BrittK

I don't have a degree already, right now I am a SAHM but, I have a few prerequisite already done from the past couple of years. I do qualify for financial-aid, that's what I've used in the past. I don't believe I'm at my limit. I have about 16 classes to take before I can apply to a BSN program (they have a list of what they require). So for me doing it part-time right now would take me a lot longer. At least 2 years. For my local ADN program I think I only have maybe 5 classes to do before I can apply. I live near the Houston Med Center which I know they mostly all want BSN degrees. However, my ultimate goal is to become a CNM. As as of right now if I do the ADN-MSN it's 6 years total. BSN-MSN (with all prerequisite) is 7-8 years total. In the past I had slacked in some courses (right after HS) so I have to retake them. I've already retaken A+P I and II and made A's in both courses. I know that with hard work I can do well in the other courses, so I may be able to apply for a scholarship for whatever BSN program I apply to. Mostly, I just don't want a lot of debt and I don't want to not be working until I'm well over 30 (I'm 26 right now).

Hi everyone. I'll be starting school soon to finish my prerequisites, my ultimate goal is to become a CNM. The problem I'm having is deciding if I should do all of the prerequisites required (about 1.5 years of classes at a community college) to get my BSN (3 year program) and then eventually move onto getting my MSN at Frontier, which altogether is between $65-$80K in debt for both degrees. My other option is to do an ADN program (I have almost all of the prerequisites done for this, only a few left) and then do Frontier's Bridge program, total for that is around $60K in debt (I believe FA will cover the ADN program for me). No matter what degree I get in between I want to work while achieving my MSN, and I know I won't make as much with my ADN starting out. So, what would you do? Go the faster/cheaper route or the one that will pay more while working?

I would love to know too! Its funny, I started this post 2 years ago and since then, I had quit going to a community college to get my ADN and enrolled in a CPM program THEN, while in the program had some life issues happen and quit. Found out I was pregnant after quitting and now, just recently decided to work towards becoming a CNM instead! I guess through experiences and life, I made the choice for myself finally lol. My long-term plan is to take more pre-reqs, apply to Nursing school for BSN then go to Frontier for my MSN. I would love to know midwifetobe85's experience.

Hi everyone, I am currently enrolled at a Community College taking courses to apply for the ADN Program and my ultimate goal is to become a CNM..I know I have to get my Bachelors degree before I can apply to any midwifery program, I'm just wondering if I'm wasting my time doing the community college route or if I should just go straight to Nursing School for 4 years and then a midwifery program? I know Nursing School tends to be more expensive but will it help me in the long run? Will I gain the same amount of knowledge doing the ADN program as Nursing school but just pay less? Any advice on this is MUCH appreciated. Thank you.

I live close to Houston, TX and I haven't looked into speaking with any midwives here or even shadowing..do any of you know of any that would be good to speak to? I'm also torn about a nursing/nurse-midwifery program/school to attend once I get my associates degree then bachelors. I was looking at Maternidad La Luz but they are really more for CPM certification (though, I would still love the extra knowledge and training!) There's a part of me that is unsure about my ultimate goal as to whether I want to be on-call 24/7 or work in a birthing center..I DO know that I DO NOT want to work in a hospital though.

I feel exactly as you do trauer..I too resonate more with the holistic, low-intervention birthing style. I think I am gonna end up doing the CNM route..I too, am afraid of the nursing school aspect of it all but mostly just don't like the idea of having to be trained in a hospital doing things the "hospital way" I just feel like so much of it is unnecessary intervention (some yes, is necessary..but not all) but I suppose in the end, it can help me not only with stability, but in becoming a better midwife.

WOW @midwifetobe85! I LOVE your comment! I feel pretty much the exact same way as you about birth..eventually, I would love to spread the word about midwifery to women that haven't experienced home birth or even just OOH. Thank you SO much for taking the time to write that..definitely gives me something to think about! :)

Hello everyone, I'm a student, going to school for my ADN but, I can't decide whether I want to become a CNM or CPM..my ultimate goal is to do home birthing..I REALLY do not want to work in a hospital once I become a midwife (I know it's a long time away! haha) Now, I know the differences between the two and the pros/cons as far as insurance companies and financial stability. I just don't know if I am wasting my time becoming a Nurse JUST to become a midwife..and be more financially stable but not as happy? Considering my ultimate goal, what do you think is the better choice?