How to become a Consultant Midwife
The most senior clinical midwifery role — leading practice, research and complex care across a service while maintaining a clinical caseload.
Entry routes
- From Midwife: MSc + consultant-level portfolio (~6 yrs)
- From Community Midwife: MSc advanced practice + portfolio (~4 yrs)
What you'll need
Certificates
- Care Certificate (completed)
Employer support
- Employer support / sponsorship
Qualifications
Admin
- UCAS / university application (degree route)
Funding
- Funding or apprenticeship sponsorship
Registration
- Active NMC registration as a nurse
Experience
- Speciality clinical experience
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A typical path
£25,272 now → £57,528 in ~11 yrs
- £25,272
Healthcare Assistant
Year 0 · Band 2 · entry
- £25,760
Maternity Support Worker
Year 1 · Band 3 · entry
- £27,476
Maternity Support Worker
Year 3 · Band 3 · top
- £32,073
Midwife
Year 4.5 · Band 5 · entry
- £34,592
Midwife
Year 6.5 · Band 5 · intermediate
- £39,959
Community Midwife
Year 6.5 · Band 6 · entry
- £42,170
Community Midwife
Year 8.5 · Band 6 · intermediate
- £57,528
Consultant Midwife
Year 10.5 · Band 8a · entry
Common questions
How long does it take to become a Consultant Midwife?
6+ years from registration — see the step-by-step timeline above for a typical path.
See what you'd earn as a Consultant Midwife
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Indicative — England 2026/27 Agenda for Change basic pay, excludes High Cost Area Supplements, unsocial-hours and overtime. Typical timings are national averages, not guarantees. Not financial advice. See data sources.