Nurse-Midwife
Nurse-Midwifery is a challenging and rewarding field that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women and families. Nurse-Midwives are certified registered nurses who provide primary care to women throughout their lifespan, from adolescence to menopause, and during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. They are also trained to provide gynecological care, including contraception counseling, well-woman exams, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
Educational Requirements
To become a Nurse-Midwife, you must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. After completing your BSN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. Once you are a registered nurse, you can apply to a Nurse-Midwifery program. Nurse-Midwifery programs are typically two years long and include both didactic and clinical coursework. After completing a Nurse-Midwifery program, you must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) certification exam to become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM).
Job Outlook
The job outlook for Nurse-Midwives is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of Nurse-Midwives will grow by 26% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for maternity care services, as well as the growing number of women who are choosing to give birth outside of a hospital setting.
Salary
The median annual salary for Nurse-Midwives was $113,240 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $166,850.