Soon to be MPH graduate aiming to become CNM, am I crazy???

Specialties CNM

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Specializes in 1 day..International Public Health FNP.

Well, it looks like my thesis for my MPH (Master of Public Health) will be all wrapped up by the end of this year but I still want to go to MORE school! :yeah:

My passion is definitely within the Women's Health (inc. OB) field but I'd like to gain more clinical experience, in comparison to just the research aspect in the public health arena. So, that's what's led me in this direction...I'm planning to take some nursing pre-reqs 1 semester at a time before I apply for the accelerated BSN program in 2010. (I'm not in a rush b/c my hubby is currently in grad school and somebody has to bring home the bacon!)

So, here's my plan:

-take pre-req's Jan 2009-Dec 2009

-apply for Accerlated BSN after my last final for pre-reqs (Dec 2009 / Jan 2010)

-start ABSN Summer 2010 & graduate 2011

-work 1 yr as RN

-then apply for CNM???

I understand I may be jumping the gun planning out the next 3-5 years but I just like having a game plan to keep me motivated through all this madness of never ending school! My hubby thinks I'm crazy, considering I haven't even gained any full-time experience yet b/c of all these years of school...let alone any nursing experience. Eventually, I'd love to have the ability to travel abroad and contribute to international work as a midwife yearly and become a director at a birthing center (that's where the MPH would come into play). Btw, I'm currently 25 and would like to start a family before 30.

ANY thoughts anybody? Am I dreaming too big? :p

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

No, you're definitely not crazy. I've had a similar career path myself! Since you already hold a degree and almost an MPH, maybe you should consider a graduate entry program. Those are programs for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. They are typically 3 years long--the first year is pre-licensure, and the final 2 years are the MSN portion. THat might save you some time and money in the long run! There are many of these programs out there, depending on where you live. You can find a list on the website for the American College of Nurse Midwives at www.midwife.org

Good luck!

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I would for sure look at some grad-entry programs. has a 7 semester program where you can get your RN and MSN all wrapped up in one...no L&D experience required.

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.
Well, it looks like my thesis for my MPH (Master of Public Health) will be all wrapped up by the end of this year but I still want to go to MORE school! :yeah:

My passion is definitely within the Women's Health (inc. OB) field but I'd like to gain more clinical experience, in comparison to just the research aspect in the public health arena. So, that's what's led me in this direction...I'm planning to take some nursing pre-reqs 1 semester at a time before I apply for the accelerated BSN program in 2010. (I'm not in a rush b/c my hubby is currently in grad school and somebody has to bring home the bacon!)

So, here's my plan:

-take pre-req's Jan 2009-Dec 2009

-apply for Accerlated BSN after my last final for pre-reqs (Dec 2009 / Jan 2010)

-start ABSN Summer 2010 & graduate 2011

-work 1 yr as RN

-then apply for CNM???

I understand I may be jumping the gun planning out the next 3-5 years but I just like having a game plan to keep me motivated through all this madness of never ending school! My hubby thinks I'm crazy, considering I haven't even gained any full-time experience yet b/c of all these years of school...let alone any nursing experience. Eventually, I'd love to have the ability to travel abroad and contribute to international work as a midwife yearly and become a director at a birthing center (that's where the MPH would come into play). Btw, I'm currently 25 and would like to start a family before 30.

ANY thoughts anybody? Am I dreaming too big? :p

Sounds like a plan to me! :up:

I did an MPH program, am a LandD nurse, but haven't decided where to do my CNM program yet.

Good luck.

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Nice plan. Mine is very similar. I also have a Masters but in education. My plan is to get my ASN online, do one year of L&D then off to Frontier for midwifery. You're not crazy, if it's your passion DO IT!! I am even with 4 kids...... Hope to survive.

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There are many midwives with MPH and/or DrPh degrees. Many want to get their MPH after finishing their MSN/CNM. It is a popular credential to have, for both those wanting to work in the US and overseas. Nurse midwifery, in part, arose out of maternal child public health issues in the early 20th century (see Judith Rooks's book on the history of nurse-midwifery in the US). Maternal child health is the bellweather of the health of an entire nation. You are already on a good path to become a midwife!

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Specializes in 1 day..International Public Health FNP.

MILLION thank yous to all you lovely (future) nurses. :nurse: You're all very supportive and kind. I am motivated and excited to work closer to reach my dreams.

"Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable"

-Coco Chanel

:rolleyes:

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