The Credentials CNM and CM (2024)


Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) are educated in graduate-level midwifery programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). CNMs and CMs pass national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to receive the professional designation of CNM (if they have an active RN at the time of the certification exam) or CM.

See how the CNM and CM credentials compare to other midwifery credentials in the United States.

Legal Recognition
Laws and regulations governing the practice of midwifery are rapidly changing. CNMs and CMs are regulated on the state level, thus professional practice and interaction with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, can vary from state to state. CNMs are legally recognized to practice in every state in the US and in the District of Columbia. CMs are currently legally recognized to practice in Arkansas, Colorado,Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma,Rhode Island, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

For individual state statutes and regulations, check with the regulatory agency in each state. This may be the state board of nursing, the board of medicine, the board or midwifery, or the state department of health or public health.

Visit the State Resource Centerfor information about state laws and regulations.

The Credentials CNM and CM (2024)

FAQs

What credentials are CNM? ›

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) are educated in graduate-level midwifery programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).

What is CM credentials? ›

The Certified Manager (CM®) certification is a professional credentialing program that verifies an individual's ability to manage and potential to lead with a level of competency.

What is the difference between a CNM and a CM? ›

CNMs are nurses who have completed a graduate-level nurse-midwife program and passed a certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board, while CMs are non-nurses who have complete a graduate-level midwifery degree program and passed a certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board.

What is the meaning of CNM credentials? ›

Case managers who have earned the Certified Case Manager (CCM®) credential have the expertise, knowledge, and professional experience to provide the right services to patients across the continuum of care, including those with serious or complex medical conditions, and/or catastrophic injuries and illnesses.

Is a CNM the same as a doctor? ›

A certified nurse-midwife is an advanced practice nurse (APRN) and holds a master's or doctoral degree and an OBGYN is a medical doctor. Midwives sometimes attend birth outside the hospital (e.g., at a home), while OBGYNs almost always deliver in a hospital setting.

What is a CNM CM CPM? ›

Minimum Education Requirements for Admission to Midwifery Education Program Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university AND High School Diploma or Equivalent Page 2 NATIONAL MIDWIFERY CREDENTIALS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CERTIFIED NURSE-MIDWIFE (CNM) CERTIFIED MIDWIFE (CM) CERTIFIED ...

What states recognize certified professional midwife? ›

The CM credential is currently recognized in Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

How do I become a certified midwife in USA? ›

To qualify, students must earn their degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education and hold an unencumbered RN license. CNMs need to apply for recertification every five years. Once nurse midwives pass their certification exam, they can apply for an APRN license in their state.

How to become a midwife without a nursing degree in the US? ›

Another way to become a CPM is through an apprenticeship or midwife education program accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) or the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Apprenticeships can take three to four years to get your license and certificates.

What is the highest paying nurse? ›

According to Medscape's 2022 APRN Compensation Report, CRNAs earn, on average, $217,000 annually, making this specialty the highest-paid nursing job.

Is CNM a master's degree? ›

To become a certified nurse midwife (CNM), you'll need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in midwifery. Before you choose a program, you'll want to make sure that it's accredited and fits your timetable, goals, and career path.

What is the highest degree in midwifery? ›

Master in Midwifery with Registered Midwife

This three-year master's course has been designed for graduates who would like to gain the knowledge, skills and values necessary to register as midwives on the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) professional register. This is an NMC-approved course.

Is a CNM the same as a NP? ›

Certified nurse-midwives supervise births, which women's health NPs do not have the licensure to do. Women's health nurse practitioners can act as primary care providers, unlike certified nurse-midwives, and provide care for women throughout their lifespan, not just during pregnancy.

What does CNM stand for in healthcare? ›

The nurse-midwife is educated and trained to provide a broad range of health care services for women and newborns. Certified nurse-midwife (CNM) functions include: Taking a medical history, and doing a physical exam. Ordering laboratory tests and procedures.

Can a CNM perform ac section? ›

If a patient requires a C-section an OB/GYN can step in to administer the surgery; a midwife will continue to support the patient during her cesarean birth.”

What is the difference between a CNM and a midwife? ›

CMNs can practice in all birth settings and provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. Outside of the childbearing year, CNMs also provide well-women care through the life cycle. The Certified Midwife is a credential from ACNM that does not require a nursing degree but is otherwise similar to the CNM credential.

What is the difference between APRN and CNM? ›

Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are a type of APRN who have either gotten their MSN in a program focused entirely on midwifery or with a concentration of classes on midwifery. CNMs are taught to care for women's reproductive health from adolescence all the way to menopause.

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