Future CNM Student Looking for Advice

[volpme93]

Hi all,

I'm currently in a master's program for nursing (bachelor's is in German) and looking at midwifery programs to start after I graduate. I was planning on attending Marquette University in Wisconsin because I'm already there and it would be easy. But I would only get my post-master's certificate, while I could get my DNP in the same amount of time (or slightly more) at other schools. These programs are typically 2-3 times more expensive, though. I don't think I'm interesting in teaching right away, but I could see myself doing it someday.

My questions:

1) Is it worth it to get a DNP right away or should I wait?

2) Is there a pay difference for DNP vs post master's trained CNMs?

3) Any thoughts on online schools?

4) Anything else I should know?

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

My questions:

1) Is it worth it to get a DNP right away or should I wait?

Does the state you want to work in require DNP? (hint: the answer is no)

Do potential employers require the DNP?

2) Is there a pay difference for DNP vs post master's trained CNMs?

Not that I've heard of....

3) Any thoughts on online schools?

Some are good, some are meh. When you are looking at campus-based schools, ask how much content is online (you might be surprised at how little class-based instruction there is).

4) Anything else I should know?

You will pay more money for a DNP than an MSN - which means more student loans - more debt, more money you will need to earn in your job to make ends meet - I don't know that pay is determined by degree for CNMs. Pay for CNMs is mainly driven by the market - as far as I can see.

Pick an excellent school - ask multiple people what they think about the school. You will find glowing reviews all over the place - ask for some information from students and former students who aren't all unicorns and rainbows. You'll get more useful information that way.

Have you considered becoming an RN and working before going on to becoming a CNM?

3 years from non-nursing background ---> CNM is a steep, steep learning curve. Talk to other students who've done this and find out their thoughts about it.

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

I think I misunderstood your first question -

You are in a Master's entry RN program... correct? And then you would continue on to complete a nurse-midwifery program. You may have an interesting challenge in getting the "post-master's certificate" because if your Master's is a entry to nursing degree, you may not qualify for the post-master's certificate. You may have to get the MSN.

[klone, MSN, RN]

It has not been my observation that DNP CNMs make more money than MSN CNMs.

[volpme93]

That's right. My program just requires you to have a bachelor's in something and certain prerequisites and then it's 18 months to get your MSN and become an RN. So far, the midwifery schools I've talked to have said that I fit into the post-masters option. I also used to work as a CNA and currently work as a birth doula, so I feel prepared to enter into the birthing/healthcare world. Marquette is very willing to accept CNM students with no experience and they offer an additional L&D practicum placement early on to those students.