Best Certified Midwifery Programs

Among the oldest professions, midwifery’s recorded history dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. While midwives historically learned their craft through apprenticeships, many contemporary practitioners train in formal academic programs.

Learners can pursue undergraduate and graduate programs for midwifery. These programs typically require 2-4 years of study. Direct-entry programs accept learners with varied backgrounds. Applicants to nurse-midwife programs usually need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). However, many institutions offer alternative pathways for licensed practical nurses and applicants with bachelor’s degrees in unrelated fields.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

With an increasing number of childbearing families choosing midwifery care, midwife-assisted birth rates in the U.S. have risen steadily since the late 1980s, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for midwives to increase 45% from 2019 to 2029. Professionals in the field also enjoy strong earning potential. Nurse-midwives earn a median annual salary of $105,030, according to the BLS.

Accreditation requires a comprehensive peer-review process and demonstrates that an institution meets or exceeds set educational standards. Approved accrediting agencies evaluate schools based on factors such as instructional quality, faculty credentials, academic integrity, and student support resources. Before selecting a midwifery program, learners should research the institution’s accreditation status. The Department of Education provides a searchable online database of accredited schools and programs.

U.S. schools can earn regional or national accreditation. Regional accrediting agencies typically evaluate nonprofit colleges and universities. Regional accreditation requires a more rigorous review than national accreditation and is therefore considered more prestigious. For-profit, vocational, and religious institutions often receive national accreditation.

Many individual programs can receive field-specific accreditation. Individuals in highly regulated fields, such as healthcare, often need a degree from an accredited program to qualify for certification or licensure. Two agencies evaluate programs for midwifery. The American Midwifery Certification Board accredits nurse-midwife programs. Aspiring CPMs should look for a program with accreditation from the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council.

Midwifery programs incorporate both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students develop general medical expertise during foundational courses in areas such as physiology and pharmacology. Specialized coursework examines topics including pregnancy, labor, birth, the postpartum period, and women’s primary and gynecological care. Students sharpen their critical-inquiry skills during courses exploring research methods and evidence-based practice.

Additional classes may examine ethical, social, and historical issues; leadership and finance in healthcare; and the role of midwife professionals. Some programs offer coursework in genetics and lactation management. Clinical requirements often include simulations and practicum experience to help students hone competencies in patient care.

Curricula vary by program, but midwifery programs commonly include the following courses.

Professional midwifery organizations provide networking, education, and career advancement opportunities. Members often connect with colleagues through conventions, online forums, and mentorship programs. Many associations offer continuing education resources, such as webinars and publications, to help members keep up with the latest field developments. Additionally, professional organizations often provide discounted student membership rates.