Last Updated: May 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Idaho offers registered nurses two distinct pathways to enter the midwifery profession, each serving different practice settings and patient populations. As of July 2024, both Licensed Midwives and Certified Nurse-Midwives operate under unified oversight by the Idaho Board of Nursing, representing a significant evolution in the state’s midwifery regulation.
With 11-13.69% of births in Idaho attended by midwives according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and only nine midwifery birth centers statewide, qualified midwives play an essential role in the state’s maternal healthcare system. This comprehensive guide details the education requirements, licensure processes, and career opportunities for aspiring nurse-midwives in Idaho.
“Completing my MSN in Nurse-Midwifery through an online program while living in Idaho was the perfect solution. The clinical partnerships allowed me to complete rotations at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, and now I’m practicing as a CNM at St. Luke’s in Boise. The flexibility of online education made my dream career possible.” – Pat J., CNM, Boise
Idaho’s Two Pathways to Midwifery Practice
Idaho recognizes two distinct midwifery practice pathways, each with unique educational requirements and practice scopes:
Midwifery Practice Pathways in Idaho
| Practice Type | Education Required | Primary Practice Setting | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Midwife (L.M.) | CPM certification through NARM + specialized courses | Home births and birth centers | Maternity care (antepartum through 6 weeks postpartum) |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | RN license + ACME-accredited graduate degree | Hospitals, clinics, birth centers | Comprehensive women’s healthcare with prescriptive authority |
This guide primarily focuses on the Certified Nurse-Midwife pathway, which offers the broadest scope of practice and career opportunities in hospital settings, women’s health clinics, and comprehensive healthcare environments.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Idaho
RNs in Idaho interested in earning Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure in nurse-midwifery must meet specific education and certification requirements as outlined by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Following the July 2024 regulatory consolidation, both Licensed Midwives and certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) operate under unified oversight, streamlining the regulatory process.
Step 1. Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
The foundational step for Idaho RNs pursuing CNM certification requires completing a graduate degree through a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). This accreditation ensures programs meet rigorous national standards for nurse-midwifery education.
Master’s Degree Programs in Nurse-Midwifery
Since Idaho doesn’t offer on-campus nurse-midwifery programs, aspiring CNMs typically pursue accredited online nurse-midwife programs from nationally recognized institutions. These programs accommodate Idaho RNs with diverse educational backgrounds through multiple pathway options.
Program Options
| Program Type | Designed For | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN/MS Programs | RNs with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees | 2-3 years full-time |
| RN-to-MSN Programs | RNs with associate’s degrees in nursing | 3-4 years full-time |
| Post-Graduate Programs | RNs with an MSN wanting to add CNM certification | 1-2 years full-time |
| DNP Programs | RNs seeking the highest level of clinical preparation | 3-4 years full-time |
Many institutions now offer dual-focus programs in nurse-midwifery and women’s health, enabling registered nurses (RNs) to earn two national certifications and significantly expand their clinical expertise and career opportunities.
Program Components and Clinical Training
A master’s degree in nurse-midwifery combines comprehensive didactic coursework with extensive clinical experience. The curriculum encompasses advanced healthcare management with a specialized focus on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, newborn assessment, gynecological services, and family planning.
Core coursework includes:
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan
- Advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care management
- Pharmacotherapeutics for women’s health
- Newborn care and assessment
- Health promotion and disease prevention
Clinical Placement Opportunities in Idaho
Online programs often maintain clinical partnerships throughout Idaho, allowing students to complete required rotations close to home. Clinical sites where nurse-midwife students may fulfill their practicum requirements include:
- Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Idaho Falls
- Mountain View Hospital, Idaho Falls
- Saint Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, Twin Falls
- Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise
- Leavitt Women’s Healthcare, Idaho Falls
- Women’s Medical Clinic, Nampa
Step 2. Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Upon completing an ACME-accredited program, candidates must pass the national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This comprehensive examination validates competency in advanced midwifery practice and serves as the gateway to professional Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) practice.
The AMCB examination assesses knowledge and clinical reasoning across all aspects of midwifery care, including:
- Antepartum care and risk assessment
- Intrapartum management and emergency procedures
- Postpartum care and complications
- Newborn care and assessment
- Primary gynecologic and reproductive health
- Family planning and contraceptive management
Idaho candidates may schedule their certification examination at Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) testing centers, including the facility in Meridian. Candidates must complete the AMCB application process and receive approval before scheduling their examination.
Step 3. Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Idaho Board of Nursing
Following successful completion of the AMCB certification examination, candidates must apply for APRN licensure through the Idaho Board of Nursing. As of July 2024, the consolidated board oversees both CNM and Licensed Midwife regulation, streamlining the licensure process.
The APRN application requires:
- Completed APRN Initial Licensure Application
- APRN application fee of $90
- Official transcripts sent directly from the educational institution
- Copy of current CNM national certification
- Verification of the current Idaho RN license
Prescriptive Authority
Idaho operates as an independent practice state, meaning CNMs may practice without required physician collaboration agreements. CNMs seeking prescriptive authority must complete the Prescriptive and Dispensing Authorization application included in the APRN application package and submit an additional $50 fee.
This prescriptive authority enables CNMs to:
- Prescribe medications within their scope of practice
- Order diagnostic tests and laboratory studies
- Manage chronic conditions related to women’s health
- Provide comprehensive contraceptive services
Step 4. Explore Nurse-Midwife Career Options in Idaho and Maintain Credentials
Career Opportunities and Practice Settings
Certified Nurse-Midwives in Idaho enjoy diverse professional opportunities across multiple healthcare settings. The state’s shortage of OB/GYN physicians creates a significant demand for qualified certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), particularly in underserved areas.
Primary employment opportunities include:
- Hospital labor and delivery units
- Women’s health clinics and medical practices
- Birth centers and alternative birthing facilities
- Community health centers
- Private midwifery practices
- Academic medical centers
Notable employers and practice opportunities include:
- St. Luke’s Health System – Multiple locations
- Saint Alphonsus Health System – Boise area
- Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center – Idaho Falls
- Pocatello Women’s Health Clinic – Pocatello
- Rosemark WomenCare Specialists – Idaho Falls
- Life Springs Women’s Clinic – Idaho Falls
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Idaho CNMs must renew their APRN licenses biennially, concurrent with RN license renewal on August 31 of odd-numbered years. The renewal process can be completed entirely online through the Idaho Board of Nursing portal.
Continuing education requirements include:
- 30 contact hours of continuing education per renewal period
- Maintenance of national CNM certification through AMCB
- Current BLS and NRP certifications (recommended)
The AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program offers two options for maintaining national certification:
- Option 1: Complete three AMCB Certificate Maintenance Modules plus 20 contact hours of approved continuing education during each five-year cycle
- Option 2: Retake the AMCB Certification Examination and pay the $500 examination fee
Salaries for Certified Nurse-Midwives in Idaho
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national annual median salary for nurse-midwives was $129,490 in 2023. While Idaho-specific data isn’t published separately, regional variations typically align with cost-of-living differences and types of healthcare facilities.
National CNM Salary Percentiles (2023)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $112,350 | $54.02 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,490 | $62.26 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,770 | $72.49 |
| 90th Percentile | $181,040 | $87.04 |
Factors influencing CNM salaries in Idaho include:
- Practice setting (hospital vs. clinic vs. birth center)
- Geographic location (urban vs. rural)
- Years of experience and additional certifications
- Volume of deliveries and patient load
- Additional responsibilities (teaching, administration)
Job Growth and Market Demand
Idaho faces a significant shortage of OB/GYN physicians, ranking 47th nationally with only 9.4 OB/GYNs per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 14.5. This shortage creates substantial opportunities for qualified CNMs across the state.
Regional physician shortages by area (per 100,000 residents):
- South Central Idaho – 6.5
- Eastern Idaho – 7.2
- North Central Idaho – 7.6
- Southeastern Idaho – 9.0
- Northern Idaho – 9.4
- Southwestern Idaho – 11.3
The U.S. Department of Labor projects 33% growth in advanced practice nursing positions in Idaho between 2018-2028, significantly exceeding national averages and creating excellent career prospects for newly licensed CNMs.
(Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2023. Figures represent state data, not school-specific information. Job growth data provided by Projections Central, a resource funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed May 2025.)
Professional Resources and Support Networks
Idaho’s professional organizations provide valuable resources for practicing and aspiring nurse-midwives:
- Idaho Midwifery Council – Primary professional organization supporting all midwifery practice types
- Idaho Nurses Association – Professional advocacy and continuing education
- American College of Nurse-Midwives – National professional organization
These organizations offer networking opportunities, continuing education programs, legislative advocacy, and professional development resources that are essential for career advancement and excellence in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there on-campus nurse-midwifery programs available in Idaho?
No, Idaho does not currently offer on-campus nurse-midwifery programs. Aspiring CNMs typically complete accredited online programs through national institutions that maintain clinical partnerships with Idaho healthcare facilities.
What’s the difference between a Licensed Midwife and a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Idaho?
Licensed Midwives (L.M.) primarily attend home births and birth center deliveries, requiring CPM certification through NARM plus specialized training. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) require RN licensure plus graduate-level education, practice in hospitals and clinics, and have prescriptive authority for comprehensive women’s healthcare.
How long does APRN licensure typically take in Idaho?
After completing your ACME-accredited program and passing the AMCB certification examination, Idaho APRN licensure typically processes within 4-6 weeks once all required documentation is submitted to the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Can Idaho CNMs practice independently without physician oversight?
Yes, Idaho is a state that allows independent practice. CNMs may practice without required physician collaboration agreements, though they must practice within their scope of practice and maintain appropriate referral relationships for complex cases.
What are the prescriptive authority requirements for CNMs in Idaho?
Idaho CNMs seeking prescriptive authority must complete the Prescriptive and Dispensing Authorization application included in the APRN licensure package and pay an additional $50 fee. This authority enables the prescription of medication within the CNM’s scope of practice.
Are nurse-midwifery services covered by Idaho Medicaid?
Yes, Idaho Medicaid covers midwifery services, including antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care for eligible participants. Coverage includes newborn care for up to six weeks following delivery, though certain high-risk conditions may require physician consultation.