Occupations: Nurse Midwives
Nurse Midwives
Overview of the profession:
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing comprehensive care to women throughout their reproductive lives, including prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum support. They are trained to deliver babies in various settings, from hospitals to home births, and focus on offering personalized care that emphasizes the physical, emotional, and social aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. CNMs also provide education and counseling on family planning and gynecological health and connect women to resources needed to make informed decisions about their health. To become a licensed CNM in Michigan, individuals must hold a current and valid Registered Nurse license and complete a master's degree in a nurse-midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. Then, upon graduation, individuals need to pass the national Certified Nurse-Midwife examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board, Inc., to earn the CNM credential required to apply for licensure through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Once licensed, CNMs work in hospitals, birthing centers, prenatal/family clinics, and private practice for home births. The holistic approach of CNMs improves maternal and infant health outcomes and promotes a more patient-centered healthcare experience.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation.
Current Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.
2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43.30 | $51.87 | $60.14 | $65.83 | $68.92 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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Certified Nurse Midwives
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Nurse Midwives
2024 Employment: 233
Projected 2034 Employment: 229 (-3%)
Index Ranking
Ranked 18th (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program Grant
Prosperity Region: Statewide
Description: Three Michigan universities, Grand Valley State University, Saginaw Valley State University, Wayne State University (WSU), received funding through the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Program, which helps increase the number of practicing primary care nurses, clinical specialists, certified midwives and other high-demand fields.
Name: Michigan Maternity Care Traineeship (MiMAT) Program
Prosperity Region: 9
Description: Funded by a federal grant, this program provides nearly $1 million annually to support the financial and mentorship needs of students in the nurse-midwifery program. It prioritizes students from medically underserved communities and those committed to serving these areas post-graduation. The first cohort began in winter 2024, with additional groups starting each fall for the subsequent four years.
Name: NURSES: A Program for Future Registered Nurses Grant
Prosperity Region: Statewide
Description: The primary goal of the NURSES Grant is to provide community-based outpatient clinical experiences to BSN students. This initiative addresses the nursing shortage in rural Michigan by offering comprehensive student support. The grant covers mileage and lodging for clinical rotations and provides additional funding for paid internships.
Career Pathway
What is needed to become a licensed Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Michigan?
To become a licensed Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), individuals must complete a Master of Science in Nursing Nurse-Midwife program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, hold a current and valid Registered Nurse license in Michigan, and hold a Certified Nurse-Midwife credential by passing the national examination from the American Midwifery Certification Board, Inc.
Why earn a master's degree or a doctoral degree?
The minimum education level required to work as a licensed CNM is a master's degree. However, some individuals may choose to earn a doctoral degree in nurse-midwifery; these individuals receive additional education that positions them for research, academia, and leadership roles in hospitals. Some schools have programs that allow bachelor-level nursing students to apply directly to a doctoral program. Individuals interested in this route should connect with their institutions' post-secondary advisors to learn more about their program opportunities.
