Best Dual FNP/CNM Programs | 2024

As the demand for highly skilled practitioners continues to expand and rise, so do the offerings from top-notch educational institutions. Among these offerings is the dual FNP/CNM program, merging the expertise of family nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives.

This unique educational pathway is more than just a career advancement opportunity; it's a gateway to becoming a multifaceted healthcare provider capable of addressing a wide spectrum of patient needs.

Learn more about these programs as we explore their intricacies, outlining the rigorous coursework and extensive clinical training involved. From the core subjects of advanced practice nursing to the specialized domains of the professions, graduates of these programs are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in diverse healthcare settings. Whether you're a seasoned nurse or a recent graduate, here's your roadmap to becoming a dual-certified practitioner, ready to make a significant impact on the communities you serve.

What Is a Dual FNP/CNM Program?

A dual FNP/CNM program is an advanced educational pathway that combines the FNP and CNM specialties. This type of program is designed for RNs who wish to expand their scope of practice to include both family primary care and midwifery. Graduates of these programs are qualified to provide a wide range of healthcare services to patients of all ages, as well as specialized care for women, particularly in prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Dual FNP/CNM Coursework

The coursework in a Dual FNP/CNM program is comprehensive and rigorous, blending key aspects of both family nursing and midwifery. Here are some key components:

• Advanced Practice Nursing Core: These courses cover advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, which are foundational to both FNP and CNM roles.
• FNP Specialization: FNP-focused courses typically include topics like primary care across the lifespan, chronic disease management, and pediatric care.
• CNM Specialization: CNM-specific courses often cover gynecology, reproductive health, labor and delivery management, and newborn care.
• Integrated Courses: Some courses might integrate both FNP and CNM content, focusing on areas of overlap such as women's health across the lifespan.
• Health Policy and Leadership: These courses prepare nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings and include training in healthcare policy, ethics, and administration.

Dual FNP/CNM Clinical Training

Clinical training is a crucial component of the Dual FNP/CNM program, providing hands-on experience in both family practice and midwifery settings. Key aspects include:

• Diverse Clinical Rotations: Students participate in clinical rotations in various settings such as hospitals, primary care clinics, and birthing centers.
• Family Practice Training: In these rotations, students gain experience in managing health issues across all ages, focusing on preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of common illnesses.
• Midwifery Training: This includes hands-on experience in prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care. Students learn to manage normal and complex pregnancies and deliveries.
• Supervised Practice: All clinical training is supervised by experienced FNPs and CNMs, ensuring that students develop the necessary skills and confidence.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Students often work alongside other healthcare professionals, learning the importance of teamwork in patient care.

Best Dual FNP/CNM Programs

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States. 

Vanderbilt University 

Located in the vibrant heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing offers a distinctive and thorough MSN Nurse-Midwifery/Family Nurse Practitioner program. This dual-focus specialty caters to aspiring Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), ideal for nursing careers in diverse settings including rural, urban, or international healthcare.

CNM/FNP Program Overview

• Duration: 2 years full-time pace
• Credit Hours: 65-74
• Tuition: Estimated annual tuition is $46,536, not including additional fees. 
• Accreditation: CCNE for the FNP compondent and ACME for the nurse midwifery component. 

Program Highlights:

• Clinical Placements:  For Nurse-Midwifery, clinical sites are provided by the School of Nursing, aligning with course and certification requirements and the school's mission. For the FNP component, placements across the lifespan are secured in conjunction with faculty and the clinical placement office, based on National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) competencies.
• Modified Distance Learning: A mix of online and on-campus classes offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Integrates nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice with advanced health assessment, disease management, health promotion, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
• Experienced Faculty: Doctorally prepared, practice-active professionals in a variety of learning environments.
• Diverse Learning Environment: Personalized attention and learning with a diverse cohort.
• Career Opportunities: Varied career paths in settings like Health Departments, Private Practices, and Rural Health Clinics.
• Commitment to Student Success: The program is dedicated to the success of its students, offering a rigorous curriculum that integrates the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty with the top-ranked Nurse-Midwifery specialty.
• Experienced Faculty: The faculty comprises doctorally prepared, practice-active professionals who use a mix of classroom settings, simulated experiences, and clinical training.

Vanderbilt's program goes beyond education, providing a pathway to a rewarding career in frontline healthcare across America and beyond.

University of Michigan 

At the University of Michigan School of Nursing, the unique FNP/CNM combined program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, stands out as a beacon of excellence. This program broadens the scope of practice for nursing professionals and offers immense career flexibility. It is meticulously designed to enable graduates to provide comprehensive maternal care and effectively serve entire communities in any practice setting, whether urban, rural, or global.

The program's innovative approach equips nursing professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to empower women to take charge of their healthcare and lifestyle decisions and assist families in making informed choices to mitigate health risks.

CNM/FNP Program Overview

• Duration: Choose between a 9 semester or 3 year (MSN) pathway and a 12 semester or 4 year (DNP) pathway.
• Credit Hours: 77-78 (MSN), 102-103 (DNP).
• Tuition: $14,015 per semester (MI residents) and $28,230 per semester (non-residents).
• Accreditation: CCNE for the FNP compondent and ACME for the nurse midwifery component. 

Program Highlights: 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Integrates Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwifery programs, offering in-depth knowledge and skills across these specialties.
• Diverse Learning and Program Plans: Students can opt for a 3-year MSN pathway or a more extensive 4-year DNP pathway, catering to diverse career aspirations and educational needs.
• Empowering Women and Families: The curriculum emphasizes empowering women for greater control over their healthcare and lifestyle choices, and aiding families in reducing health complications through informed decision-making.
• Broad Career Opportunities: Graduates are prepared for a wide range of practice settings, equipped to address complex healthcare needs across the lifespan.
• Innovative Approach: Combines health sciences theory and clinical preparation, fostering the knowledge, judgment, and skills necessary to provide primary health care across all life stages, including pregnancy and childbirth.

The dual FNP/CNM program at the University of Michigan is more than just an academic journey; it's a pathway to transforming healthcare practice and enhancing community wellbeing.

Dual FNP/CNM Prerequisites & Requirements

To enroll in a Dual FNP/CNM program, prospective students must meet certain prerequisites and admission requirements. These prerequisites and requirements are designed to ensure that students have the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in these advanced practice roles.

Dual FNP/CNM Prerequisites

The prerequisites for a Dual FNP/CNM program typically include:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN): Most programs require applicants to have completed a BSN from an accredited nursing school.
• RN Licensure: Applicants must hold a current and unencumbered RN license.
• Clinical Experience: A specified amount of clinical experience as an RN is often required. This experience should ideally be in areas related to primary care or women's health.
• Academic Performance: A minimum GPA, often around 3.0 or higher, in undergraduate coursework is usually required.
• Prerequisite Courses: Some programs may require specific undergraduate courses, such as statistics, health assessment, or human anatomy and physiology.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are typically required to submit letters of recommendation, often from academic and professional references.
• Personal Statement: A written statement of purpose explaining the applicant's interest in the dual role and their career goals.
• GRE Scores: Some programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, although this requirement is becoming less common.

Dual FNP/CNM Requirements

Students must fulfill the following requirements to complete the program:

• Completion of Coursework: Students must successfully complete all required coursework, which includes both FNP and CNM-specific courses, as well as integrated courses covering both specialties.
• Clinical Hours: Completion of a set number of clinical hours is required. These hours are divided between FNP and CNM specialties and include hands-on patient care under supervision.
• Capstone Project or Thesis: Some programs may require a capstone project or thesis, demonstrating the integration of knowledge and skills acquired during the program.
• Certification Examinations: Upon completion of the program, graduates are typically required to pass certification exams for both the FNP and CNM credentials.
• State Licensure: Graduates must obtain licensure in their state of practice, which may involve additional requirements beyond national certification.
• Continuing Education: To maintain certification and licensure, FNPs and CNMs must engage in ongoing continuing education and professional development.

Dual FNP/CNM Costs & Salary Expectations

The costs and salary expectations of dual FNP/CNM programs can vary based on several factors, including location, years of experience, level of education, institution, and more. Below are general considerations to help prospective students decide if this program is worth it for them.

Dual FNP/CNM Costs

• Tuition Fees: Tuition is usually the most significant expense. The cost can vary widely depending on the institution, whether it's public or private, and the program's length.
• Additional Fees: Beyond tuition, students may need to budget for additional fees such as technology fees, lab fees, and other miscellaneous costs associated with higher education.
• Textbooks and Supplies: Course materials, including textbooks and any necessary supplies for clinical practice, add to the overall cost.
• Living Expenses: If the program requires on-campus attendance, living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation need to be considered.
• Travel and Clinical Rotation Costs: Some programs may require travel to clinical sites, which can incur additional expenses.
• Certification and Licensure Fees: After completing the program, there are costs associated with taking certification exams and obtaining licensure in both the FNP and CNM specialties.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Prospective students should explore financial aid options, scholarships, and potential employer tuition assistance programs to help offset costs.

Dual FNP/CNM Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for NPs is $125,900 annually or $60.53 per hour. Unfortunately, the BLS doesn't differentiate between different types of NPs, however, Glassdoor reports that FNPs earn an average annual salary of $137,000.

As for nurse midwives, the BLS reports an annual average salary of $122,450, or $58.87 hourly.

Top-Paying States for Nurse Midwives:

• California: $169,530
• West Virginia: $165,780
• Hawaii: $156,020
• Massachusetts: $143,870
• Oregon: $136,150

While these salary figures are a good starting point, it's important to do thorough research in the context of your location, employer, level of experience, and more, in order to develop the best expectations of salary.

Dual FNP/CNM Pros & Cons

While dual FNP/CNM programs have several advantages, they also come with disadvantages that are important to consider.

Dual FNP/CNM Pros

1. Versatility in Career Options: Graduates can work in a variety of settings, including family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and birthing centers, increasing job opportunities.
2. Comprehensive Skill Set: These programs provide a broad range of skills in both primary care and midwifery, enabling practitioners to offer a wider array of services to patients.
3. Increased Marketability: Dual certification can make graduates more attractive to employers who are looking for versatile healthcare providers.
4. Opportunity for Higher Earnings: With advanced skills and dual qualifications, graduates may have the potential for higher earnings compared to those with a single certification.
5. Personal Fulfillment: Working in both family medicine and midwifery can be highly rewarding, offering diverse experiences and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives.

Dual FNP/CNM Cons

1. Intensive Coursework and Training: The combined curriculum can be more challenging and time-consuming than single-specialty programs.
2. Higher Costs: Dual programs may be more expensive due to the extended length of study and additional courses required.
3. Increased Stress and Responsibility: Balancing the demands of two specialties can be stressful and may lead to burnout.
4. Limited Programs Available: There are fewer dual FNP/CNM programs available, which may limit accessibility for some students.
5. Certification and Licensure Complexity: Graduates must navigate the requirements for certification and licensure in two separate specialties, which can be more complex and time-consuming.

Dual FNP/CNM Scope of Practice 

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) provide essential healthcare services, each with unique scopes of practice governed by state laws. FNPs deliver primary care across the lifespan, with autonomy varying by state, ranging from independent practice to supervision by physicians. Similarly, CNMs focus on women's health and reproductive care, with their autonomy also dependent on state regulations.

Prospective FNP/CNMs must understand these regulations to align their education and career choices with state-specific legal frameworks and professional opportunities. State regulations for nurse practitioners are classified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and for certified nurse midwives by the  American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).

• Full practice states, both NPs and CNMs can provide independent patient care without physician oversight, with 30 states allowing this for NPs and 27 for CNMs.
• Reduced practice requires some collaboration with a healthcare provider, required in 15 states for NPs and 20 for CNMs.
• Restricted practice mandates working under physician supervision or delegation, applicable in 11 states for NPs and 3 for CNMs.

FNPs must obtain national certification through organizations like the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) FNP-BC or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) AANPBC. CNMs must graduate from an accredited program and pass the national certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). 

FNP/CNM Program Accreditation

Accreditation of FNP/CNM programs is essential for several reasons:

• Educational Excellence: Accredited programs adhere to high standards, ensuring quality curriculum, faculty, student resources, and clinical training.
• Skill Development: They focus on comprehensive skill development, preparing graduates for healthcare challenges.
• Research and Innovation: Accredited programs often integrate research and innovation into their curriculum, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
• Clinical Hours: Meeting the clinical hour requirement is crucial, which varies depending on the program pathway.
• Certification and Licensure: Graduation from an accredited program is essential for obtaining nursing certifications and meeting state licensure requirements.
• Career Opportunities: Employers prefer graduates from accredited programs due to their alignment with national standards.
• Credit Transfer: Credits from accredited programs are more likely to be accepted by other institutions, facilitating further education.
• Professional Credibility: Completing an accredited program enhances professional credibility in the nursing field.

For FNP/CNM programs, accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for the NP component, and by the American College of Nurse-Midwives for the Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) for the CNM component, is vital.

For FNP/CNM programs, accreditation by the for the NP aspect, and by the American College of Nurse-Midwives for the Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) for the CNM aspect, is vital.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What kind of career opportunities are available for graduates of Dual FNP/CNM programs?

Graduates of Dual FNP/CNM programs have a wide range of career opportunities in public health, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and birthing centers. Their comprehensive skill set in both primary care and midwifery allows them to work in diverse healthcare settings, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and women's health.

Q: Are there any specific accreditation bodies for Dual FNP/CNM programs?

Reputable Dual FNP/CNM programs are typically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Additionally, certification for nurse-midwives is governed by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and the American College of Nurse-Midwives is a key professional organization in this field.

Q: Can I pursue a Dual FNP/CNM program on a part-time basis?

Many Dual FNP/CNM programs offer flexible scheduling options, including part-time and full-time study tracks. This flexibility helps accommodate students who are working professionals or have other commitments.

Q: What is the role of informatics and advanced health assessment in Dual FNP/CNM programs?

Informatics plays a crucial role in modern healthcare education, including Dual FNP/CNM programs. Students learn to use healthcare informatics for patient care, data management, and health promotion. Advanced health assessment is a core component of the curriculum, equipping students with the skills to perform comprehensive evaluations in clinical practice.

Q: How important are clinical preceptors and on-campus components in these programs?

Clinical preceptors are vital in Dual FNP/CNM programs, providing students with supervised, hands-on experience in clinical settings. While many programs offer online coursework, on-campus components are often essential for practical skills training, ensuring students achieve the necessary competency for their dual roles.

Edited Mar 9 by Erin Lee