Findings from the analysis of the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ membership surveys: 2000–2003

Abstract

Findings from the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM) membership data provide descriptive information about selected characteristics of certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs), certified midwives (CMs), and students enrolled in ACNM‐accredited programs who are members of the organization. This article presents findings from the analysis of membership data for the years 2000 to 2003. Members remain predominantly white and female, with their age averaging in the mid‐40s. Similarly, student demographics reflect little change from those reported in prior years. Students are primarily white, female, and in the mid‐30s. Proportionately, there has been little increase in the diversity of members. The proportion of CNMs/CMs with a bachelor's degree continues to rise, as does the proportion of CNMs/CMs holding doctoral degrees. The majority of CNMs/CMs identified a broad domain of clinical midwifery practice as their primary responsibility in their primary employment, and hospitals remain the largest employer of responding midwives. The salaries of employed midwives appear to be increasing, although the modal salary ($60,000 to $69,000) is unchanged from prior years. The profile of the membership has remained fairly constant, with small changes in the trend over time noted for age, employment patterns, and attendance at birth sites for the 4 years analyzed.