Are you a registered nurse in West Virginia?
Are you considering advancing your practice?
Are you interested in promoting and caring for women’s health, especially through pregnancy and childbirth?
If you answered yes to all the questions above, then becoming a certified nurse midwife (CNM) in West Virginia may be the perfect way to become an advanced practitioner for you!
But how do you pursue this career path?
Since becoming a CNM is already an advanced field of nursing, it follows that there will be a lot of requirements before you can qualify – education, exams, certifications, licensure, etc.
But don’t worry!
This article will give you everything you need to know, including state-specific regulations.
And we’ll give it to you in 4 simple, manageable steps.
So, read on to learn more about how to become a nurse midwife in West Virginia!
How to Become a Nurse Midwife (CNM) in West Virginia in 4 Easy Steps
Becoming a CNM in West Virginia can be daunting and confusing. However, it doesn’t have to be.
With guidance, you can quickly gather your requirements and qualify for a CNM license in no time.
Here are the steps on how to become a nurse midwife in West Virginia:
- Step #1: Get a Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
- Step #2: Register for and Pass the National Certification Exams
- Step #3: Apply for Your APRN License through the West Virginia RN Board
- Step #4: Get a Job as a CNM in West Virginia and Maintain Your Credentials
However, if you are not yet an RN, you can read this simple guide on how to become an RN in West Virginia.
Step #1: Get a Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
Registered nurses who aspire to be CNMs in West Virginia must first earn a master’s degree or higher in nurse-midwifery.
You can do this by enrolling in either an online or campus-based program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Program Content
These programs are typically divided into two: Classroom and Clinical studies.
Classroom studies involve around 40 to 60 semester hours. On the other hand, clinical studies take around 700 to 1000 hours to complete.
Unfortunately, there are no ACME-accredited programs offered in West Virginia.
So, for RNs in West Virginia and other states without campus-based schools, you can either study in a nearby state that offers accredited CNM programs or opt for accredited online programs.
Six institutions around the nation provide online and hybrid distance learning programs that have been accredited by ACME.
You can inquire about approved online and hybrid providers on the ACME website.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements will vary between programs.
Generally, however, you’ll be asked to provide the following:
- Transcripts from your BSN program
- Proof of an active RN license
- 1-year minimum of RN work experience
- Meet minimum GPA requirements
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
Step #2: Register for and Pass the National Certification Exams
After completing your master’s degree, the next step is to register for the National Certification Examinations in Nurse-Midwifery through the American Midwifery Certification Board.
The National Certification Examination in Nurse-Midwifery in West Virginia is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurse-midwives.
Exam Content
It’s divided into 6 sections, covering antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, gynecology, and women’s health/primary care topics.
Each section consists of multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s understanding of concepts related to providing comprehensive midwifery care.
The examination has a four-hour time limit and is administered via computer.
Candidates should refer to the AMCB candidate handbook for more detailed information on eligibility requirements and tips on computer-based testing.
Exam Registration
To apply for certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), applicants must complete the required application and include a $500 examination fee, a copy of their RN certification, and a signed letter from their program director verifying completion of their midwife training program.
You can register online through the Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) website. You may also send your application requirements to this address:
American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
849 International Drive, Suite 120
Linthicum, Maryland 21090
Once your application is approved, you can schedule your exam. The testing center is located in Dunbar, West Virginia.
Candidates are expected to take the exam within 24 months of finishing their nurse-midwifery program.
Those who successfully pass this certification examination will be required to keep their certification current by completing continuing education units periodically.
Step #3: Apply for Your APRN License through the West Virginia RN Board
After successfully finishing the certification examination, you can finally apply for your APRN license in nurse-midwifery through the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses.
You must apply online through the West Virginia RN Board website.
Submit the following requirements:
- Active RN license from WV or an active multi-state RN license
- Official CNM Certification verification from the AMCB
- Transcript of records from an ACME-accredited APRN program
- Completed APRN application and paid $35 application fee
If your application is accepted, you will receive your APRN license. Congratulations!
Step #4: Get a Job as a CNM in West Virginia and Maintain Your Credentials
Licensed CNMs can start practicing their specializations in West Virginia.
There are several large hospitals in the state wherein newly certified nurse midwives can find employment, such as:
- CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital (Charleston, WV)
- Camden Clark Medical Center (Parkersburg, WV)
- Women’s Health Center of West Virginia (Charleston, WV)
- WomenCare Birth Center (Hurricane, WV)
- Greenbrier Birthing Center (Hillsboro, WV)
- FamilyCare Health Center (Scott Depot, WV)
Beyond finding employment, you also have to keep your APRN license in WV and your CNM certification from the AMCB current.
APRN License Renewal
To keep an APRN license current in West Virginia, it is necessary to renew your CNM certification every two years.
The renewal process begins on May 1st and applications are accepted through June 30th via the online application portal.
Renewal requirements include:
- completion of 24 contact hours of continuing education for pharmacotherapeutics and clinical management of patients
- submission of copies of certificates for all continuing education courses
- a renewal fee of $35
- a completed verification of collaborative relationship form
- official verification from your certifying body sent directly to the West Virginia RN Board
All documents must be submitted by the deadline or else the license will become inactive and be subject to late fees.
Remember that failure to complete any part of this renewal process may result in suspension or revocation of the license.
Maintaining CNM Certification
There are two ways for you to maintain CNM certification from the AMCB:
- Complete a continuing education program over a five-year certification cycle
- Retake the AMCB certification examination in the fourth year of your cycle
The AMCB offers continuing education credits in three modules: the IP, AP, and GYN modules if CNMs decide against retaking the certification exam.
CNMs must complete all three online modules as proof of certification maintenance throughout a five-year cycle.
When modules are finished, they are rated and recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse Midwife (CNM) in West Virginia
How Much Do CNMs in West Virginia Make?
The average nurse-midwife in West Virginia makes around $165,780 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This salary range can vary widely depending on several factors, including, certifications, education, years of experience, and additional skills.
Do Nurse-Midwives Earn More Than Nurses?
In West Virginia, RNs have an annual mean wage of $72,230. CNMS, on the other hand, have a mean annual wage of $165,780.
Nurse-midwives typically earn a lot more than registered nurses, which is why many RNs choose to pursue advanced practice in midwifery.
Conclusion
That’s about everything you need to know about how to become a CNM in West Virginia!
Although the process can seem daunting at first, just take it one step at a time.
If you do so, you’ll find yourself a CNM in no time!
You can then enjoy a rewarding and meaningful career.
We wish you all the best on your journey!
We have more information on how to become a nurse in different states on our blog.
If you wish to learn more about each process, please don’t hesitate to explore our libraries for the details that you need. Good luck!