How to Become a Midwife: Education, Certification, and Career Outlook

Midwifery is a fulfilling healthcare profession that blends science, empathy, and advocacy. Midwives play an essential role in maternal and newborn care around the world, supporting individuals through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Whether working in hospitals, birthing centers, or community clinics, midwives promote patient-centered care and often serve as champions for holistic, low-intervention birth experiences.

This guide breaks down how to become a midwife, the training you’ll need, and how Go Elective’s global health internships can enrich your journey into this rewarding career.

What Does a Midwife Do?

A midwife is a trained healthcare provider who specializes in reproductive health, particularly prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum support. Their scope of practice varies by country and region but typically includes:

• Monitoring maternal and fetal health
• Providing prenatal and postnatal education
• Supporting natural childbirth and minimizing unnecessary interventions
• Offering emotional and physical support during labor
• Assisting with newborn care and breastfeeding
• Educating patients on contraception and reproductive wellness

In many underserved areas, including parts of East Africa, midwives often function as primary caregivers for pregnant women, making their role even more critical. Global clinical experiences, such as those offered by Go Elective’s pre-midwifery internships, offer aspiring midwives the chance to shadow professionals and gain hands-on insight into maternal healthcare systems in low-resource settings.

Is Midwifery in Demand?

Absolutely. Midwifery is experiencing a resurgence in many countries, including the United States, where research shows that increased access to midwifery care is linked to lower cesarean rates, fewer maternal complications, and improved birth outcomes. The demand for certified midwives (CNMs and CMs) is projected to grow significantly, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a 7% increase in nurse-midwife jobs by 2032.

In the UK, midwives serve as the primary providers for low-risk pregnancies. Similarly, countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada integrate midwifery deeply into their healthcare systems.

Educational Pathway to Becoming a Midwife

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To begin your journey, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Common options include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The most direct route for those pursuing certification as a nurse-midwife (CNM). Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN and gain licensure as registered nurses before advancing to midwifery training.
• Bachelor’s in Biology or Human Biology: Provides foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and reproductive science.
• Bachelor’s in Public Health: Useful for those interested in community-based care and health equity.
• Bachelor’s in Psychology: Equips students with valuable communication and mental health support skills, particularly useful for maternal and postpartum care.

Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited Midwifery Program

After completing your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to attend a graduate-level midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs typically take two to three years and include:

• Advanced coursework in obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatal care
• Clinical placements in hospitals or birth centers
• Extensive hands-on training under licensed preceptors

Many programs accept only registered nurses (RNs), although some direct-entry programs exist for non-nurses pursuing the Certified Midwife (CM) credential.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Training

Hands-on experience is critical to becoming a competent midwife. Some students choose to enhance their clinical exposure by participating in global health internships. Programs like Go Elective’s midwifery internships abroad allow pre-midwifery students and graduates to work alongside experienced midwives in high-volume maternity wards—gaining cross-cultural insights and practical confidence.

Step 4: Pass Certification Exams

In the United States, two main types of certification are available:

• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): Requires an RN license and completion of a nurse-midwifery program.
• Certified Midwife (CM): Available in select states for non-nurses who have completed accredited midwifery training.

Both credentials are awarded through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). After passing the certification exam, midwives must complete continuing education and recertify every five years.

Scope of Practice and State Regulations

• CNMs can legally practice in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Many have full practice authority, allowing them to work independently.
• CMs are recognized in fewer jurisdictions, such as New York and Delaware. Check your state's laws via the American College of Nurse-Midwives or your local licensing board.
• In some states, midwives must practice under physician supervision or collaborate with OB/GYNs. Others grant full autonomy.

Globally, midwifery practice is expanding in response to maternal health disparities, making this a profession with meaningful, wide-reaching impact.

Midwifery Careers Beyond Clinical Practice

Midwives may pursue roles in:

• Education: 

Teaching future midwives in academic institutions.

• Research: 

Contributing to evidence-based practices in maternal health.

• Leadership: 

Managing maternity care units or nonprofit maternal health initiatives.

• Global Health: 

Working with international organizations to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

Why Consider a Pre-Midwifery Internship Abroad?

Gaining exposure to different healthcare systems builds cultural competence and adaptability—key traits in effective midwives. With Go Elective’s Pre-midwifery internships, students can:

• Observe natural births in resource-limited hospitals
• Participate in postnatal care and family planning counseling
• Assist local midwives in antenatal clinics and community outreach
• Gain clinical experience for midwifery school applications

Learn more about how global internships with Go Elective strengthen your clinical foundation.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a midwife is a deeply rewarding path that blends clinical expertise with personal connection. Whether you're passionate about women's health, holistic birth practices, or making a global impact, midwifery offers a meaningful career with high demand and room for growth.

If you're ready to begin your journey, consider enhancing your preparation with guided, clinical international experience. Go Elective’s programs in East Africa provide aspiring midwives with the chance to develop clinical confidence, deepen their empathy, and contribute to maternal care in underserved communities.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 17, 2025