Vermont

Certified nurse midwives (CNM) are health care professionals which provide a variety of health care services for women of all ages. While most people associate the services of a nurse midwife with labor and delivery, these health care providers are also trained and qualified to conduct patient examinations, counseling, as well as to prescribe medication.

It is not unusual for nurse midwives to be part of a labor and delivery team associated with a local hospital while many others choose to become independent practitioners. Facilities that employ certified nurse midwifes include hospitals, birthing centers, and women's clinics. Certified nurse midwives are unique experts at caring for women during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. They consult with obstetricians, perinatologists, and other members of the healthcare team to deliver the best medical care for their clients.

The average salary of a certified nurse midwife is between $83,000 and $98,000 with independent practitioners able to earn well above $100,000 per year. To become a certified nurse midwife one must be a registered nurse, complete a graduate level nursing degree in midwifery, and pass a national certification. Certification is offered by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) as well as the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).