For Career Changers

Midwifery attracts people from all walks of life. No matter what your age, lifestyle, or professional background, there’s an educational path that will help you to become a midwife.

If you have a BA/BS degree and want to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM):

1. There are many programs that first offer the courses necessary to become a registered nurse (RN) and follow with graduate courses in midwifery. Most of these programs require 3 years of full-time study or its part-time equivalent. Click here for a complete list of programs.
   
2. When you graduate from an ACNM Division of Accreditation (DOA) accredited program, you are eligible to take the national certification exam.
3. As a CNM, you will be legally qualified to practice in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

If you have a BA/BS degree and want to become a Certified Midwife (CM):

1. There is currently one accredited education program to become a CM. The program requires a solid science background from courses like biology, microbiology, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology. For official program entry requirements, contact SUNY Downstate.
2. As a graduate of the SUNY Downstate midwifery program, you will be eligible to sit for the same national certification exam that nurse-midwifery graduates take.
3. As a CM, you will be legally qualified to practice in 3 states: New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

If you do not have a college degree:

Midwifery requires graduate-level education. If you have not yet earned a BA/BS, click here.

Distance-Based Midwifery Programs

If you are unable to relocate, there are many distance midwifery programs that may meet your needs. Distance programs require you to receive your clinical education from a practicing CNM/CM in your home or nearby community. Contact the program of your choice for more specific information about requirements.