Paths to CNM - Streamlined Options?

[Birthworklove]

Greetings!

I have been in the birth world for a decade, starting with the Certified Professional Midwifery schooling, owning a Doula/Educator business for the last 8 years and now shifting gears towards CNM. I have a double bachelors in Psychology and Sociology from 2002. Sadly, the CPM school that I attended from 2007-2010 is shut-down, closed, gone. Because I had two babies in short order, I put a hold on the program, only to find it has now disappeared. Ugh. Needless-to-say, none of those classes will be transferrable to future schooling. Therefore I am trying to find the most efficient path to the CNM credential (not cutting corners, just efficient!).

I am fully aware that the path to CNM has always been RN degree, typically a few years working in the field, then Masters in Nurse Midwifery.

Are there any progressive schools out there that are streamlining the schooling for those of us that know we do not want to be practice as an RN, but only as a CNM? I would love to find a program (up and coming?!) that takes incoming students with a previous bachelors in a non-nursing degree that can package the two degrees (RN, CNM) into one.

Know of any?!

Thank you kindly to all!

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

There are several schools that offer this option of going straight through, but they tend to be extremely expensive. Columbia and Vanderbilt come to mind as initial examples.

All of the midwifery education programs in the country are listed with more specific details about their programs on the ACNM website: Midwifery Education Programs - ACNM.

Additionally, if you reside in NY, NJ, DE, MO, or RI, you can skip the nursing portion and become a Certified Midwife, who are licensed in those states, and have the same scope of practice and level of autonomy as CNMs in those states. However, your credentials wouldn't be recognized in any other states (as of this time). More info here: Why AMCB Certification

[omw2cnm]

It'll be pricey but UPenn has a 2nd degree BSN to MSN in Midwifery. I think it's roughly 28 months.

[Moonyoungi]

Hi!

Pathway Results

This link should show you all of the programs that are approved by the ACNM, which allows people who hold non-nursing baccalaureate degree to enter a CNM program. The programs are usually 3 years long. 1 year to earn an RN licensure and 2 years to earn an MSN.

Good luck!

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

There are a number of streamlined options - and the best place to find those are on the ACNM website under education.

There are a few progams that allow a streamlined progression from RN to MSN (or DNP). It is efficient - but it also is costly. If cost is no barrier to you, then it is a good option.

I originally thought that this was the way I wanted to become a midwife - because I had *NO* interest in becoming a nurse.

Now, I find my experience as a RN irreplaceable and invaluable. I will be a better midwife, and have stronger midwifery skills, because of my OB and L&D experience as an RN.

Just want to offer that up, because I really felt that nursing was unneccessary for a long time. I've changed my tune.

I also had experience as a Midwife's apprentice and went to a MEAC accredited CPM school. These were all good experiences - don't get me wrong. And these non-nursing birth experiences also help me in learning midwifery.

If you want to be a CNM that works in a hospital environment, nursing experience will be incredibly valuable for you.

Nurse-midwifery programs are designed as advance practice nursing programs - so they really build on existing nursing knowledge and skills. My classmates who do not have L&D experience have a much steeper learning curve.