BSM (not BSN) and RN Degree v.s. CNM

Published

If I was a registered nurse (RN) and also a had my Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) would that make me a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)? If not, what does it take to be a CNM if I am already an RN? I have my heart set on a midwifery school that only offers Associate of Science in Midwifery (ASM) and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM). Thank you so very much!:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Holistic and Aesthetic Medicine.

No, a BSM + RN does not = CNM.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What wound it take for someone with both degrees to become a CNM? thank you for your reply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.

I don't believe I've ever heard of a BSM or ASM, at least not to function in the same capacity as the midwives I'm used to. All the programs I've researched, such as ECU, UF, Columbia, Frontier, etc., are all Master's programs (or higher).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

i agree with the previous comments. cnm requires a masters-level degree.

check out this site:

http://www.midwife.org/sitefiles/position/mandatory_degree_req_for_entry_midwifery_practice_7_09.pdf

and according to this page, also linked from that site:

http://www.midwife.org/credential_cnm.cfm

"per the acnm position statement, mandatory degree requirements for entry into midwifery practice, approved by the acnm board of directors in july 2009, a graduate degree will be required for entry into practice by 2010."

there's lots of good info on that site if you dig around some.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Holistic and Aesthetic Medicine.

The ASM and BSM degrees are typically taken by people training for Certified Professional Midwife rather than for Nurse Midwife. They are two completely separate approaches to midwifery. One of the more user friendly approaches to midwifery education is at the Frontier school www.midwives.org . You can find info on all the programs out there at http://www.midwife.org/

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Home Health, Camp, Travel, L&D.

Just a thought: if you really "have your heart set" on this program (asm/bsm), is nurse-midwifery really the direction you want to go? If you aren't already an RN, do you even want a nursing degree? DEM/CPMs don't *need* to be RNs, and the practice model/population served is usually a little different.

I'd encourage you to look at the end goal--what kind of midwife do you want to be? And work backward to see which path will get you where you really want to go. But, no RN+BSM does not = CNM.

HTH,

T

Up Vote Up Vote ×

a midwife and a certified nurse midwife are two different animals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am almost an RN, But I want to become a midwife. What is the difference between the work I would do as a BSM and the work I would do as a SNM? and how much schooling does it take on top of RN to become a SNM? Or if I chose to ignore my RN degree completely, What is the best flat out aprouch to becoming a midwife? my ultimate goal is to volenteer internationally, with the choice to practice in the states.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

I agree with tablefor9....it depends on what type of midwife you want to be. As far as your goal of volunteering (good for you!), I would look into different organizations, like Doctors without Borders, and see what they require. I know from personal experience that many third world countries are so desperate for medical care that ANY type of service in the medical/nursing field is a great help!!!! Have you thought of joining up with a church or hospital mission group for a short-term volunteer experience just to get some "exposure" to needs in other countries?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

You need to do research in your state because the laws differ from state to state. But usually you can not call your self certified in anything unless you have taken the certification exam.

Are you even a nurse? From you language it seems that you are not. Also many states are going to a Masters degree for Nurse Midwives- which is an advanced practice degree.

Now if you are interested there are also lay midwives.

But like I said you need to do more research on the laws of practice where you live.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Home Health, Camp, Travel, L&D.

BSM would lead to a (in my state, anyway) CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) license and more specifically, home birth and birthing center birth. MSN would lead to CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) which usually practice in hospitals, and in groups with OB/GYNs, but may also practice in birthing centers or do home births. Many (not all) CNMs have a love for the midwifery model of care, yet do medical type interventions as well, for variety of reasons.

A nursing degree won't hurt you, in either case, but I'd really, really take the time to talk to a variety of midwives and see where your heart is, because Midwifery isn't medicine, and it's not nursing, either...but it can touch both at times.

Blessings to you!

T

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion