Best Certified Midwifery Programs 2021

Registered nurses planning to enroll in graduate programs for midwifery can advance their careers with a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree from the U. The public university's nationally recognized midwifery program integrates classroom instruction, simulations, faculty mentorship, and clinical experiences. Innovative centers and programs, including the Center for Excellence in Women's Health, provide opportunities for nursing students to engage in leadership, community service, and research.

The three-year program entails 75-90 credits and 1,000 hours of practicum and residency requirements. Students learn to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive primary and reproductive care. DNP candidates synthesize their understanding of policy and practice through a culminating scholarly project focused on improving patient outcomes. Students can pursue a second specialty in women's health through an additional semester of study.

The U is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Its midwifery program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.

An evangelical Christian university, Bethel offers a hybrid MS in nurse-midwifery for students seeking a flexible, faith-centered midwife program. Fulfilling educational requirements for Minnesota licensure, the 57-credit program helps BSN-educated nurses transition to specialized careers in women's primary and reproductive health. Students typically graduate in 2-3 years.

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, the program features advanced training in fundamental nursing practices. Midwifery-specific coursework addresses gynecological, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Additional classes examine midwifery from historical, cultural, political, and economic perspectives. A capstone research project culminates the degree.

Students take most courses online, but enjoy opportunities to network and connect with their cohorts through three required residencies at the school's St. Paul campus. A low student-to-faculty ratio helps instructors provide individualized support. MS candidates may qualify for institutional graduate scholarships, including awards reserved for veterans and returning students.

Bethel is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A private research university, Baylor serves over 18,000 students annually across its Waco, Texas campus and online division. The Baptist-affiliated university's healthcare degrees, including its nationally-ranked doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs, deliver academically rigorous professional training from a Christian perspective. Catering to registered nurses with experience in labor, delivery, and women's health, Baylor's online DNP in nurse-midwifery enhances professional skills and career mobility.

The program features asynchronous online course delivery. Students attend six on-campus immersions and complete over 1,000 clinical practicum hours. Course requirements and degree completion times vary depending on learners' previous educational backgrounds. Students with a BSN complete 75 credits, typically graduating in about three years. Master's-educated enrollees take 31-37 credits and can earn their DNP in under two years.

The midwifery program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. Baylor is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Part of the Texas Tech University System, TTUHSC educates students at its six West Texas campuses and online. Research programs in areas such as women's health bolster the public university's reputation as a top center for healthcare education. Students seeking distance education programs for midwifery can prepare for careers as nurse-midwives through TTUHSC's 51-credit master's-level program.

Nurse-midwifery students take most courses online. Occasional learning intensives and skills labs at the school's Lubbock campus take advantage of the school's cutting-edge simulation centers, including a birthing suite and nursery. The School of Nursing's career services center supports students in their post-graduation job searches.

Applicants need a BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a current RN license. Texas residents with labor and delivery experience may receive preference. TTUHSC is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The midwifery program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.

One of the 64 member institutions of the State University of New York System, SUNY Downstate trains students for diverse healthcare careers. The Brooklyn-based university's teaching hospital and health centers serve thousands of local residents and provide hands-on training opportunities for students. The university's School of Health Professions houses SUNY Downstate's programs for midwifery.

SUNY Downstate's programs include three tracks designed for students with differing educational backgrounds. The 50-credit MS in midwifery program accepts applicants with a nursing or non-nursing bachelor's degree. Bachelor's-educated nurses can earn an MSN in nurse-midwifery through a 58-credit program offered in collaboration with the School of Nursing. A 38-credit advanced certificate program admits students with a master's in nursing or other health-related disciplines.

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, all three tracks fulfill educational requirements to take American Midwifery Certification Board licensure exams. SUNY Downstate is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Affiliated with the Methodist Church, Shenandoah delivers liberal arts and professional studies degrees at its multiple Northern Virginia campus locations. The private university's highly-rated healthcare programs draw more degree candidates than any other field of study.

Catering to practicing nurses, Shenandoah's nurse-midwife programs combine online and on-campus instruction to deliver a flexible, well-rounded nurse-midwifery education. The two-year MSN program enrolls BSN-educated nurses. The 49-credit curriculum presents advanced instruction in theory, research, and essential nursing skills. Students explore women's primary and reproductive care through paired classroom and practicum courses, 720 hours of clinical practice, and a case study-based capstone project.

Shenandoah's Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education-accredited programs also include an RN-to-MSN program for associate-trained nurses. Other programs include a post-graduate certificate for nurses who already hold a master's.

Shenandoah is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Among the country's outstanding nurse-midwife programs, OHSU's doctoral program in nurse-midwifery aims to graduate practitioners dedicated to providing excellent patient care. Graduates also improve clinical practice and advance midwifery scholarship.

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, the 116-credit curriculum delivers comprehensive education. Courses cover advanced practice nursing skills, research methods, and midwifery-specific practices. Students complete many of the program's 1,240 clinical hours at OHSU Hospital, the state's top-rated hospital. Clinical practice allows students to gain experience with diverse aspects of pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum care. This includes triage, water birth, and lactation support.

The program welcomes applicants with and without nursing backgrounds. BSN-educated nurses enter the doctor of nursing practice program directly, typically graduating in three years. Applicants with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can enroll in an accelerated bachelor's-to-DNP program.

OHSU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

A public research university established in 1866, KU enrolls students at five campuses, including the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. One of four schools that make up the KU Medical Center, the university's School of Nursing houses its nationally ranked nurse-midwifery program.

The 76-credit doctor of nursing practice program combines face-to-face and online coursework. Many online classes feature synchronous group learning. Students practice attending births through simulation-based practicum courses using lifelike birthing manikins. They complete clinical requirements in the Kansas City area and throughout the state. Nursing student organizations and faculty and student committees provide opportunities for leadership, networking, and community service.

Admission to the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education-accredited program requires a BSN and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants who live in or plan to work in medically underserved areas may receive priority admission status.

KU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, WSU draws high-achieving healthcare students with its active research initiatives and nationally ranked programs. The public university's master's-level nurse-midwifery program prepares graduates to sit for American Midwifery Certification Board exams and launch careers as nurse-midwives.

Comprising 48 credits and 600 clinical hours, the MSN curriculum advances learners' understanding of subjects such as pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy, and health assessment. Students learn to provide primary and reproductive care for women and their newborns. Courses emphasize the needs of vulnerable and diverse populations in urban environments. Learners may elect to attend many classes remotely. Synchronous videoconferencing technology allows distance learners to participate fully alongside their on-campus peers.

Applicants need a BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a Michigan nursing license. WSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The midwifery program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.

Located in Fennimore, Southwest Tech trains students for employment in diverse industries. The public vocational college's popular health profession programs enroll over half of its student body. Aligned with standards set by the North American Registry of Midwives and the Midwives Alliance of North America, Southwest Tech's associate-level midwifery program prepares graduates to work as certified professional midwives.

Designed to prepare degree candidates for national certification and Wisconsin state licensure, the 68-credit, direct-entry program integrates classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experiences. Midwifery students learn to assess and manage maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, attend low-risk deliveries in birthing centers and home settings, and provide postpartum support.

Students typically earn their degree in two years. The college offers some courses in a distance learning format. Southwest Tech is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The midwifery program holds accreditation from the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council.