WHNP/CNM? Do i need two degrees?

Ohm108, MSN, NP, CNM · Jun 18, 2019

This is a common question amongst future CNMs. Basically, CNMs can do everything a WHNP can do in addition to catching babies so you can be licensed as a CNM and still be able to provide gyn services without being licensed as a WHNP. In reality, it is a bit more complicated with each hospital system and region having their own preferences in terms of whether they are fine with hiring you as just a CNM or have you dual certified as both a CNM and a WHNP. If you do a search within the CNM specialty threads there are a few threads that talk about some of these points. Below is a summary of some of the points that have been discussed in the past:

1) If you want to catch babies and also provide gynecological services some places do want you to have both because of the Liability Insurance. You will provide services as a midwife in a hospital setting which requires higher liability insurance = higher cost but when you go to clinic to provide gyn services, you will use your WHNP license which is cheaper to insure for the facility that you work for = higher likelihood being hired especially in states that are very competitive for those CNM positions.

2) In some states, it is easier for you to prescribe Expedited Partner Therapy under your NP license.

3) In some states it is easier to provide trans care if you have a NP license

Again, it is different by region and hospital system. I have had many people tell me that is fine to just have the CNM but I know personally that I will need both when I go into practice in the areas and states that I want to practice in.

Hope this helps.

CRNA2026 · Jun 18, 2019

1 hour ago, Ohm108 said:
This is a common question amongst future CNMs. Basically, CNMs can do everything a WHNP can do in addition to catching babies so you can be licensed as a CNM and still be able to provide gyn services without being licensed as a WHNP. In reality, it is a bit more complicated with each hospital system and region having their own preferences in terms of whether they are fine with hiring you as just a CNM or have you dual certified as both a CNM and a WHNP. If you do a search within the CNM specialty threads there are a few threads that talk about some of these points. Below is a summary of some of the points that have been discussed in the past:
1) If you want to catch babies and also provide gynecological services some places do want you to have both because of the liability insurance. You will provide services as a midwife in a hospital setting which requires higher liability insurance = higher cost but when you go to clinic to provide gyn services, you will use your WHNP license which is cheaper to insure for the facility that you work for = higher likelihood being hired especially in states that are very competitive for those CNM positions.
2) In some states, it is easier for you to prescribe Expedited Partner Therapy under your NP license.
3) In some states it is easier to provide trans care if you have a NP license
Again, it is different by region and hospital system. I have had many people tell me that is fine to just have the CNM but I know personally that I will need both when I go into practice in the areas and states that I want to practice in.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info! So:

1) I’d need a MSN CNM and DNP? Or do a dual program

2) can i prescribe medicine as a cnm?

Ohm108, MSN, NP, CNM · Jun 18, 2019

1 minute ago, Jazzyjaz0524 said:
Thanks for the info! So:
1) I’d need a MSN CNM and DNP? Or do a dual program
2) can i prescribe medicine as a cnm?

At the moment, there is no criteria for a CNM to be a DNP. CNM is licensure while DNP is a degree. Licensure and degree are two different things. The required for a CNM at present is for them to have MSN as a minimum degree requirement for entry into practice.

CNM and NP are both advanced practice nurses so yes you can prescribe medication with the restrictions on practice authority with the state you want to practice in.