CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Nurse midwives are advanced practice nurses who specialize in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.
Career Level
Similar Jobs
Consider these careers as well:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Physician Assistant
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
Salary
National average, per year
$106,910
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
673
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Nurse Midwife
If you have a passion for women’s health and want to be part of a very fast-growing and rewarding career field, then becoming a nurse midwife may be a great choice for you. Nurse midwives approach patient care with a more holistic view, focusing on the emotional and psychosocial needs as well as the physical needs of the patient. Their goal is to minimize unnecessary medical interventions and deliver babies safely and naturally.
Nurse midwives work in a variety of private and public healthcare settings such as private practices, hospitals, birthing center, health clinics and home birth services. They enjoy the benefits of a great salary and excellent job security.
Nurse Midwife Job Responsibilities
Nurse midwifes may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Provide routine gynecological checkups
- Provide prenatal care
- Deliver babies safely and naturally in homes or healthcare settings
- Manage emergency situations during labor
- Provide assistance to physicians during c-section births
- Provide patient education and counseling
- Write prescriptions
Nurse Midwife Salary
The actual salary of the nurse midwife can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $106,910*
National average per hour: $51.40*
- $103,530 per year, $49.77 per hour**
- $93,149 per year, $44.78 per hour***
- $99,918 per year, $48.04 per hour****
- $117,292 per year, $56.39 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Nurse Midwife Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a nurse midwife? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Job stability
- Excellent salary
- Fast-growing career field
- Rewarding to help others
Cons
- Extensive skill, knowledge and education required before entering job field
- May encounter high-stress situations
- Must often work long and irregular hours
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Nurse Midwife?
If you are considering a career as nurse midwife, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Become a registered nurse by earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN).
- Work as a registered nurse (RN) for at least 1 year to gain experience.
- Earn a master’s degree (minimum required) or doctoral degree from a nurse midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
- Pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to become licensed.
Suggested Career Path
A nurse midwife is at the end of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level, mid-level or other advanced-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) > Registered Nurse (RN) > Nurse Midwife
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma
- Master’s degree from an accredited nurse midwifery program
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) certification
Typical Work Experience Required
At least 1 year as registered nurse. Other experience typically gained in the advanced degree training program.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Clinical competence
- Exceptional communication skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Kindness and compassion
- Emotional and mental strength
- Exceptional observation skills
- Ability to work independently and act on own initiative
- Patience
- Willingness to take responsibility
- Ability to cope and remain calm in stressful situations
- Aware and accepting of the social and cultural differences of women
Nurse Midwife Certifications
Certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) is mandatory:
- CNM, Certified Nurse-Midwife (AMCB)
These are the voluntary certifications to consider:
- MW, Midwife Sonography Certificate (ARDMS)
- C-EFM, Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (NCC)
Nurse Midwife Licenses
Licensure is required in all states and includes passing the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Nurse Midwife Training and Preparation
Deciding to become a nurse midwife is a huge step to a life-long and rewarding career. Almost all nurse midwifery training programs require you to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) before entering the program. Most programs require some practical nursing experience as well, typically at least 1 year.
Once you have completed the nurse midwifery program and earned your master’s or doctoral degree, you will need to pass the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This is required in order to obtain your state license. This can be a very challenging exam and being prepared and organized can help ensure your success.
There are many ways to prepare for the exam, allowing you to choose the methods that work best for you. There are many online sites that offer practice tests, practice questions and question banks. Review and exam prep books are other helpful tools. The AMCB website is a great resource, as it offers certification examination format and content information, the test content outline and sample test items. This information can help you organize your studying and learn what you need to focus on.
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