If you have questions about advancing your nursing career and becoming a nurse-midwife, you’re not alone. Learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pursuing a career in nurse-midwifery—and don't hesitate to connect with our enrollment team to hear more about nurse-midwifery at Bethel. 

What are the different types of midwives?

There are three levels of midwifery credentials:

• Certified nurse-midwife (CNM): Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have earned a graduate-level midwifery degree. They are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and can provide primary care, including gynecological and maternity care, to women throughout the lifespan.
• Certified midwife (CM): Certified midwives are similar to certified nurse-midwives, but their bachelor’s degree was in a non-nursing field.
• Certified professional midwife (CPM): Certified professional midwives are specialists who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills by passing a competency test by the North American Registry of Midwives. People can take the exam if they work with a qualified midwife and finish an Entry-Level Portfolio Evaluation Process. They may or may not have received a graduate degree in midwifery.

What is the difference between a midwife and a nurse-midwife?

Certified midwives (CM) and certified nurse-midwives (CNM) both provide midwifery services. The difference between the two is their path before entering their midwifery programs. Certified nurse-midwives will have previously earned their bachelor’s degree in nursing before enrolling in a graduate program for nurse-midwifery. Certified midwives may come from a variety of other non-nursing fields. Both must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) national examination to earn state licensure.

What can you do with a master's in midwifery?

With a Master of Science in Nurse-Midwifery, you’ll be prepared to provide primary healthcare, including gynecological and maternity care, to women throughout the lifespan. Nurse-midwives go on to work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, birth centers, and more.

Are midwifes in high demand?

Jobs for nurse-midwives are projected to grow by 7% over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is faster than average. Nurse-midwives are considered advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and they are able to offer many of the same services as physicians. APRNs are becoming more widely recognized as sources for primary healthcare and are being used increasingly in team-based models of care.

Is being a certified nurse-midwife worth it?

As a certified nurse-midwife, you’ll advance your nursing career by specializing in a highly rewarding field. You’ll provide a service that improves the overall health of women, mothers, and babies. You’ll also increase your earning potential; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for nurse-midwives in 2021 was $112,830 while the median salary for registered nurses was $77,600.