Best Online Graduate Certificate Nurse Midwifery Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from these online nurse midwifery programs?

Online graduate certificate nurse midwifery programs are designed to provide advanced training in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. While delivered primarily online, these programs maintain rigorous academic standards and include both theoretical and hands-on clinical components. Here’s what students can typically expect:

• Core Curriculum: Coursework covers topics such as advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, prenatal and postpartum care, labor and delivery management, and newborn assessment. Evidence-based practice and cultural competence are often emphasized.
• Clinical Training: Despite being online, these programs require in-person clinical hours. Students complete supervised practicum experiences in settings such as hospitals, birthing centers, or OB/GYN clinics, often arranged near their home location.
• Part-Time or Full-Time Options: Many programs offer flexible pacing to accommodate working nurses. Completion timelines may range from 12 to 24 months depending on the program and the student’s schedule.
• Faculty Support and Online Resources: Students engage with experienced nurse-midwifery faculty through virtual lectures, discussion boards, and one-on-one advising. Access to digital libraries, simulation tools, and academic support services is commonly included.
• Certification Preparation: These programs are structured to meet the requirements for graduates to sit for the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), provided they meet eligibility criteria.

Overall, students can expect a rigorous, supportive, and career-focused experience that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the nurse-midwifery field confidently.

Where can I work with a graduate certificate in nurse midwifery?

Earning a graduate certificate in nurse midwifery opens up a variety of rewarding career paths in both clinical and community-based settings. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are in high demand across the U.S., especially in areas where access to maternal care is limited. With this credential, you can work in diverse healthcare environments that focus on women’s reproductive and maternal health.

Common employment settings include:

• Hospitals and Medical Centers: CNMs often work in labor and delivery units, providing prenatal care, assisting with childbirth, and managing postpartum recovery.
• Birthing Centers: These facilities focus on natural childbirth and often employ midwives to lead care in a more personalized, low-intervention setting.
• OB/GYN and Women’s Health Clinics: Midwives in these settings provide routine gynecological care, family planning services, and reproductive health education.
• Community Health Organizations: Some midwives work with underserved populations, offering care in rural areas, public health departments, or nonprofit organizations.
• Private Practice or Collaborative Groups: CNMs may also practice independently or as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, working alongside physicians and other specialists.

A graduate certificate equips you with the specialized training and qualifications to provide high-quality, holistic care throughout a woman's reproductive lifespan, positioning you for meaningful roles in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

How much can I make with a graduate certificate in nurse midwifery?

A graduate certificate in nurse midwifery can significantly boost your earning potential, especially if you pursue certification and licensure as a certified nurse-midwife. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNMs earned a median annual salary of $125,900 as of May 2023. Salaries can vary depending on your location, years of experience, and the type of healthcare setting in which you work.

Here’s a general breakdown of potential earnings:

• Entry-Level CNMs: Typically earn between $90,000 to $110,000 annually.
• Experienced CNMs: Often make $130,000 or more, especially in high-demand urban or underserved rural areas.
• Top Earners: Those in leadership, private practice, or specialized roles can earn over $150,000 annually.

In addition to competitive salaries, many midwives receive comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. With growing demand for maternal and reproductive healthcare, nurse midwives with graduate-level training are well-positioned for both financial and professional growth.

List of the Best Graduate Certificate in Online Nurse Midwifery Programs for 2025

1. Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University offers one of the most respected and long-standing distance‑education midwifery programs in the U.S. Its post-graduate certificate (PGC) nurse-midwife program that blends 100% online coursework with local clinical placements tailored for rural and underserved care settings. This PGC is ideal if you wish to specialize in nurse midwifery after earning a master's or higher degree in an advanced practice registered nurse specialty.

Students benefit from a community-focused curriculum and faculty with extensive rural and underserved care experience. Full-time students can finish the program in 21 months or 7 terms, while part-time students can finish it in 27 months or 9 terms.

• Location: Versailles, KY
• Program Length: 21-27 months
• Credits Required: 42
• Cost: $705 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) 

2. Georgetown University

The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University offers a post-graduate certificate program in nurse-midwifery designed for APRNs who want to advance their careers and pursue board certification as a nurse midwife. Through this program, students with a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, or DNAP) will learn how to provide primary, sexual, reproductive health, antepartum, labor, birth, postpartum, and newborn care for individuals across the lifespan. Upon completion of the PCG program, you will be eligible for the certified nurse-midwife (CNM) credential.

The program requires 27 minimum credits and 1,000+ clinical hours. Each student will follow an individualized plan of study based on a gap analysis conducted by faculty, and this will determine how many credit hours are required above the minimum.

• Location: Washington, DC
• Program Length: 16-24 months
• Credits Required: 27
• Cost: $2,652 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a post-graduate nurse midwifery track that requires 39 semester hours. This is a distance education program with web-enhanced courses that combine both face-to-face classroom and online learning activities. It features regional clinical placements and a focus on serving diverse and underserved populations. Completing this program qualifies you to take the American Midwifery Certification Board exam.

• Location: Lubbock, TX
• Program Length: 12-24 months
• Credits Required: 39
• Cost: $1,013 per semester hour (TX resident) | $1,418 per semester hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: CCNE, SACSCOC

4. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University offers an Advanced Certificate-Nurse Midwifery program designed for master's- and doctorate-prepared nurses who want to continue graduate education to specialize in nurse midwifery. The midwifery specialization prepares nurses for the care of women across the lifespan and for the provision of and collaboration in the care of mothers and the healthy newborn with a focus on normal birth in a variety of settings.

Graduates from this post-MSN certificate program will be eligible for certification in New York State and are also eligible for national certification in the program specialty.

• Location: Stony Brook, NY
• Program Length: 3 years
• Credits Required: 22
• Cost: $471 per credit
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)

5. East Carolina University

East Carolina University offers a post-master's certificate with nurse-midwifery concentration. The coursework for this program is offered online, so the university welcomes distance education students and tries to accommodate their clinical placement needs.

Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board exam. Passing this exam earns you the title of certified nurse-midwife.

• Location: Greenville, NC
• Program Length: 24 months
• Credits Required: 23-41
• Cost: $300 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus offers a post-graduate certificate in nurse-midwifery for nurses with an MSN and who want to branch out into a new practice area. You will learn how to help females with their reproductive and primary care needs. The program follows a hybrid online format, where courses are mostly online with some in-person requirements. Denver- and Aurora-based students are guaranteed spots to train at the university's midwifery clinics and work alongside their mentors.

The program requires 20 credit hours of coursework and 700+ hours of clinical training. When you finish this post-grad certificate program, you can sit for the CNM exam.

• Location: Denver, CO
• Program Length: 1.5 years
• Credits Required: 20
• Estimated Total Tuition: $28,836 (CO residents) | $46,728 (non-residents)
• Accreditation: CCNE

How long does it typically take to complete graduate certificate in online nurse midwifery programs?

The duration of online AGACNP graduate certificate programs and other similar online graduate certificate in nurse midwifery programs typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the program structure, the student’s previous education, and whether they study full-time or part-time.

Most programs are designed for registered nurses (RNs) or advanced practice nurses (APRNs) who already hold a master’s degree in nursing or a related field.

Here’s what to expect:

• Full-Time Study: Programs can often be completed in about 12 to 16 months, including both didactic coursework and clinical training.
• Part-Time Study: For working professionals balancing employment and education, the program may extend to 18 to 24 months.
• Clinical Hours Requirement: Most programs include 600–1,000+ hours of clinical practicum, which can affect completion time depending on clinical site availability and scheduling.

While the programs are primarily online, some may require limited on-campus intensives or simulation-based training, which can also influence the overall timeline.

If you are an RN and haven't started with your MSN yet, you should just choose an MSN with a nurse midwifery concentration. You can even look into accelerated nurse midwifery MSN degree online programs so you could become a CNM much faster.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online nurse midwifery graduate certificate program?

Before enrolling in an online graduate certificate program in nurse midwifery, such as an MBA in engineering management online, applicants must meet several academic and professional prerequisites to ensure they are prepared for advanced midwifery training. These requirements vary by school but generally include the following:

• Registered Nurse Licensure: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the U.S., typically in the state where you plan to complete clinical hours.
• Graduate Degree in Nursing: Most programs require applicants to have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited institution. Some programs may accept applicants with a BSN if the program leads to a dual MSN and certificate.
• Professional Experience: Many schools prefer or require at least one to two years of clinical nursing experience, ideally in women’s health, obstetrics, or related fields.
• Graduate GPA: A minimum GPA—usually 3.0 or higher—in previous graduate-level coursework is often required.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment is typically needed before starting midwifery-specific courses.
• Additional Materials: Applicants usually need to submit a resume or CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and sometimes complete an admissions interview.

Meeting these prerequisites ensures that students have the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary to succeed in a rigorous nurse midwifery program and transition into advanced practice roles.

If you have an associate degree in nursing and would want to proceed to earning your MSN, you don't have to pursue a BSN before enrolling in a master's degree anymore. You can instead check out ADN to MSN bridge programs.

The chart below illustrates the need for obstetric clinicians -- which include certified nurse midwives, certified midwives, and obstetricians-gynecologists -- in the country. Over 35% of the counties in the U.S. are considered maternity care deserts. Maternity care deserts are counties where maternity care is not available to those who need it. This means that 1,104 counties do not have a single birthing facility or obstetric clinician. These counties have over 2.3 million women of child-bearing age and, in 2022, over 150,000 babies were born here.

What is the average cost of graduate certificate in online nurse midwifery programs?

The cost of earning a graduate certificate in nurse midwifery online can vary widely depending on the institution, credit requirements, and whether you're considered in-state or out-of-state. Most online graduate certificates in nurse midwifery cost between $10,000 and $35,000 overall. Some institutions, like Texas Tech and East Carolina, offer very affordable in-state options (~$10K–$11K). High-end programs such as Georgetown can cost upwards of $80,000, reflecting their prestige and brand.

For those considering MSN health systems management salary outcomes, it’s important to weigh program costs against potential career advancement and earning potential in nursing leadership or administration roles.

Make sure to look for affordable RN to MSN online programs, too, to make things easy on your pocket.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in graduate certificate in online nurse midwifery programs?

While graduate certificate programs may not always qualify for the same level of federal aid as full degree programs, there are still several financial aid options available to help reduce the cost of an online nurse midwifery certificate:

• Federal Financial Aid: Some accredited programs qualify for federal aid, such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Eligibility often depends on enrollment status and whether the school participates in Title IV funding. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their options.
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing advanced nursing certifications, especially when the training benefits the organization.
• Scholarships and Grants: Professional organizations like the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and other nursing associations offer scholarships specifically for midwifery and women’s health students. Some universities also offer institutional scholarships based on academic merit or financial need.
• Private Student Loans: Students who do not qualify for federal aid may consider private loans through banks or credit unions. These should be approached cautiously and compared for interest rates and repayment terms.
• Loan Repayment Programs: After graduation, nurse-midwives working in underserved or high-need areas may be eligible for loan forgiveness through programs like the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) or state-level loan repayment initiatives.

Exploring these financial aid options early can make graduate certificate programs in nurse midwifery more accessible and affordable, especially for working professionals balancing tuition with other responsibilities.

What courses are typically included in graduate certificate online nurse midwifery programs?

Graduate certificate programs in nurse midwifery are designed to equip registered nurses or advanced practice nurses with the specialized knowledge and clinical skills needed to provide comprehensive care to women throughout the reproductive lifespan.

Similar to BSN to PhD online programs, these certificates blend advanced theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical practicum experiences. While course offerings vary by institution, most programs include a mix of the following core courses:

• Advanced Women's Health and Reproductive Care: Covers normal and high-risk conditions across the reproductive lifespan, including contraception, fertility, and menopause management.
• Antepartum and Intrapartum Care: Focuses on prenatal assessment, fetal development, labor support, and the management of childbirth.
• Postpartum and Newborn Care: Prepares students to provide care for mothers and newborns following delivery, including lactation support and early infant health monitoring.
• Advanced Pharmacology for Midwifery: Teaches safe and effective use of medications in women’s health and pregnancy, including pain management and emergency interventions.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Emphasizes holistic, preventive care strategies for women across various life stages.
• Professional Issues in Midwifery: Addresses ethics, legal responsibilities, collaborative care, and cultural competency in midwifery practice.
• Clinical Practicum Courses: Students complete supervised hands-on training in real-world settings, such as hospitals, birthing centers, and OB/GYN clinics. These practicums are essential for building competency in providing midwifery care.

Most programs are aligned with national certification standards and are structured to prepare students for the Certified Nurse-Midwife exam upon completion.

The image below shows that not all CNMs in the country have the authority to practice independently or without doctor supervision.

How can I choose the best online nurse midwifery graduate certificate program?

Choosing the best online nurse midwifery graduate certificate program involves careful consideration of your professional goals, schedule, budget, and clinical training opportunities. With many programs available, it's important to evaluate each option based on key factors that impact the quality and outcome of your education.

Here are some important criteria to help guide your decision:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and the institution is regionally accredited. This is essential for certification eligibility and ensures academic quality.
• Certification Preparation: Choose a program that prepares graduates to sit for the CNM exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
• Curriculum and Clinical Requirements: Review the course offerings and make sure they align with your career goals. Also, check how many clinical hours are required and whether the school assists in securing clinical placements near your location.
• Flexibility and Format: Consider whether the program is fully online or hybrid, and if it offers part-time options that accommodate your work and family responsibilities.
• Reputation and Faculty: Look into the program’s rankings, faculty credentials, and graduate outcomes. Programs with experienced nurse-midwifery instructors and strong student support services tend to provide better learning experiences.
• Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition rates, hidden fees, and available financial aid or scholarships. Consider both affordability and long-term return on investment.
• Student Support and Technology: Evaluate the quality of online learning platforms, academic advising, career counseling, and access to resources like virtual libraries and tech support.

By assessing programs based on these criteria, you can confidently choose a certificate that not only fits your lifestyle but also sets you up for success in a fulfilling midwifery career.

You can also look into accelerated graduate certificate program in nurse midwifery online. The duration and time factor are not that different and you will still be looking into the same criteria.

The chart below shows that because of the advanced level of education and training one needs to become a certified nurse midwife, a majority of these APRNs belong to the 40-and-up age group.

What are the differences between graduate certificate on-campus and online nurse midwifery programs?

While both on-campus and online graduate certificate programs in nurse midwifery prepare students for advanced practice and certification, they differ in how the coursework is delivered, the learning environment, and the level of flexibility offered. Understanding these differences can help you decide which format best suits your lifestyle and learning preferences.

Key differences include:

Learning Format

• On-Campus: Classes are held in person, requiring regular attendance at a physical location.
• Online: Coursework is delivered through virtual platforms, often allowing asynchronous learning so you can complete assignments on your own schedule.

Flexibility

• On-Campus: Offers structured schedules with less flexibility, ideal for those who prefer face-to-face instruction and a set routine.
• Online: Provides greater flexibility for working nurses or those with family commitments, enabling you to balance study, work, and personal life.

Interaction with Faculty and Peers

• On-Campus: Allows for immediate, in-person discussions and networking opportunities.
• Online: Interaction happens through discussion boards, video conferencing, and virtual group projects, which can still be engaging but require self-motivation.

Clinical Training

• Both formats require in-person clinical rotations, but on-campus programs may arrange them locally through affiliated facilities. Online programs often allow students to complete clinical hours at approved sites near their residence.

Access to Resources

• On-Campus: Immediate access to campus facilities like libraries, labs, and simulation centers.
• Online: Access to digital resources, virtual simulations, and remote library databases, though some hands-on skills may require short on-campus intensives.

In short, on-campus programs offer a more traditional, immersive experience, while online programs prioritize flexibility and accessibility without compromising academic rigor or clinical requirements -- even if we're talking about the shortest online MSN programs.

What is the job outlook for graduates of online nurse midwifery programs?

The future looks promising for those pursuing a graduate certificate in nurse midwifery, with steady demand and meaningful opportunities ahead:

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nurse midwives is projected to grow by 7.1% between 2023 and 2033, generating approximately 500 new jobs within the decade, from 7,200 in 2023 to 7,700 in 2033.
• There's a substantial shortage of maternity care providers in many U.S. counties. More than 60% of counties lack any CNM or certified midwife, and 47% have no OB-GYN. 
• The U.S. currently averages just 4 midwives per 1,000 births, whereas the target is 25 per 1,000. Meeting that goal would require adding approximately 93,000 midwives nationwide. 
• Demand for CNMs is increasing across diverse settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and community clinics. Institutions are increasingly hiring midwives to help mitigate OB-GYN shortages and offer more personalized maternal care. 

Pursuing an online nurse midwifery graduate certificate positions you for a meaningful and stable career in a field that urgently needs skilled professionals. Whether in rural communities or evolving care settings, your expertise can make a tangible difference.

What career paths are available for graduates of online nurse midwifery programs?

Earning an online nurse midwifery graduate certificate opens doors to diverse career opportunities within maternal and reproductive healthcare. While many graduates choose direct patient care, others find fulfilling roles in leadership, education, and advocacy.

• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Provide comprehensive prenatal, childbirth, postpartum, and reproductive healthcare services in hospitals, birthing centers, or home birth settings.
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Offer broader women’s health services beyond maternity care, including gynecological exams, family planning, and menopause management.
• Labor & Delivery Nurse Educator: Teach future nurses or provide continuing education for practicing professionals on maternity care, lactation, and newborn care.
• Public Health Midwife: Work in community health organizations to improve maternal and infant outcomes, especially in underserved areas.
• Maternal Health Program Coordinator: Oversee initiatives that enhance prenatal and postpartum care, birth safety, and maternal wellness.

Alternative and Related Roles

• Global Health Midwifery Specialist: Collaborate with international NGOs or humanitarian agencies to improve maternal care in low-resource settings.
• Policy Advocate: Work with government agencies or advocacy groups to influence legislation and policies supporting midwifery and maternal health access.
• Telehealth Midwife: Provide virtual consultations, prenatal education, and postpartum support, especially for patients in rural or underserved locations.

With the flexibility of an online nurse midwifery graduate certificate, graduates can shape a career that blends hands-on clinical work with opportunities in leadership, education, or advocacy, depending on their interests and long-term goals. This adaptability also allows professionals to transition between roles as their careers evolve.

If you want to pursue your doctor of nursing practice degree and further broaden your options and strengthen your earning potential, there are accelerated DNP programs available.

How can accelerated BSN programs enhance my nurse midwifery career pathway?

Accelerated BSN programs serve as a fast‐track option for individuals transitioning into nursing, providing a solid clinical and theoretical foundation in a condensed timeframe. This rigorous preparation can be instrumental when planning to advance into specialized fields such as nurse midwifery. Students completing these programs not only gain essential bedside skills but also position themselves to meet the prerequisites for advanced certificates and degrees in midwifery. For those evaluating streamlined educational pathways, exploring accelerated BSN programs may offer insight into efficient ways to merge foundational nursing education with targeted midwifery training.

Here's What Certified Nurse Midwives Have to Say About Their Career

Other Things You Should Know About the Best Graduate Certificate in Online Nurse Midwifery Programs

Can I pursue a nurse midwifery graduate certificate if my MSN is in a non-clinical specialty?

Yes, many programs accept MSN graduates from non-clinical specialties, though you may need to complete additional bridge or prerequisite courses. The goal is to ensure you have the necessary advanced practice nursing foundation before moving into midwifery-specific content. Admission requirements vary by school.

Are online nurse midwifery graduate certificates available to international students?

Some programs do accept international applicants, but you’ll need to meet U.S. licensing and visa requirements. Additionally, clinical placements generally must be completed in the United States, which may require relocation. Always check the school’s policies before applying.

Can I work full-time while completing the program?

Many students do continue working while enrolled, especially in part-time tracks. However, the clinical components can be time-intensive, so balancing both requires strong time management. Employers may also offer flexible scheduling or tuition assistance to support your studies.

Will completing a graduate certificate in nurse midwifery expand my scope of practice?

Yes, once you pass the AMCB CNM exam and meet your state’s licensure requirements, you can provide a broader range of services, including prenatal, birth, postpartum, and women’s health care. This advanced scope can open new career opportunities and leadership roles.