How to Become a Midwife in West Virginia

The job of a midwife is a highly responsible and delicate job which should be done by no one else but trained professionals. In order for a person to become a certified nurse-midwife, they need to acquire the desired education in the field of reproductive care for women and their babies. Their job is to assist at labors, take care of women and their babies prior, during and after the labor, provide guidance counseling and health education.
Therefore, there are several steps in the process of becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in West Virginia in the field of midwifery, and the requirements to satisfy prior to practicing.


Steps to Become a Midwife in West Virginia

Here are the obligatory steps in the process of becoming a certified nurse-midwife in West Virginia:

Graduate from high-school

If you’re currently in high-school, aspiring to become a midwife, focus on school subject such as chemistry, biology, science, psychology, physics etc.

Get a bachelor’s of science in nursing

Upon graduating from high school, you need to enroll in a bachelor’s program in nursing. This step is obligatory prior to becoming a registered nurse (RN).

You can also enroll in an associate program in nursing, although the bachelor’s degree is preferable. If you finish the associate program, you may have to enroll in an RN to BSN (bachelors of science in nursing) later on, on your way to become a midwife.

Become a registered nurse (RN)

With the appropriate education acquired, you can take the exam to become an RN. You need to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).

Now you can start working as an RN to gain experience. Focus on working in OB/GYN to prepare yourself for becoming an advanced practice registered nurse in midwifery.

Earn a graduate degree in an ACME-approved graduate program

The next step in the process of becoming a certified nurse midwife (CNM), is to enroll in a graduate program and earn at least a master’s degree (MSN) or a doctoral degree (PhD).

The program needs to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).

The program will include both classroom hours and clinical hours of practical learning.

Pass the National Certification Examination

Once you’ve acquired at least an MSN or higher, you have a chance to become a nationally certified midwife. This means that you can sit for the examination offered by AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board).

You need to take the exam within 24 months of completing a nurse-midwifery program.

The exam is computer-based and you have 4 hours to complete it.

Once you pass the exam, you earn certification as a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Apply for the announcement of advanced practice

Complete the Application for Certified Nurse-Midwife License through the West Virginia RN Board.

Start Practicing as a CNM and Maintain Certification

Now you can start practicing midwifery on the territory of West Virginia.
Keep in mind that both the APRN and CNM certificates need to be maintained or renewed.

Requirements to Become a Midwife in West Virginia

The requirements to become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) in West Virginia are the following:

  • Becoming a registered nurse (RN).
  • A master’s degree (or higher) in Nurse-Midwifery, in a program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.
  • Passing the National Certification Examination offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
  • Completing the Application for Certified Nurse-Midwife License.

Duration to Become a Midwife in West Virginia

Becoming a certified nurse-midwife is a process which encompasses different phases of education, gaining experience, passing exams and getting the necessary certificates.
Here’s how much time you need to invest into becoming a CNM before you’re able to start practicing midwifery in West Virginia:

BSN degree: 4 years

To graduate from a bachelor’s program in nursing, you’ll need 4 years of training and education.
The associate program in nursing is 2 years long, but you’ll need to catch up on it later on.

Becoming an RN and gaining experience in OB/Gyn: 1 year

The process of becoming an RN is quite simple and you can get it over with right after you acquire your BSN.
However, it’s highly recommended that you work as an RN for at least 1 year, before taking the next step. Gaining practical knowledge is of immense importance for future midwife.

Getting the MSN of higher in Midwifery: 2-4 years

The master’s program in Midwifery is 2 years long, while the doctorate program is 4 years long.
Depending on which way you decide to go, you’ll need to invest the appropriate amount of time in graduating from the program.

Salary of a Midwife in West Virginia

How much does a midwife in West Virginia earn?
The answer to this question varies, depending on various factors such as:

  • level of education
  • years of experience
  • responsibilities
  • skills
  • certifications

Therefore, the average wage of a midwife in West Virginia wages between $89,638 and $110,461.

Final Thoughts

The road to becoming a CNM is a road of education, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge and proving you’re up for the challenge. Focus on the steps and requirements listed above, which are necessary for taking up a carrier of a midwife in West Virginia.

RELATED CAREERS: