Ready to pursue a career as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Wyoming?
Becoming a CNM is very rewarding, both personally and professionally.
However, becoming one takes dedication, hard work, and an understanding of the educational requirements and certification process.
It can seem very overwhelming if you don’t have a proper guide.
But that’s exactly what we’ll provide in this article! Our simple guide will cover everything you need to know to become a CNM in Wyoming.
We will cover topics such as education requirements, exam preparation, licensing fees, and job opportunities for CNMs in the state of Wyoming.
With this information, you can make informed decisions about your career path as a nurse midwife.
So, if you’re ready, let’s start.
Here’s how to become a Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Wyoming!
How to Become a Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Wyoming in 5 Simple Steps
Nurse midwives are advanced practice nurses. So, before anything else, make sure you are a Registered Nurse (RN).
You can read this guide on how to become an RN in Wyoming if you are not yet an RN.
Once you’ve covered the basics, you must complete five key steps to become a CNM:
- Step #1 involves taking specialized courses in midwifery
- Step #2 involves passing the National Certification Exam for Nurse Midwives
- Step #3 involves obtaining a license from the Wyoming Board of Nursing
- Step #4 involves finding a job as a CNM in Wyoming
- Step f#5 involves maintaining your license and certification
Let’s take a look at each step in detail.
Step #1: Complete a Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
The first step to becoming a CNM in Wyoming is obtaining a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery.
But before you enroll in a program, you have to make sure it is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (AMCE). You can find the list of accredited programs here.
Although there are currently no accredited programs in Wyoming itself, there are accredited programs available in nearby states. You can also find a few online or hybrid programs that are accredited by the AMCE.
These programs typically involve specialized courses in obstetrics, gynecology, neonatal care, labor and delivery techniques, pharmacology, as well as other related subjects.
All MSN nurse-midwifery programs include at least 40–60 hours of standard classwork and 700–1000 hours of clinical field experience.
Admission Requirements
Each CNM school will have a list of admission requirements, but generally, you will be asked to submit:
- Transcripts from your BSN program
- RN license verification
- Proof of at least 1-year of RN work experience
- Letters of recommendation
Step #2: Take the National Certification Examination—and Pass
Once you have obtained your master’s degree, you must then take the National Certification Examination in Midwifery (NCE) and pass with a score of 70% or higher.
This exam is administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
This exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills related to midwifery practice.
It consists of 175 multiple-choice test items covering topics on antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, gynecology, women’s health and primary care, and newborns.
You have 24 months to take the exam after finalizing your exam application. Failure to do so means you’ll have to reapply and pay for the certification exam.
Applications can be completed online via the PSI website or you may also send a paper application to this address:
American Midwifery Certification Board
849 International Drive, Suite 120
Linthicum, Maryland 21090
Successful candidates will receive their CNM credentials via email or mail.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the NCE from the AMCB.
Step #3: Finalize Your APRN Application with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing
After becoming nationally certified by the AMCB, you can apply for your Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in Wyoming for Nurse-Midwifery.
But aside from completing the educational and certification requirements to become a CNM, you must also meet other requirements as set forth by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.
These include:
- submitting a completed application
- submitting proof of current licensure
- providing criminal background checks from each state where you have lived or worked
- obtaining a health screening from an approved provider
- submitting proof of malpractice insurance with the application
You’ll also need to pay the following fees:
- $120 licensing fee
- $60 background check fee
After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will then receive your CNM license in the mail.
Step #4: Start Working as a CNM in Wyoming
CNMs in Wyoming can begin practicing after they receive notification of their APRN licensure.
As independent practitioners, CNMs can provide care to patients in various settings.
These include hospitals, physician’s clinics, independent birth and women’s wellness centers, as well as independently established practices.
There are numerous job opportunities available for certified nurse midwives across Wyoming including:
- delivery nursing at Randstad Healthcare (Worland),
- OB nursing at Banner Health (Wheatland), and
- delivery nursing at Cody Regional Health Care Center.
You can begin a rewarding career in Wyoming.
Step #5: Keep Your License and Certification Current
To practice continuously, CNMs should meet the requirements of the Wyoming State Board of Nursing and have a current APRN license.
APRNs in Wyoming are expected to keep their national certifications active and fulfill at least 400 hours of active practice.
However, if you are not able to meet these requirements, there are alternatives that you can look into to maintain your license.
You can read more about the alternatives here.
Furthermore, CNMs are expected to stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices in the field by attending professional meetings and engaging in activities that promote professional growth.
Depending on the setting and patient population being served, additional certifications may be required for certain specialties such as advanced life support or neonatal resuscitation protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse Midwife (CNM) in Wyoming
How Can You Renew Your CNM Certification from the AMCB?
Renewing your CNM certification from the AMCB is straightforward, as long as proper steps are taken.
Every five years, CNMs must complete three modules offered through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) online platform.
This can be done by taking exams or attending seminars, classes and conferences approved by the AMCB.
Additionally, twenty contact hours must be completed per module for successful renewal.
CNMs can also create a portal on the AMCB website and pay a yearly maintenance fee of $55 to ensure that their certification is kept up to date.
Once all requirements are fulfilled, the AMCB will send out notifications confirming the renewal of their CNM certifications.
It’s important to keep track of all activities related to renewal as records must be maintained for seven years after completion of each module.
Failing to renew on time may result in suspension of certification and other penalties applied by the board.
How Much Do CNMs in Wyoming Make?
In Wyoming, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) can expect to make an average of $110,669 per year. The range typically falls between $101,787 and $125,478 though, according to Salary.com.
The CNM salary range can vary widely by location and other important factors such as education level, certification, additional skills, and number of years in the profession.
In more rural areas of Wyoming like Cheyenne and Casper, salaries will often be slightly lower than the statewide mean but still competitive with salaries in other states.
Meanwhile, salaries in more populous cities such as Laramie and Rock Springs may be slightly higher than the average due to a larger volume of job opportunities.
Conclusion
Becoming a CNM in Wyoming is very appealing.
But the process of becoming one can feel daunting, what with all the educational, certification, and licensure requirements.
However, with proper guidance and dedication, you can complete your requirements and get certification in no time!
Just follow the steps in this guide so that you won’t get lost or waste time.
We hope this helps you through your journey toward becoming a CNM. Browse through our other articles to learn more about how to become a nurse in other states.