Registered Nurses can earn a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree in an accelerated program (for example, 16 courses for 49 credits) versus 121 credits for the normal BSN program. If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, you can apply for a second-degree BSN, also requiring fewer credits.
Nurses who hold an Associate Degree Nursing or a bachelor's degree can earn a Master of Science in Nursing to qualify for licensing as a midwife. Programs are available online or in person.
If you already hold a master's degree in nursing, you can take a certificate program in midwifery. These are very focused and may take less time than a full degree.
A doctoral program represents the highest level of education and generally qualifies you to teach as well as practice midwifery.