Nurse-Midwives

Several organizations offer benefits, training, and opportunities to midwives or nurse-midwives. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) represents more than 840 member schools of nursing. It works to establish quality education standards in the nursing profession and promotes public support for professional nursing. Its independent arm, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, is a leading accrediting agency, serving the public by assessing and identifying programs that use effective educational practices. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) specifically represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. It promotes continuing education for midwives. The ACNM is not involved in the certification process, which is the province of the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). On the AMCB Web site, one can download a list of state licensing boards and check the certification status of a CNM or CM by state. Finally, the Midwives Alliance of North America is a professional organization designed for all midwives, not just those with nursing degrees. Its purpose is to emphasize the diversity of paths that many midwives have followed, especially in Canada and Europe.