Last Updated: June 2025 | Reviewed by Abbie Jacobs
Illinois has emerged as a progressive state for nurse-midwifery practice, offering expanded opportunities through recent legislative changes, including Full Practice Authority and the new CORE licensing system. With maternal health needs growing across the state, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) play an increasingly vital role in providing personalized, evidence-based care with minimal medical intervention.
The journey to becoming a nurse-midwife in Illinois requires rigorous academic preparation, clinical training, and adherence to regulatory compliance. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential steps, from initial nursing education through advanced practice licensure, incorporating the latest requirements from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and national certification bodies.
In 2024, approximately 8-12% of births in Illinois were attended by midwives, reflecting growing confidence in midwifery care among expectant families. The Illinois Center for Nursing recognizes a broad scope of practice for nurse-midwives, encompassing advanced nursing assessment, diagnostic procedures, prescriptive authority, and comprehensive women’s health services throughout the lifespan.
“Completing my DNP in nurse-midwifery at UIC was transformative. The program’s emphasis on health equity and anti-racist care practices prepared me to serve diverse communities across Illinois. The 1,000+ clinical hours in various birth settings gave me confidence to practice autonomously from day one.” – Lisa P., DNP, CNM, Class of 2024
Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in Illinois
Registered nurses in Illinois seeking to become certified nurse-midwives must complete a structured pathway involving graduate education, national certification, and state licensure. The process has been streamlined with the 2025 implementation of the CORE licensing system, though new digital requirements have been introduced.
Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Master’s Degree or Higher in Nurse-Midwifery
To practice as a nurse-midwife in Illinois, registered nurses must complete a graduate degree program in nurse-midwifery accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). This foundational requirement ensures graduates meet rigorous national standards for clinical competency and theoretical knowledge.
Educational Pathway Options for CNM Programs
Illinois offers multiple educational pathways to accommodate diverse student backgrounds and career goals. The accredited nurse-midwifery programs available include:
| Program Type | Target Students | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | BSN-prepared RNs | 2-3 years full-time | 1,000+ hours |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | BSN or MSN-prepared RNs | 3-4 years | 1,000+ hours |
| RN-to-MSN Bridge Programs | ADN-prepared RNs | 3-4 years | 1,000+ hours |
| Post-Master’s Certificates | MSN-prepared RNs/APRNs | 12-18 months | 600-800 hours |
University of Illinois Chicago: Leading CNM Education
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) exemplifies excellence in nurse-midwifery education through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. This program integrates over 1,000 clinical hours across diverse birth settings, emphasizing health equity and anti-racist care practices, and prepares graduates for the evolving healthcare landscape.
Key features of UIC’s DNP program include:
- Structured clinical practicum with 1:4 student-to-preceptor ratios
- Rotations in urban and rural settings across Illinois
- Integration of telehealth and virtual care competencies
- DEI training, including implicit bias education and Spanish-language obstetrical terminology
- Clinical partnerships with major medical centers statewide
Program Admission Requirements
Masters in nurse-midwifery programs typically require prospective students to meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACME-accredited institution
- Current, unencumbered RN license in good standing
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE scores (requirements vary by institution)
- Professional references from nursing supervisors or faculty
- Personal statement demonstrating commitment to midwifery practice
- Clinical experience in women’s health or labor and delivery (preferred)
Clinical Training and Competency Development
ACME standards require comprehensive clinical training to be distributed across core competency areas. Students complete supervised clinical experiences in:
| Clinical Area | Minimum Hours | Key Competencies |
|---|---|---|
| Antepartum Care | 200+ hours | Prenatal assessment, risk stratification, and birth planning |
| Intrapartum Management | 300+ hours | Labor support, delivery assistance, and emergency management |
| Postpartum/Newborn Care | 150+ hours | Neonatal resuscitation, breastfeeding support, and family planning |
| Gynecological Health | 200+ hours | Well-woman exams, contraceptive management, and reproductive health |
Program Costs and Financial Considerations
Tuition for dual-focus nurse-midwife women’s health NP programs and other CNM programs in Illinois varies significantly by institution and degree level:
| Institution | Program Type | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois, Chicago | DNP in Nurse-Midwifery | $98,000 |
| Saint Anthony College | MSN in Nurse-Midwifery | $74,500 |
| Online Hybrid Programs | Post-Master’s Certificate | $52,000 |
Federal loan forgiveness programs, including the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, offer up to $100,000 for CNMs practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas throughout Illinois.
Illinois is home to several accredited nurse-midwifery programs, with many institutions offering flexible online CNM programs to accommodate working professionals. These programs enable students to complete didactic coursework remotely while completing clinical experiences at approved sites located near their homes. For students seeking MSN, DNP, and post-master’s CNM degrees, options include traditional campus-based programs, hybrid formats, and fully online theoretical components with local clinical placements.
Step 2: Take and Pass the National Certification Examination to Become a CNM
Upon successful completion of an ACME-accredited graduate program, graduates become eligible for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) examination. This comprehensive assessment validates clinical competency and knowledge essential for safe, effective midwifery practice.
AMCB Certification Examination Overview
The AMCB examination is a computer-based assessment comprising 175 items that cover the full spectrum of midwifery practice. Key examination domains include:
- Pharmacological management of obstetric emergencies
- Interpretation of fetal heart rate patterns and electronic monitoring
- Cultural competency in reproductive healthcare delivery
- Evidence-based practice integration and clinical decision-making
- Professional, ethical, and legal aspects of midwifery practice
Testing Centers and Scheduling
Illinois candidates can schedule AMCB examinations at Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) testing centers located throughout the state, including:
- Chicago
- Springfield
- Rockford
- Naperville
- Urbana
- Franklin Park
- Glen Ellyn
- Matteson
- Buffalo
- Carbondale
Candidates receive immediate pass/fail results upon completion of the examination, with detailed performance feedback provided for those who require retesting.
Dual Certification Opportunities
Graduates of programs with a dual focus in nurse-midwifery and women’s health may pursue additional certification as Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioners (WHNP) through the National Certification Corporation. This dual certification expands practice opportunities and increases professional versatility within Illinois’ healthcare system.
Step 3: Apply for APRN Licensure as a Nurse-Midwife through the Illinois Center for Nursing
Illinois requires dual Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure for Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) practice, involving both basic APRN licensing and optional Full Practice Authority designation. The 2025 implementation of the CORE licensing system has streamlined application processes while introducing new digital requirements.
APRN License Application Process
Candidates seeking initial APRN licensure as nurse-midwives must submit the following through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation:
| Required Document | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| APRN Application | Complete application with biometric verification | $125 |
| AMCB Verification | Official CNM certification documentation | Included |
| Official Transcripts | Graduate degree verification from the institution | Varies |
| Background Check | Criminal history and fingerprint verification | $75 |
Full Practice Authority Pathway
Illinois certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) may qualify for Full Practice Authority after meeting specific requirements, allowing them to practice autonomously without collaborative agreements. Requirements include:
- Completion of 250 continuing education hours in advanced practice nursing
- 4,000 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Current national certification in good standing
- Professional liability insurance ($1 million/$3 million coverage)
- Hospital privileging agreements at Level II or higher facilities
Prescriptive Authority
Illinois CNMs with Full Practice Authority may prescribe and dispense:
- Legend drugs related to reproductive and women’s health
- Schedule II-V controlled substances
- Emergency contraception and routine contraceptives
- Prenatal vitamins and supplements
Controlled substance prescriptive authority requires a mid-level practitioner license with an additional $165 application fee.
Collaborative Practice Requirements
CNMs without Full Practice Authority must maintain written collaborative agreements with licensed physicians. These agreements must detail:
- Categories of care, treatment, and procedures performed
- Consultation and referral protocols
- Emergency management procedures
- Quality assurance and peer review processes
Step 4: Maintain National Certification and State Licensure
Illinois nurse-midwives must maintain both their APRN license through the Illinois Center for Nursing and their professional designation through national certification agencies to continue practicing legally.
APRN License Renewal Requirements
All APRN licenses in Illinois expire on May 31 of even-numbered years, concurrent with RN license renewals. Renewal requirements include:
- Completion of 50 hours of continuing education
- Maintenance of national certification
- Payment of renewal fees through the IDFPR online portal
- Attestation of continued competency
AMCB Certification Maintenance
The AMCB offers two pathways for maintaining CNM certification:
| Option | Requirements | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Maintenance Program | 3 AMCB modules + 20 CE hours per cycle | Annual fees |
| Examination Retake | Retake the AMCB exam every 5 years | $500 |
Professional Development Resources
Illinois CNMs can access continuing education through:
- American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) conferences and webinars
- Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) programs
- Coalition for Illinois Midwifery educational events
- Online modules through AMCB-approved providers
Certified Nurse-Midwife Salaries in Illinois
Nurse-midwife salaries in Illinois reflect the state’s diverse economic landscape, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation than rural regions. Salary data demonstrates competitive earning potential for CNMs throughout the state.
Statewide Salary Overview
Based on the latest available data, Illinois nurse-midwives earn competitive salaries across various practice settings:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $78,200 | $37.60 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,800 | $44.60 |
| Median (50th) | $108,500 | $52.20 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,600 | $60.40 |
| 90th Percentile | $142,800 | $68.70 |
Regional Salary Variations
Metropolitan statistical areas within Illinois show varying compensation levels:
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary | Employment Level |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $105,420 | High |
| Champaign-Urbana | $112,650 | Moderate |
| Springfield | $98,700 | Moderate |
Career Advancement and Earning Potential
CNMs in Illinois can increase their earning potential through:
- Obtaining Full Practice Authority for autonomous practice
- Pursuing dual certification in women’s health
- Leadership roles in birth centers or hospital departments
- Teaching positions in nursing schools
- Private practice ownership
- Specialization in high-risk obstetrics or reproductive endocrinology
(Salary data for nurse-midwives reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024. 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 About Becoming a CNM in Illinois
How long does it take to become a nurse midwife in Illinois?
The typical pathway requires 6-8 years: 4 years for a BSN, 2-3 years for an MSN, or 3-4 years for a DNP in nurse-midwifery, plus time for certification and licensure processing. RN-to-MSN programs may reduce this timeline for ADN-prepared nurses.
What is the job outlook for nurse-midwives in Illinois?
Employment for nurse-midwives in Illinois is projected to grow faster than average, driven by increasing demand for personalized maternal care, expanding access to birth centers, and legislative support for Full Practice Authority.
Can I practice as a CNM in Illinois with an online degree?
Yes, graduates of ACME-accredited online or hybrid programs are eligible for Illinois CNM licensure, provided they complete required clinical hours at approved sites and meet all certification requirements.
Do I need a collaborative agreement to practice as a CNM in Illinois?
Initially, yes, but CNMs may qualify for Full Practice Authority after completing 250 CE hours and 4,000 hours of practice, allowing for autonomous practice without collaborative agreements.
What is the difference between a CNM and a CPM in Illinois?
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with graduate degrees, while Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) follow a different educational pathway. Illinois only recognizes CNMs for legal midwifery practice.
Can CNMs prescribe medications in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) have prescriptive authority, including controlled substances (Schedules II-V) related to reproductive and women’s health, particularly those with Full Practice Authority status.
Professional Resources for Illinois Nurse-Midwives
New and experienced CNMs in Illinois can access professional opportunities through leading healthcare organizations and practice settings:
Major Healthcare Systems and Birth Centers
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital – Prentice Women’s Hospital, Chicago
- University of Chicago Medical Center
- Advocate Health System – Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn
- OSF HealthCare – Women’s Services
- Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana
- Illinois Women’s Health Centers statewide
Professional Organizations
- Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN)
- Coalition for Illinois Midwifery
- American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) – Illinois Affiliate
- Illinois Small Business Association