How did you decide what school to go to for your CNM?

bbcc · Mar 19, 2013

I looked at schools that offered direct entry programs (for people with non-nursing bachelor's) and based my choices on their start date (most start in May, I couldn't do that!) and number of prerequisites. I've ended up with Vanderbilt and I'm confident it's the right choice for me!

midwifetobe85 · Mar 19, 2013

I was curious what you took into consideration when choosing which school to attend for your masters program.

I looked at a number of things.

1.) Reputation/word of mouth/online reviews of program

2.) Whether a year of nursing was required prior to application (I wanted to go straight through school)

3.) Philosophical approach to midwifery, policies at hospitals..(for example, Im very passionate about VBACs and would be very disappointed to train at a facility that doesn't allow them)

4.) Cost vs financial aid/scholarships

5.) Location (political/social climate for midwives, my interest in staying in that area after graduation)

6.) Interaction w admissions people and faculty members via phone calls and email (how positive or negative)

It's a very personal thing I think too. You have to connect with the program and their vision. A few of the schools I considered were:

1.) OHSU in Portland, OR - excellent reputation (ranked #1 but US News Report) had great email interactions w faculty. Very progressive, evidence-based care. Portland is a very liberal birth city. BUT outrageously expensive and no scholarships. I know one CNM grad who has $200,000+ in loans.. Not worth it for me.

2.) UCSF - excellent reputation -highly ranked. Requires you to be Spanish speaker, which Im not. Anecdotal reports suggest that some faculty members are not very warm. Also, didn't want to live in SF again.

3.) Yale - obviously highly esteemed program, but heavy on the research w perhaps an inadequate number of clinical opportunities (Id prefer more clinical experience than research experience.) And VERY expensive w very few scholarships.

4.) In NYC, Ive heard both Columbia and NYU are not worth the very high cost.

5.) SUNY Downstate - highly ranked. Excellent program. I've heard from a number of grads that it was an excellent program. I interviewed (great experience) and was accepted. It has tremendous clinical opportunities including picking your integration site, and obviously a diverse pop. of patients. I did not want to live in NYC and so turned it down.

6.) Frontier Nursing University - tied with Downstate for ranking and highly esteemed. It's the oldest nurse midwifery program in the country and I've heard nothing but positive things about it. It's a distance Ed program so you can stay in your community. The downside to me is not having the classroom experience but I get the sense that they do an amazing job creating a sense of community. I've heard midwives, nurses and docs rave about their students. In the end, the was the right program for me because it allowed me to live where I wanted and still get a highly esteemed education. I also love the fact that I can choose my own preceptor - I already have an amazing midwife who has a agreed to work w me.

I start classes this summer and feel very confident that Frontier is the right program for me. Much of that confidence comes from my extensive research. Go to this website and just go through each program's website. You'll eventually find one that really resonates.

http://www.midwife.org/rp/eduprog_all.cfm

phoenixnim · Mar 20, 2013

Thank you Midwifetobe! That is an excellent amount of information. :-)

I am a single Mom, so not able to re-locate, so that is definitely a big factor for me. I'm hesitant about a distance ed program, because I think I do better with visual/hands-on experience. I know I would have a preceptor, but it still makes me nervous.

I am lucky that I live right in between Philly and NYC. My first choice of schools is UPENN. A commute doesn't scare me too much. I know it will really only be for a couple of years.

I feel like I should keep researching and weighing out options. I have about 1.5-2 years before I can apply, so I have time to look around.