The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers a nurse-midwifery program, available through a full-time course of 1.5 years or part time over 2.5 years. The course covers topics such as professional issues in midwifery, fetal evaluation, applied pharmacology in nursing practice, clinical decision making, well-women health care, health care of childbearing women, and newborn care. Students may opt for studies abroad in New Zealand, Somaliland, Trinidad or Saipan.
The full-time course starts in each May; applicants must hold an active registered nursing license for Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Students in the midwifery program are encouraged not to have outside employment during the course of their studies. Graduates may sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board exam and may also take the Women's Health Nurse-Practitioner exam given by the National Certification Corporation.
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Claire M. Fagin Hall
418 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217
215-898-8281
upenn.edu
Students just beginning their education in the field of midwifery may be interested in the Seattle Midwifery School's combined bachelor/master of science degree. The three-year program offers classes in epidemiology for midwives, perinatal nutrition, counseling for the childbearing year, clinical skills, the business of midwifery and nutrition for postpartum and breastfeeding. Along with classroom learning, students also participate in clinical placements at gynecologist practices, family planning clinics, birthing centers and hospitals.
Applicants must already have two years of undergraduate general education coursework, including topics in biology, psychology, general chemistry with a lab, microbiology and anatomy and physiology.
Seattle Midwifery School
4000 NE 41st Street
Building D, Suite 3
Seattle, WA 98105
800-747-9433
seattlemidwifery.org
The Birthingway College of Midwifery offers a certificate in midwifery program and a bachelor of science in midwifery, with courses in postpartum, intrapartum, microbiology, hematology, critical care skills, running a midwifery practice, psychosocial issues, breastfeeding and botanicals. Students get real-world experience by attending two births per month and participating in clinics.
Students may take as long as they wish to complete the programs; most take an average of three years. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
Birthingway College of Midwifery
12113 SE Foster Road
Portland, OR 97266
503-760-3131
birthingway.edu