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How to become a Nurse-Midwife in Massachusetts. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nurse Midwife — CNM/CM
Governing Authority
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (under Bureau of Health Professions Licensure, Dept. of Public Health)
Official website →Yes
AMCB Required
Full
Practice Authority
Yes
Prescriptive Auth
No
APRN Compact
15 hrs
CE Hours
$150
Total Initial Fees
Graduate Degree & ACME Accreditation
VerifiedGraduate Degree
Required
Accreditation
ACME (Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education)
Degree Type
Graduate degree (MSN or DNP) from ACME-accredited program
Clinical Hours
700 hrs
Certified Nurse Midwives must complete a graduate-level midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Programs typically lead to an MSN or DNP degree and include extensive clinical hours in prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and gynecological services.
Browse approved nurse midwife training programs to find the right fit.
Browse Nurse Midwife study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
National Certification Requirements
VerifiedAMCB Certification Required
American Midwifery Certification Board
AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board) Certification Examination
Exam Name
Scaled score determined by AMCB; criterion-referenced pass/fail
Passing Score
The AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board) administers the national certification exam for nurse-midwives. The CNM certification requires graduation from an ACME-accredited program and passing the AMCB certification exam. Certification must be maintained through continuing education and periodic recertification.
Practice Authority & Prescriptive Rights
VerifiedPractice Authority Level
Full
Prescriptive Authority
Granted
Controlled Substances
Schedule II-V independently
No Collaborative Agreement Required
Full Practice Authority
DEA Registration Required for Controlled Substances
Practice authority for nurse midwives varies by state. States with "Full" practice authority allow CNMs to practice independently without a collaborative agreement. "Reduced" practice states require some form of collaboration, and "Restricted" states require physician supervision. Prescriptive authority, including controlled substance scheduling, also varies significantly.
Clinical Scope & Services
VerifiedBirth Attendance
Independent
Home Birth
Allowed
GYN Care
Yes
Newborn Care
Yes
Hospital Privileges
May obtain hospital privileges independently; credentialing determined by individual facility
Prescriptive Scope
Full independent prescriptive authority including controlled substances Schedules II-V
Certified Nurse Midwives provide a wide range of women's health services including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, gynecological exams, family planning, and newborn care. Scope of practice varies by state and may include home birth attendance, hospital privileges, and prescriptive authority.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $150 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Total Initial Fees Excludes AMCB certification exam fee ($500) and DEA registration fee ($888 for 3 years) | $150 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$150
Study guides & supplies
Nurse Midwife Exam Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$150
Average Nurse Midwife salary in Massachusetts: $155,710/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 1 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
15 hrs
CE Hours Required
$120
Renewal Fee
CE Details
15 contact hours per 2-year renewal cycle; APRNs must also follow national certifying body CE requirements
Regulatory Board
CNM licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state board of nursing. Continuing education requirements vary by state and typically include pharmacology hours. AMCB certification must also be maintained separately through the certificate maintenance program, which requires continuing education and periodic recertification.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
APRN Compact Pathway
Not Available
Reciprocity Requirements
The APRN Compact allows advanced practice registered nurses, including CNMs, to practice in member states with a single multistate license. For non-compact states, CNMs must apply for licensure by endorsement, which typically requires current AMCB certification, verification of credentials, and meeting state-specific requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Massachusetts grants full practice authority to CNMs. State RN CE requirement is 15 hours; APRNs must also maintain national certification.
Massachusetts requires AMCB certification for CNM licensure.
Practice authority: Full Practice Authority - CNMs may practice independently.
Prescriptive authority: Schedule II-V independently.
15 continuing education hours required per 2 years renewal cycle.
Massachusetts has not enacted the APRN Compact.
Home birth attendance by CNMs is permitted in Massachusetts.
Nurse Midwife requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $150 | 382–450 wks | |
| Connecticut | $200 | 382–450 wks | → |
| Maine | $100 | 382–450 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $100 | 382–450 wks | → |
| New York | $85 | 382–450 wks | → |
Massachusetts ranks #31 out of 51 for lowest nurse midwife licensing fees ($150). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
Nurse Midwife Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#2 of 51
Cost
#31 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nurse Midwives (SOC 29-1161)
Entry Level
$150,250
25th percentile
Median
$155,710
+21% vs. national avg ($128,790)Experienced
$185,530
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
190 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nurse Midwives (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+13.6%
High DemandNew Jobs
+1,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
500
per year (avg.)
7,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nurse-Midwifery Career Path+53% salary growth potential
You are here
Certified Nurse-Midwife
$155,710
MSN/DNP in midwifery + AMCB certification
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$101,970
You are here
Certified Nurse-Midwife
MSN/DNP in midwifery + AMCB certification
$155,710
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
AMCB Certification Exam — 2023-2024National rate
90%
First-time Pass Rate
Programs consistently report 90-100% first-time pass rates.
Source: AMCB / Program Reports (2024)
Pass rates are approximate national averages and may vary by state, exam provider, and candidate preparation.
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 382–450 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the AMCB certification exam.
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Moving to Massachusetts? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Nurse Midwife license to Massachusetts →
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Massachusetts requires AMCB certification for CNM licensure. As a full practice authority state, Massachusetts allows CNMs to practice independently. All licensing is managed through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (under Bureau of Health Professions Licensure, Dept. of Public Health).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.