Skip to main content
2 answers
2
Asked 588 views

What is the difference between a Certified nurse midwife and an ob/gyn?

What is the difference between a Certified nurse midwife and a ob/gyn?

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

2

2 answers


0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Anali,

Education and Training

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) have different educational paths and training. CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses who complete a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, with a specialization in midwifery. They must pass a national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to earn the CNM credential. On the other hand, OB/GYNs are medical doctors who complete four years of medical school, followed by a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology.

Nurse Journal: How to Become a Nurse Midwife
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Education & Training

Scope of Practice

CNMs primarily focus on providing comprehensive women’s health care, including gynecological exams, family planning services, prenatal care, and labor and delivery support. They often work in collaboration with OB/GYNs or other healthcare providers to ensure women receive the necessary care during pregnancy and childbirth. In contrast, OB/GYNs are trained to manage high-risk pregnancies, perform surgeries (such as hysterectomies and cesarean sections), and diagnose and treat various gynecological conditions, including cancers and infections.

American College of Nurse-Midwives: Practice & Care
Mayo Clinic: Obstetrician vs. Gynecologist: Which Is Right for You?

Setting and Collaboration

CNMs often practice in outpatient clinics, birth centers, or hospitals, working collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for women. They may also attend home births or work in independent practices. OB/GYNs generally practice in hospitals or outpatient clinics, where they have admitting privileges and can perform surgical procedures when necessary. While both CNMs and OB/GYNs collaborate with other healthcare professionals, the nature of their collaboration may differ based on their specific roles and settings.

National Center for Biotechnology Information: Collaborative Practice in Maternity Care
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Collaborative Models of Care
Authoritative Reference Titles:
Nurse Journal: How to Become a Nurse Midwife - This source provides an overview of the education and steps required to become a Certified Nurse Midwife, which highlights the differences in training between CNMs and OB/GYNs.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Education & Training - This source offers detailed information about the medical education and training process for OB/GYNs, emphasizing the distinctions between CNMs’ and OB/GYNs’ educational paths.
American College of Nurse-Midwives: Practice & Care - This source discusses the scope of practice for Certified Nurse Midwives, outlining their role in women’s health care compared to that of OB/GYNs.

GOD BLESS!
James.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Godfrey’s Answer

Certified midwife nurse is an RN with midwifery experience attached to maternity department while obsgyn is a specialization achieved after completing MD degree.
The two careers are different interms of years of training however they both work to provide care during preconception to post delivery.
Obsgynaecologist can do C/S while midwife cannot
0