ACNM is the professional association that represents Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) in the United States.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
CNMs are trained in both nursing and midwifery. CNMs are Advanced Practice Nurses and have a Master’s or Doctorate degree from a university-affiliated Nurse-Midwifery program. CNMs can practice in all birth settings and provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. Outside of the childbearing year, CNMs also provide well-woman care throughout the life cycle.
Certified Midwife (CM)
The Certified Midwife is a credential from the ACNM that does not require a nursing degree but is otherwise similar to the CNM credential. The CM credential is legally recognized in these states: Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia, several other states are currently pursuing licensure of CMs. Currently, CMs are not credentialed in Oregon.
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
The CPM is a North American credential that recognizes multiple routes of education. CPMs have met clinical requirements and passed skills evaluation and a written exam. CPMs provide prenatal, birth, postpartum, and well-woman care. CPMs are required to have Out-of-Hospital birth experience for certification as a CPM.
More on midwifery licensure and educational pathways can be found here: