How to Become a Nurse Midwife in Georgia - Midwife Schooling Requirements for 2025

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Nurse midwives in Georgia play a vital role in maternal and reproductive health, offering care during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. With a growing emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are in demand across hospitals, birthing centers, and clinics throughout the state. Georgia's diverse population and mix of urban and rural communities present opportunities to serve a wide range of patients, often in underserved areas.

Becoming a nurse midwife in Georgia requires advanced education, national certification, and state licensure. In this guide, you'll learn about the educational paths, certification steps, and licensing requirements to enter this rewarding field.

Key Points About Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Georgia

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and obtain registered nursing licensure in Georgia to meet entry requirements.
Complete a graduate-level nurse midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), typically a master’s or doctorate.
Pass the national certification exam by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and apply for Georgia state licensure to practice legally.

What is the minimum degree requirement to become a nurse midwife in Georgia?
What are the admission requirements for nurse midwife programs in Georgia?
What courses are included in nurse midwife programs in Georgia?
What are the clinical training requirements for nurse midwife programs in Georgia?
How long does it take to become a certified nurse midwife in Georgia?
How much does it cost to attend nurse midwife school in Georgia?
What financial aid options are available for nurse midwife students in Georgia?
What impact do emerging healthcare trends have on nurse midwifery practice in Georgia?
What are the top accredited nurse midwife schools in Georgia?
Which advanced degrees support career advancement for CNMs in Georgia?
What organizations accredit nurse midwife programs in Georgia?
Other Things You Need to Know About How to Become a Nurse Midwife in Georgia

What is the minimum degree requirement to become a nurse midwife in Georgia?

The minimum education requirement for nurse midwives in Georgia is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in nurse midwifery. This graduate degree equips students with essential clinical knowledge and skills needed to manage all aspects of women’s health care. Coursework covers antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, family planning, and well-woman care, ensuring graduates can address a wide range of patient needs effectively.

The program also includes supervised clinical rotations, providing hands-on experience in real healthcare settings across Georgia. This practical training is vital for developing the advanced clinical judgment required to manage both routine and complex pregnancies.

Completing the nurse midwife degree requirements in Georgia prepares candidates to deliver comprehensive care to women throughout their lifespan, including reproductive and newborn care. Graduates become eligible to sit for the national certification exam, a necessary step for licensure and practice in the state. With the nursing field evolving, those holding an MSN in nurse midwifery are positioned to meet the increasing demand for skilled practitioners.

For those weighing career options, exploring the highest paying nursing job options can offer insight into the benefits of this advanced degree and its professional opportunities.

What are the admission requirements for nurse midwife programs in Georgia?

Admission to nurse midwife programs in Georgia demands careful preparation across academic, licensure, and experience criteria. Meeting these requirements enhances your competitiveness in a limited-space process.

Minimum Degree Requirement: A BSN from an accredited institution is required for most programs; post-master’s certificates require an MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or PhD in Nursing.
Minimum GPA: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on all prior college coursework is generally necessary.
RN License: Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted RN license, usually from Georgia or a compact state.
Professional Nursing Experience: At least one year of experience is expected, with some programs, like Georgia College & State University, requiring labor and delivery experience specifically.
Official Transcripts: Submission of official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities is mandatory.
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from academic or professional sources that can attest to graduate-level readiness are typically required.
Personal Statement or Goal Statement: A written statement outlining professional goals and motivation for nurse midwifery commonly supports the application.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A current resume or CV detailing professional and educational background must be provided.
GRE Scores: Some programs may request GRE scores, but this is becoming less common.
International Student Requirements: Proof of English proficiency and official transcript evaluations are needed for non-U.S. degrees; additional school-specific requirements may apply.
Unique Georgia Requirements: Georgia College & State University requires one year of labor and delivery nursing experience and follows structured early, regular, and late admission windows.

To better plan for your future, view the chart below highlighting the top-paying industries for nurse midwives.

What courses are included in nurse midwife programs in Georgia?

The nurse midwife program curriculum in Georgia is carefully designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for safe, ethical, and effective clinical practice. The required courses for nurse midwifery in Georgia combine advanced theory with hands-on experience to prepare graduates for licensure and certification.

Advanced Health Assessment: Develops skills in comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural evaluations of women and newborns to identify normal and abnormal conditions in diverse settings.
Advanced Pharmacology: Covers medication management principles specific to women’s health and perinatal care, enabling safe prescribing practices for mothers and infants.
Advanced Pathophysiology: Explores complex disease processes affecting women and newborns, providing a strong foundation for clinical decision-making in midwifery.
Women’s Reproductive Healthcare: Focuses on managing reproductive health throughout the lifespan, including contraception, fertility, and gynecological issues relevant to Georgia’s population.
Intrapartum and Postpartum Care: Teaches management of labor, birth, and postpartum complications, emphasizing pain control and family-centered care.
Newborn Care: Prepares students to assess and manage healthy and at-risk newborns, promoting early detection of complications and effective collaboration with pediatric providers.
Evidence-Based Practice and Research: Introduces methods to critically evaluate and apply research findings, fostering continuous quality improvement in clinical midwifery care.
Healthcare Leadership and Policy: Equips students to advocate for policies, lead teams, and ensure ethical, equitable care within Georgia’s healthcare system.
Clinical Practicum/Internship: Provides supervised rotations in hospitals and birth centers across Georgia, allowing practical application of skills with real patients under expert guidance.

These courses reflect the core requirements needed to meet Georgia’s licensure standards and align with national competencies. For detailed guidance on becoming a nurse midwife and career pathways, explore becoming a midwife. And to better understand how nurse midwives engage with the profession, see the image below showing how many AMCB-certified nurse midwives work full-time versus part-time.

What are the clinical training requirements for nurse midwife programs in Georgia?

Nurse midwife programs in Georgia require a minimum of 500 clinical hours, though many programs exceed that number, with some reaching up to 720 hours. These hours are completed through supervised hands-on training in hospitals, birthing centers, OB/GYN clinics, and community health centers.

Each setting offers distinct experiences—hospitals provide exposure to complex labor and delivery cases, birthing centers emphasize low-intervention births, OB/GYN clinics focus on prenatal and gynecologic care, and community health centers allow students to work with underserved or rural populations.

Throughout their clinical training, students build core competencies in prenatal assessments, labor and delivery management, postpartum support, newborn care, and women’s primary health services. All clinical work is overseen by board-certified nurse midwives or obstetricians who serve as preceptors, guiding students with mentorship, real-time supervision, and structured evaluations. This direct oversight ensures that students gain both clinical confidence and safety awareness before practicing independently.

To meet Georgia licensure requirements, students must graduate from an ACME-accredited program and complete the national certification exam through AMCB. Practicing without proper certification and licensure is prohibited by the Georgia Board of Nursing, highlighting the importance of completing all training steps.

How long does it take to become a certified nurse midwife in Georgia?

Becoming a certified nurse midwife in Georgia begins with earning a BSN, which typically takes four years of full-time study. After obtaining your BSN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN in Georgia. While Georgia does not require a minimum amount of RN work experience before applying to graduate midwifery programs, most schools prefer candidates to have at least one year of professional nursing practice, so gaining clinical experience can be beneficial.

The next phase is completing an ACME-accredited graduate nurse midwifery program, available at the master’s (MSN) or doctoral (DNP) level. These programs generally take 2 to 3 years of full-time study and include 50 to 60 credits, combining advanced coursework with hands-on clinical training.

In Georgia, students must finish all required MSN coursework within seven years, although most complete their studies within the 2–3 year timeframe. After graduation, passing the AMCB national exam is required to qualify for advanced practice licensure.

Once nationally certified, candidates apply for APRN authority through the Georgia Board of Nursing. The state typically processes these applications within 20 business days if all documents are complete. However, licensing can be delayed by incomplete applications or high applicant volume.

Additionally, Georgia requires a collaborative agreement with a physician for certain prescriptive authorities, and APRN/CNM licenses must be renewed every two years. Overall, from starting your BSN to full certification, expect a timeline of approximately 6 to 8 years.

How much does it cost to attend nurse midwife school in Georgia?

The cost to attend nurse midwife school in Georgia varies significantly between public and private institutions. For nurse midwife program tuition in Georgia at public universities, students can expect to pay between $373 and $1,220 per credit hour. For example, Georgia College charges around $373 per credit hour for its post-master’s certificate, totaling roughly $10,071 for a 27-credit program.

Comprehensive graduate programs at public universities typically cost about $17,789 annually for in-state students and $30,782 for out-of-state students. In contrast, private universities like Emory University have higher total tuition fees, with programs costing approximately $67,710 for the entire course, regardless of residency.

Beyond tuition, students should budget for additional expenses such as university fees, textbooks, clinical supplies, and licensure costs. University fees often include technology, health, and activity charges, ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per year.

Textbooks and course materials can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 annually, while clinical supplies like uniforms and stethoscopes typically range from $300 to $600 over the program duration. Licensure and certification fees include the American Midwifery Certification Board exam fee of $500 and Georgia Board of Nursing application fees of $75 to $100. These costs contribute to the overall cost of certified nurse midwife school Georgia students should plan for.

Residency status plays a key role in tuition differences, with in-state students benefiting from significantly lower yearly costs at public institutions compared to out-of-state students. Private schools generally maintain the same tuition regardless of residency but have higher total costs.

For those evaluating the time commitment along with expenses, resources such as how long does it take to become a womens health nurse practitioner can provide additional insights into program duration and planning. Careful budgeting for both tuition and mandatory fees will help prospective students make informed decisions when considering nurse midwife education in Georgia.

What financial aid options are available for nurse midwife students in Georgia?

Nurse midwife students in Georgia can access several financial aid options to ease the cost of their education. Starting with the FAFSA is essential to unlock federal and institutional aid. From there, students can explore a combination of grants, loans, scholarships, and special programs tailored to their needs and career goals.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually with a fixed interest rate of 6.28%, providing a reliable funding base.
Graduate PLUS Loans: These cover remaining costs beyond other aid with credit approval and a 7.28% interest rate, crucial for high tuition expenses.
Federal Pell Grants: Generally unavailable for graduate nursing, but exceptions exist if the program is the student’s first undergraduate degree.
Federal Work-Study: Offers part-time jobs related to healthcare, awarding $4,000 to $8,000 annually without repayment requirements.
State Grants and Scholarships: Georgia provides targeted scholarships and loan forgiveness for those serving underserved or rural communities.
Nursing and Midwifery-Specific Scholarships: Funds like the NEF and Wood-Bond Legacy Scholarships reward academic merit and commitment to women’s healthcare.
Loan Repayment Programs: Federal and state initiatives offer loan forgiveness for graduates working in high-need areas, helping reduce debt.
Institutional Aid: Many Georgia schools provide scholarships or assistantships, sometimes requiring service commitments.
External Scholarships: Organizations support students from underrepresented backgrounds or with disabilities to increase access.

When I spoke with a nurse midwife from Georgia who graduated locally, she reflected on the complexity of navigating financial aid. “It was overwhelming at first, juggling deadlines and paperwork,” she said, “but the combination of a Graduate PLUS loan and a state scholarship aimed at rural healthcare made it manageable.”

She emphasized how work-study roles gave her both income and clinical experience, and that loan repayment programs influenced her decision to commit to a community clinic after graduation. Her experience shows that combining multiple aid sources with a clear plan can make nurse midwifery education in Georgia financially feasible.

To better understand who’s entering the field, view the chart below showing the age range of CNMs.

What impact do emerging healthcare trends have on nurse midwifery practice in Georgia?

Nurse midwives in Georgia are increasingly adapting to rapidly evolving healthcare trends that emphasize innovative technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered care. Integrating telehealth solutions, electronic health records, and data analytics into clinical practice has enhanced service delivery and streamlined patient management. Additionally, collaborative practices with other advanced practitioners, such as those from top nurse practitioner programs in Georgia, contribute to comprehensive care models that address both individual and community health needs. These developments require ongoing curriculum updates and continuous professional development to ensure that nurse midwives remain proficient in the latest clinical and technological advancements.

What are the top accredited nurse midwife schools in Georgia?

Choosing an accredited nurse midwifery program in Georgia is essential for qualifying as a CNM. Accreditation not only ensures your education meets national standards but also qualifies you for state licensure and eligibility for the AMCB exam. This is especially important given Georgia’s urgent need for skilled nurse midwives to improve maternal health outcomes.

Georgia College & State University – MSN Nurse Midwifery Concentration: This program is the first fully ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery course at a public university in Georgia, with all clinical experiences completed in-state. It boasts a 100% retention rate of graduates practicing locally, directly addressing Georgia’s maternal health challenges.
Georgia College & State University – Nurse Midwifery Post-Master’s Certificate: Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, this certificate offers flexible, mostly online coursework with minimal campus visits. Clinical placements are arranged within Georgia, making it accessible for working professionals statewide.
Emory University – MSN Nurse Midwifery Specialty: Known for its expert faculty and strong clinical partnerships with Atlanta hospitals, Emory’s program blends advanced practice skills with leadership training to prepare graduates for clinical excellence and advocacy roles.
Emory University – Dual Nurse Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner Track: This dual-degree program allows students to earn certification in both nurse midwifery and family nurse practitioner roles, expanding career opportunities through a robust interdisciplinary clinical network.
Online ACME-Accredited Nurse Midwifery Programs Accessible in Georgia: Several nationally accredited online programs provide flexible learning options and clinical placements within Georgia. These programs suit students balancing work and family while pursuing advanced midwifery training.

For those exploring the best nurse midwifery schools in Georgia, selecting an ACME-accredited program is crucial. To learn more about how to use a doctorate in nursing in your career, explore resources that detail advanced educational paths and professional opportunities in nursing.

Which advanced degrees support career advancement for CNMs in Georgia?

Advanced degrees play a key role in expanding career opportunities for CNMs in Georgia. Choosing the right program can lead to leadership, education, or specialized clinical roles.

MSN Nurse Midwifery: This foundational degree is required for CNM practice and prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles and certification eligibility. Graduates often move into senior clinical positions or serve as preceptors for students.
Doctor of Nursing Practice: A terminal practice-focused degree that prepares CNMs for executive leadership, quality improvement, and advanced clinical practice. DNP holders can lead programs or manage practice transformations in healthcare settings.
PhD in Nursing: Focused on research and academia, this degree suits CNMs seeking faculty positions, healthcare policy roles, or research careers influencing evidence-based practice.
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nurse Midwifery: Designed for nurses with an advanced degree but without midwifery certification, this program provides specialized coursework to qualify for CNM certification.
Dual Specialization Programs: Combining nurse midwifery with women’s health nurse practitioner training broadens clinical expertise and eligibility for multidisciplinary roles.

What organizations accredit nurse midwife programs in Georgia?

The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) is the sole organization recognized nationally and in Georgia for accrediting nurse midwife programs. Its accreditation ensures that programs meet strict educational standards, which is critical for graduates aiming to become licensed CNMs.

ACME's role as the only accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for nurse midwifery programs means that attending an ACME-accredited program is essential for licensure and certification. The commission evaluates programs based on curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and available resources.

Programs undergo different accreditation statuses, including preaccreditation, initial accreditation, and continued accreditation, which can last up to ten years. This process guarantees that nurse midwife programs maintain high standards over time, providing students with the education needed to pass the AMCB exam and practice safely and effectively.

For students considering the nurse midwife program tuition in Georgia, it’s important to choose an ACME-accredited program, like the one offered by Georgia College & State University, the only public program in the state with full accreditation as of 2024. This ensures eligibility for certification and licensure in Georgia. Prospective students should also research tuition costs and program length carefully, as these factors impact the overall cost of nurse midwifery school in Georgia.

For those exploring affordable educational pathways, resources such as the easiest RN to MSN online program to get into can provide valuable guidance on cost-effective options in advanced nursing education.

What do nurse midwives in Georgia say about their careers?

Completing my nurse midwifery program at Augusta University gave me a strong foundation tailored to the specific healthcare needs of Georgia’s diverse communities. Starting my teaching career in a local school allowed me to share my passion for maternal health and empower future midwives with practical knowledge rooted in our state’s unique challenges. The professional growth opportunities here are impressive, and I’m proud to contribute to improving outcomes for mothers and babies across Georgia. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling both personally and professionally. Leonard
After graduating from Emory University’s nurse midwifery program, I found that working in Georgia offers a unique blend of community connection and professional advancement. Teaching at a local school has deepened my appreciation for how education shapes compassionate care providers. Georgia’s rich cultural diversity and rural healthcare needs have presented rewarding challenges that have helped me grow as a clinician and educator. I feel honored to influence the next generation of midwives while making a meaningful impact on families throughout the state. Barry
My experience completing the nurse midwifery program at Georgia State University was transformative, especially because it emphasized community engagement and patient-centered care. Beginning my teaching career locally, I quickly realized how important it is to prepare students for the realities of practicing midwifery in Georgia’s varied environments—from urban centers to more remote areas. The state’s healthcare landscape offers unique opportunities for career advancement, and I find great satisfaction in helping students navigate those pathways. This profession continues to inspire me every day. Gwen

Other Things You Need to Know About How to Become a Nurse Midwife in Georgia

Can I be a midwife without a nursing degree in Georgia?

No, you cannot become a CNM in Georgia without a nursing degree. The state requires candidates to first obtain an RN license. This means completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Afterward, aspiring midwives must pursue specialized graduate education in nurse-midwifery, typically a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program.

Georgia follows national standards set by AMCB, which mandates that certified nurse midwives hold both RN licensure and graduate-level midwifery education. Direct-entry midwifery programs that do not require a nursing degree do not lead to CNM certification in Georgia.

In summary, a nursing degree is a mandatory step for those seeking to become nurse midwives in Georgia. Without it, you cannot obtain the licensure or certification necessary to practice legally and professionally in this role within the state.

What is the difference between a nurse midwife and a midwife in Georgia?

A nurse midwife and a midwife both provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, but they differ significantly in training, scope of practice, and regulation. A CNM in Georgia is a registered nurse who has completed advanced graduate education in midwifery, typically a master’s degree, and is nationally certified. CNMs can provide comprehensive healthcare, including gynecological exams, family planning, and prescribing medications. They are licensed by the Georgia Board of Nursing and often work in hospitals and clinics.

In contrast, a midwife without nursing credentials, often called a certified professional midwife (CPM) or direct-entry midwife, may have specialized midwifery training but not nursing education. Their scope is generally limited to out-of-hospital births, and they do not have prescriptive authority. Georgia has specific regulations that restrict non-nurse midwives from practicing in certain settings, unlike some states where midwives have broader recognition.

Globally, nurse midwives tend to have a more medicalized and regulated role, while midwives without nursing backgrounds may practice with varying levels of autonomy depending on local laws and cultural norms.

Is a midwife in Georgia higher than an RN?

In Georgia, the roles of midwives and RNs differ significantly in scope and specialization, making direct comparisons of hierarchy complex. CNMs are APRNs with graduate-level education in midwifery, enabling them to provide comprehensive prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care. According to the Georgia Board of Nursing, CNMs must hold both RN licensure and national midwifery certification, reflecting a higher educational requirement compared to RNs, who typically complete a diploma, associate, or bachelor's degree in nursing.

While RNs deliver a broad range of nursing care, CNMs focus on reproductive health and have prescriptive authority in Georgia, granting them greater autonomy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) reported that median annual wages for nurse midwives nationally were about $108,212, compared to approximately $92,943 for RNs, indicating a higher compensation level aligned with advanced practice.

Thus, in Georgia, a midwife with CNM credentials is generally considered to hold a higher clinical and educational status than an RN, reflecting specialized expertise and expanded responsibilities.

Is becoming a nurse midwife in Georgia hard?

Becoming a nurse midwife in Georgia is challenging but achievable with dedication and proper planning. The process requires earning a BSN, obtaining licensure as an RN, and completing a graduate-level nurse midwifery program accredited by ACME. These programs typically take two to three years and include both classroom instruction and clinical practice.

After education, candidates must pass the national certification exam administered by AMCB. Georgia also requires nurse midwives to obtain state licensure and maintain continuing education credits to keep their credentials current.

The academic and clinical demands are rigorous, requiring strong commitment and effective time management. However, with focused effort and support, many students successfully complete the necessary requirements. Overall, while the path to becoming a nurse midwife in Georgia is demanding, it is a well-defined career route with structured steps and clear certification processes.