A CNM is a type of APRN (advanced practice registered nurse) that specializes in women’s health throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
The service CNMs provide is crucial.
But, according to oklahoma.midwife.org, only 68 midwives are practicing in the state.
There is a noticeable shortage of nurse-midwives in Oklahoma and across the country. And it could mean there are people with no access to the services provided by these professionals.
If you are an RN and want to give women access to quality care, you might want to consider advancing your nursing career and becoming a certified nurse midwife.
Today, we will walk you through how to become a nurse midwife (CNM) in Oklahoma.
We will do it simply and concisely. Then we will answer some FAQs.
So, if you are interested in contributing more to society by upgrading your skills, keep reading.
How to Become a Nurse-Midwife in Oklahoma in 4 Steps
To become a certified nurse-midwife, you must have a valid registered nurse (RN) license.
If you are not an RN yet, you can refer to this easy guide on how to become one.
Here are the steps to becoming a CNM in Oklahoma:
- Step #1: Earn a Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery from an Accredited Provider
- Step #2: Become Certified by Passing the National Certification Exam
- Step #3: Apply for an APRN License
- Step #4: Start Practicing as a CNM and Renew Your License every Even-Numbered Year
Step #1: Earn a Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery from an Accredited Provider
One of the requirements to become a CNM in the US is to complete a qualifying degree program in nurse-midwifery.
This could be a master’s, post-graduate, or doctoral degree.
However, you cannot enroll in just any program. It has to be accredited by the ACME or the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.
Currently, there are no ACME-accredited schools in Oklahoma itself. However, you can go to accredited schools in nearby states or accredited online programs.
Admission Requirements
Most universities and institutions set admission standards which could include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Completion of a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or, in some cases, an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
- Current registered nurse license
- GRE test or MAT (Miller Analogies Test)
- Letters of recommendation
- In-person interview, video essay, or other methods of stating the purpose
- Minimum GPA
Program Content
The nurse-midwifery master’s program includes both didactic and clinical education. The didactic portion consists of about 40-60 credits which cover various topics, such as the following:
- Advanced health assessment
- Advanced integrated midwifery
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Ethics and legal issues relating to maternal healthcare
- Nurse-midwifery for antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum
- Pharmacotherapeutic management
- Psychology for Pregnancy
- Women’s reproductive health
The clinical coursework portion is usually about 1,000 hours and typically happens in a local healthcare setting.
If you are enrolled in an online program, you need to ask which local health institutions your program partners with for the completion of your clinical hours.
Step #2: Become Certified by Passing the National Certification Exam.
Once you graduate from a qualifying program, you have 24 months to take and pass the national certification exam.
You may take the exam up to four times. However, if you fail on your fourth attempt or do not pass the test within 24 months, you must repeat the degree program.
The exam is given by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
It covers Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum, Gynecology, Women’s Health, and Newborn Care.
It consists of 175 multiple-choice items with a time limit of four hours.
You must first apply before scheduling your exam.
Below are the steps on how to apply to the AMCB:
| Online | By Mail |
| Sign in to amcbmidwife.org. Go to the CNM/CM Exam Applications tab. Settle the $500 test fee. You will receive a notification once AMCB approves your application. | Accomplish the application form. Submit it to the AMCB along with proof of RN licensure and a $500 check payable to the following: American Midwifery Certification Board849 International Drive, Suite 120 Linthicum, MD 21090 Phone: 410-694-9424 Fax: 410-694-9425 |
Your transcript of records or proof of completion of a master’s degree should be sent to the AMCB by your program director.
Once you receive AMCB’s confirmation that you are eligible to take the test, schedule your exam.
You can do this via the PSI website or the PSI hotline at 1-888-519-9901.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive a confirmation from AMCB and a certification number via your AMCB account.
Step #3: Apply for an APRN License.
After receiving your national certification, you have to apply for APRN licensure through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Requirements for the application:
- Completed application form via the Oklahoma Board of Nursing portal.
- You will be asked to provide your Social Security Number and pay a processing fee of $70.
- If you are an active military personnel or a spouse of one who has received an order or notice for military transfer to Oklahoma, though, there is no fee.
- A current Oklahoma RN license, or dated temporary Oklahoma RN license, or a multi-state RN license
- Transcripts from your ACME-accredited program sent directly to the Board
- Verification of certification from the AMCB sent directly to the Board
- Criminal background check through fingerprinting
- The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI will conduct a criminal history records check and forward the results to the Board within one or two weeks.
- Verification of citizenship status
For more information on these requirements, you may go to the Oklahoma BON website, under ‘New Initial Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Licensure.’
To verify that your license has been approved, refer to the License Lookup portal and enter your name and license type.
Step #4: Start Practicing as a CNM and Renew Your License Every Even-Numbered Year.
Once you receive your license, you can explore work opportunities as a certified nurse-midwife.
However, to keep practicing as a CNM in Oklahoma, you must renew your license every even-numbered year.
Renewal is done online at the same time as the RN renewal.
You must also renew your AMCB certification every five years by completing three certificate maintenance modules and 20 continuing education hours or by retaking the national certification exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse-Midwife in Oklahoma in 2023
How long does it take to finish the master’s degree in nurse-midwifery programs in Oklahoma?
A master’s degree program in nurse-midwifery can take two to four years depending on whether you are on a full-time or part-time attendance.
Can I work independently as a nurse-midwife in Oklahoma?
Yes, you can work with autonomy as a certified nurse-midwife in Oklahoma. CNMs are licensed by the Board to work without a collaborative agreement with a physician.
Can I apply for an APRN license with an expired RN license in Oklahoma?
One of the eligibility requirements to become an APRN in Oklahoma is a valid RN license. Hence, you must renew your RN license before applying for CNM licensure.
Conclusion
Nursing is more than just a profession. It is a calling.
As a nurse, you not only get to tend to the sick but also have the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better.
Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife could improve your life through career advancement and increased compensation.
But even better, you get to make a difference through fulfilling work.
So, if this is something you want to do, make sure to follow our guide.
You’ll become a CNM before you know it!
We wish you all the best.