Thinking about becoming a Nurse Midwife in Missouri?
Can’t seem to understand the CNM certification process?
Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife is one way to advance your nursing career, but it is also among the most technically-demanding paths you can take.
But, if you’re passionate about providing healthcare for women especially during pregnancy and childbirth, then you’re in the right place!
You will find a simple and organized guide on how to become a nurse midwife (CNM) in Missouri in this article.
To make things easy we’ve divided the whole process into 4 steps and we’ll also answer some FAQs afterward.
So, let’s get into it!
How to Become a CNM in Missouri in 4 Steps
Here’s a brief rundown of all the steps you’ll need to go through to get registered in Missouri:
Step #1: Meet All the Prerequisites
Step #2: Take a Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
Step #3: Pass the National Nurse-Midwife Certification Examination
Step #4: Apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Recognition from the Missouri Board of Nursing
Let’s take a closer look at each step.
Step #1: Meet All the Prerequisites
CNMs are not just regular RNs. They are highly specialized, especially in pre- and post-natal care, and childbirth.
So, before you can proceed to taking a nurse-midwifery course, you have to master some basics.
To be certified as a CNM, you’ll need to take a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree so that you can become a Registered Nurse (RN).
The process may seem a bit complex so, if you are not yet an RN, here’s an article that explains how to become an RN in Missouri.
However, if you are an RN with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can take a bridge program or some prerequisite courses. There are also ACME-accredited RN-to-MSN (Master in Science in Nursing) programs.
Some CNM schools may require at least one year of experience as an RN before you can be admitted into their program.
Other potential requirements include:
- Admission essay
- GRE score
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum GPA
Finally, you may be disqualified from getting a CNM license if you meet any of the following:
- Conviction of a felony in any state of the U.S. or its territories
- Disciplinary action, conviction, or ongoing investigation for the past or current unauthorized practice of midwifery or medicine
- Misrepresentation on the CNM application form
Step #2: Take a Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
If you’ve got an RN license, then the next step is to take a Master’s Degree (or higher) in Nurse-Midwifery.
The program you take should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Midwifery Education (ACME).
Currently, there are no ACME-accredited programs in Missouri. But don’t worry! There are a lot of accredited online programs. These programs usually partner with local health institutions in your area for the clinical experience you will be required to undergo.
The Master’s program takes around 2 and a half to 3 years to complete if you’re doing it full-time.
The Nurse-Midwifery course will allow you to hone into the skills needed to deal with expectant mothers, deliver infants, care for newborns, and help mothers recover from delivery.
Some examples of areas you’ll be learning are:
- Prenatal exams
- Monitoring of physical and emotional health during pregnancy
- Creation of a birth plan
- Pharmacology
- Family Crisis Care
- Midwifery Care During Labor
- Newborn Care
You will also be expected to complete about 600-1000 hours of clinical work.
Step #3: Pass the National Nurse-Midwife Certification Examination
After completing your Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery (or Master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in Midwifery), you’ll have to sit for the National Nurse-Midwife Certification Examination.
The exam is conducted by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which conducts Nurse-Midwifery examinations across the US.
To apply, you’ll need to fill out the application form and mail it to the address below,
AMCB
849 International Drive, Suite 120
Linthicum, MD 21090
You could also finish the process through AMCB’s online applications.
In Missouri, the exam is conducted at multiple locations including Jefferson City, Springfield,
and Louis.
In the exam, you’ll have to complete 175 MCQs, with 240 minutes to complete them.
The passing score isn’t fixed and varies based on the average score of the cohort you’re appearing with.
A number of different areas will be tested in the following amounts updated for 2023:
- Antepartum – 21%
- Intrapartum – 21%
- Postpartum – 18%
- Newborn – 10%
- Well Woman/Gyn – 19%
- Women’s Health/Primary care – 11%
If you’re looking for more guidance on the application process, exam day procedures, and syllabus details consult the AMCB Certification Exam Candidate Handbook.
Step #4: Apply for APRN Recognition with the Missouri Board of Nursing
After completing the examination and receiving your passing certificate, the last step will be to apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Document of Recognition from the Missouri Board of Nursing.
To apply for recognition, you have to:
- Enroll in Nursys® e-Notify as a Nurse at www.nursys.com/enotify.
- Fill out the APRN’s application form, sign it, have it notarized, and mail it, along with all the required documents listed in the form to the following address:
Missouri State Board of Nursing
PO Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
- In the application form, you will be asked for your SS number and a document showing your primary state of residence.
- Pay a fee of $150 for the process. The check or money order should be payable to the Missouri Board of Nursing.
- Together with your application form, you should submit:
- the Authorization to Release Confidential Information form
- evidence of your CNM certificate from the AMCB. It should reflect the expiration date of your certificate.
- Submit to a background check in Missouri, which involves contacting the IdnetoGO.
- You’ll have to schedule to have your fingerprints taken at one of their dedicated outlets in Missouri.
- Set up a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician to be able to provide healthcare services that include delegated medical acts.
- After a licensed physician is found, then you’ll have to complete a Controlled Substance Prescriptive Authority Application.
- The physician must also complete and attach a Notice of Delegated Prescriptive Authority for Controlled Substances.
- For more information on the regulation of controlled substances, visit the Missouri Board of Nursing website.
After all the documentation has been filled and delivered, then you’ll receive a response from the Missouri Board of Nursing certifying you as a CNM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNM in Missouri
What does a CNM do?
A CNM is a healthcare practitioner that is certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to be a Nurse-Midwife and offer specialized care.
Here a CNM differs from an RN due to the specialized job responsibilities, involving healthcare provision to women of childbearing age.
Therefore activities such as post and prenatal care, labor, and child delivery are activities that a CNM is expected to perform.
How much does the CNM test cost in Missouri?
The CNM examination is handled by the AMCB and costs $500. However, the fee for re-examination is lower at $350.
You’ll also have to pay a processing fee of $121, with a separate application fee of $150 in Missouri.
How much does a CNM make annually in Missouri?
According to Missouri Health Careers, a CNM can expect to make around $40,000 to $60,000 annually.
How long will it take to become a CNM in Missouri?
While the Master’s program may take up to 3 years, the whole process, involving examinations and application forms, may mean an extra 6 months to a year. This is assuming that you are already an RN with experience, which takes about 4-5 years as well.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick guide on how to become a nurse midwife (CNM) in Missouri.
Becoming a CNM may not be for everyone, since it involves a lot of study, time, and dedication.
You need to ask yourself if it is the right pathway for you.
However, while becoming one may be technically demanding, it does offer better compensation and will result in great job security.
You’ll also get to do what you love if you’re passionate about providing care for women throughout their life cycle, and especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
Just follow our guide and you’ll be on the right path to becoming a CNM soon.
We wish you all the best throughout the process!