Pre-Nursing to be a CNM

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Hey guys, first post! I’m enrolling in pre-nursing school in the summer, and I’m wanting to become a CNM. I am also finishing up my certification in Christian counseling and hope to implement that as well. My plan is to get my ADN, graduate, work in L&D as soon as possible, and get my BSN-MSN while I’m working and gaining experience. I will need to keep working throughout this process, and I am trying to plan ahead as best I can without knowing my schedule. Any CNM’s have any advice or tips? Anything from education to work, I want to hear from people who have walked that road and completed the process. Thanks! ??

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Just looking at the info on this, it is indeed a long path. I would first just focus on getting your BSN first, that in itself will eat up a bunch of time.

It looks like over 80% of the CNMs hold a masters, so plan on getting that after your BSN. Here is some info...

https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/faq/what-is-a-nurse-midwife/

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Thank you! I don’t want to drag the process out unnecessarily for sure, I know if all goes well, it will take at least 5 years at this point. ?

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Welcome to All Nurses!

There are a number of different roads to CNM:

1) Fast/Expensive - Direct-entry CNM programs. Usually 3-4 years total time post-pre-reqs and bring someone with out nursing experience through nursing curriculum to CNM certification. These programs tend to be highly competitive, expensive, and have limited time for working along-side school.

2) Moderate pace / Moderate cost - BSN program (2-4 years depending on how many college credits you already have and what transfers) followed by MSN or DNP (2-4 years). This can be a middle of the road option - BSN being cheaper and less competitive than a direct entry program with a bit more time for working while in school. Many hospital jobs have preference for BSN level education - which can increase chances of landing a L&D residency following school.

3) Slowest / Lower cost - ADN to BSN to MSN - this can be a long road but is likely to be the most affordable option allowing for work along side school and the option for employer scholarships/tutition reimbursement for BSN and MSN coursework. Taking a slower route can also allow for more time to gain relevent professional experience which may ultimately make job hunting and landing a CNM job easier at the the conclusion of education.

Only you know which of these paths will make the most sense for you - and if more than one makes sense - apply to multiple pathways and see which one(s) you are accepted to and what financial aid packages look like.

Prior to and during nursing school focus on getting experience with mothers and babies if you can, and within the healthcare world - either through volunteering or employment. L&D can be a competitive specialty to enter into and it may be difficult to land a position as a new-grad if you don't have relevant experience and/or an "in" to the hiring organization.

Are you planning to work as a counselor while in school or is the counseling something you are hoping to incorporate down the road along side nursing/CNM role?

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@verene Thank you so much!! Unfortunately, I have little to no college experience, so I’ll pretty much be starting from scratch. I’m 28, and need to keep working and paying bills and such while I complete my education. I am impatient, but I’m willing to take the longer route if it means I can be making connections, building my resume, and gaining the required experience. And not breaking the bank. ?

I would love to become a WHNP/CNM, as I have a passion for educating and empowering women through childbirth, health, and wellness. Mental and emotional wellness plays a huge part in our physical well-being, and I would love to find a way to incorporate the counseling into my practice as needed.

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