Doctorate in Nurse-Midwifery?

rkmoyers · Feb 20, 2007

I'm planning on getting a post masters as a CNM. Even for the post masters it will be about 50 credits. I'd rather do the DNP CNM. Will there program be online?

beckinben, CNM · Feb 25, 2007

IMHO, I think the DNP will probably turn out to be another type of educational pathway for CNMs, but not a requirement for practice. ACNM has not supported the DNP as a standard of practice - and isn't likely to as long as there are still CNM programs not part of schools of nursing (there's still at least one at I think U of Puerto Rico) and as long as they still support the CM credential. So I'm not too worried about it, myself.

crazylilkelly · Apr 5, 2008

all my undergrad nursing professors (at university of ill chicago) are telling us that if we do go to grad school then to do dnp b/c there's a national push to elimante masters level anp by 2010. they all said they'll doubt it will happen by 2010 but it's still something to consider. apparently, the push is happening b/c they want apns to have the same degree req as pharm, PT etc....they all have doctorates level, no masters. so, i guess its a wanting to gain respect thing or something.

anyhow, i would find out if you could do the masters & ever apply for the doctorates if you change your mind. good luck!

2BNavelgazer · Apr 22, 2008

all my undergrad nursing professors (at university of ill chicago) are telling us that if we do go to grad school then to do dnp b/c there's a national push to elimante masters level anp by 2010. they all said they'll doubt it will happen by 2010 but it's still something to consider. apparently, the push is happening b/c they want apns to have the same degree req as pharm, PT etc....they all have doctorates level, no masters. so, i guess its a wanting to gain respect thing or something.
anyhow, i would find out if you could do the masters & ever apply for the doctorates if you change your mind. good luck!

Yes, I have heard this as well. BUT, if you have a MSN then you will be grandfathered in.

Selke · Apr 22, 2008

Frontier is starting up their own distance DNP program this year, I think. I'm not interested in a DNP at this point, but were there a DNP in midwifery already available instead of the MSN, and if it would cover more content and more clinical, AND if they INCREASE financial aid (money has been a big issue for me finishing school) I would have gone for that. As it is they'll just have to grandmother me in.

nkdonw · Aug 15, 2009

I'm currently enrolled in a MA program but I previously attended a four year university in an unrelated field. I doing MA because I need a pt job in a hospital to take advantage of tuition reimbursement and gain experience. I tried getting a job in the hosp the traditional way but I keep getting outbeat by internal candidates so I decided to become one of them. I have a child and I want to help my husband carry the weight financially so pt is the to go. Anyway I'm in the seattle area and the midwifery school is partnering with baystr university to offer a direct entry masters mid wifery program this fall. I don't plan on entering until fall 2011 and its a 3yr program since ill have all pre reqs and credits from previous education. I'm very concerned about hearing about the need for a doctorate in 2015 and I'm just curious, will I need to go back to school after I finish my masters in 2014? Sorry for extra details and rammbling, I was trying to figure out my question in the process.

CEG · Aug 16, 2009

I'm currently enrolled in a MA program but I previously attended a four year university in an unrelated field. I doing MA because I need a pt job in a hospital to take advantage of tuition reimbursement and gain experience. I tried getting a job in the hosp the traditional way but I keep getting outbeat by internal candidates so I decided to become one of them. I have a child and I want to help my husband carry the weight financially so pt is the to go. Anyway I'm in the seattle area and the midwifery school is partnering with baystr university to offer a direct entry masters mid wifery program this fall. I don't plan on entering until fall 2011 and its a 3yr program since ill have all pre reqs and credits from previous education. I'm very concerned about hearing about the need for a doctorate in 2015 and I'm just curious, will I need to go back to school after I finish my masters in 2014? Sorry for extra details and rammbling, I was trying to figure out my question in the process.

If you have a Masters you will be "grandmothered" in and a Doctorate will not be required.

Many programs are moving to offer the DNP only (no MS). I think my school is, not sure though because I just graduated with my MS but I have heard that there are no more MS students being admitted and all new students are DNP.

ariellaella · Sep 18, 2010

If you are still looking for info on the DNP, you might find this website interesting in understanding the DNP more thoroughly. I am definitely interested in the DNP option for midwifery.

AACN - Doctor of Nursing Practice

joyrochelle · Sep 18, 2010

Yes-- I actually just emailed Sharon at Frontier to see if there was a way to combine the DNP and the post masters cert in midwifery-- i am a FNP already, and think that if I am to return to school for midwifery ( which I really want to do! ) I also should see about getting my DNP so I can teach ultimately if I chose to do so. She said that they are not able to be combined however, you need to do one then the other. `tis a damn shame!

joyrochelle · Sep 18, 2010

I just read about the upcoming DNP in Nurse-Midwifery program at OHSU. I've been planning on going for the CNM, but now I wonder about this? It's such a new idea to me that I don't know whether I'd want to do it. Is this where nurse-midwifery practice is heading? I'm trying to decide whether I should adjust my goals and preparation.

I am not seeing where it is catered to midwifery vs a standard DNP in particular... am i missing something?

Little_Babycatcher · Sep 19, 2010

I'm going to be completing my MSN first and then possibly continue on for a DNP later. I know in my area there are not many (if any) advanced practice nurses who have doctorates doing patient care. Maybe if I want to teach later on I'll continue, or of course if it becomes a requirement...