Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A CNM may go on and obtain a doctoral degree in nursing (likely honing in on a specific area within CNM nursing). These doctoral degrees are not to be confused for medical doctor degrees that physicians hold. 

• Perform gynecologic exams
• Pregnancy care during antepartum, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period
• May assist a physician in a hospital delivery
• Deliver and care for newborns at birth
• Provide primary care, counseling, and education during pregnancy and afterward 
• Assist with lactation needs of the mother

• Rural and inner-city women needing pregnancy care
• Teenagers and women of child-bearing age 
• Newborn care
  

1. Complete an ADN or BSN program in nursing
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license
3. Have one to two years of experience working as an RN
4. Apply and complete a Nurse-Midwifery Program
5. Take the Certified Nurse-Midwifery Exam (CNM Exam)
6. Apply for State Licensure to practice as a CNM through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)

The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) currently lists 38 programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). 

Note: a certified nurse-midwife is different than a certified midwife. A CNM is a registered nurse who graduates from a nurse-midwifery program, while a certified midwife is not a registered nurse.

Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)

• Mission: “The mission of the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) is to advance excellence in midwifery education.” ACME is a national accrediting agency for nurse-midwifery and midwifery education programs. You can find ACME-accredited programs here.
• Cost: N/A
• Perks: N/A 

American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM): a professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs). 

• Mission: “The mission of the American College of Nurse-Midwives is to support midwives and to ultimately advance the practice of midwifery, achieving optimal health for all women throughout their lifespan.”
• Cost: $145-365, annually, depending on your expected level of engagement.
• Perks: Networking, career opportunities, advocacy, learning opportunities, and discounts (a full list of benefits can be found here.)

The A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc.: a philanthropic arm of American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)

• Mission: The A.C.N.M is “the philanthropic arm of American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) with a mission to promote excellence in health care for women, newborns, and families worldwide through the support of midwifery.” You can choose to donate here!
• Cost: N/A
• Perks: N/A