MAKE MORE MIDWIVES

“A midwife must have a lady’s hand, a hawk’s eye, and a lion’s heart.”
Aristotle

Make more midwives. It seems simple. It’s actually a multi-faceted, convoluted puzzle. This page is a place to bring it all together and to give anyone the tools they need to help make more midwives.

How do we make more midwives?

Check out these posts on the state (and future) of midwifery.

2023

2021

2020

How can I learn more about midwifery?

I recommend checking out these articles and looking into these websites/organizations.

American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM)
Certified Professional Midwives in the United States (2008)
Become a Midwife (Midwifery Today)
Essential Facts about Midwives (ACNM, 2019)
How Does the Role of Nurse-Midwives Change from State to State? (2019, Georgetown University)
Midwives and Mothers in Action (MAMA) Campaign
Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA)
Midwifery Today
- eBook: Paths to Becoming a Midwife, 5th Edition
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM)
North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)
The History of Midwifery and Childbirth in America: A Time Line (Midwifery Today)
The U.S. Needs More Midwives for Better Maternity Care (Scientific American, 2019)
U.S. States With More Support For Midwives Have Better Birth Outcomes (Reuters, 2018)
What is a Certified Nurse Midwife? (Journey to Midwifery podcast – October 3, 2019)
What is the rate over time that midwives leave clinical practice? (December 2022)

From CMQCC (December 20, 2022):

Where can I attend midwifery training?

The list below details midwifery training programs in the United States. The tracks are divided between CNM and CPM offerings based on the desired career track (keep in mind, many CNM schools also offer dual training for a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner). This is not an all inclusive list but it my best effort to keep the list up to date (I truly wish I would have had a list like this when I was looking at midwifery schools in 2010). The schools differ greatly from one to another and I’ve tried to highlight the differences among the degree types. I strongly recommend doing your own research before committing to a school/degree plan! Lastly, sometimes you have to move cities to follow your dreams – don’t rule out a school because it’s too far away (read about my journey to midwifery here).

CNM (certified nurse midwife) programs

Baylor University
- BSN to DNP or Post-Master’s DNP options
Baystate Midwifery Education Program
- Master’s only
- *Offer a refresher course!
- Listen to an interview with the director on Journey to Midwifery here!
Bethel University
- Master’s only (RN bridge to Master’s also available!)
California State University (Fullerton)
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and DNP options
Case Western Reserve University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, dual DNP/PhD, DNP and PhD options
Columbia University
- BSN to DNP and PhD
East Carolina University
- Master’s and Post-Master’s options
Emory University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
- Scholarships
Fairfield University (Connecticut)
- BSN to DNP
Frontier Nursing University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and DNP options
Georgetown University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and DNP options
- *Master’s program is an online, dual certification CNM/WHNP degree
Georgia College and State University
- Master’s option
Louisiana State University
- BSN to DNP
Marquette University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
- *Faculty find preceptors for students
New York University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
- *MPH option
Ohio State University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and DNP options
- Scholarships
Rutgers University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
San Diego State University – program currently suspended
Seattle University
- DNP only
Shenandoah University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and RN to MSN/Nurse Midwifery options
- *Option for “Midwifery Initiative” to increase midwifery training for those in rural areas
Stony Brook School of Nursing
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and Doctorate in Midwifery options
- *Also offer Midwifery Refresher, Accelerated Nursing, Public Health post-graduate certificate options
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
- Master’s of Science in Midwifery OR Nurse-Midwifery, and DNP options
Texas Tech University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and DNP options
- Distance education component (from site: we are unable to accept students living in the following states at this time – New York, Louisiana, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon)
Thomas Jefferson University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
University of Alabama
- Master’s option
University of Arizona (Tuscon) – preaccreditation ongoing.
- DNP option
University of California at San Francisco (UCSF)
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
- Scholarships
University of Cincinnati
- Master’s, Post-Master’s and DNP options
University of Colorado
- BS to DNP, Post-Master’s and PhD
- *Do not have to find your own clinical sites!
University of Illinois
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
- *Do not have to find your own clinical sites!
University of Iowa – preaccredited.
- Master’s option
University of Kansas
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
University of Michigan
- Master’s or DNP
University of Minnesota
- DNP only
- Degree plan available here
- *Opportunity to complete coursework at the University’s Center for Spirituality and Healing
University of New Mexico
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
University of Pennsylvania
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
University of Pittsburgh – initial accreditation ongoing
- DNP option
University of Tennessee – Preaccredited
- DNP option
University of Utah
- DNP, PhD and dual DNP/PhD options
University of Washington
- DNP only
Vanderbilt University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
- Offer a CNM/FNP *dual specialty option!*
Wayne State University
- Master’s, Post-Master’s, DNP and PhD options
Yale University
- Master’s, DNP and PhD options

CPM (certified professional midwife) programs

The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council keeps an ongoing list of current schools and schools in pre-accreditation phases here.

Bastyr University
- Located in Kenmore, Washington
Birthwise Midwifery School – CLOSED
Commonsense Childbirth Institute
Florida School of Traditional Midwifery
Mercy In Action
Midwives College of Utah
- Admission Open House offered online!
National College of Midwifery
- Located in Taos, New Mexico
National Midwifery Institute
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Other birth programs

Pacific Birth Institute
PureBirth Midwifery (a regional midwifery school in Charlotte, NC)

Have you ever thought…

“How am I going to survive midwifery training?”

“Can I actually learn midwifery? Can I actually be a midwife?” (Yes, you can!)

“How am I going to get a job after school finishes?”

…then you need this guide!

Midwifery students are not equipped with the real world knowledge and systems needed to succeed in school and after graduation. You shouldn’t have to learn it the hard way or figure it all out on your own. This guide offers advice, encouragement, anticipatory guidance and systems to succeed in school and beyond. Get your head start right now.

For aspiring midwives, there are things you can do right now to start your journey to midwifery.

I lay out all of those stepping stones for you to start today!

The 41 page guide includes:

How to Prepare for Midwifery School
Tips for Success in Midwifery School
Tips to Snag a Preceptor
What to Pack in Your Work Bag
What to Do Between Midwifery School and Your First Job
The Job interview: How to Prepare
How to Recover from a 24 Hour Shift
How to Prep for Clinic
Book Recommendations for Aspiring and Practicing Midwives
Tips from the Midwives (courtesy of Journey to Midwifery podcast)
Podcast Recommendations for Aspiring and Practicing Midwives
Book List Recommendations for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, Parenting, Midwifery Students and Beyond
Newsletter Recommendations
Resume Tips and Template

Guide is accessible by download immediately after purchase. Downloads are unlimited. If the guide is updated, you have access to the updated guide for lifetime!

100% of proceeds go towards scholarships for aspiring midwives to make more midwives.

Get your guide today, brew a cup of coffee, find a comfy reading chair, and set yourself up for success!

Already a midwife but looking to complete a fellowship? Check out these fellowship opportunities…

How is midwifery training funded?

Like any other training, training takes money. Most people take out loans for midwifery training. But you don’t need to bear the entire cost yourself! Check out these finance websites, scholarships and loan repayment opportunities! Have a scholarship opportunity to share? Let me know here so we can keep the list up to date and get the most monies in your pocket. Lastly, if you review the list and missed some deadlines this year, take a moment now and put the deadlines on your calendar for next year! Most scholarships are due the same time every year.

Get out of debt and get your finances in order!

Loan repayment options

Military service

United States Air Force – Certified Nurse Midwives
Learn more about midwifery in the military in these interviews:
- Angie, CNM – United States Navy (Journey to Midwifery – October 21, 2019)
- Jamie, CNM – United States Air Force (Journey to Midwifery – April 14, 2020)
- Samantha, CNM, WHNP – United States Air Force (Journey to Midwifery – September 30, 2019)

Scholarships

American College of Nurse Midwives
- Various scholarships, due in February
Birthwise Midwifery School – CLOSED as of 1/8/23
Kentucky Coalition Of Nurse Practitioners And Nurse Midwives
- Must be a member to apply
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Scholarship Opportunity
- Scholarship opens in mid-Feb 2023
Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship
- Due February 28, 2023
Johnson and Johnson
- Various scholarships, varied deadlines
March of Dimes
- Likely due March 15, 2023
Mercy in Action College of MIdwifery
- Due May 1 and December 1 each year
National Health Service Corps
- Sign up for email notification for when the scholarship opens for applications
National League for Nursing
- Application period from February 22 – May 21, 2021

Other resources…

Equity in Midwifery Education

For military spouses/families…

www.veterans.gov/milspouses/
Military One Source
Free career coach counseling is available at: 1-800-342-9647
National Resource Directory (https://nrd.gov/)
- The National Resource Directory is a searchable database of resources vetted for Service members, veterans, family members and caregivers.

Other ways to earn some cash…

I usually can’t recommend just one book…but I keep an updated list on the BOOKS & MORE page for midwives, aspiring midwives, mamas, women and more!

Where can I look for midwife jobs?

Try these sites and good luck!

How do I prepare for my first job interview?

Check out these great resources…

Want to start your own business?
- Check out the Nurse Practitioner Business Owner: The Business Blog for Advanced Practice Clinicians.
Thinking about getting your DNP?
- Check out this post on my DNP degree.
Consider taking a course to improve your knowledge or skills. Check out these courses:
- Believe in Midwifery’s Guide to Sustainable Practice
  - Course description: “This course was designed with you in mind to help you not only create a long-lasting and fulfilling midwifery career but also to regain a happy and healthy personal life.”
- Believe in Midwifery’s Sustainable Midwifery – The Why, the What and The How
  - Course description: “This course is designed to help midwives develop the skills to create long-lasting, enjoyable practices that can continue for many years all while not sacrificing their personal lives.”
- Homebirth Practice Essentials by Hilary Schlinger, CNM, MS, RN, CPM (retired)
- Mentorship series by Sakina Health (Takiya Sakina Ballard, CNM)
  - Prospective Student Package
    - Course description: “The Prospective Student Package is designed for the person who is considering attending a particular college or university but has not yet officially enrolled in a clinical program. The mentoring program assists the prospective student in defining career goals and directing efforts and plans towards attaining those goals.”
  - Student Package
    - Course description: “The Student Package is designed for the person who is studying in a program or at a particular college or university but has not yet officially entered clinical practice. The student program assists the student in successfully completing didactic and clinical programs successfully and preparing for initial clinical practice.”
  - New Practitioner Package
    - Course description: “The New Practitioner Package is designed for the individual who has successfully completed a clinical program and has officially entered clinical practice. The new practitioner program assists the individual to transition from proficient practice to competent practice.”
  - Employment to Private Practice Package
    - Course description: “The Employment to Private Practice Package is designed for the individual who desires to transition from employed clinical practice to self-employment in practice ownership. The employment to private practice program assists the individual to transition philosophies and practice protocols while implementing business models to start with confidence and success.”
  - Practice Launch of Audit
    - “The Practice Launch or Audit Package is designed for the individual or individuals who desire to start a clinical practice or who are already in private practice and require in-person support during a launch or audit.”
- Midwifery Business Consultation’s How to Start a Birth Center (online course)
- Midwifery Business Consultation’s How to Start a Home Birth Practice (online course)
- Midwifery Business Consultation’s Billing and Coding for Midwives (online course)
Check out these continuing education opportunities!
- Epocrates (free CEs here!)
- FNU Continuing Education (some FREE/some paid)
- STD Modules (free continuing education hours from the CDC)
Find yourself a mentor (Not sure how? This article is fantastic!)
Help prevent burnout as a midwife!
- Check out this post on preventing burnout
Want to learn a new language?
- Duolingo – learn a new language for free.
Want to learn more about starting a midwife practice? Check out these links…
- From Midwifery Business Consultation:
  - Blog post: How to Start a Midwife Practice
  - Midwifery Business Consultation’s YouTube Channel

I’m not a midwife yet but want to learn how to assist in births.

Check out these courses…

Midwifery Business Consultation’s Birth Assistant Training (online course)
Pacific Birth Institute
PureBirth Midwifery (a regional midwifery school in Charlotte, NC)

How can I support midwifery?

Are you in need of well woman, pregnancy, postpartum, birth or newborn care? Find a midwife in your community! Seek out their services. By choosing to see a midwife, you are showing your support!
Spread the word about who midwives are and what midwives offer! Share A Midwife Nation with them. Share your story. A Midwife Nation features birth stories and women’s stories regularly – share your story here!
Are you a member of the professional midwifery organizations? Your annual membership fee does a great amount of good towards lobbying on capital hill. If you’re like me and your life is consumed by mamahood, midwifery, and family with little time for advocacy – use your money to show your support for the profession.
Are you midwifery school faculty or program directors?
- Take the grand challenge and offer a fully paid scholarship is a midwife of color!
Support A Midwife Nation!
- My dream is to be able to support people trying to become midwives and to help all women have access to a midwife. I’d love to be able to bless people with scholarships to ease the financial burden of midwifery school and put more midwives out into your community! Interested in helping with this dream?
  - Keep reading the blog – your continued support through reading does more than anything else.
  - Share or recommend A Midwife Nation with friends, family, and patients. Share the website as a resource on community handouts. Share the website across the clinics and hospital systems you work in!