Licensure, Education and Certification
Continuously improving women's care through education, research and quality assurance.
NY Licensed Midwives National Professional Organization
The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) assumes a leadership role in the development and promotion of high quality care for women and infants both nationally and internationally (www.midwife.org). The organization is committed to ensuring that certified 
midwives are provided with sound educational preparation, with continuing education and recertification, and with expanding knowledge through research and quality assurance. Members must adhere to the Standards of Practice for Nurse-Midwifery in accordance with the ACNM philosophy.
Licensure
Midwives in New York State are licensed by the State Education Department, the agency that licenses all professions of the State. The basis for licensure is education, experience and examination. Midwives who meet these requirements can apply, pay a fee and pass the licensing exam receive a New York State license as midwives. They are also nationally certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Education
Members of the American College of Nurse Midwifery (ACNM) are Certified Nurse-Midwives and Certified Midwives. They are educated through programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) at 45 universities throughout the United States. Programs are at the Masters level, and so, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree prior to enrolling in an accredited midwifery program.
Certification
To become certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), the midwife must graduate from an accredited program, which contains the required academic and clinical components and pass the certification examination.
There are two pathways to becoming a midwife:
• Students who are registered nurses, enroll in and graduate from an accredited midwifery education program, and pass the certification exam, are eligible for the professional credential of certified nurse-midwife (CNM).
• Students without a nursing background, but who have a bachelor degree in another field, may apply to one of two direct entry midwifery programs accredited by ACME. Upon graduation and passing the certification exam, these students are eligible for the professional credential of certified midwife (CM).