I am thinking about applying to Frontier's Midwifery program, but I am trying to figure out if this is a realistic goal. I have one young child and one on the way. I currently work 24 hours/week in a postpartum/GYN unit. That being said... does anyone know if you should have Labor and Delivery Experience to do this program. The admission director mentioned that some clinical sites won't accept midwifery students unless they have had L&D experience. Has anyone had any trouble with this? I am also concerned about the fact that I have to find my own preceptor. We have a decent amount of practices in my area, but I have never heard of a Frontier midwifery student at any of the practices. Lastly, does anyone know if you can work part-time and care for two children throughout the program including the clinical portion? I have to continue to work a least 24 hours (12 hr shifts)/ week to have my hospital pay for part of my tuition. I am feeling so overwhelmed and excited trying to figure out if I can make this happen. This is my dream and I was so excited to find out about Frontier. I think it is my only hope of advancing my career unless I want to wait 18 more years Any advice would GREATLY be appreciated!!!!
A quick update - I wrote in Nov 2009 that I was finishing up my bridge year (Jan 09-Dec 09). I'm currently in my 3rd year of the program. I'm going parttime in the CNEP route. I should be finished somewhere between Dec 2012 to March 2013 (I had to repeat a class, due to failing that class by a measly 1.5%...ughhh!!!).
I have continued to work 32 hrs per week (four 8 hour shifts) on L&D while doing the program. I also bought a brand new house, and raise two out of my three children that are still at home. I plan to continue working my 32 hrs per week as long as possible, even during clinicals. You see, I am the breadwinner in our home, so I must work. Even if it means stretching out clinicals a little bit longer than I want.
Regarding CNEP clinicals - you can do no more than 32 hours per week of clinical time. So, I would imagine, you could still work FT (40 hrs) per week, plus clinical time per week.
I doubt in the long run it really matters... You would surely still graduate with your class. If you can only do 32 hours of clinicals a week, and you have 675 to do, that would take you 21 weeks to complete. Their catalog states it usually takes students 6-9 months to complete. It also says that it should take a MINIMUM of 16 weeks to complete (this is shorter than the 21 I calculated, but came directly from their catalog). There is also a list of required experiences you must have (i.e. number of births, antepartum visits, etc).
I did read that your graduation date is listed as the date that all your requirements have been met, meaning, your classes completed, clinical hours completed, and there's a comprehensive final exam that has to be taken at a testing center that has to be passed. I don't know the details of what has to happen once you are done with everything, I think your name has to be submitted to the national boards that you are ready to take the boards, and I am not sure if they do this individually as the students get through, or if they wait until after commencement and submit the names all at once.
BUT really, in the long run, you probably only talking only a couple of weeks difference and you would probably want to study for boards before you take them anyway.
I really recommend reading their catalog. It has lots of useful information, and current information so you are not getting misinformation, or speculation from others. Not saying that this is happening, but I like to know for sure, so if you are anything like me, you would benefit from reading it.
So this is a topic near and dear to me. I became a RN with the goal of becoming a CNM (back in 2002) and once I relocated to CT with my hubby changed my plans to becoming a FNP, which I did in 2008. I am pregnant with my second child who is due in June and once again am feeling the strong urges to apply and attend the CNEP program (I started applying when pregnant with 1st child- I was so inspired and pulled back to my roots and love of OB/GYN and to attending births that I did when I was a RN). Then I had my first and life got crazy, etc etc. Now I am again really fighting with what the heck to do. The outstanding loans I have are huge from my MSN, and my hubby isn't as starry eyed as I regarding the switch to a life requiring more schooling/ tuition, and ultimately the life of an on call care giver. I need a crystal ball! :) I'm just kind of venting/ ranting here. Feel free to comment or not... My head is spinning though, & I felt the need to lay it out.
What an inspiring thread. I just finished nursing school with my heart set on midwifery. I am hoping to apply to Frontier and feel so relieved that some of you are moms with jobs! I hope to work (24hs/wk) and i have a 2 and a 5 year old. It is so wonderful to hear it is not impossible. I would love to hear updates on all you superwomen! Thank you!
Frontier is amazingly flexible. I am a current student attending the accelerated full-time program. I am a single mom and work full-time. I know of other classmates who have multiple children, are single parents, or are new parents. The school recommends you take off a semester with a new baby but it's not required and certainly there are students who do not take time off. Frontier really looks out for the success of the student. As with anything in life, there are resources available to help you if this is your goal. Of course, you have to have the passion and drive to successfully attain it.
Any advice would GREATLY be appreciated!!!!
RNLaborNurse4U
277 Posts
A quick update - I wrote in Nov 2009 that I was finishing up my bridge year (Jan 09-Dec 09). I'm currently in my 3rd year of the program. I'm going parttime in the CNEP route. I should be finished somewhere between Dec 2012 to March 2013 (I had to repeat a class, due to failing that class by a measly 1.5%...ughhh!!!).
I have continued to work 32 hrs per week (four 8 hour shifts) on L&D while doing the program. I also bought a brand new house, and raise two out of my three children that are still at home. I plan to continue working my 32 hrs per week as long as possible, even during clinicals. You see, I am the breadwinner in our home, so I must work. Even if it means stretching out clinicals a little bit longer than I want.
YOU CAN DO IT!!