Is it advisable to do midwifery before nursing?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Deciding whether to pursue midwifery or nursing first largely depends on your long-term career goals and interests, as well as your location and state requirements.

State-Specific Regulations

Midwifery is regulated state by state, and each state has its laws and regulations governing midwifery practice. Some states require licensure, while others do not.

• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). In the United States, CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses (RNs) with post-licensure advanced midwifery education and training. CNMs are licensed and regulated by state boards of nursing and can provide a wide range of healthcare services to women, including prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum care. Some states allow CNMs to practice in hospitals, while others have restrictions.
• Certified Midwife (CM). CMs provide the same level of practice as CNMs but do not have a nursing background. Some states allow CMs to practice in hospitals, while others have restrictions.
• Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). CPMs are midwives who are not required to be nurses. This path is ideal for those who wish to become midwives without a nursing background. CPMs focus on providing care in home births and birth centers. Some states have specific licensure for CPMs, while others do not regulate them.
• States with Independent Midwifery. A few states allow direct-entry or lay midwives to practice without formal licensure.

Career Path and Flexibility

• Midwifery first. If you're deeply passionate about birth and women's health, starting with midwifery could give you a specialized focus right away. Midwifery training can be an intense but rewarding path, and you may be able to work as an independent practitioner in many places.  
• Nursing first. Becoming a nurse first offers more career flexibility. Nurses have opportunities to work in a broad range of specialties before deciding to specialize in midwifery. This also gives you a solid foundation of clinical skills and experience in various settings, which can benefit your future as a midwife.

Job Opportunities

Being a nurse offers more job opportunities in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics to schools. If you're unsure about committing to midwifery, nursing allows you to explore different specialties until you decide.

If you are clear about your passion for midwifery and want to specialize in that area early, then pursuing midwifery first can help you focus on the path you love.

Personal Motivation

If you're passionate about women's health and childbirth, midwifery might feel more rewarding as a first step. However, nursing might be a better first step if you feel more drawn to patient care in general and prefer to keep your options open.

Recommendations

If you are sure about becoming a midwife, pursuing it first might be a good choice. If midwifery is your dream and you feel ready to dedicate yourself to it, you'll focus on the specific skills and knowledge needed to work with pregnant women, mothers, and newborns.

If you're unsure, starting with nursing will give you more flexibility. You can gain experience in various healthcare settings and then choose midwifery as a specialty if that's still your goal.

Ultimately, either route can lead to a fulfilling career. Consider your interests, job market opportunities, and professional growth goals.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Resources

Program Accreditation

• Midwifery Education Accreditation Council's (MEAC) 
• Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)

Be sure that the program you choose is accredited. Both MEAC and ACME accreditation are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).

Certification and Licensure

American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). Position statement. Professional organizations are important because they provide and uphold practice standards.

American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Offers CNM and CM credentials. Requires a master's degree as minimum requirement for certification eligibility

North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Offers CPM credential. Requires a high school diploma as a minimum requirement for certification eligibility.