CNM Schools- Where are they and what to look for?

Specialties CNM

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Please forgive me, as I'm sure you guys are asked this constantly, but I just graduated nursing school (ADN) Oct 20th, and am preparing for my NCLEX. I've known I wanted to be a CNM since I was 13 (20 years ago...ouch) and nursing school only confirmed it. I felt at home. The patients loved me, whether I was doing breastfeeding teaching helping them through labor or just preforming routine care. I felt I made a real impact in their lives and it filled me with a since of purpose....anyway. (And yes, I know it's not all unicorns and rainbows. ;) ) I'll be starting my BSN next summer (it will take a year) and I hope to by that time, be on an L&D unit to get some experience. Even though it's at least 2 years away, I want to start researching MSN-CNM programs. I want to make sure the BSN education I receive will adequately prepare me, and I don't want to have to take additional general ed classes if I don't have to.

Here's what I need in a CNM program:

  1. A well respected school. I want my degree to mean something.
  2. A school that is located in Northwest FL, or has an online program with some sort of audio lecture. (I'm an auditory learner)

Here's some additional information I'm looking for:

  1. What was your experience in obtaining your CNM?
  2. What did you enjoy/dislike about your program?
  3. What was a shock/surprise to you about getting into/through your program?
  4. Are there programs you would avoid if you had to do it again and why? (I understand this is a controversial question, but one I'm sincerely interested in, if you don't feel comfortable answering here, would you pm it to me?)
  5. What suggestions would you give to those of us who are interested in pursuing this specialty?

Thank you for your time and assistance! Have a wonderful day!

Would you consider moving? OHSU, the University of Colorado, Yale, and University of Pennsylvania all have very well-respected programs.

Popular on-line programs include: Frontier University, Vanderbilt, Georgetown.

Something to consider: it may not be in your best educational interest to do a program that requires you to find your own preceptor in your local area. Schools that arrange and vet preceptors for you can be a far less stressful experience. Sometimes, if you have to find your own clinical sites, you are left taking what you can get instead of getting the best experience possible. Sometimes you even have to delay your graduate school program while you find a clinical site.

Some schools have a faculty practice and you rotate through clinicals under the faculty who are experienced at teaching and are very invested in teaching you well. It may not be convenient to relocate, but it can be a great experience.

Some schools have direct entry programs that do not require you to have L&D experience. They know full well that it can be difficult to get hired in L&D as a new grad. L&D experience is valuable, but I have known several CNM's who are wonderful but did not work as clinical staff nurses first. You must ask yourself if you would personally like the experience and if it would assist in the transition to graduate school. Only you can answer that for yourself. Some people need the experience and some are mature enough and ready to handle the provider role without the clinical background. Again, that is a personal decision. Good luck!

I'm not *COMPLETELY* opposed to moving, but I have 3 kids, am single mom and I just moved to Jacksonville less than a month ago. I wasn't planning on any more moving unless it was for marriage purposes or something. I have connections (through other friends) to a midwife in this area that I could work with when I get to that point if finding my own clinical site/preceptor is required.

I honestly think I would feel comfortable going straight into midwifery, I have a very firm grasp on the process of pregnancy/delivery ect, (this is not meant to say I don't still have a lot to learn, only that I'm probably a bit ahead of the curve compared to many/most other new grads in this area). However, the experience in L&D could only help me prior to becoming a midwife and honestly I loved the experience in precetorship and clinicals. So, I'm open to either option.

I know I still have a lot of work and research to do, but it helps to have some prespecitve from others so that I can gain a more realistic view.

Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

The UF CNM program is pretty good, from what I hear. I know of 3 midwives who went through that program, and all found employment very easily.

I went to a direct entry midwifery school in Gainesville (not affiliated with UF although we did clinicals there), and some of my classmates commuted from Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It was very doable. Plus, Gainesville is AWESOME so I would recommend UF solely on location :) Just make sure you stop at Satchel's pizza, and get a bottle of salad dressing to take home with you.

That sounds fantastic, Cayenne! I'd totally drive that far! Any particular salad dressing I should be getting? I'll have to see if I can find some info on their program and requirements online. Strangely, I think I remember looking up that school, and I couldn't find anything about midwifery there, but knowing they have it, is super exciting! Thank you!!

Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

Nurse Midwifery » Nursing Admissions » College of Nursing » University of Florida

Satchel's only has one type of salad dressing! Satchels Pizza

Thank you so much Cayenne!!!! I appreciate your help!

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