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Verified by KY Board of Healthcare

Nurse Midwife Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse midwife in Kentucky, including $80.00 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$80.00

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nurse Midwife in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have current, active RN license in Kentucky and be certified as a clinical nurse specialist

  2. 2

    Must seek registration as an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP)

  3. 3

    Education: Degree required.

  4. 4

    Experience: Work experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  6. 6

    License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).

  7. 7

    GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION A registered nurse who, through study and supervised practice at the graduate level (master's or doctorate degree), functions and practices as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in a selected clinical area of nursing.

  8. 8

    EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS In addition to successful completion of a Board approved registered nursing program, a person must have successfully completed an organized post-basic program of study and clinical experience at the graduate level (master's or doctorate's degree) recognized by the regulatory agency, in concert with the national nursing organization.

  9. 9

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS The schedule of certification examinations is determined by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center.

  10. 10

    For type of examination, fee, and retake procedures, contact the regulatory agency (address listed below).

  11. 11

    GENERAL INFORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION There are no age, residency or work experience (after completion of the prelicensure program) requirements for licensure.

  12. 12

    Must have current, active RN license in Kentucky and be certified as a clinical nurse specialist.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification examinations is determined by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center
Fee TypeAmount
Initial registration fee$80.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $80.00

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $128,790 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #24 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).; GENERAL INFORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION There are no age, residency or work experience (after completion of the prelicensure p...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Initial registration fee: $80.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $128,790, Nurse Midwifes in Kentucky earn 0% above the national median of $128,790. Kentucky ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$128,790

Hourly estimate

$61.92
0% above national median

Difference: +$0

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentileN/A
  • P2525th percentileN/A
  • P50Median$128,790
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $128,790
National: $128,790

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Nurse Midwife Salary Ranking

#24 of 50 statesfor Nurse Midwife median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$196,700
#2Massachusetts$155,710
#3Washington$145,000
#4Vermont$140,240
#5Virginia$139,770

Nearby States Comparison

Nurse Midwife licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$128,790Degree requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Indiana$129,010Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$121,720Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$128,790Degree requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Virginia$139,770Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Tennessee$97,380Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$134,970Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$114,420Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-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

Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing

312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY, 40222

Phone: 5022719759

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Nurse Midwife in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Nurse Midwifes in Kentucky?

Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Midwife licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Nurse Midwife salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Nurse Midwifes in Kentucky is $128,790.

How does the Nurse Midwife salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Nurse Midwifes in Kentucky earn 0% above the national median of $128,790, with a state median of $128,790.

Can I transfer my Nurse Midwife license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://kbn.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Nurse Midwife license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.