Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Nurse Midwife Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse midwife in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nurse Midwife in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2) Satisfactory completion of an organized graduate level program of nursing education that prepares nurses for advanced practice role of nurse midwife. 3) Certification by a national certifying body recognized by the Board. 4) If involved in intrapartum care, must possess an agreement with a consulting physician licensed under the Arkansas Medical Practices Act who has obstetrical privileges in a hospital. 5) Criminal background check and FBI fingerprint check required. 6) Exam applicants must have practiced a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN.
- Written and oral examinations required.
- License
- 2
Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2) Satisfactory completion of an organized graduate level program of nursing education that prepares nurses for advanced practice role of nurse midwife. 3) Certification by a national certifying body recognized by the Board. 4) If involved in intrapartum care, must possess an agreement with a consulting physician licensed under the Arkansas Medical Practices Act who has obstetrical privileges in a hospital. 5) Criminal background check and FBI fingerprint check required. 6) Exam applicants must have practiced a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN.
- Written and oral examinations required.
- License fee: $125.00 initial, Renewal fee: $65.00 biennially, Temporary Permit fee: $30.00
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 5
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 6
Certification: Certification required.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
Requirements: 1) Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license.
- 9
2) Satisfactory completion of an organized graduate level program of nursing education that prepares nurses for advanced practice role of nurse midwife.
- 10
5) Criminal background check and FBI fingerprint check required.
- 11
6) Exam applicants must have practiced a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN.
- 12
License fee: $125.00 initial, Renewal fee: $65.00 biennially, Temporary Permit fee: $30.00.
Exam and processing details
- Written and oral examinations required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) manages health care of women with a focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and post delivery care of the mother and newborn
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$128,790 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Nurse Midwife licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2)...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Written and oral examinations required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2)...; Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2)...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $128,790, Nurse Midwifes in Arkansas earn 0% above the national median of $128,790. Arkansas ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$128,790Hourly estimate
$61.920% above national median
Difference: +$0
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Midwife Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor Nurse Midwife median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $196,700 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $155,710 |
| #3 | Washington | $145,000 |
| #4 | Vermont | $140,240 |
| #5 | Virginia | $139,770 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Midwife licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $128,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $134,970 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $97,380 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $128,790 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $95,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $111,190 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $128,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Building, Suite 800, 1123 South University, Little Rock, AR, 72204
Phone: 5016862700
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nurse Midwife in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nurse Midwifes in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Midwifes.
What education do you need to become a Nurse Midwife in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Midwife licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Nurse Midwife salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Nurse Midwifes in Arkansas is $128,790.
How does the Nurse Midwife salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Nurse Midwifes in Arkansas earn 0% above the national median of $128,790, with a state median of $128,790.
Can I transfer my Nurse Midwife license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nurse Midwifes in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.arsbn.org/.
How often do you renew a Nurse Midwife license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.