Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Delaware offers registered nurses a clear pathway to advance their careers as certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), with growing opportunities in women’s healthcare across the state. As Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), Delaware’s CNMs provide comprehensive care ranging from pregnancy and childbirth to primary healthcare for women throughout their lifespan. The Delaware Board of Nursing grants full practice and prescriptive authority upon licensure, making Delaware one of the most CNM-friendly states in the nation.
The demand for nurse midwife programs continues to grow as approximately 7-10.99% of births in Delaware are attended by midwives. CNMs in Delaware earn competitive salaries, with an annual average of $95,110, positioning the state as having the third-highest concentration of CNM jobs in the United States.
“Choosing to pursue my CNM degree online while working as an RN in Delaware was the best decision for my career. The flexibility allowed me to continue working while gaining the advanced skills needed to provide comprehensive women’s healthcare. Now I’m practicing with full autonomy and making a real difference in my community.” – Lisa A, CNM Graduate
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Delaware
Registered nurses interested in becoming certified nurse-midwives in Delaware must meet national certification requirements to qualify for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure through the Delaware Board of Nursing.
Delaware RNs with licenses in good standing can follow these steps to learn how to become a certified nurse-midwife:
Step 1: Earn a Master’s Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
The Delaware Board of Nursing requires all Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) candidates, including nurse-midwives, to earn a master’s degree or complete a graduate program in their field of expertise. Certified nurse-midwife candidates must obtain national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which requires completion of a master’s program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
ACME-accredited programs are available throughout the nation and online. Online CNM programs can be particularly convenient for nurses who must maintain busy work schedules while pursuing graduate studies. Currently, there are no graduate programs in nurse-midwifery housed at schools with campus locations in Delaware, making online nurse-midwifery programs the primary educational pathway for Delaware residents.
Degree Program Options
| Degree Type | Duration | Clinical Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 18-24 months | Minimum 400 hours | RNs with BSN |
| RN-to-MSN Bridge Program | 3-4 years | Minimum 400 hours | RNs with ADN |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-4 years | 1,000+ hours | Leadership focus |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 12-18 months | Minimum 400 hours | NPs seeking CNM specialty |
Program Admission Requirements
Common admission standards for nurse-midwifery and dual-focus NM/WHNP graduate programs include:
- Current RN license in good standing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or completion of nursing prerequisite courses
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE General Test (some programs waive this requirement)
- Personal essay, video essay, or statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Minimum 1-2 years of nursing experience (preferred)
Graduate Program Curriculum
Graduate programs combine didactic classroom education (40-60 semester credits) with comprehensive clinical education (a minimum of 400 hours, although many programs exceed 1,000 hours). Core curriculum areas include:
- Advanced health assessment and physical examination
- Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Women’s reproductive and sexual health
- Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
- Newborn assessment and care
- Complicated pregnancies and high-risk deliveries
- Legal and ethical issues in midwifery practice
- Research methods and evidence-based practice
- Healthcare policy and leadership
Clinical Training in Delaware
Online schools develop partnerships with healthcare facilities throughout Delaware to ensure nurse-midwifery students have access to quality clinical sites. Potential clinical locations include:
- Christiana Hospital – Neonatal ICU and Women’s Services (Wilmington)
- Kent General Hospital – Women’s Services (Dover)
- Beebe Medical Center (Lewes)
- The Birth Center (Wilmington)
- Saint Francis Ob/Gyn Center (Wilmington)
- Advanced Care OB/GYN (Wilmington and Bear)
Students pursuing accredited nurse-midwifery programs in Delaware have access to both online CNM programs and clinical partnerships throughout the state. These MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees provide comprehensive preparation for advanced practice in women’s healthcare, ensuring graduates meet all educational requirements for national certification and state licensure.
Step 2: Take the National Certification Exam in Nurse-Midwifery
Delaware requires APRN licensure candidates to obtain national certification from an approved organization. Certified nurse-midwife candidates obtain certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), which sponsors the Certificate in Nurse Midwifery (CNM).
Graduates of dual-focus nurse-midwife/women’s health nurse practitioner programs can additionally become certified through the National Certification Corporation (NCC) for the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC) credential.
CNM Certification Examination Details
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 175 multiple-choice questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Format | Computer-based testing |
| Test Provider | Applied Measurement Professional (AMP) |
| Delaware Location | H&R Block Center, Wilmington |
Exam Content Areas
- Antepartum care – 19-26%
- Intrapartum care – 17-26%
- Postpartum care – 15-18%
- Gynecological care – 15-18%
- Women’s health and primary care – 8-16%
- Newborn care – 7-16%
Step 3: Apply for Advanced Practice RN Licensure as a CNM in Delaware
Upon receiving notification of passing scores on the CNM exam, candidates complete and submit an APRN application packet through Delaware’s DELPROS online system to:
State of Delaware, Board of Nursing
861 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 203
Dover, DE 19904-2467
Required Documentation
- Completed APRN application through the DELPROS system
- Criminal background checks (state and federal)
- Official transcripts from an ACME-accredited program
- Verification of national certification
- Copy of government-issued photo identification
- Application fees (verify current amounts)
Collaborative Practice Agreement
First-time CNM applicants without previous APRN experience must establish a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed Delaware physician. This agreement specifies consultation and referral protocols. APRNs with at least two years or 4,000 hours of practice experience are exempt from this requirement.
Prescriptive Authority
Delaware grants full prescriptive authority to CNMs upon licensure, including:
- Non-controlled substances (upon meeting educational requirements)
- Controlled substances (requires a DEA number and Delaware CSR if needed)
- Medical devices and durable medical equipment
- Diagnostic tests and laboratory services
- Blood products and therapeutic interventions
Step 4: Explore Career Options and Keep Credentials in Good Standing
Licensed Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) can begin practicing with full autonomy in Delaware. The state grants a comprehensive scope of practice, including diagnosis, treatment, prescriptive authority, and the ability to sign death certificates within the CNM’s area of expertise.
Practice Settings for Delaware CNMs
- Hospital-based birthing centers
- Freestanding birth centers
- Private obstetric and gynecological practices
- Community health centers
- Home birth practices
- Telehealth platforms
- University health services
License Renewal Requirements
APRN licenses must be renewed simultaneously with RN licenses by September 30th of odd-numbered years. Requirements include:
- 1,500 hours of practice in a specialty area over five years, OR
- 600 hours of practice in a specialty area over two years, OR
- Completion of a graduate program in the field within two years
- 10 hours of continuing education in pharmacology (for prescriptive authority)
National Certification Maintenance
| Certification | Renewal Cycle | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CNM (AMCB) | 5 years | Re-examination OR 3 modules + 20 CE hours |
| WHNP-BC (NCC) | 3 years | Competency assessment + 10-50 CE hours |
Delaware CNM Salary and Employment Data
Certified nurse-midwives in Delaware enjoy competitive compensation and strong job growth prospects. The mean annual salary among CNMs practicing in Delaware was $95,110 according to recent data, with the state ranking third nationally for CNM job concentration.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $69,000 – $78,000 | $33.17 – $37.50 |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $85,000 – $105,000 | $40.87 – $50.48 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $110,000 – $158,990 | $52.88 – $76.44 |
Employment Growth and Trends
The Delaware Department of Labor projects a 16.7% growth rate for CNM positions through 2035, significantly faster than the overall job growth rate. This positive outlook reflects:
- Increasing preference for midwifery care
- Shortage of obstetricians in rural areas
- Growing recognition of CNM cost-effectiveness
- Expansion of telehealth services
- Emphasis on preventive women’s healthcare
Geographic Distribution in Delaware
While Delaware has a ratio of OB-GYN physicians 29% higher than the national average, these specialists are concentrated in New Castle County. CNMs are in particularly high demand in:
- Kent County: 2.0-2.4 OB-GYNs per 10,000 women
- Sussex County: Less than 2.0 OB-GYNs per 10,000 women
- Rural communities: Limited access to obstetric care
Top Delaware Employers for CNMs
Career opportunities are available at leading healthcare facilities, including:
- Christiana Care Health System – Delaware’s largest healthcare network
- Kent General Hospital – Full-spectrum women’s services
- Beebe Healthcare – Community-focused family care
- The Birth Center – Midwifery-led birth center
- Saint Francis Healthcare – Comprehensive women’s health
- Planned Parenthood – Reproductive health services
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 June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nurse-midwife in Delaware?
The timeline typically ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on your starting education level. RNs with a BSN can complete an MSN in nurse-midwifery in 18-24 months, while those with an ADN may need 3-4 years for an RN-to-MSN bridge program. Add 2-3 months for certification and licensing processes.
What are the clinical hour requirements for CNM programs?
ACME-accredited programs require a minimum of 400 clinical hours, though many programs exceed 1,000 hours. Clinical experiences must include components of antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn, and gynecological care.
Can I practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Delaware with an online degree?
Yes, Delaware accepts graduates from ACME-accredited online nurse-midwifery programs. These programs have the exact clinical hour requirements and must meet the same accreditation standards as campus-based programs.
Do I need a collaborative agreement to practice as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in Delaware?
First-time CNM applicants without previous APRN experience must establish a collaborative practice agreement with a Delaware physician. Experienced APRNs with 2+ years or 4,000+ hours of practice are exempt from this requirement.
What is the difference between a CNM and a Certified Midwife (CM) in Delaware?
Delaware only recognizes Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), who must first be registered nurses. The state does not currently license Certified Midwives (CMs), who follow a direct-entry pathway without a nursing background.
Can CNMs prescribe controlled substances in Delaware?
Yes, CNMs in Delaware receive full prescriptive authority upon licensure, including the authority to prescribe controlled substances. They must obtain a DEA number and may need a Delaware Controlled Substance Registration depending on their practice location.
Are there any nurse-midwifery programs located in Delaware?
Currently, there are no on-campus nurse-midwifery programs in Delaware. However, numerous accredited online programs serve Delaware residents with clinical partnerships throughout the state.
What is the average cost of nurse-midwifery education?
MSN programs typically range from $35,000 to $75,000 in total, while DNP programs may cost between $55,000 and $120,000. Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for nurses pursuing advanced degrees.
Can Delaware CNMs provide telehealth services?
Yes, Delaware certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are authorized to provide telehealth services within their scope of practice, including prenatal consultations, postpartum follow-up, and women’s health education.
What loan forgiveness programs are available for CNMs in Delaware?
CNMs practicing in designated underserved areas may qualify for federal programs, including the National Health Service Corps, Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.