If you currently hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), another health or science field, or in some cases, even an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), enjoy working in obstetrics, and have been considering continuing your education, a nurse midwifery program may be for you. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting and lucrative field of nursing.
What Is A Certified Nurse Midwife?
A certified nurse midwife is a nurse who holds a BSN and has gone on to complete a master's degree in nursing in one of several specialty fields, becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). A certified nurse midwife provides obstetrical as well as gynecological care to women. They may work as a paraprofessional in conjunction with obstetricians and gynecologists, or they may work as an independent primary caretaker. Certified nurse midwifes care for women during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and postpartum. They can deliver babies vaginally and may assist surgeons with Caesarian births.
How Do You Become A Certified Nurse Midwife?
Many nurse midwifery degree programs require applicants hold a BSN, but some programs allow ADNs to enter the program where they then complete their BSN before moving on to the advanced practice registered nursing degree. There are also certified nurse midwife programs that bridge the gap between those who hold a bachelor's degree in a health or science-related field to obtain their nursing licensure and then move on to the advanced degree.
Students must complete classroom coursework as well as clinical practicums. Coursework includes topics such as the care of the intrapartum and postpartum woman, advanced anatomy, and pharmacology. Students who enter the program with their BSN typically require two years of full-time study to complete the program.
Upon completing the course and completing the required clinical practicum, students may sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam. Once they have passed this lengthy multiple-choice examination, they are then a certified midwife. This exam must be taken every five years to continue certification.
How Much Does A Certified Nurse Midwife Make?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for midwives was just over $100,000 per year for full-time employment. Hospitals paid the highest salaries, but the wage differences between institutions were negligible.
What Is The National Outlook For A Certified Nurse Midwife?
The outlook per the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics for the occupation is expected to grow by 21 percent by the year 2026.