The pathway to midwifery in the United States generally does not include a standard “1 year” midwifery course, as most accredited programs require more extensive training. However, for those seeking the fastest available route—usually via a post-graduate certificate—some programs can be completed in around one year if prerequisites are already met. Below are the typical requirements for entry into a midwifery program and what such a program might entail:
- Educational Background: Most midwifery programs require applicants to be a registered nurse (RN), generally through an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)[3][7].
- Bachelor’s Degree: A BSN is the preferred entry point, though some programs accept ADN-level nurses and offer “bridge” options to reach the required graduate level[5].
- Graduate Degree: The minimum requirement to become a certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in midwifery[1][7].
- Post-Graduate Certificate: For RNs who already hold a graduate degree in nursing (such as MS, MSN, DNP, or PhD), a Post Graduate Certificate in Midwifery may be completed in as little as three semesters (approximately one year). Prerequisites for these certificates often include graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced health assessment[6].
- Coursework: Courses usually include advanced women’s health, antepartum/intrapartum/postpartum care, newborn care, and clinical/lab experiences in various healthcare settings[6].
- Clinicals: Supervised clinical hours are a required component of all accredited programs, even for certificate options. Students are often encouraged to arrange clinical placements in their local communities[6].
- Certification Exam: Upon completion, graduates are eligible for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to gain the CNM credential[2][6].
While there are some accelerated and bridge programs, there is typically no basic midwifery training that can be completed in just one year without prior nursing and advanced education. Entry into most post-graduate certificates that last around one year requires an existing graduate degree in nursing.
References
- [1] How To Become A Nurse Midwife | NurseJournal.org
- [2] Become a Midwife – American College of Nurse Midwives
- [3] How to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) – EveryNurse
- [5] How to Become a Midwife in the United States – Rewild Mothers
- [6] Nurse-Midwifery Post Graduate Certificate – Shenandoah University
- [7] What Degree do I Need to Become a Certified Nurse Midwife?
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