Florida offers strong opportunities for registered nurses looking to advance into nurse-midwifery. With one of the highest birth volumes in the country, a diverse patient population, and large healthcare systems across its metro areas, the Sunshine State provides an ideal environment for pursuing graduate midwifery education. Whether you plan to practice in urban hospitals, community clinics, or freestanding birth centers, Florida's nurse-midwifery training pathways equip you with the skills needed to support individuals throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and beyond.

This guide highlights key aspects of Florida nurse-midwifery programs: program formats, typical clinical placements, Florida practice conditions, salary data, and what prospective students should consider before applying. Program listings will be added later.

In this article, you'll learn:

  • Education pathways for becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Florida
  • Common program formats (MSN, DNP, post-master's certificate)
  • Examples of Florida hospitals and birth centers used for clinical training
  • State-specific practice laws, salaries, and job outlook
  • What to look for when comparing Florida midwifery programs

2026 Best Nurse Midwifery Programs in Florida

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu

Master's - Nurse-Midwifery Clinical Track

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Florida's Nurse-Midwifery Clinical Track offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses in the art and science of nurse-midwifery. Students gain advanced clinical skills focusing on women's health, from preconception through postmenopausal care, with a holistic approach that emphasizes patient empowerment and evidence-based practice. The program is fully accredited and prepares graduates to take the American Midwifery Certification Board national examination, positioning them as primary healthcare providers for women across their lifecycles.

  • Fully ACNM accredited program
  • Prepares for AMCB certification
  • Clinical experiences in multiple settings
  • Comprehensive women's health focus
  • Advanced practice nursing preparation
  • Multiple clinical course sequences
  • Emphasizes holistic patient care
#2

AdventHealth University

Orlando, FL - Private 4-year - ahu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Midwifery

Online Learning - Visit Website

AdventHealth University in Florida introduces an online Master of Science in Nursing – Midwifery degree, addressing the growing demand for women's health services. This program prepares nurses to become Certified Nurse Midwives, offering comprehensive care in prenatal, childbirth, postpartum, and gynecological services. With a focus on whole-person education, the program is designed for nurses seeking career advancement, requiring a bachelor's degree for admission. Clinical rotations are conducted at AdventHealth hospitals, ensuring practical, hands-on experience. The program aims to fill the global shortage of midwives, offering a pathway to a rewarding career in women's health care. Start your journey in the 2025 Fall term.

  • Online program format.
  • Focus on whole-person education.
  • Prepares for Certified Nurse Midwife role.
  • Clinical rotations at AdventHealth hospitals.
  • Bachelor's degree required for admission.
  • Specializes in women's health services.
  • Addresses global midwife shortage.
  • Courses begin Fall 2025.
  • Comprehensive prenatal to postpartum care.
  • Opportunity for career advancement.
*Data accessed from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

Nurse-Midwifery Education in Florida: What to Expect

To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Florida, you must complete a graduate-level nurse midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Most students enter at the MSN or DNP level, though Florida also offers post-master's nurse midwifery certificates for already-licensed APRNs.

Florida midwifery programs typically include:

  • Comprehensive coursework in reproductive health, prenatal and postpartum care
  • Training in labor support, gynecologic care, newborn assessment, and primary care for women
  • Advanced courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment
  • Required clinical rotations across multiple maternal health settings
  • Preparation for the AMCB certification exam

Many Florida institutions offer hybrid or online didactic coursework with in-person clinical placements statewide.

Learn more about nursing schools in Florida.

Types of Nurse-Midwifery Programs in Florida

Although specific program listings will be inserted later, most schools in Florida offer one or more of the following pathways:

1. Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse-Midwifery (MSN)

  • Ideal for RNs with a BSN
  • Typically 2–3 years in length
  • Combines advanced nursing coursework with midwifery specialty training

2. Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse-Midwifery (DNP)

  • Offers the terminal nursing practice degree
  • Includes leadership, evidence-based practice, and systems-level coursework
  • Often preferred for students looking to advance into high-level clinical roles or leadership

3. Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery

  • Designed for APRNs who already hold an MSN/DNP
  • Allows specialization in midwifery without repeating core graduate nursing courses

Clinical Training in Florida

Florida is home to a mix of healthcare systems and birthing environments that provide rich clinical training experiences for CNM students.

Examples of Florida Clinical Training Sites

RegionExample Facilities & Opportunities
South Florida (Miami–Fort Lauderdale–Palm Beach)High-volume hospitals, multicultural clinical settings, Level III maternity centers
Central Florida (Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland)Large hospital systems, outpatient women's health clinics, birth centers
Tampa Bay / Gulf CoastMidwifery-led birth centers, community-based perinatal care, hospital labor & delivery units
North Florida (Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tallahassee)Academic medical centers, rural community practice experiences, primary care integration

Students often rotate across several sites to gain exposure to:

  • Prenatal and postpartum visits
  • Labor & delivery management
  • Newborn care
  • Gynecologic and reproductive health exams
  • Community and family health services

Florida Nurse-Midwife Scope of Practice

Florida recognizes CNMs as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). CNMs have prescriptive authority and can provide full-scope midwifery care. However, Florida is not currently a full practice authority (FPA) state for nurse-midwives.

Florida CNM Practice Conditions Include:

  • Collaborative agreements with a physician for certain practice aspects
  • Authorization to prescribe medications, including controlled substances (with appropriate certification)
  • Ability to practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and clinics

Many CNMs work in collaborative or team-based models with physicians, OB-GYNs, and other APRNs.

Cost of Nurse-Midwifery School in Florida

Tuition varies by institution and degree level, but Florida programs generally fall within these ranges:

Program TypeEstimated Tuition Range
MSN – Nurse-Midwifery$22,000–$58,000+
DNP – Nurse-Midwifery$28,000–$85,000+
Post-Master's Certificate$12,000–$35,000+

Additional costs may include:

  • Clinical supplies
  • Books and learning materials
  • Technology fees
  • Travel for clinical placements

Online & Hybrid Options for Florida Students

Florida-based programs commonly use hybrid or fully online didactic coursework, making it easier for working RNs (especially those in rural or panhandle regions) to complete degree requirements.

Benefits of Online/Hybrid Paths

  • Greater flexibility for working nurses
  • Ability to complete clinical hours within your community (if approved)
  • Reduced commuting and scheduling barriers
  • Access to Florida-based faculty and clinical partnerships

These formats still require hands-on clinical hours, which are arranged through Florida healthcare providers.

Nurse-Midwife Salary & Job Outlook in Florida

Florida has strong demand for CNMs, particularly in metro areas with high birth rates and regions experiencing provider shortages.

Nurse-Midwife Salary in Florida

LocationAverage Annual Salary*
Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach$110,000–$124,000
Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford$108,000–$120,000
Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater$105,000–$118,000
Jacksonville$103,000–$117,000
Florida Statewide Average~$110,000

*Salary ranges based on regional labor market data and employer postings.

Employment Settings for Florida CNMs

  • Hospital labor & delivery units
  • Freestanding birth centers
  • OB/GYN group practices
  • Maternal-fetal medicine clinics
  • Public health departments
  • University health systems and academic medical centers

Demand is strongest in South and Central Florida, where population growth continues to outpace provider availability.

What to Look For in a Florida Midwifery Program

When comparing nurse-midwifery programs in Florida, consider the following:

Program Accreditation

Ensure your program is ACME-accredited, which is required for AMCB certification eligibility.

Clinical Partnerships

Look for programs with established relationships in:

  • High-volume urban hospitals
  • Birth centers
  • Community women's health clinics

Program Format

MSN vs. DNP vs. certificate pathways may affect:

  • Length of study
  • Cost
  • Career goals
  • Leadership opportunities

Faculty Expertise

Programs with active CNM clinicians and diverse preceptors can offer richer clinical training.

Licensing Support

Strong programs guide students through:

FAQs

Q: Are nurse-midwives in high demand in Florida?

A: Yes. Florida's population growth and ongoing provider shortages, especially in women's health, drive strong demand for CNMs across hospitals, clinics, and birth centers.

Q: Can I complete my clinical hours in my hometown in Florida?

A: Many programs allow students to request clinical placements in or near their local region, though availability depends on faculty approval and local partnerships.

Q: Is a DNP required to become a CNM in Florida?

A: No. You can become a Certified Nurse-Midwife with an MSN, though some students pursue the DNP for leadership roles or to meet future practice standards.

Q: Do CNMs deliver babies in Florida hospitals and birth centers?

A: Yes. CNMs in Florida practice in both settings, depending on employer structure and physician collaborative agreements.

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