Training in Midwifery in Arizona
There are two ways to become a midwife in the state of Arizona. You can either become a Licensed Midwife by the state, or earn a Certified Nurse Midwife Masters Degree.
How to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified nurse midwives (CNM) are licensed as advanced practice nurses (APN) through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Achieving advanced practice licensure and CNM credentials starts by completing a master’s degree at minimum in nurse-midwifery before going on to become nationally certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Follow the steps in this guide to learn how to become a certified nurse-midwife in Arizona:
Step 1: Earn a Graduation Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
RNs interested in becoming nurse-midwives must earn a master’s degree or higher in nurse-midwifery through a graduate program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Given the limited availability of nurse-midwife programs at campus locations in the US, working RNs typically opt for the more flexible and convenient online graduate programs available through some of the nation’s leading schools.
Step 2: Earn National Certification in Nurse-Midwifery
The Arizona State Board of Nursing stipulates that all advanced practice nurses must be nationally certified in their area of expertise. The two organizations that sponsor relevant certifications for nurse midwives and women’s health NPs, respectively, are:
- American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) – sponsors the national Certificate in Nurse Midwifery
- National Certification Corporation – sponsors the national Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners WHNP-BC credential
Candidates will need to apply directly with these organizations, and once an application has been approved they can sign up to sit for their exam(s), which will be proctored by the testing company, Applied Measurement Professionals (APM).
Step 3: Apply for APN Status with the Arizona State Board of Nursing
After completing an accredited graduate program and earning national certification(s), candidates for advanced practice licensure will be ready to submit an application for APN status with the Arizona Board of Nursing. Applicants can indicate they are applying for APN status as a nurse midwife and/or women’s health nurse practitioner at the AZBN Nurse Portal.
Within a month of submitting an application, nurses will receive notice from the state board if their application is lacking any materials. Applicants can check the progress of their application with the board’s online verification system.
Step 4: Maintain Credentials and Explore New Career Opportunities
Once the Arizona State Board of Nursing indicates that a nurse’s APN status is active, new nurse midwives and/or women’s health NPs can start pursuing their career goals. Whatever career advancements new APNs make, it is important to remember to keep all necessary credentials current.
How to Become a Licensed Midwife
Becoming a licensed midwife in Arizona is attained through a series of tests and proof of your relevant experience in the field. This is typically done through NARM (North American Registry of Midwife). The NARM certification process is an evaluation of the applicant’s education and clinical training according to the standards set by the Portfolio Evaluation Process. All certification candidates must demonstrate the essential competencies identified by the NARM Job Analysis, either through completion of the Portfolio Evaluation Process or through a route determined by NARM as equivalent. All candidates, regardless of educational route, must complete the second step, which is the NARM Examination. The NARM Examination is designed to assure mastery of the didactic material that is necessary for clinical competence.
Once you’ve completed that training, or an equivalent apprenticeship under a LM, then you may apply for your own license with the state of Arizona.