A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) provides care to a woman during pregnancy, manages labor, delivers the baby, and cares for the newborn and mother. Currently, approximately five percent of all births in the United States are conducted by a certified nurse-midwife. CNMs generally take patients who, after a pre-screening, are not likely to have complications. An obstetrician is often used as a consultant for emergencies.
A nurse-midwife provides education on nutrition, breast feeding, child care, and other information needed for a healthy mother and child. A CNM supervises the labor, provides pain medication if needed, and performs the delivery. The baby is evaluated for its health and then shortly thereafter released to a pediatrician’s care.
CNMs are generally self-employed, and work in clinics, hospitals, or independent birthing centers. Hours vary since CNMs are always on call for the expectant mothers.
Education: 1-3 years
Patient Interaction: High
Physical Activity: Medium
Salary: $96,761
Job Growth: Medium
Medical Assistant (MA)/Certified (CMA)/Registered (RMA)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVNs)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
High school students should study health, mathematics, biology, chemistry, social sciences and related courses. Nursing education includes classes in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology and related courses. Health and wellness subjects are emphasized, such as nutrition and basic care as well as gynecological care.
CNMs are registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree who have completed a certification program which usually involves approximately twelve months of training. A master’s degree program is also available, taking about 16 to 24 months. For those who are not already registered nurses, a 3-year combined RN/master’s degree program is available in some areas where the nursing degree is obtained along with nurse-midwifery certification.
American College of Nurse-Midwives
8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1550
Silver Spring, MD, 20910
240/485-1800
www.midwife.org
American Nurses Association (ANA)
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD, 20910
301/628-5000 or 800/274-4ANA (4262)
www.ana.org
American Pregnancy Association
1425 Greenway Dr., Suite 440
Irving, TX, 75038
972/550-0140
www.americanpregnancy.org
Association of Midwifery Educators
24 South High St.
Bridgton, ME, 04009
207/615-2566
www.associationofmidwiferyeducators.org/
Citizens for Midwifery
P.O.Box 82227
Athens, GA, 30608-2227
888/236-4880
cfmidwifery.org/
Midwifery Education Accreditation Council
850 Mt. Pleasant Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI, 48103
360/466-2080
meacschools.org
Midwives Alliance of North America
611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE #1700
Washington, DC, 20003
844/626-2674
mana.org/
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives
PO Box 340
Keene, NH, 03431
603/358-3322
nacpm.org/
National College of Midwifery
1041 Reed St., Suite C
Taos, NM, 87571
575/758-8914
www.midwiferycollege.org/
North American Registry of Midwives
5257 Rosestone Dr.
Lilburn, GA, 30047
770/381-9051 or 888/842-4784
narm.org
Wisconsin Guild of Midwives
www.wisconsinguildofmidwives.org/
Number Employed in 2012 (Wisconsin): 100
Number Employed in 2014 (U.S.): 44,200
Expected Employment in 2024 (U.S.): 50,300
Percent Employment Growth (2014-2024): 14%
Expected Annual Openings: 1,490
Median Salary in 2014 (Wisconsin): $96,761
Salary information is located at Career One Stop
Wisconsin AHEC Health Careers Information Center provides the most current salary information available from CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop will have a lapse between when the information is gathered and when it is released.
© 2021 NE WI Area Health Education Center www.newahec.org. | Privacy Notice