Best Midwifery School programs

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 19, 2015

Are you able/willing to relocate?

Livvy24 · Sep 24, 2015

Yes I am willing to relocate

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 24, 2015

I've heard great things about Vanderbilt and SUNY Downstate. For distance learning, Frontier has a great reputation, but if you live in a small community without many midwives, it may be difficult to secure a preceptor.

Simplyroses · Sep 25, 2015

Choosing a graduate program is very individual. Some programs are on-line and you must find your own preceptors. That can be stressful and challenging if you do not have a great support network established prior to entering the program. In some areas of the country, the preceptors that accept Frontier or on-line program students have a wait list of 1-2 years. The on-line classwork can be great if you have family/job challenges to work around.

Some programs have a faculty practice and you rotate through the clinic and L&D call with faculty who are very used to precepting students. Many of these programs will not allow you to contact your preceptor independently if you want to set up your own site. They require that the school contacts the preceptor first so that they can vet the preceptor and verify credentials, as well as establish a professional relationship with the preceptor.

That being said, any program that is accredited by the ACME (the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) | ACNM ) will be a rigorous program that will fulfill the minimum requirements for you to sit for your AMCB certification American Midwifery Certification Board .

Check out this list: ACME-Program Accreditation Information

Then make a list of criteria that is important to you for your graduate school experience. Are you looking for out-of-hospital experience? Waterbirth? Do you want a small, close cohort to study with or do you want to study independently? Do you want a site that finds your preceptor for you or do you want to find your own? What is the cost of the program? Where in the country is it located? How long does the program last? Is it a MSN or DNP? What is the cost of living? Can you work while you are in the program? Is there a part-time option if you need to work? What percentage of their students pass the boards?

Good luck researching!

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Sep 29, 2015

I went to Baystate Midwifery, and what i loved was the wealth of clinical opportunity, the fact that your preceptors are also your didactic instructors, and the fact that it is integrated into (and has access to the resources of) a busy teaching hospital. I was even able to do my integration within the Baystate Health System, at an amazing community hospital with a CNM led ldrp unit.

I had an MSN already, but if you dont you have to enroll concurrently with Philadelphia U to get the master's component. And Baystate is not currently eligible for federal student loans, which makes finances a big problem.

All in all though, i am thrilled with my education and had no trouble finding employment. Now that ive got my feet wet working as a CNM, i definitely feel Baystate gave me a rock solid foundation.

mamagui · Oct 2, 2015

Just curious, Cayanne06, why did you chose to go to Baystate instead of Phila U directly?

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Oct 3, 2015

Just curious, Cayanne06, why did you chose to go to Baystate instead of Phila U directly?

Because then I would have been responsible for procuring my own clinical placements. I chose Baystate because of the wealth of clinical opportunities available. I also wanted a brick and mortar school.

Gibel13 · May 3, 2021

Hi cayenne06 I was wondering, outside of the in-hospital clinical experiences, did baystate offer opportunity for out-of-hospital experiences as well, such as birth centers etc.? One of the biggest drawbacks I’m having in deciding on a school here in the northeast, is the fact that it favors the medical model of practice a little more than I would like so that’s my only concern.

Also if you don’t mind me asking, how many clinical hours did you have to complete and do you feel the program really prepared you for your boards? Were you able to work during the program? Do you feel the program you graduate from matters in terms of being able to find a job as a CNM? Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks!