Best Certified Midwifery Programs

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on July 12, 2023

Among the oldest professions, midwifery’s recorded history dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. While midwives historically learned their craft through apprenticeships, many contemporary practitioners train in formal academic programs.

Learners can pursue undergraduate and graduate programs for midwifery. These programs typically require 2-4 years of study. Direct-entry programs accept learners with varied backgrounds. Applicants to nurse-midwife programs usually need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). However, many institutions offer alternative pathways for licensed practical nurses and applicants with bachelor’s degrees in unrelated fields.

Top Online Programs

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

With an increasing number of childbearing families choosing midwifery care, midwife-assisted birth rates in the U.S. have risen steadily since the late 1980s, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for midwives to increase 45% from 2019 to 2029. Professionals in the field also enjoy strong earning potential. Nurse-midwives earn a median annual salary of $105,030, according to the BLS.

Accreditation for a Midwifery Program



Accreditation requires a comprehensive peer-review process and demonstrates that an institution meets or exceeds set educational standards. Approved accrediting agencies evaluate schools based on factors such as instructional quality, faculty credentials, academic integrity, and student support resources. Before selecting a midwifery program, learners should research the institution’s accreditation status. The Department of Education provides a searchable online database of accredited schools and programs.

U.S. schools can earn regional or national accreditation. Regional accrediting agencies typically evaluate nonprofit colleges and universities. Regional accreditation requires a more rigorous review than national accreditation and is therefore considered more prestigious. For-profit, vocational, and religious institutions often receive national accreditation.

Many individual programs can receive field-specific accreditation. Individuals in highly regulated fields, such as healthcare, often need a degree from an accredited program to qualify for certification or licensure. Two agencies evaluate programs for midwifery. The American Midwifery Certification Board accredits nurse-midwife programs. Aspiring CPMs should look for a program with accreditation from the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council.

FAQ

Courses in a Midwifery Program



Midwifery programs incorporate both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students develop general medical expertise during foundational courses in areas such as physiology and pharmacology. Specialized coursework examines topics including pregnancy, labor, birth, the postpartum period, and women’s primary and gynecological care. Students sharpen their critical-inquiry skills during courses exploring research methods and evidence-based practice.

Additional classes may examine ethical, social, and historical issues; leadership and finance in healthcare; and the role of midwife professionals. Some programs offer coursework in genetics and lactation management. Clinical requirements often include simulations and practicum experience to help students hone competencies in patient care.

Curricula vary by program, but midwifery programs commonly include the following courses.

Professional Organizations for Midwifery Students



Professional midwifery organizations provide networking, education, and career advancement opportunities. Members often connect with colleagues through conventions, online forums, and mentorship programs. Many associations offer continuing education resources, such as webinars and publications, to help members keep up with the latest field developments. Additionally, professional organizations often provide discounted student membership rates.

  • National Black Midwives Alliance

    NBMA spearheads campaigns to expand educational opportunities for Black midwifery students and address maternal healthcare disparities that affect communities of color. The alliances mentorship program connects students and early-career midwives with established practitioners. Self-identified Black midwives and midwifery students, along with their allies, can qualify for membership.
  • American College of Nurse-Midwives

    The premier professional association for certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives, ACNM advocates for policies that support nurse-midwifery practice. Students enrolled in accredited nurse-midwife programs can join the organization to access mentorship opportunities, the associations journal, and continuing education resources. Members can network through ACNMs events, volunteer opportunities, and the online community.
  • Midwives Alliance of North America

    Dedicated to supporting and connecting midwives, MANA advocates for public awareness of the profession, promotes the development of educational programs for midwifery, and participates in midwifery-related research. Members receive access to conventions, publications, and MANAs professional referral page. The alliance accepts practicing midwives and midwifery students of all educational backgrounds.
  • National Association of Certified Professional Midwives

    NACPM members include certified professional midwives and midwifery students. The association participates in initiatives and coalitions focused on social justice, improving birth outcomes, and advancing the direct-entry midwife profession. Member benefits include access to continuing education webinars and a listing in NACPMs national directory. The organization also publishes a peer-reviewed journal.

Best Certified Midwifery Program



#1 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

University of Pennsylvania

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$51,156
  • Out-of-state$51,156
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$36,254
  • Out-of-state$36,254
  • Retention Rate98%
  • Acceptance Rate8%
  • Students Enrolled26,675
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment6%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Vanderbilt University

  • Location-markerNashville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,800
  • Out-of-state$50,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$48,624
  • Out-of-state$48,624
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate9%
  • Students Enrolled13,131
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment8%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Emory University

  • Location-markerAtlanta, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,070
  • Out-of-state$53,070
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$42,800
  • Out-of-state$42,800
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate16%
  • Students Enrolled14,415
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Case Western Reserve University

  • Location-markerCleveland, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,450
  • Out-of-state$50,450
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$46,524
  • Out-of-state$46,524
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate27%
  • Students Enrolled11,874
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment8%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

New York University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,684
  • Out-of-state$50,684
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$33,408
  • Out-of-state$33,408
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate16%
  • Students Enrolled52,885
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

George Washington University

  • Location-markerWashington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,453
  • Out-of-state$54,453
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$31,770
  • Out-of-state$31,770
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate41%
  • Students Enrolled27,814
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Marquette University

  • Location-markerMilwaukee, WI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$43,350
  • Out-of-state$43,350
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,060
  • Out-of-state$21,060
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled11,819
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment11%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

  • Location-markerNew Brunswick, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,230
  • Out-of-state$29,012
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,736
  • Out-of-state$30,144
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate61%
  • Students Enrolled50,173
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment24%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Bethel University

  • Location-markerSaint Paul, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$38,300
  • Out-of-state$38,300
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,700
  • Out-of-state$11,700
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled4,005
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

  • Location-markerLubbock, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,417
  • Out-of-state$19,282
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,168
  • Out-of-state$16,128
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled5,294
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes