B.S. in bio to Master's in Midwifery? Advice Pretty Please!

Nurses General Nursing

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I just graduated from undergrad this year with a b.s. in biology. During undergrad I had one set goal and toward the end there was a slight change of heart. I have realized of late that I want to pursue a career in midwifery but I do not just want a certification. I want to receive the highest level of education that is offered in midwifery. To my present knowledge this would be a CNM...my knowledge could be very wrong. The only problem is that I would prefer not to go back and complete four years in undergrad doing a nursing degree when I would not be focused on the myriad of other aspIects of nursing....just midwifery. Are you aware of any joint programs where I can maybe take filler-in courses that my biology degree did not fulfill and then continue within the program to work on a master's degree?

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If you live in NYC, Stoney Brook has a 3 year master program for BA/BS graduates who are not nurses. Check it out, I'm not sure if they have the midwife program, but you can investigate. Another option could be University of New York at Buffalo, where I currently am. Buffalo is an under appreciated city, we have great restaurants and beautiful/affordable homes with apartments. It is a great escape from "the city", it is much more passae. There are many more schools that offer 3 year programs, but to financially benefit, you might want to stay in NY.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

have you posted this question on the CNM board?

correct me if i seem wrong but...

you should have a nursing background if you wish to pursue the CNM route.......

namely BSN and some actual WORK EXPERIENCE as an RN----labor/delivery/gyn nursing especially. I would think you would want this! It sure would be extremely helpful

I dont' know of a CNM program that takes non-nurses in it.

but I could be wrong.

check into accelerated BSN programs for people w/bachelors.

good luck.:)

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I know Yale also has a program that accepts BA/BS non nurses.

These programs are very fast paced and you do cover the RN program curriculum, take the boards and at teh same time do the CNM curriculum. I used to work at Yale's hospital ... I knew a few people in this program and they loved it... alot of them worked per diem in post partum or L&D while in the program...

I think it was about three years.

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

I would suggest that you CAREFULLY research employment opportunities before you choose to pursue this field, as well as the cost of .

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At McMaster University here in Ontario, You need to have either a biology degree, health studies, or minimum be a Registered Nurse (diploma, AD, or BSN) to be chosen for the 3 year midwifery degree. so i chose the shortest route which was diploma nursing. I personally am considering going to England which has excellent midwifery programs. contact the Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK) they have shortened courses for people with degrees and who are already RN. Midwifery is the mainstream there. I will be looking at 1.5 years full time studies (but paid placements) in the UK after i have done a year or two in med/surg to get my midwifery degree. Good luck!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I still say it is MORE than wise to have a nursing background before you pursue advance-practice nursing such as (and especially!) MIDWIFERY.

it will really behoove you in the litigious and often difficult environment in which CNM's practice.

and sjoe as it right...

carefully investigate opportunities and physician backup, practices and in your area before taking this plunge.

I hope you realize your dream!

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There is a website that lists all the midwife prorams in the united states, sorry, I cant find the bookmark at the moment, but im sure you can search for it. Many of them offer a one-year fast-track program where you earn your RN/BSN, and then go on to earn your CNM in the following two years. Although I do believe you should work as an RN before earning an advanced nursing degree, many people do the CNM progam this way.

Interestingly enough, I have been told Yale University prefers to accept non-nursing degree people into their CNM program so that they may train them as an RN their way. Being an RN/BSN makes it harder to be accepted into their program as they only accept 2 or so to each year. I am not sure if all the programs are like this.

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Specializes in ED staff.

http://www.allnursingschools.com/featured/cnm.php?src=goto122

maybe this will help :)

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