Nowadays, nurses are looking to upskill so that they can expand their careers and earn a higher income.
Most of them apply to become APRNs or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.
Today, we will talk about one type of APRN – Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs).
A CNM is an APRN specializing in women’s health before, during, and after pregnancy, and newborn care.
If this is something you are passionate about and would like to pursue, then this guide on how to become a nurse midwife (CNM) in New Hampshire is for you.
We are going to break down the process into 4 simple, manageable steps, and then we will answer some FAQs.
Are you ready? Let’s start!
How to Become a Nurse-Midwife in New Hampshire
To become a nurse-midwife, you must first be a registered nurse.
If you do not have a nursing license yet, read this simple guide on how to become an RN in New Hampshire.
Once you’ve earned your RN license and have one or two years of clinical experience, you can proceed with step one below.
- Step #1: Earn an ACME-Accredited Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
- Step #2: Pass the National Certification Exam
- Step #3: Apply for a License through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
- Step #4: Keep Your New Hampshire CNM License Up-to-Date
Step #1: Earn an ACME-accredited Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery.
At a minimum, you must earn a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery (MSN) from an ACME-accredited program provider. However, you may also choose to take a doctor’s degree or a DNP.
Program Content
MSN programs usually consist of 40-60 coursework hours.
They often include courses such as:
- Theoretical Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Advanced Human Pathophysiology
- Health Informatics
- Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Nurse-Midwifery Care During Labor and Birth
- Advanced Health Assessment.
Aside from coursework, you will be expected to complete 400-1,000 clinical work hours in local health institutions.
Accreditation
Whether you take an MSN or DNP, you need to ensure that your program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Midwifery Education (ACME).
If your program is not accredited, then your education will be a waste of time and money.
Currently, though, there are no universities or institutions in New Hampshire offering ACME-accredited MSN or DNP programs.
However, you can enroll in another state or make use of fully online or hybrid alternatives. This may be more practical, especially for working RNs.
Here is a complete list of ACME-accredited MSN and DNP programs.
Step #2: Pass the National Certification Exam
Upon earning a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery, you must register for and pass the certification exam given by the AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board) within 24 months.
Exam Content
The exam tests your knowledge of the following components:
- Antepartum
- Intrapartum
- Postpartum
- Gynecology
- Women’s Health
- Newborn Care
The exam has 175 items in multiple-choice format. You will be given four hours to complete the exam.
How to Apply
You may apply for the certification exam online or by mail:
| Online Application | Application by Mail |
| 1. Go to amcbmidwife.org and sign in. 2. Go to CNM/CM Exam Applications. 3. Pay the $500 exam fee. 4. Wait for AMCB’s approval. | 1. Print and fill out the application form. 2. Submit the form along with proof of RN licensure and a $500 check payable to AMCB to the below address: American Midwifery Certification Board849 International Drive, Suite 120Linthicum, MD 21090410-694-9424 (Phone)410-694-9425 (Fax) |
If you are applying by mail but wish to settle the exam fee using your credit card, you may do so by providing your card details in the space provided in the form.
Your program director must email your proof of completion of an MSN program directly to the AMCB.
Once your application is approved, you may schedule your exam via the PSI website or through their hotline at 1-888-519-9901.
You may reschedule your test at least two business days before your appointment without penalty.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late on the day of your exam, you will need to reschedule. You must also pay the processing fee of $121 to the AMCB.
After passing the exam, you will receive a certification number in your AMCB account. You will need this once you apply to the board.
Step #3: Apply for a License through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
You’re one more step away from finally getting your CNM license!
First, you must complete the criminal background check and fingerprinting requirements by following the steps below:
- Go to the New Hampshire Department of Safety Criminal Records Portal.
- Under the Schedule ‘New Fingerprint & Criminal Record Check Appointment’ box, click ‘Schedule a New Appointment.’
- Read the information, check the box that says ‘I certify,’ and click ‘Next’.
- Select ‘Board of Nursing’ under the type of agency.
- Enter your personal details.
- Enter your contact details.
- Enter your address.
- Select your preferred date and time for fingerprinting.
- Confirm your appointment details.
- Finally, pay the $48.25 processing fee.
You must also complete the application from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
You can do this online via the New Hampshire Online Licensing Portal. However, you need to sign up for an account first.
The application fee for APRNs in New Hampshire is $100.
You will also need to submit:
- A copy of your state-issued driver’s license
- Verification of all the licenses you hold or have held in other states
- Official transcripts from your CNM program (sent by your school degree to oplclicensing10@oplc.nh.gov)
- National Certification from the AMCB
- If you graduated from your nursing program more than 24 months before your application, you need to fulfill additional education requirements which include:
- 30 CE hours,
- 5 of the 30 hours must be in Pharmacology,
- 3 of the 5 hours must be in either opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance abuse disorder.
- Criminal background and Fingerprinting
For more information on the requirements, you can go to the checklist here.
Step #4: Keep Your New Hampshire CNM License Up-to-Date
Congratulations! You can now start practicing as a Certified Nurse-Midwife in New Hampshire.
Your APRN license is valid for two years, and you must renew it to keep practicing as a CNM.
Renewal requirements include:
- A current National Certification from the AMCB
- 400 working hours within 4 years of the application date
- Education Requirements:
- 30 Continuing Education Hours,
- 5 of the 30 hours must be in Pharmacology
- 3 of the 5 hours must be in either opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance abuse disorder
- Registration Code – Emailed 60 days before the expiration date.
Renewals are also done online via the New Hampshire Online Licensing Portal.
The renewal fee is $100.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in New Hampshire in 2023
What are the contents of the CNM Certification Exam in New Hampshire?
The certification exam consists of the following topics:
| Current | Effective 1/1/2023 | |
| Antepartum | 20.8% | 21% |
| Intrapartum | 21.6% | 21% |
| Postpartum | 16.8% | 18% |
| Newborn | 12% | 10% |
| Gynecology | 16% | 19% |
| Women’s Health and Primary Care | 12.8% | 11% |
What happens if I fail the National Certification Exam for CNMs in New Hampshire the first time?
If you fail the certification exam on your first try, do not fret. You can still try again and retake three more times.
Your first retake must be 30 days after your initial exam or later. It may not occur earlier.
The second and third retakes must be 90 days after the previous exams.
If you fail the fourth time, you must repeat the MSN program to be eligible again for the exam.
Each retake costs $350.
How long does it take to finish the master’s degree in a nurse-midwifery program in New Hampshire?
MSN programs typically take two years to finish if you attend full-time. However, if you are working as an RN and taking a master’s degree simultaneously, you can opt to study part-time.
It will take you about four years to earn your master’s degree.
How much do CNMs in New Hampshire earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNMs in New Hampshire earn a mean salary of $115,490.
The more years of experience you have, the higher your salary tends to be.
Conclusion
Pursuing a CNM license lets you upgrade your skills and knowledge and contribute more to your community by providing women the care they need. Your work will be meaningful not only to mothers but also to their families.
You will also be essential in a child’s growth as you educate their parents on newborn care.
The road to becoming a certified nurse-midwife may not be easy, but it is worth it. It will be a life-changing experience for you and can expand your career opportunities and increase your salary.
Just follow our simple guide on how to become a nurse midwife (CNM) in New Hampshire and you’ll be on the right path.
We are cheering for you!