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

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Pursuing a career as a nurse midwife in North Dakota offers a unique opportunity to support families and improve maternal health in both rural and urban communities. This guide is designed to help you understand the steps involved in becoming a certified nurse midwife in the state, from the necessary nursing education and graduate-level training to licensing and certification.

This guide outlines the academic and clinical requirements specific to North Dakota, helping you take the next informed step toward this rewarding profession.

Key Points About Becoming a Nurse Midwife in North Dakota

• Complete a graduate nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) to meet North Dakota’s certification requirements.
• Obtain national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which is essential for state licensure and employment.
• Consider the state’s growing demand for nurse midwives, with job growth projected at 12% through 2030, but evaluate rural practice challenges such as limited resources and patient access.

Table of Contents

1. What is the minimum degree requirement to become a nurse midwife in North Dakota?
2. What are the admission requirements for nurse midwife programs in North Dakota?
3. What courses are included in nurse midwife programs in North Dakota?
4. What are the clinical training requirements for nurse midwife programs in North Dakota?
5. How long does it take to become a certified nurse midwife in North Dakota?
6. How much does it cost to attend nurse midwife school in North Dakota?
7. What financial aid options are available for nurse midwife students in North Dakota?
8. How do nurse midwives differ from nurse practitioners in North Dakota?
9. What are the top accredited nurse midwife schools in North Dakota?
10. Which advanced degrees support career advancement for CNMs in North Dakota?
11. What organizations accredit nurse midwife programs in North Dakota?
12. Other Things You Need to Know About Becoming a Nurse Midwife in North Dakota

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

The minimum degree to become a nurse midwife in North Dakota is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in nurse midwifery. This degree equips candidates with the necessary clinical, theoretical, and practical knowledge to provide comprehensive care to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. The curriculum focuses on advanced health assessment, management of normal and complex pregnancies, gynecologic health, and newborn care.

These competencies prepare graduates to meet the broad scope of practice expected of certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in the state, ensuring they can deliver evidence-based and patient-centered care. While some may question whether a lower degree could suffice, the complexity and responsibility involved in midwifery practice justify this graduate-level preparation.

Nurse midwife education requirements North Dakota also reflect the growing demand for well-prepared professionals capable of serving diverse populations in both rural and urban settings. This MSN specialization not only provides a strong clinical foundation but also fosters critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for advanced practice nursing roles.

For those exploring career options, understanding the level of education required is crucial, especially considering the competitive nature of healthcare fields. Aspiring midwives may find it valuable to explore the highest paying nursing career options to gauge how this degree aligns with long-term professional goals and market demand. Ultimately, the MSN with a focus on nurse-midwifery remains the essential academic credential to practice effectively and safely in North Dakota.

What are the admission requirements for nurse midwife programs in North Dakota?

The admission standards for nurse midwife programs in North Dakota reflect a balance between ensuring clinical competence and maintaining rigorous academic preparation. These requirements aim to safeguard public health while considering the diverse backgrounds of applicants.

• Minimum Degree Requirement: Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Some programs may accept a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing.
• Registered Nurse (RN) License: A current, unencumbered RN license in North Dakota or a compact state is mandatory for admission and future licensure as a CNM.
• Graduate Nursing Degree: Completion of a master’s or higher degree in nurse midwifery from an accredited program approved by the American College of Nurse-Midwives is required for certification.
• Minimum GPA: Most programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, though some direct-entry options accept GPAs as low as 2.75 with stronger overall applicant profiles.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Science courses, including microbiology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biochemistry, completed within ten years are essential. Additional courses may be required.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically, three letters are requested, with at least one academic and others from professional or clinical references.
• Clinical Experience: Prior nursing experience in direct patient care is preferred or required to demonstrate practical competency.
• International Students: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores to verify language proficiency.
• North Dakota-Specific Requirements: Applicants seeking prescriptive authority must complete 30 contact hours of pharmacotherapy education within three years and undergo a criminal history record check with a $20 fee.

To help put these requirements into context, the following image illustrates the average salary of nurse midwives across the United States, offering insight into the financial return on this career investment.

What courses are included in nurse midwife programs in North Dakota?

Nurse midwife programs in North Dakota follow a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge essential for women's health and newborn care. These programs align with state-specific regulations and emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical experience to prepare students for licensure and practice.

• Advanced Health and Physical Assessment: Offers detailed training in assessing women’s health across all life stages, enabling students to identify normal and abnormal clinical signs effectively.
• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology: Explores biological processes and disease mechanisms, helping future nurse midwives diagnose and manage complex conditions during pregnancy and beyond.
• Advanced Pharmacology for Primary Care: Focuses on safe medication use, particularly drugs relevant to reproductive health, pregnancy, and newborn care, ensuring responsible prescribing practices.
• Primary Care of Women: Covers management of acute and chronic conditions unique to women, including preventive care strategies tailored to their health needs.
• Antepartum Care: Emphasizes prenatal risk assessment and management of both normal and high-risk pregnancies to safeguard maternal and fetal well-being.
• Perinatal Care: Prepares students to provide care during labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum, addressing the needs of both mother and newborn.
• Postpartum Care: Addresses physical and emotional recovery after childbirth, including breastfeeding support and family adjustment guidance.
• Care of the Newborn: Teaches assessment and management of healthy and at-risk newborns, with attention to early intervention and parent education.
• Evidence-Based Practice and Research: Develops critical analysis skills for applying research findings to improve clinical outcomes and professional decision-making.
• Advanced Midwifery Role Development: Examines the ethical, legal, and leadership responsibilities of nurse midwives, highlighting advocacy and collaboration in healthcare settings.

These core courses reflect the nurse midwife program curriculum North Dakota institutions typically require, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for regional healthcare challenges. Clinical rotations further contextualize learning within North Dakota’s healthcare environment. For those interested in the pathway to certification, resources on becoming a certified nurse midwife offer useful guidance on career steps beyond coursework.

While the outlined curriculum represents standard offerings, prospective students should consider variations among courses in North Dakota nurse midwifery schools, as program focus and clinical opportunities may differ slightly by institution and local healthcare needs.

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

Nurse midwife programs in North Dakota require students to complete at least 1,000 clinical hours, often extending to 1,200 to ensure comprehensive, hands-on training. These hours are spread across hospitals, birthing centers, OB/GYN clinics, and rural community health settings. Each site exposes students to a range of real-world scenarios, from managing labor and delivery in high-acuity hospital units to providing holistic care in underserved areas.

Throughout their training, students develop essential midwifery competencies, including prenatal assessments, intrapartum and postpartum care, newborn evaluation, and gynecologic health services. Clinical education is grounded in national standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of independent practice in various healthcare environments.

Supervision is provided by experienced preceptors—certified nurse midwives and women’s health physicians—who guide, assess, and mentor students through each rotation. In North Dakota, CNM students also meet state-specific requirements, such as maintaining active RN licensure, passing a background check, and completing pharmacotherapy training for prescriptive authority.

A nurse midwife who graduated from a North Dakota program described her clinical training as intense but deeply rewarding, highlighting the value of rotating through hospitals, birthing centers, and rural clinics. She emphasized how each setting taught her different skills—from managing high-pressure deliveries to building trust in underserved communities—and credited her preceptors for challenging her while fostering independent decision-making. What motivated her most, she shared, was the knowledge that she could practice independently in North Dakota after graduation, fully owning her scope of care.

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

Becoming a certified nurse midwife in North Dakota typically begins with earning a BSN, which takes around four years of full-time study. After graduation, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain an RN license in North Dakota. Depending on testing availability and processing times, this step can take a few weeks to several months.

The next phase involves completing a graduate program—either an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a midwifery concentration. These programs, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), take an additional two to three years and include both academic coursework and clinical training. North Dakota follows national standards for clinical hours without imposing additional requirements, so program duration depends largely on the school’s structure.

After graduation, candidates must pass the national certification exam from AMCB and complete state licensure steps, including a background check and submission of a medical consultation plan. While exam scheduling and paperwork can add some delays, most students complete the full journey in about seven to eight years.

To better understand where this long-term commitment can lead, the following chart highlights the top employers of nurse midwives in North Dakota and across the country, offering insight into potential career destinations after certification.

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

The nurse midwife program tuition North Dakota varies primarily between public and private institutions. Public universities, such as the University of North Dakota (UND), typically charge between $10,849 and $15,570 annually for graduate-level advanced practice nursing programs. In-state students at UND pay around $10,951 per year, while out-of-state students may pay up to $15,570.

Some online offerings at UND maintain a uniform tuition rate regardless of residency. Private institutions, including Rasmussen University, often have a flat tuition rate near $10,849 annually, with no difference between in-state and out-of-state students.

Beyond tuition, the cost of becoming a nurse midwife in North Dakota includes mandatory fees, textbooks, clinical supplies, and licensure expenses. University fees can range from $500 to $1,500 per year, covering technology and health services. Textbook costs typically fall between $500 and $1,000 annually, while clinical supplies such as uniforms and equipment may add $300 to $600 over the course duration.

Additional expenses like background checks, immunizations, and drug screenings generally cost $100 to $300. Licensure and certification fees after graduation are estimated to range from $500 to $800.

In-state students at public universities may benefit from tuition differences of up to $4,600 per year compared to out-of-state attendees, although many online and private programs charge a flat rate.

Overall, the annual estimated cost for attending a nurse midwife program in North Dakota, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, is about $18,728 at public institutions. Prospective students looking for the fastest way to become a womens health nurse practitioner should consider these factors carefully when evaluating program costs and options.

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

Financial support for nurse midwife students in North Dakota comes from multiple sources, each with unique eligibility criteria and benefits. While federal and state aid programs offer valuable assistance, navigating these options requires awareness of specific qualifications and deadlines. Students should weigh the trade-offs of loans versus scholarships and consider service commitments tied to certain funding.

• Federal Student Loans and Grants: Options include Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 annually and Graduate PLUS Loans, both requiring repayment; Pell Grants are rarely available to graduate students but may provide aid for those with financial need.
• Federal Work-Study: Provides $4,000–$8,000 per year for part-time jobs related to healthcare, based on financial need via FAFSA.
• State Loan Repayment Programs: The North Dakota Health Service Corps offers loan repayment in exchange for working in underserved areas, typically requiring a two-year commitment.
• Scholarships: Available from institutions like Trinity Health Foundation and North Dakota Long Term Care Association, often linked to work or service agreements.
• Employer Tuition Assistance: Some local healthcare employers reimburse tuition for advanced degrees if graduates continue employment post-graduation.

When I spoke with a nurse midwife from North Dakota who graduated locally, she emphasized that while the process felt overwhelming, the combination of scholarship opportunities and the Health Service Corps loan repayment program was crucial. “Applying for multiple scholarships helped reduce upfront costs, but committing to serve in a rural clinic through the loan repayment program made continuing financially viable,” she explained.

She noted the importance of early FAFSA submission and staying organized through application deadlines. Despite the challenges, she described the financial aid landscape as manageable with careful planning and advice from her school’s financial aid office.

How do nurse midwives differ from nurse practitioners in North Dakota?

Nurse midwives in North Dakota concentrate on comprehensive maternal and women's health care—with specialized training in prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum services—whereas nurse practitioners typically receive broader clinical training that encompasses a variety of patient demographics and health issues. This distinction in focus translates into different certification and practice standards across the state. For professionals weighing alternative or complementary career paths, reviewing top nurse practitioner programs in North Dakota provides additional insight into advanced clinical opportunities.

What are the top accredited nurse midwife schools in North Dakota?

Choosing an accredited nurse midwifery program in North Dakota is crucial for those aiming to become CNMs. Accreditation ensures programs meet rigorous national standards, which is a requirement for certification and licensure in the state. Given the scarcity of in-state programs, many students rely on distance options that offer clinical placements locally.

North Dakota students interested in accredited nurse midwife programs North Dakota often consider these options:

• University of North Dakota – Nurse Midwifery Track: This program partners with out-of-state ACME-accredited schools to provide coursework, while offering clinical placement support within North Dakota. It combines online learning with local clinical experiences, ideal for those wanting to stay close to home.
• Frontier Nursing University – Distance Program with ND Clinical Sites: Known as the oldest and largest nurse-midwifery program nationally, Frontier allows students in North Dakota to complete online courses and clinicals locally. Its faculty is predominantly CNMs, providing strong professional mentorship and flexible scheduling.
• Bethel University – Nurse Midwifery Program (Online/Hybrid): Bethel offers a fully online curriculum with options for clinical rotations in North Dakota. The program emphasizes a holistic and evidence-based approach, catering well to working professionals seeking online nurse midwifery schools in North Dakota.
• Georgetown University – Online Nurse Midwifery MSN: Georgetown’s hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical placements that can be arranged in North Dakota. It boasts a high national certification pass rate and faculty with deep midwifery expertise.
• Vanderbilt University – Nurse Midwifery MSN (Distance with Local Clinicals): This ACME-accredited program offers online didactic content and permits clinicals with approved North Dakota preceptors. Vanderbilt is noted for its research focus and strong national rankings in advanced nursing education.

As the nurse-midwifery field evolves, prospective students should weigh the benefits of these programs carefully, considering factors like clinical support and online flexibility. Those seeking advanced educational paths may also explore related topics such as the career outlook with a doctorate in nursing, which can complement midwifery practice and leadership roles.

Which advanced degrees support career advancement for CNMs in North Dakota?

Advanced degrees play a significant role in expanding career opportunities for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in North Dakota, offering pathways into leadership, clinical expertise, and academic roles. Various graduate and post-graduate programs cater to different professional goals and prior qualifications.

• MSN Nurse-Midwifery Focus: This degree is essential for CNM practice and prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical roles and certification. It also serves as a foundation for administrative or teaching positions within nursing education.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: As the highest clinical degree, the DNP equips CNMs for executive leadership, policy development, and advanced clinical practice. Graduates often pursue roles such as clinical directors, healthcare administrators, or university faculty.
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Midwifery: Designed for nurses with an MSN in another specialty, this certificate allows practitioners to gain midwifery certification without a full degree, supporting expanded clinical or dual-specialty practice.
• Dual Specialization Programs: Combining nurse-midwifery with women’s health nurse practitioner training, these programs offer dual certification, broadening clinical practice scope and leadership opportunities in women’s health services.

These advanced degrees not only enhance clinical expertise and leadership potential but also address North Dakota’s growing need for nurse midwives—particularly important given the state’s relatively low employment levels in this profession, as shown in the chart below.

What organizations accredit nurse midwife programs in North Dakota?

The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) stands as the sole accrediting body for nurse midwife programs in North Dakota, ensuring rigorous educational standards are met. This exclusivity reflects ACME’s national recognition and its critical role in shaping qualified CNMs.

ACME is the only organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit nurse-midwifery education programs, highlighting its unique authority in this field. Its accreditation confirms that programs maintain high academic and clinical standards necessary for preparing students to pass the national certification exam administered by AMCB. This exam is essential for practice and licensure in North Dakota.

While other nursing programs in the state, such as those at North Dakota State University, may hold accreditation from bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), these do not apply to nurse midwifery specifically. As a result, prospective students must prioritize enrolling in ACME-accredited programs to fulfill licensure requirements and ensure eligibility for certification. This distinction is crucial, especially when considering nurse midwife program cost in North Dakota, as investing in a non-ACME-accredited program could impede a graduate’s ability to practice.

Despite ACME’s exclusivity, some may question whether multiple accrediting bodies could offer broader perspectives or innovations in midwifery education. However, the consistency provided by a single, specialized accreditor helps maintain uniform standards across programs nationwide, which is critical for the safety and competence of midwives.

For those comparing options or deciding which nursing specialization is better, understanding these accreditation nuances is vital. The tuition and fees for nurse midwife school North Dakota are therefore reflective not only of educational content but also of meeting these stringent accreditation requirements.

What do nurse midwives in North Dakota say about their careers?

• Completing my nurse midwifery program at the University of North Dakota was a transformative experience that grounded me deeply in the healthcare needs of rural communities. Starting a teaching career in a local school allowed me to share my knowledge and passion for midwifery with eager students, fostering a new generation of compassionate caregivers. The strong sense of community here and the unique challenges posed by North Dakota’s vast landscapes have made my work both meaningful and rewarding. I truly appreciate the balance between professional growth and personal fulfillment that this career offers. Andrea
• Choosing to pursue nurse midwifery in North Dakota was driven by my desire to give back to the community where I grew up. After graduating from Minot State University’s program, I found incredible opportunities for personal growth, especially in navigating the distinct cultural and environmental aspects of the state. Working closely with families and supporting local health initiatives has deepened my commitment to this profession. It’s a privilege to contribute positively to the well-being of young mothers and their babies in this unique setting. Kayleigh
• My journey through the nurse midwifery program at Dickinson State University equipped me with both the clinical skills and professional confidence I needed to thrive. Starting my teaching career in a local school further expanded my perspective, allowing me to mentor future nurse midwives and stay engaged with evolving healthcare practices. North Dakota’s supportive healthcare environment and opportunities for career advancement have made this path incredibly rewarding. I find great satisfaction in helping students develop their expertise while continuing to grow in my own profession. Hector

Other Things You Need to Know About Becoming a Nurse Midwife in North Dakota

Can I be a midwife without a nursing degree in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, you cannot become a CNM without a nursing degree. The state requires nurse midwives to hold an RN license, which necessitates completing an accredited nursing program. After becoming an RN, candidates must earn a graduate-level degree in nurse-midwifery from an accredited program.

Midwives who do not have a nursing degree may pursue certification as a certified professional midwife (CPM) instead. CPMs focus on out-of-hospital births and have different education and licensing requirements that do not mandate a nursing background. However, this path is distinct from becoming a nurse midwife, which involves specialized clinical training and certification through the AMCB.

Therefore, aspiring nurse midwives in North Dakota must first become registered nurses before advancing to midwifery education and certification. This ensures they meet the state’s clinical and professional standards for nurse midwifery practice.

What is the difference between a nurse midwife and a midwife in North Dakota?

A nurse midwife is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in midwifery, often holding a master's or doctoral degree. They are licensed healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive care, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services, and often have prescriptive authority. In North Dakota, nurse midwives are regulated by the Board of Nursing and must meet specific certification and licensure requirements.

In contrast, a midwife without the nursing background may be trained through various pathways, including direct-entry midwifery programs, and their scope of practice can vary widely depending on state laws and certification. Globally, midwives often focus primarily on childbirth and maternal health but may not have the medical training or authority to perform the broader health services nurse midwives provide.

Overall, the key difference lies in the clinical training and licensure: nurse midwives combine nursing and midwifery skills with a regulated medical framework, while midwives without nursing credentials may have more limited scopes depending on regional regulations.

Is a midwife in North Dakota higher than an RN?

In North Dakota, the professional hierarchy between a midwife and a registered nurse (RN) depends largely on education, certification, and scope of practice rather than a simple ranking. CNMs are APRNs who have completed graduate-level education and specialized training in midwifery.

According to the North Dakota Board of Nursing, CNMs have a broader scope of practice than RNs, including autonomous management of prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, as well as gynecological services. While RNs typically hold an associate or bachelor’s degree and provide general nursing care, CNMs combine nursing with midwifery skills, which often places them "higher" in terms of specialized expertise and responsibility.

Statistically, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that CNMs earn a median annual wage of approximately $115,000 nationally, significantly higher than the median RN salary of about $77,600. North Dakota’s salaries may vary, but reflect similar trends. Thus, in North Dakota, a midwife (specifically a CNM) is generally considered to have a higher level of training and responsibility compared to an RN, though both play essential roles in healthcare delivery.

Is becoming a nurse midwife in North Dakota hard?

Becoming a nurse midwife in North Dakota is challenging but achievable with dedication and proper planning. The pathway requires completing a registered nursing program followed by a graduate-level nurse midwifery program accredited by ACME. Candidates must hold an active RN license in North Dakota before advancing.

The educational process typically involves rigorous coursework in advanced clinical practice, women’s health, and prenatal care, alongside supervised clinical hours. After completing the program, candidates must pass the national certification exam administered by AMCB to become a CNM.

Licensure in North Dakota includes meeting state-specific requirements and maintaining continuing education. While demanding, the career offers rewarding opportunities in women’s health care. Prospective students should prepare for a disciplined academic and clinical experience, but can find strong support through state nursing boards and professional organizations throughout their journey.

References:

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• North Dakota State Government. (2025). Explore Programs and Majors. RUReady.ND.gov
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• Zippia. (2025). Certified nurse midwife demographics and statistics in the US. Zippia