Certified Nurse Midwife Jobs at Community Health Centers

Find CNM positions at federally qualified health centers nationwide. FQHC roles offer full-scope midwifery practice, NHSC loan repayment up to $50,000 per year, and the opportunity to improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes in underserved communities.

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Why Work at an FQHC as a Certified Nurse Midwife

Federally qualified health centers are an ideal practice setting for certified nurse midwives who want to provide comprehensive women's health and maternity care to the patients who need it most. FQHCs serve communities with significant maternal health disparities, giving CNMs the opportunity to make a measurable impact on birth outcomes and reproductive health access.

Loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps is a transformative benefit for CNMs at FQHCs. Full-time nurse midwives at qualifying sites can receive up to $50,000 in student loan repayment over two years, with continuation awards available. Given the investment in advanced nursing education, this benefit alone makes FQHC practice financially compelling.

CNMs at community health centers typically practice full-scope midwifery including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, family planning, and well-woman care. Many FQHCs have collaborative relationships with hospitals and OB/GYN specialists that support CNM-led births while providing backup for high-risk situations.

Compensation for nurse midwives at FQHCs has grown substantially as health centers invest in women's health services. CNM salaries at FQHCs typically range from $95,000 to $130,000 per year, with additional benefits including FTCA malpractice coverage (no personal premium required), CME allowances, and work-life balance that is often better than hospital-based positions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Nurse Midwife Jobs at FQHCs

What does a CNM role look like at an FQHC?
CNMs at FQHCs provide comprehensive women's health care including prenatal visits, labor and delivery (at partnering hospitals or birth centers), postpartum care, family planning, GYN care, and well-woman exams. Some FQHC CNMs also provide primary care services. The role is typically outpatient-focused with on-call responsibilities for deliveries, and patient panels tend to be smaller than hospital-based practices.
Are CNMs eligible for NHSC loan repayment?
Yes, certified nurse midwives are fully eligible for NHSC loan repayment. Full-time CNMs at NHSC-approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas can receive up to $50,000 over a two-year commitment. Part-time awards of up to $25,000 are also available. Most FQHCs qualify as NHSC sites, and some states offer additional loan repayment programs for midwives.
What birth volume can I expect at a community health center?
Birth volume varies by FQHC and community size. Smaller FQHCs may have CNMs attending 50-100 births per year, while larger urban health centers with dedicated birthing services may see 150-300+ births annually. Many FQHCs partner with local hospitals for deliveries, so CNMs follow their patients to the hospital for labor and birth while maintaining an outpatient clinic schedule.
Do CNMs have prescriptive authority at FQHCs?
Prescriptive authority for CNMs depends on state law. The majority of states grant CNMs independent or collaborative prescriptive authority, including controlled substances. At FQHCs, collaborative agreements with physicians are commonly in place to support full prescribing privileges. FQHCs covered by Section 330 grants also provide FTCA malpractice coverage for CNMs at no personal cost.
What is the typical CNM salary at a community health center?
Certified nurse midwife salaries at FQHCs typically range from $95,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and birth volume. When combined with NHSC loan repayment ($25,000-$50,000/year), FTCA malpractice coverage, and benefits, total compensation is competitive with hospital-employed CNM positions and often comes with better work-life balance.

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