Certified Nurse Midwife Online Programs: Top Schools & Key Info
The role certified nurse midwives play in their community is significant, and quality education is crucial to prepare for this nursing practice. Online nurse midwifery programs provide that preparation with coursework that can be completed online for added flexibility. Learn more about schools that offer nurse midwife programs, plus get information on how to prepare for work in this rewarding nursing practice. We will also answer some of the most common questions registered nurses have about midwife programs.
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Featured Online Certified Nurse Midwife Programs
If you’re interested in using your RN expertise to help families as they grow, a nurse midwife degree could be a good choice. These graduate programs are designed for busy registered nurses, so you may be able to find an online option that fits into your lifestyle.
In fact, online certified nurse midwife programs are often delivered asynchronously, so you can complete coursework when it’s convenient. Keep in mind that just as you did when you trained to become a registered nurse, you will be expected to complete hands-on training. You can learn the concepts of nurse midwifery online, you will be required to participate in a clinical experience at a healthcare facility.
Bethel University
Bethel University’s master’s degree in nurse midwifery combines evidence-based practice with the school’s Christian values, resulting in highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses who display the empathy and understanding patients need as they navigate the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth. The program focuses on how to assume a leadership role in providing safe patient care, advocating for policies that improve health practices, and collaborating with other medical professionals to boost outcomes. Bethel’s small class sizes foster quality interactions and success. By the end of the program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Duration: 12 to 36 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $887 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school
- A minimum 3.0 grade point average
- An unencumbered nursing license
- Successfully complete a statistics course
Curriculum: Courses cover topics such as newborn care, fetal evaluation, reproductive physiology, and advanced pharmacology. There is also coursework designed to train nurses on the different perspectives of midwifery to give them a broad perspective on this nursing practice.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
University of Cincinnati
The nurse-midwifery master’s degree program offered by the University of Cincinnati prepares students to provide holistic midwifery care with coursework is based on the principles of nursing and related sciences. All classes are rooted in the nursing department’s core values of collaboration, accountability, equity, integrity, respect, and excellence. You will gain an understanding of how political, financial, and ethical factors influence the care that nurse midwives provide in this online program, geared toward the needs of busy adults. Student success coordinators help nurses navigate the online learning environment, answering questions throughout their studies.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $752 per credit in-state; $907 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- At least one year of RN work experience
- A BSN from an accredited school
- A grade point average of at least 3.0
- A minimum 3.0 average in science courses
- At least a C grade in a statistics class
Curriculum: The curriculum familiarizes students with advanced concepts related to physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Coursework covers intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn care for nurse-midwifery.
George Washington University
George Washington University’s nurse-midwifery MSN program prepares nurses to apply evidence-based principles to patient care. The program stresses the importance of communication skills nurse midwives need to connect with families, as well as their colleagues. Students graduate with an appreciation for the social determinants of health that can cause disparities, exploring ways to address needs and care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,530 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- A nursing bachelor’s degree
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0
- An active, unencumbered nursing license
Curriculum: Students learn advanced nursing concepts to increase knowledge of assessments, diagnostic reasoning, physiology, and pharmacology. The curriculum covers midwifery principles of gynecologic, pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum care.
Certified Nurse Midwife: Online Program FAQs
What are the different types of CNM programs?
Online CNM programs come in varying types to meet the individual needs of students. For example, MSN programs in nursing midwifery support working registered nurses who already possess a BSN and want to specialize via a graduate degree. DNP programs support students who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s and want to go on to earn a terminal degree to work at the top of their license. If you already have a master’s degree and want to continue your education, a post-master’s certificate program is for those who already possess an MSN but lack specialized training in nurse-midwifery.
Is there financial aid available for certified nurse midwife programs?
Yes. RN scholarships and grants are a great option since they can offset costs and don’t need to be repaid, helping you graduate nursing school without debt. Universities, professional associations, government agencies, and medical organizations all provide this type of funding. The schools you’re researching are a great place to start looking for funding. For example, students at Bethel University can receive $1,000 per semester through the Brace New Student Nurse Midwifery Scholarship.
Research and teaching assistantships may be available that allow you to gain valuable experience while also earning a stipend and/or tuition remission. Fellowships can provide similar funding, as can some internships. If you still need money for your education after exhausting other options, you can apply for student loans.
Are certified nurse midwife programs accredited?
Yes. Just as with other nursing specializations, CNMs must get a dedicated education, so choosing a program that has been accredited is a must. Accreditation ensures that a school has been vetted for its quality and ability to provide students with the skills employers need. As a result, you should look for a program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). When ACME provides accreditation for programs, whether on campus or online, it means they have gone through a rigorous evaluation for their educational offerings.
Do I need a license or certification to become a certified nurse midwife?
Yes. Anyone who plans to work as a nurse-midwife must maintain licensure in their state. Each state sets licensure requirements that typically include having an active and unencumbered RN license, a nurse-midwifery graduate degree, and an active and unencumbered APRN license.
You will also be expected to pass the American Midwifery Certification Board Exam. This is a four-hour test consisting of 175 questions covering topics such as women’s health and primary care; antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care; gynecology; and family planning.
Are CNMs required to take continuing education courses?
Yes. CNMs are expected to have a career-long commitment to learning. Since the field of nurse-midwifery continues to evolve with emerging research, CNMs need continuing education to stay on top of new practices and approaches. To maintain both certification and licensure, nurse-midwives must complete a minimum number of continuing education credits during each renewal period. The American Midwifery Certification Board requires 20 continuing education credits. Check with your state board of nursing to learn about license renewal mandates around continuing education.
Certified Nurse Midwives: Careers & Salaries
As you have seen, becoming a certified nurse midwife requires specialized education, and you may be wondering if the additional training is worth the effort. The good news is, it is. As we show in the data below, certified nurse midwives in the United States earn between $87,320 and $177,530, with the average salary being $129,650. Of course, salaries differ based on location. Some of the highest earners are in California and Hawaii, where there’s a salary range of $136,520 to $228,900 and $132,880 to $178,630, respectively. These nurses make significantly less in Florida, where the range is $70,910 to $136,170. Data also shows there will be a healthy amount of growth in the profession. Around the country, there will be a 6.10% boost, which is 400 new jobs annually. Idaho is the state expected to have the highest percentage at 20%, while Georgia will have the lowest at 12.10%.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $87,320 | $129,650 | $177,530 |
| Alaska | $104,000 | $125,080 | $173,080 |
| Arizona | $39,710 | $129,160 | $155,000 |
| California | $136,520 | $189,770 | $228,900 |
| Colorado | $90,360 | $135,160 | $152,010 |
| Connecticut | $78,060 | $121,600 | $170,240 |
| Delaware | $84,920 | $124,840 | $161,000 |
| Florida | $70,910 | $94,010 | $136,170 |
| Georgia | $61,980 | $130,540 | $163,900 |
| Hawaii | $132,880 | $175,930 | $178,630 |
| Idaho | $22,090 | $92,090 | $103,240 |
| Illinois | $104,010 | $126,450 | $144,560 |
| Indiana | $77,310 | $117,530 | $150,760 |
| Iowa | $76,610 | $131,360 | $137,470 |
| Maine | $110,290 | $127,790 | $239,000+ |
| Maryland | $108,670 | $127,250 | $154,960 |
| Massachusetts | $116,830 | $144,540 | $204,470 |
| Michigan | $90,910 | $125,310 | $143,090 |
| Minnesota | $85,660 | $126,120 | $140,680 |
| Missouri | $104,000 | $124,840 | $152,000 |
| New Hampshire | $111,560 | $130,720 | $142,090 |
| New Jersey | $113,830 | $128,050 | $157,610 |
| New Mexico | $64,160 | $115,390 | $151,880 |
| New York | $110,290 | $129,790 | $165,370 |
| North Carolina | $95,000 | $120,100 | $139,850 |
| Ohio | $99,290 | $115,970 | $158,270 |
| Oregon | $118,400 | $141,340 | $157,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,860 | $126,940 | $148,350 |
| Rhode Island | $88,230 | $135,940 | $141,260 |
| South Carolina | $31,740 | $103,060 | $124,290 |
| Tennessee | $83,710 | $94,640 | $125,710 |
| Texas | $72,150 | $123,390 | $143,450 |
| Utah | $75,340 | $134,550 | $239,000+ |
| Virginia | $77,020 | $130,860 | $145,000 |
| Washington | $78,530 | $138,200 | $166,440 |
| Wisconsin | $88,020 | $131,020 | $156,290 |
Source: Nurse Midwives, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 8,200 | 8,700 | 500 | 6.10% | 400 |
| Alaska | 60 | 60 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Arizona | 140 | 180 | 40 | 28.60% | 10 |
| Colorado | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Connecticut | 240 | 250 | 10 | 4.20% | 10 |
| Delaware | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| District of Columbia | 80 | 90 | 10 | 12.50% | 10 |
| Florida | 510 | 600 | 90 | 17.60% | 30 |
| Georgia | 330 | 370 | 40 | 12.10% | 20 |
| Idaho | 50 | 60 | 10 | 20.00% | – |
| Illinois | 470 | 490 | 20 | 4.30% | 20 |
| Indiana | 120 | 130 | 10 | 8.30% | 10 |
| Kansas | 90 | 100 | 10 | 11.10% | 10 |
| Louisiana | 40 | 40 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Maine | 60 | 60 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Maryland | 220 | 240 | 20 | 9.10% | 10 |
| Massachusetts | 60 | 70 | 10 | 16.70% | – |
| Michigan | 290 | 300 | 10 | 3.40% | 20 |
| Minnesota | 240 | 260 | 20 | 8.30% | 10 |
| Missouri | 80 | 90 | 10 | 12.50% | 10 |
| New Hampshire | 50 | 50 | – | 0.00% | – |
| New Jersey | 220 | 240 | 20 | 9.10% | 10 |
| New Mexico | 60 | 80 | 20 | 33.30% | 10 |
| New York | 530 | 670 | 140 | 26.40% | 10 |
| North Carolina | 290 | 330 | 40 | 13.80% | 20 |
| Ohio | 130 | 130 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Oregon | 130 | 150 | 20 | 15.40% | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | 270 | 290 | 20 | 7.40% | 10 |
| Rhode Island | 90 | 90 | – | 0.00% | – |
| South Carolina | 80 | 100 | 20 | 25.00% | 10 |
| Tennessee | 170 | 190 | 20 | 11.80% | 10 |
| Texas | 500 | 590 | 90 | 18.00% | 30 |
| Utah | 130 | 170 | 40 | 30.80% | 10 |
| Vermont | 50 | 50 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Washington | 130 | 150 | 20 | 15.40% | 10 |
| West Virginia | 50 | 60 | 10 | 20.00% | – |
| Wisconsin | 200 | 220 | 20 | 10.00% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online Certified Nurse Midwife Programs
As the number of online certified nurse-midwife programs continues to grow, research is an important step to beginning your journey. Not all CNM programs are created equally, so you need to find one that matches your academic, career, and financial needs. If you are currently a working nurse, finding time for extensive research can be challenging, so we’re here to help. We’ve vetted the top online certified nurse-midwife programs across the United States with the accreditation that employers want and the affordability you need. Check out some of the top options below and read our methodology for curating this list.
Bethel University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Why We Selected Bethel University:
- Bethel University's Nurse-Midwifery program offers a faith-based education with a focus on holistic care.
- The program features a supportive cohort model and asynchronous online courses for flexibility.
- Bethel's Nurse-Midwifery program boasts a high certification exam pass rate of 97% within a year of graduation.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$11,700
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why We Selected University of Cincinnati:
- The University of Cincinnati offers flexible online learning with minimal campus visits.
- The program provides specialized career tracks in nurse-midwifery with a focus on women's health.
- Expert faculty guide students through comprehensive clinical training and professional development.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,224
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Why We Selected George Washington University:
- The program offers a strong emphasis on women's health and midwifery practice.
- Faculty expertise in nurse-midwifery provides students with high-quality mentorship.
- Clinical placement flexibility allows students to set up their own clinical sites near home.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$32,850
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course40%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
