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

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With Utah experiencing a 15% growth in demand for midwifery services over the past decade, the opportunity for stable and impactful careers in this field is significant. Nurse midwives in Utah benefit from competitive salaries and the ability to provide vital maternal care in both urban and rural settings. However, many aspiring nurse midwives in Utah may find the educational path a challenging one.

This article, prepared by career planning experts, outlines the current schooling requirements, certification processes, and practical steps needed to pursue nurse midwifery in Utah. It will helps you navigate the career pathway with clarity and confidence.

Key Points About Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Utah

Complete a graduate-level nurse midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education to meet Utah licensure requirements.
Obtain certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board, which is essential for legal practice and employment in Utah.
Understand Utah’s demand for nurse midwives is growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 12% job growth rate in this field statewide through the next decade.

What is the minimum degree requirement to become a nurse midwife in Utah?
What are the admission requirements for nurse midwife programs in Utah?
What courses are included in nurse midwife programs in Utah?
What are the clinical training requirements for nurse midwife programs in Utah?
How long does it take to become a certified nurse midwife in Utah?
How much does it cost to attend nurse midwife school in Utah?
What financial aid options are available for nurse midwife students in Utah?
What are the top accredited nurse midwife schools in Utah?
Which advanced degrees support career advancement for CNMs in Utah?
What organizations accredit nurse midwife programs in Utah?
What factors should you consider when choosing a nurse midwife program in Utah?
Other Things You Need to Know About Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Utah

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

To become a nurse midwife program in Utah, you need to complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a specialization in midwifery. This graduate degree is mandated by state law and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing as a prerequisite for applying for Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) licensure.

The MSN program typically builds on a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and active RN licensure, taking approximately 2 to 3 years to complete. Obtaining this degree ensures candidates have acquired the essential knowledge and clinical skills necessary for competent midwifery practice. Only those who provide official transcripts confirming this level of education are eligible to become licensed nurse midwives in Utah.

Completing an MSN with a midwifery focus equips students with a comprehensive foundation in nursing and specialized midwifery care, covering areas such as prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn care. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and includes supervised clinical experiences to develop proficiency in managing women’s health across the lifespan.

This rigorous preparation aligns with the responsibilities expected of nurse midwives and supports their role in providing high-quality primary care. Given the advanced training required, it is notable that nurse midwives in Utah earn a competitive wage, reflecting the profession’s value and demand, as highlighted by the highest paying nursing career options reported in recent labor statistics.

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

Nurse midwife programs in Utah demand rigorous academic and professional qualifications to ensure candidates are well-prepared for advanced practice. The criteria encompass educational background, licensure, experience, and specific program requirements.

Minimum Degree Requirement: Applicants to the University of Utah typically require a BSN, while the Midwives College of Utah accepts a bachelor’s degree in any field for its Master of Science in Midwifery program with additional prerequisites.
Active Nursing or Midwifery License: A current, unencumbered RN license is mandatory for programs leading to CNM status. Some programs also accept Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) or CNM credentials.
Minimum GPA Requirement: Competitive applicants generally present a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, particularly in nursing or related science courses.
Letters of Recommendation: Submission of professional or academic letters endorsing clinical skills and professionalism is required.
Clinical Experience: Preference is given to candidates with labor and delivery nursing experience, and certifications such as Neonatal Resuscitation and Basic Life Support are required for certain programs.
Personal Statement or Essay: Applicants must provide a statement outlining their career goals and dedication to nurse-midwifery practice.
Interview Requirement: Some programs include an interview process, which may be conducted in person or virtually.
Admission Requirements for International Students: International applicants must demonstrate degree equivalency, English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS, and comply with visa regulations.
Unique Utah Program Requirements: The University of Utah mandates completion of an eight-week full-time Nurse-Midwifery internship, while MCU requires attendance at Integrated Skills Assessments in Salt Lake City during the bachelor’s program.
Additional Coursework: Applicants with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees must complete prerequisite courses in ethics, law, and evidence-informed practice before admission to the master’s program at MCU.

To better understand the financial outlook for this career, the image below shows the average salary of CNMs in Utah.

How much can certified nurse midwives earn?

What courses are included in nurse midwife programs in Utah?

The nurse midwife program curriculum in Utah is carefully structured to develop advanced clinical expertise and holistic care capabilities. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice to meet Utah nurse midwifery course requirements effectively.

Advanced Health Assessment: Develops skills to conduct thorough physical, psychosocial, and cultural evaluations of women, essential for identifying health variations across different life stages.
Advanced Pharmacology: Teaches principles of medication management, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, preparing students to safely prescribe and monitor drug therapies for women and newborns.
Reproductive Physiology: Provides a detailed understanding of normal and pathological functions of the female reproductive system, critical for managing reproductive health and pregnancy.
Maternal and Newborn Care: Covers comprehensive care during antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn periods, equipping students to support normal pregnancy and birth processes.
Fetal Evaluation: Focuses on fetal well-being assessment techniques, enabling early detection and intervention for potential complications.
Healthcare for Women and Primary Care: Addresses preventive care and common health issues in women, reflecting Utah’s emphasis on primary care across all ages.
Advanced Pathophysiology: Explores disease mechanisms relevant to women’s health, enhancing diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills.
Perspectives in Nurse-Midwifery: Introduces professional ethics, regulatory frameworks, and cultural considerations specific to Utah’s midwifery practice.
Evidence-Based Practice: Trains students to critically analyze and apply current research to clinical decision-making to ensure high-quality care.
Equity and Anti-Oppression in Midwifery Care: Emphasizes culturally sensitive and inclusive care, addressing social determinants of health and systemic inequities.

Aspiring nurse midwives can also explore how many years to become a family nurse practitioner to understand overlapping educational pathways in advanced nursing roles.

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

Nurse midwife programs in Utah require candidates to complete extensive clinical training, typically ranging from 500 to 1,000 supervised hours. While the state does not mandate a specific number of hours, programs must align with national certification standards.

Clinical training takes place in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals for labor and postpartum care, birthing centers focused on low-intervention deliveries, and OB/GYN clinics offering prenatal and gynecologic services.

The clinical curriculum focuses on core competencies such as prenatal assessments, labor and delivery management, postpartum support, newborn evaluations, and primary care for women. These competencies follow guidelines set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) to ensure students are fully prepared for real-world practice.

Preceptors—experienced CNMs or qualified healthcare professionals—guide students through hands-on learning, offering feedback and confirming readiness for independent practice.

To qualify for licensure, candidates must hold an active Utah RN license, complete an accredited nurse-midwifery program, and pass the national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Utah does not require collaborative agreements with physicians, allowing CNMs to practice independently within their scope. This regulatory structure supports clinical autonomy and highlights the importance of robust training to prepare for solo practice.

The chart below highlights the top employers of nurse midwives, offering insight into where graduates are most likely to build their careers.

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

Becoming a certified nurse midwife in Utah begins with earning a BSN from an accredited institution, which typically requires four years of full-time study. After completing the BSN, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain an active RN license in Utah. This licensure process generally takes a few months following graduation, allowing graduates to begin clinical practice as a registered nurse.

Most aspiring nurse midwives then gain at least one year of clinical experience working as an RN, a common prerequisite for admission into graduate-level nurse-midwifery programs. Candidates pursue either an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in nurse-midwifery. These graduate programs require two to three years of study, depending on whether the student attends full or part time, and include advanced coursework alongside extensive clinical training that meets national accreditation standards.

After completing the graduate degree, candidates must successfully pass the national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board to earn credentialing as a certified nurse midwife. In Utah, applicants then submit documentation such as transcripts, certification proof, and fingerprints for a background check to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

While Utah follows national clinical hour requirements without additional state mandates, recent updates to fingerprinting protocols effective July 2025 may cause minor licensing delays. Overall, this process typically spans seven to eight years from the start of nursing education to full CNM licensure in Utah.

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

The nurse midwife program tuition in Utah varies significantly between public and private institutions, with the University of Utah and the Midwives College of Utah (MCU) representing the primary options. The University of Utah's DNP Nurse Midwifery program charges approximately $3,963.36 per credit hour for Utah residents and $7,322.27 for non-residents, with an estimated total tuition exceeding $317,000 for residents and $585,000 for out-of-state students.

In contrast, MCU, a private institution, offers a more affordable tuition structure of $2,720 per trimester, resulting in an estimated total tuition ranging from $32,640 to $48,960 regardless of residency status.

Beyond tuition costs, students should consider additional expenses, including fees for enrollment, technology, simulation labs, and health services, which vary by institution and are typically assessed each semester or trimester. Textbooks and clinical supplies can add between $1,000 and $3,000 over the duration of the program, while uniforms and medical equipment may require several hundred dollars.

Licensure fees in Utah include a $130 application for Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) licensure, with an additional $100 fee for those seeking to prescribe controlled substances, plus the national certification exam costs set by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

When evaluating the cost of nurse midwifery school Utah, prospective students should also be aware of the substantial difference in tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state enrollment at public institutions, whereas private programs maintain consistent pricing regardless of residency.

Those considering this career path, or a good alternative may find it helpful to review the womens health nurse practitioner career path for additional guidance on educational and professional requirements.

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

Nurse midwife students in Utah have access to diverse financial aid options designed to ease the cost of their education and reduce debt burden. These resources include federal loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, alongside state-specific initiatives that support underrepresented populations and those serving in underserved areas.

Federal Student Loans: Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS Loans offer substantial funding with fixed interest rates, requiring repayment after graduation and credit checks for certain loans.
Federal Pell Grants: Limited availability for some post-baccalaureate programs, providing non-repayable aid primarily aimed at undergraduates.
Federal Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities offering awards between $4,000 and $8,000 annually without repayment obligations.
Utah-Specific Scholarships: Targeted funds like the NACPM Bigger Table Fund provide up to $1,000 for exam and licensure fees, especially for indigenous and LGBTQ students.
Institutional Scholarships: Merit- and need-based scholarships offered by local midwifery programs, with significant grant aid available at institutions such as the Midwives College of Utah.
Loan Repayment Programs: Federal and state programs assist those working in rural or underserved areas, including eligibility for the National Health Service Corps loan repayment.
FAFSA Completion: Essential for accessing most federal and institutional aid, with priority deadlines typically by March 1 each year.

A nurse midwife from Utah who graduated from a local school reflected on her financial aid journey with gratitude and realism. “Navigating the FAFSA was daunting at first, but once I secured the Graduate PLUS Loan and institutional scholarships, I felt a weight lift,” she shared. She emphasized how the NACPM Bigger Table Fund helped cover critical licensure expenses, easing financial strain during exam preparation.

Despite initial anxiety about loan repayment, she appreciated the guidance her school provided about NHSC programs, which made her commitment to underserved communities feel supported both personally and financially. Her experience highlights the importance of proactive research and utilizing every available aid opportunity to succeed in Utah’s midwifery education landscape.

The image below shows how many nurse midwives currently practice in the U.S., helping put this profession’s growth and workforce impact into perspective.

What are the top accredited nurse midwife schools in Utah?

Selecting one of the accredited nurse midwifery programs in Utah is crucial for students aiming to become CNMs. Accreditation guarantees that the curriculum meets national standards, equipping graduates with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for certification and practice. These programs also offer diverse learning formats, including hybrid and online options, to accommodate working professionals.

University of Utah – Nurse Midwifery DNP Program: This program is the oldest continuously operating nurse-midwifery school west of the Mississippi and ranks among the top nurse midwife schools in Utah nationally. It combines evidence-based, woman-centered care with hybrid coursework and in-person clinical simulations in Salt Lake City, fostering both clinical expertise and leadership development.
University of Utah – Dual Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner DNP: Offering dual certification, this doctoral program integrates nurse-midwifery and women’s health nurse practitioner training. It features a hybrid structure emphasizing leadership, mentorship, and high-fidelity simulation to prepare graduates comprehensively for women's health and primary care roles.
Midwives College of Utah – Master of Science in Midwifery (MSM): Accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), this distance education program is designed for working professionals. It prioritizes student-centered learning with a focus on research methodologies and critical midwifery studies, providing flexibility for those balancing career and education.
Midwives College of Utah – Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM): This MEAC-accredited undergraduate program offers foundational midwifery education aligned with International Confederation of Midwives standards. Its affordability and distance-learning format make it accessible statewide, ideal for those beginning their midwifery careers.
Hybrid & Online Options at Utah Programs: Both the University of Utah and Midwives College of Utah provide flexible hybrid or online models. These options enable practicing RNs and other students to complete didactic coursework remotely while fulfilling clinical requirements locally, accommodating varied schedules and life commitments.

For detailed insights on nursing career pathways and what requirements are needed to become an obstetrics nurse, reviewing specialized resources can be invaluable. One such resource is about what requirements are needed to become an obstetrics nurse, which offers comprehensive guidance on this professional route.

Which advanced degrees support career advancement for CNMs in Utah?

Advanced degrees play a critical role in expanding the clinical expertise and leadership opportunities available to certified nurse midwives in Utah. These programs prepare CNMs for diverse roles in healthcare delivery, education, and administration.

Master of Science in Nursing: This degree is the foundational requirement for CNM licensure in Utah, providing advanced clinical knowledge and midwifery competencies essential for independent practice in women’s health and childbirth. MSN graduates can pursue clinical leadership and national certification.
Doctor of Nursing Practice: A three-year doctoral program focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and advanced clinical skills. DNP-prepared CNMs are qualified for healthcare administration, clinical program leadership, and policy advocacy roles.
Dual DNP: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner/Midwifery Track: This dual certification program offers interdisciplinary training that enables graduates to work in reproductive health, primary care, and academic or administrative positions.
PhD in Nursing or Related Field: Designed for CNMs pursuing research, academic teaching, and policy development, PhD holders contribute to evidence-based practice and often hold university faculty roles.

To better understand where these qualifications are most in demand, the chart below illustrates the distribution of employed nurse midwives across various industries.

What organizations accredit nurse midwife programs in Utah?

The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) is the sole accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for nurse midwife programs in Utah and nationwide. ACME accreditation is essential for eligibility to become a CNM in the state. It ensures that programs meet rigorous national standards, including curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student support, and successful graduate outcomes.

Only graduates of ACME-accredited master’s or doctoral programs are eligible to take the Certified Nurse-Midwife exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which is a required step for licensure in Utah.

ACME offers three accreditation levels—pre-accreditation, initial accreditation, and continued accreditation—all of which qualify programs for CNM certification and state licensure. In contrast, the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) accredits direct-entry midwifery programs for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), which do not meet Utah’s licensure requirements for CNMs.

Therefore, prospective students aiming for CNM practice in Utah must ensure they enroll in an ACME-accredited program. This accreditation also reflects the academic and clinical rigor students can expect, influencing the overall cost and intensity of nurse midwifery education in the state.

For those researching pathways to advanced practice, exploring specialized options such as RN to MSN NP programs can be beneficial in understanding how accredited education routes align with career goals in Utah’s healthcare landscape.

What factors should you consider when choosing a nurse midwife program in Utah?

Evaluate each program by assessing essential criteria that directly impact your educational and career outcomes. Verify that the curriculum is offered by an ACME-accredited institution, ensuring that both academic standards and clinical training align with national best practices. Scrutinize clinical placement opportunities, faculty expertise, and the variety of hands-on experiences provided in diverse healthcare settings. Consider the balance between program duration, tuition costs, and available financial aid options to determine overall affordability. Also, examine program reputation through graduate success rates and licensure exam pass rates. For insight into advanced program standards, refer to the top nurse practitioner programs in Utah to compare comparable educational practices and outcomes.

What do nurse midwives in Utah say about their career?

Completing my nurse midwifery program at Westminster College was a transformative experience. The local focus of the curriculum really prepared me to serve Utah’s diverse communities effectively. Now, working as a nurse midwife in a rural area, I appreciate the unique challenges and rewards that come with practicing here—especially the strong sense of community and support. I find deep fulfillment in helping families bring new life into the world while respecting our state's rich cultural heritage. Utah truly offers a stable and rewarding career path for nurse midwives. Tamara
Starting my teaching career as a nurse midwife in a local school has been incredibly rewarding. Sharing my knowledge and passion for midwifery with the next generation feels meaningful, especially knowing that many of my students will stay and serve Utah’s communities. The balance between clinical practice and education has helped me grow professionally, and the opportunities for advancement here are excellent. I love being part of a profession that supports women and families in such a personal and impactful way. Keisha
Working as a nurse midwife in Utah has allowed me to experience tremendous personal growth while making a real difference in my community. The state's natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle provide a wonderful backdrop for work-life balance, which is essential in this demanding career. I completed my training at the University of Utah, where I gained not only clinical skills but also an appreciation for culturally sensitive care. I feel proud to contribute to improving maternal health outcomes in a state that values both innovation and tradition. Henny

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

Can I be a midwife without a nursing degree in Utah

No, you cannot become a CNM in Utah without first obtaining a nursing degree. To practice as a nurse midwife, you must be an RN, which requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. This credential is mandatory before advancing to midwifery education.

After becoming an RN, you need to complete a graduate-level midwifery program accredited by ACME. These programs typically confer an MSN or a DNP with a focus on midwifery.

Utah requires nurse midwives to be licensed both as registered nurses and as APRNs with a nurse midwife certification. Without a nursing degree and RN licensure, you cannot meet these licensing standards or practice legally as a nurse midwife in the state.

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

The primary difference between a nurse midwife and a midwife lies in their education, certification, and scope of practice. A nurse midwife, specifically a CNM, is a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education in midwifery and holds national certification. In Utah and across the United States, CNMs are licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe medications, manage prenatal care, deliver babies, and provide gynecological services. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

In contrast, a midwife may have various types of training and certifications depending on the state or country. In Utah, Licensed Midwives (LMs) are trained primarily in out-of-hospital birth settings and focus on natural childbirth with less medical intervention. Unlike CNMs, LMs are not nurses and typically have a narrower scope of practice, lacking prescription privileges and hospital admitting rights.

Globally, midwifery roles vary widely, but nurse midwives generally have a stronger medical foundation and broader responsibilities, while traditional or direct-entry midwives emphasize holistic, natural care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Is a midwife in Utah higher than a RN?

In Utah, the professional standing of a midwife compared to an RN depends largely on education, scope of practice, and certification rather than a simple hierarchy. Registered nurses typically hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. CNMs, who are advanced practice registered nurses with additional graduate-level training in midwifery, hold a higher clinical qualification than RNs.

According to the Utah Department of Health and the American College of Nurse-Midwives, CNMs can provide a broader range of services including prenatal care, labor and delivery management, and newborn care, which RNs generally do not. However, licensed direct-entry midwives (LDMs) in Utah, who do not hold nursing degrees, have a more limited scope and are not considered higher than RNs.

Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) shows CNMs earn a median annual wage of around $115,000 nationally, significantly higher than the $77,000 median for RNs, reflecting their advanced role and training.

Is becoming a nurse midwife in Utah hard?

Becoming a nurse midwife in Utah is challenging but achievable with dedication and proper planning. The process requires obtaining an RN license, typically through a BSNprogram. After gaining clinical experience, prospective candidates must complete a graduate-level nurse midwifery program accredited by ACME.

Admission to these programs can be competitive, demanding strong academic performance and relevant healthcare experience. Coursework and clinical training are rigorous, combining advanced nursing skills with specialized knowledge in midwifery care. After graduation, candidates must pass the national certification exam administered by AMCB.

Utah requires nurse midwives to hold an active RN license and maintain certification through continuing education. While the path is demanding, it offers a rewarding career focused on women’s health and childbirth. Proper preparation and commitment can help applicants succeed in this respected profession.

References:

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United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 3). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics | 29-1161 Nurse Midwives. BLS.