MPH or Midwife

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi, there! I am currently in an accelerated BSN program. I finish in December. I am very interested in Women's Health. I am trying to think about if I want to go for more school (which won't be for a few years...I'm tired!) but I can't decide if I would want to go for my MPH in Maternal and Child Health, or Midwifery. I love teaching people and empowering them to do things for themselves as well as helping them get through something they need help with. I just don't know what would give me more job opportunities and what would each of those roles be like. I currently have my MSW as well as being a Registered Dietitian. Anyone in either camp who would have any advice between these two options, especially in regards to job opportunities (considering this economy). Thanks!

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i'm in the same boat here!...i'm an RN working on my BSN and am hoping to get a better idea by the time i finish my degree. Keep me posted i'd like to hear about how you make your decision :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Wow! Wherever you end up, you will be super-qualified!

FWIW, The MPH route will be more administrative, program-ish in nature. You will be in school with non-nurses, and the curriculum will have an emphasis on population health, epidemiology, etc. Whereas, going the midwifery route is 100% hands on clinical & it's an MSN, which is our (nursing) route to advanced education & practice. If your intention/inclination is to remain in the nursing mainstream as your career advances, go the MSN route. That is a requirement for all hands-on advance practice nursing roles as well as nursing education or management/administration.

IMO, an MSN will bring far more job opportunities. Many acute care organizations (mine included) are creating new models of care that include APNs so I know that this area will be expanding. Primary physician shortages are also creating new opportunities for ANPs.

Hey MsNurseMS -- Love your avatar!!!!! What a cutie.

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Just wanted to give an update, I have just over a month to finish my BSN and I think I will eventually enroll in a nurse educator program. I think it allows you to advance your knowledge, educate and still focus on a particular specialty. Let us know how things have turned out!

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