Standard Occupational Classification (SOC): Nurse Midwives

Nurse midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed graduate-level education and training in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They provide care to women across the lifespan, including well-woman care, family planning and primary care.

Nurse midwives work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and private practices. They often work as part of a team that includes physicians, obstetricians and other healthcare professionals. They provide care to women throughout pregnancy, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. They are trained to provide care to women with low-risk pregnancies, but they also have the ability to manage high-risk pregnancies and complex situations by collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

CNMs are trained to provide a wide range of services, including gynecological exams, family planning, and counseling, prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and care for newborns. They are also trained to perform certain procedures such as episiotomies, vacuum extractions, and forceps deliveries.

To become a CNM, one must complete a master’s degree program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and pass the national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). They are also required to obtain state licensure, and must maintain their certification through continuing education and recertification every 5 years.