical placement partnerships and support, ensuring students have access to high-quality practical experiences with guided placement assistance.
- The program features flexible online learning options allowing students to take charge of their education while receiving faculty support, ideal for adult learners balancing other responsibilities.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bethel University
- Bethel University’s Nurse-Midwifery program offers flexible online coursework with only one week of on-campus intensives each year, accommodating working professionals and remote learners.
- The program is taught by experienced faculty who are advanced practice nurses and practicing nurse-midwives, ensuring expert mentorship and industry-relevant education.
- Bethel emphasizes a holistic admissions process to promote a diverse midwifery workforce, actively preparing graduates to serve underserved and diverse communities with culturally competent care.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Kansas
- The Nurse-Midwife program at the University of Kansas Medical Center offers mostly online coursework with minimal required campus attendance, enabling flexibility for working professionals who live in or outside Kansas City.
- Priority admission is given to candidates willing to serve in underserved areas or regions with critical maternal and infant health needs, highlighting a community-focused career impact and potential for targeted job placement support.
- Clinical practice sites are distributed across the Kansas City metropolitan area and other locations, maximizing access to diverse, real-world clinical experiences aligned with students’ geographic locations.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Shenandoah University
- South University's Nursing Midwife program offers accelerated RN-to-MSN pathway options that allow students to complete their degree more quickly while accommodating working professionals.
- The program provides extensive clinical practicums aligned with professional competencies, ensuring students gain practical experience in diverse healthcare settings before graduation.
- Students benefit from flexible asynchronous online course delivery combined with interactive learning, enabling them to balance studies with personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Utah
- The Nursing Midwife program at the University of Utah features a hybrid delivery model combining synchronous and asynchronous online learning with essential on-campus activities, offering flexible access without compromising clinical experience.
- It boasts a 100% national certification exam pass rate, reflecting outstanding preparation and strong program quality.
- Students complete extensive direct patient care hours (840-1200), ensuring high clinical placement rates and robust hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected East Carolina University
- East Carolina University’s Nurse-Midwifery program integrates rigorous education with extensive clinical training to develop midwifery leaders who actively transform healthcare systems.
- The program’s hybrid, primarily online format offers flexibility while maintaining high clinical placement rates in diverse community and healthcare settings.
- ECU prepares graduates for American Midwifery Certification Board eligibility and fosters professional advancement through reflective practice and evidence-based care emphasis.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fairfield University
- Fairfield University’s Nurse Midwifery DNP program is fully funded by a HRSA Maternity Care grant, providing financial support to eligible students and clinical preceptor partners.
- The program boasts a 100% certification exam pass rate nationally, reflecting strong academic preparation and successful graduate outcomes.
- Students gain extensive hands-on clinical experience attending births in diverse settings with Certified Nurse Midwife faculty, emphasizing expert management of normal and high-risk cases in interdisciplinary teams.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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