Concerns about becoming a CNM

Hi - I am only a student, so I have to admit I do share some of your concerns. I think everyone I know is worried about finding jobs, no matter what field they are going into!

Our program directors have given us the stats for previous cohorts, and they are pretty reassuring. We live in the midwest, and even here everyone has been able to find a job. I know that jobs are more scarce in our actual city, since there is a midwifery program right here, but traveling a couple of hours away opens up doors. This is fine by me, as we are already planning to move after I graduate.

CNMs are not widely used in the US, sadly. I think right now about 10% of babies born in the US are delivered by midwives. The coasts have a much better job market for midwives, since they are more progressive. In the midwest, we take a few years to catch up. (obviously midwives have been around for much longer than OBs, but you get my idea... in the minds of many people around here, midwives are a crazy new idea!)

I am concerned about finding a job after graduation, but I am still pursuing my CNM knowing that it is what I truly want to be doing. I wouldn't have any job guarantees if I was getting my FNP either!