1. Earn a bachelor's degree in midwifery, nursing, or a related field.
Some common bachelor's degree programs for aspiring midwives include:
- Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a concentration in midwifery
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in midwifery
2. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-MN).
The NCLEX-MN is a standardized exam that all midwives in the United States must pass in order to practice.
3. Obtain state licensure.
Each state has its own specific licensure requirements for midwives, so you will need to research the requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
4. Complete continuing education requirements.
Most states require midwives to complete continuing education credits on a regular basis in order to maintain their licensure.
Additional coursework that may be helpful for aspiring midwives includes:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Women's health
- Childbirth education
- Lactation counseling
- Cultural competency
With a bachelor's degree in midwifery, you can have a rewarding career helping women during their pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum periods. Midwives are responsible for providing comprehensive care to women before, during, and after childbirth, including:
- Prenatal care
- Labor and delivery care
- Postpartum care
- Family planning counseling
- Well-woman care