If you love babies and have a strong interest in working in health care, you may have considered becoming a midwife at some point. Or you may be among a large number of people who have only recently become aware of this option and want to learn more about the modern rise of midwifery. Either way, you’re inevitably going to find yourself asking the same question: What steps does it take to become a midwife?
Let’s explore several things you need to know to answer this question. Below is a brief outline of how to become a midwife along with some of the options available along the way.
Nursing as the Starting Point
The first step in becoming a midwife is almost always to become a nurse. Getting a license from an accredited BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program opens up the possibility of becoming a certified nurse-midwife—or a CNM—which is the generally accepted level of training.
One way to enhance your credentials is to specialize in women’s health once you get your nursing license, with a special focus on labor and delivery. This will make it easier to pass the CNM exam, which the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) administers.
Training Options and Associated Questions
Some people also complete one of the dozens of MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) midwife education programs that the Accredited Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) offers, but this is just one of many paths to becoming a midwife. Once they’ve reached this level of certification, many midwives continue their educations by applying to become advanced practice registered nurses. This allows them to start practicing—and increases their overall earning potential.
Typical Education Path Duration and Completion
Another common question associated with these paths is how long it will take to become a midwife. The usual answer to this is six to eight years, but there are certain situations in which high demand may allow qualified midwives to start working sooner.
For many midwives, the final step in their career education paths is to get a complete Doctor of Nursing (DPN). This does add to the training time, yet this level of credential can be a major advantage in this dynamic, hands-on area of health care. Not to mention, it’s another good way to increase earning power, which is important as you navigate the ever-evolving health-care system.
Regardless of which path you choose, midwifery continues to be a rewarding career on numerous levels. Hopefully, this information has helped answer the question: What steps does it take to become a midwife?
