California Guidelines...

It is true in every state. No state requires a midwife (or an NP, for that matter) to have a DNP.

Midwifery has not embraced the DNP as the entry to practice. The state boards of nursing all have different requirements, but none require the DNP. Some require a certification in your field of advanced practice, and that certification body may require a graduate degree. However, for nurse midwives to be certified, the Master's is still the entry degree.

Midwifery has not embraced the DNP as the entry to practice. The state boards of nursing all have different requirements, but none require the DNP. Some require a certification in your field of advanced practice, and that certification body may require a graduate degree. However, for nurse midwives to be certified, the Master's is still the entry degree.

So I need an extra certification to call myself a Nurse Midwife??

Well, you need to graduate from an accredited program. Then pass the boards. After you do this you apply for and receive your certification and state license.

So I need an extra certification to call myself a Nurse Midwife??

I am confused. Are you already a midwife?

To be a nurse midwife, you must go through a master's program specific to nurse midwifery, then pass the boards. You are not a CNM until you have done this.

yeah, you can't just call yourself a nurse midwife. Some states do not legislate non-nurse midwifery, and in those states any joe shmoe can hang a shingle and call herself a midwife, which is terrifying and shameful. But even in those states, the title of nurse midwife is protected.

yeah, you can't just call yourself a nurse midwife. Some states do not legislate non-nurse midwifery, and in those states any joe shmoe can hang a shingle and call herself a midwife, which is terrifying and shameful. But even in those states, the title of nurse midwife is protected.

I know you have to have your RN, but the midwife part... you don't have to be an NP to practice midwifery? i wish it were like Britain over here!!!

I am confused. Are you already a midwife?

No i am not a midwife, i was speaking hypothetically. To call myself a midwife, i need to go through a masters program and become an NP? or a certification program?

No i am not a midwife, i was speaking hypothetically. To call myself a midwife, i need to go through a masters program and become an NP? or a certification program?

No, to call yourself a midwife you need to go through a master's program specifically for midwifery. It is a separate type of advanced practice nursing, different from NPs, CRNAs, etc. Once you graduate you are eligible to take a written exam which, if you pass, earns you certification. Once you have this, you can apply for a license to practice in whichever state you choose.

Check out http://www.midwife.org for more detailed info on the educational pathways.