Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife
Get a certified nurse midwife career overview and learn why today is a great time to join the CNM profession.
A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) provides expert prenatal and postpartum care to women.
As an advanced practice nurse, a certified nurse-midwife has received master's-level training in women's health care, focusing on labor and delivery of babies, as well as gynecological and maternity care, women's health care research and health education.
Career Overview
From its beginning, nurse-midwifery has contributed significantly to reducing infant and maternal mortality, premature births and low birth weight. Here's what a CNM may do:
- Stay with the soon-to-be mother as she goes through the labor and delivery process
- Look for signs of complications—or other factors that might require a physician's intervention
- Talk to women about the birth options that can assist in delivering a healthy baby
- Talk to women about the unique health issues—what happens during labor and delivery, what risks might occur and how to breast feed and care for their newborn infant
As a certified nurse-midwife you'll work in the following settings:
- Hospitals and physicians' offices
- Health departments
- Birthing centers
- In independent practice
As the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) explains, some CNM's conduct critical clinical research and play active roles in influencing community and national health care policy.
Career Outlook
Students interested in careers as a certified nurse-midwife can look forward to some exciting job prospects. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected an overall 22 percent job growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) through 2018.
Advanced practice nursing specialties will see an especially high demand for their expertise and skills because they are qualified to perform many of the same functions as medical doctors. In particular, inner cities, rural communities and other underserved areas will provide strong job opportunities for certified nurse-midwife practices.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010; ACNM.org
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Education Resources
Career & Degree Information
- Certified Nurse-Midwife Careers
- Education & Training
- Salary Information
- How to Become a CNM
- Difference Between
a Doula and a Midwife - Nurse-Midwife Q&A
- State Boards of Nursing
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