What degree do you need to be a midwife?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You need a degree in midwifery to be a midwife. Midwives can work in any setting and provide a unique service to their patients. They monitor the progress of a woman's pregnancy and deliver the baby safely. This profession is highly sought after and attracts people from all walks of life.

There are a few different paths available for those who aspire to be a midwife. If you have a bachelor's degree and want to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM):

There are many programs that first offer the courses necessary to become a registered nurse
After becoming a registered nurse, you will follow up with graduate courses in midwifery. Most of these programs require three years of full-time study
Alternatively, you may first attend a nursing education program at a location near you and then apply to midwifery education programs
When you graduate from an Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)-accredited program, you are eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
As a CNM, you will be legally qualified to practice in all 50 states and the District of Columbia

If you have a bachelor's degree and want to become a Certified Midwife (CM):

There are currently two accredited programs with a CM option: the Midwifery Institute at Philadelphia University and the State University of New York, Downstate. These programs require a solid science background from courses like biology, microbiology, chemistry, and human anatomy and physiology.
As a graduate of one of these midwifery programs, you will be eligible to sit for the same national certification exam the nurse-midwifery graduates take
As a CM, you will be legally qualified to practice in:
- Delaware
- Missouri
- New York
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island

If you do not have a college degree, you will need to obtain your bachelor's degree in nursing or a related scientific field before pursuing one of the pathways listed above.

If you are unable to relocate, there are some programs that are fully distant or partially distant for midwifery education. Distance programs require you to receive your clinical education from a practicing CNM or CM in your hometown or nearby communities. Contact the program of your choice for more specific information and requirements.