One of the most popular television shows in recent years is the BBC's "Call The Midwife," a series based on the true story of a British midwife which is currently in its eighth season. What makes this series so popular? In part, the resurgence of the role of midwives in child birth is increasing as more Advanced Practice Nurses are specializing in midwifery. Research studies support the benefits of midwifery in childbirth in reducing length of hospital stays, reduction of invasive procedures, and broader gynecological services offered by these specially trained nurses.
20 Best Value Online Nurse Midwifery Programs
Best Medical Degrees has conducted a web search to identify online, or hybrid/blended, Nurse Midwifery programs which hold accreditation from either the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) or Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) and ranked them according to cost per credit hour.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes Nurse Midwives in its Nurse Practitioner summary (as Advance Practice Registered Nurses ADPN) and estimates the job opportunities for NPs to increase by 31% between 2016-2026 which is much faster than other careers. The average salaries for these specially trained nurses is estimated by BLS at an annual average of $100,590. The online national survey source, PayScale, reports a salary range from $70,497 – $114,185. Certified Nurse Midwives are employed in physician offices, outpatient care clinics, health practitioner offices, and healthcare systems.
Methodology
Best Medical Degrees bases its rankings on the following: 1) appropriate accreditation, 2) cost of tuition (excluding school fees) and program length by credit hours, 3) U.S. News and World Report rankings as published, and 4) programs which are primarily offered online or as hybrid programs (requiring a minimum of on-campus participation). The primary source of information is from currently available information on college and university websites. Information may change according to schools policies.
1. Midwives College of Utah
The Midwives College of Utah (MCU) offers both a bachelor's (BSM) and master's (MSM) degree in midwifery through distance education. This ranking concentrates on the MSM program. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any field and be a currently working as a certified or licensed midwife. Three courses are required in Equity and Anti-Oppression in Midwifery Care: Understanding Difference, Power, & Privilege, Principles of Evidence-Informed Practice, and Ethics & the Law, and may be taken as part of the graduate program. This program is researched based and is intended to train the next generation of midwife educators, advocates and community leaders. It's estimated the program requires two-years for completion.
Program Length: 32 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $127
Estimated Curriculum: Midwifery Issues in Prenatal Care, Labor & Birth, Postpartum Care, Newborn Care, Community Maternal and Child Health, Midwives and Publishing, Policy & Advocacy in Midwifery, Holistic Midwifery, Midwifery Education, Fieldwork, etc.
Program Accreditation: MEAC
Program Website: Midwives College of Utah
2. East Carolina University
East Carolina University in North Carolina has an online MSN in Nurse Midwifery program. The program is offered both full time and part-time enrollment and requires applicants to have one-year of labor and delivery experience prior to application. Other admission requirements include a BSN, the GRE or MAT scores within 5 years of application, non-restricted nursing license in North Carolina or licensure in a National Council of State Boards of Nursing compact state, completion of a prerequisite course in Statistics with a grade of "C" or better, and other university admission requirements. East Carolina University has been recognized in the top 30 in U.S. News and World Report for its Online Graduate Nursing Programs and in the top 15 in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans.
Program Length: 51 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $232 (NC Resident); $877 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Introductory Nurse Midwifery Professional Roles and Issues, Reproductive Physiology, Nurse-Midwifery Management: Well Women Care, Nurse-Midwifery Management: Antepartal Care, Nurse-Midwifery Management: Intrapartal Care, Nurse-Midwifery Management: Postpartal Care and Neonatal, Nurse-Midwifery Management: Introduction to Primary Care for Well Women, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: East Carolina University School of Nursing
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHS) provides a distance education MSN program with a midwifery concentration. Applicants must submit documentation of a current, unencumbered nursing license, completion of an undergraduate course in research and statistics, a BSN with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited nursing program, official transcripts from all educational institutions attended, etc. Prospective students have a minimum of one-year labor and delivery experience or comparable clinical experience within five years of application. U.S. News and World Report rates the midwifery program at TTUHS in the top 35 in the nation.
Program Length: 51 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cos Per Credit Hour: $250 (TX Resident); $655 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Population Health Essentials for Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice, Primary Care of Women, Gynecological Care, Antepartum and Postpartum Care, Intrapartum Care, Neonatal Care, Integrated Clinical Practicum, Transition to Nurse-Midwifery Practice, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
4. University of Utah
The University of Utah offers an online DNP with a midwifery concentration which focuses on the primary health of women throughout their lifespan. Students interested in this program must provide verification of a CCNE or ACEN accredited BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a valid nursing license as an APRN or RN, completion of upper division physiology and pathophysiology prerequisites, three professional letters of recommendation, etc. U.S. News and World Report rates this program in its top 20 of Best Nursing Schools: DNP and in the top 10 in Nurse-Midwifery.
Program Length: 72 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $264 (UT Resident); $929 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan, Clinical Genetics, Foundations of EBP, Advanced Pharmacology for NMW/WHNP, Health and Systems, Advanced Physical Assessment & Health Promotion across the Lifespan,
Advanced Pathophysiology for DNP Student, Antepartum Management, Gynecologic Management, Childbearing Complications, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: The University of Utah
5. University of Kansas Medical Center
The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Wife degree. Priority admission consideration is given to nurses willing to work, or live, in areas considered underserved in the areas of maternal and infant care. Admission requires applicants to hold a MSN from a CCNE or NLN accredited program, graduate level statistics course, national certification, background check, current nursing license, three professional letters of references from APRNs, physician, or nursing faculty, etc. U.S. News and World Report ranks this as one of the top 50 Best Graduate Nursing Programs: DNP in its ranking.
Program Length: 76 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $421 (KS Resident); $990 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Informatics & Technology Applications, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Pharmacology, Reproductive Endocrinology, Principles of Epidemiology, Primary Care of Women Across the Lifespan, Care of Women in the Antepartal Period, Childbearing Family Practicum: Intrapartum, Postpartum, and Newborn, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: KU Medical Center
6. SUNY Stony Brook School of Nursing
The SUNY Stony Brook University's School of Nursing is part of the New York university system and offers a hybrid MSN degree with a Nurse Midwifery concentration which can lead to certification. Clinical experiences are done in the student's home region and there are on-site requirements (not specified on the website). Admission requirements include a BSN with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, one-year nursing experience, current nursing license, undergraduate coursework in Statistics and Health Assessment (3 credit hour each), etc. Stony Brook University School of Nursing is ranked in the top 100 in the Best Nursing Schools: Master and Doctor of Nursing Practice by U.S. News and World Report. The Nurse Midwifery program is ranked in the top 25 by the publication.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $462 (NY Residents); $944 (Non-Residents)
Curriculum Snapshot: Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation, Quality Improvement, Safety, and Health Care Technologies, Applications in Clinical Nursing Research, Clinical Pathobiology, Primary Care, Professional Issues in Midwifery Practice, Midwifery, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Stony Brook University School of Nursing
7. James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) offers a hybrid MSN midwifery program in conjunction with Shenandoah University which may require on-campus attendance. Students applying for this program must meet admission requirements for both James Madison University and Shenandoah University. Admission documents include a 3.0 GPA BSN from an accredited nursing program, demonstrate relevant clinical experience, completion of an undergraduate course in statistics, and hold an unrestricted nursing license, etc. James Madison University ranks in the top 30 of Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and ranks in the Best Nursing Schools: Master's by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 41 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $485 (VA Resident); $1,231 (Non-Residents)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology, Research for the Advanced Health Professional, Epidemiology and Population Assessment, Primary Care of Women, Comprehensive Antepartal Care, Midwifery Practicum, Comprehensive Perinatal Care, Advanced Nurse-Midwifery Role Development, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: James Madison University
8. Old Dominion University
The MSN Nurse Midwifery degree from Old Dominion University is a joint venture with Shenandoah University. Students complete Advanced Practice Nursing courses from Old Dominion during the first year of study and Nurse Midwifery specialty courses from Shenandoah University during the second year. In addition to the standard Graduate School admission requirements, applicants for this MSN must also provide proof of a current nursing license, a BSN from an accredited nursing program, and at least one year of current clinical nursing experience. The online program is ranked in the top 100 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $523 (VA Resident); $568 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Primary Care of Women, Midwifery Practicum, Comprehensive Antepartal Care, Comprehensive Perinatal Care, Integrated Midwifery Program, Evidence Based Practice Project, Advanced Nurse-Midwifery Role Development, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Old Dominion University
9. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati (UC) provides an online MSN with a nurse midwifery concentration. This program is designed for working nurses and can be completed in a little as one year, attending full or part time. Admission to this program requires a BSN (with a 3.0 GPA) from an accredited school, official transcripts from schools attended, a current nursing license, completion of an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of "C" or better, one year nursing experience (preferably in Labor and Delivery), and graduate school application. UC has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as having a top 10 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans.
Program Length: 57 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $563
Curriculum Snapshot: Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Reproductive Dynamics, Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning, Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Conceptual Frameworks for Nurse-Midwifery, Primary Care of Episodic Illnesses in Women, Well Woman for Nurse-Midwifery, Antepartum Care for Nurse-Midwifery, Intrapartum, Postpartum and Newborn Care for Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse-Midwifery Practicum, and Capstone, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: University of Cincinnati
10. Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University (FN) has an online, Certified Nurse-Midwife MSN degree which allows students to complete the clinical experience in their home communities. There are two visits required to the Hyden, Kentucky campus. Once that program is completed, students have the option to take an additional 19 credit hours to receive a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Applicants need to hold a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, be currently licensed with no encumbrances, and have at least one-year nursing experience. Students who are solely interested in the MSN program may apply with an Associates Degree in Nursing through Frontier's ADN Bridge Entry Program. U.S. News and World Report rate FNU in the top 50 of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 64 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $580
Curriculum Snapshot:Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan, Role of the Nurse Midwife, Midwifery Care during Labor and Birth, Skills for Advanced Practice, Skills for Nurse-Midwifery Care, Nurse-Midwifery Clinical, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Frontier Nursing University
11. University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico Health Sciences, located in Albuquerque, offers a hybrid MSN-Nurse Midwife degree as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) which has a mission to train nurses to provide care in rural and underserved patient areas. The program takes two years to complete and core courses are offered 100% online with specialty courses a blend of online and on-campus coursework. Program admission involves students having a BSN from an accredited nursing program (students with a degree other than nursing should see the program website for additional information), eligible for or currently hold a valid New Mexico nursing license, letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts are accepted.
Program Length: 55 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $597 (NM Resident); $1,257 (Non-Resident)
Program Curriculum: Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Research in Nursing, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Primary Care, Antepartum/Postpartum, Intrapartum, Newborn, Nurse-Midwifery Professional Practice, Nurse-Midwifery Professional Practice, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
12. Bastyr University
Bastyr University, located in Washington and California, offers a blended MSN in Midwifery degree through its Kenmore, Washington campus. The program requires students attend on-campus classes three times a quarter for one week. Clinical experiences are conducted in clinics throughout North America. All applicants must complete prerequisite courses in Statistics, Psychology, Introductory Nutrition, General Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Doula Training, Childbirth Educator Training. The last two prerequisites are not college courses.
Program Length: 42.5 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $734
Curriculum Snapshot: Midwifery Care, Introduction to Epidemiology for Midwives, Midwifery Care Health Assessment, Gynecology, Genetics and Embryology, Breastfeeding and Lactation Education, Counseling for the Childbearing Year, Practicum, Clinical Experiences, etc.
Program Accreditation: MEAC
Program Website: Bastyr University
13. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers a hybrid MSN degree in midwifery through its College of Nursing. Admission requires the applicant hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, completion of an undergraduate course in research and statistics (with a grade of "C" or better), a current unrestricted nursing license, and official transcripts. Additional admissions information is also required. Clinical requirements are typically conducted in Colorado but out of state clinical experiences may be considered during the admission process. The College of Nursing at the University of Colorado-Aurora is ranked in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Nursing Schools: Master's.
Program Length: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $655 (CO Resident); $1,060 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pathophysiology, Theory Foundations for Advanced Nursing, Foundations of Midwifery Care, Reproductive Physiology, Gynecologic Care, NMW Advanced Practicum, Care of the Childbearing Family, NMW Advanced Practicum, NMW Advanced Clinical Skills, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: University of Colorado College of Nursing
14. University of Illinois at Chicago
This is a BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree which trains midwives to care for women and families throughout their lives. The BSN-DNP-Midwife degree is hybrid in design and students are responsible for locating and securing their practicum sites. Admission for this program requires students to have a BSN, including upper division nursing courses, from a NLN or CCNE accredited nursing program. Students must hold a valid nursing license, and the program requires GRE scores along with official school transcripts, etc. UIC is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 10 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice and was the first recipient of the ACNM's "Midwifing Midwives for a Lifetime honor.
Program Length: 79 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $687 (IL Resident); $1,073 (Non-Residents)
Curriculum Snapshot: Epidemiology & Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Biological Basis for Women's
Health, Issues for Research and Practice in Women's Health, Health Care of Women, Dimensions of Midwifery & Women's Health Practice, Care of the Newborn, Practicum Health Care of Women, Practicum: Birth and the Newborn, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: University of Illinois-Chicago
15. Bethel University
Bethel University in Minneapolis has an online midwifery degree which requires one-week of on-campus intensives each year as part of its curriculum. The program may be completed within 2-3 years and students will be awarded a MSN degree. The program recommends that students not work full-time while completing this program. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher, unencumbered nursing license, undergraduate transcripts, an undergraduate statistic course, etc.
Program Length: 57 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $804
Curriculum Snapshot: Midwifery Perspectives, Advanced Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurse-Midwifery: Antepartal Care, Nurse-Midwifery III: Intrapartum and Postpartum Care, Nurse-Midwifery IV: Newborn Care, Advanced Pathophysiology, Practica, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Bethel University
16. Wayne State University
Wayne State University's School of Nursing offers an online MSN with a Nurse Midwife Specialty (NMW). Applicants must verify the completion of a BSN from an accredited program, a current nursing Michigan nursing license (non-Michigan residents must have a current RN license and apply for a Michigan license within two semesters), and GRE scores are not required for admission. Other university requirements will also need to be completed. Wayne State University ranks in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Nursing School's: Nursing designations.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $897 (MI Residents); $1664 (Non-Residents)
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Economics, Policy, and Professional Issues for APNs, Research for Evidence-Based Nursing, Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across Lifespan, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice, Advanced Nursing Assessment, Pathophysiology, Clinical Care and Management, Clinical Experience, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Wayne State University College of Nursing
17. Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University was established when Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University merged in 2017. Jefferson University offers an online MSN Midwifery degree for students who currently hold an active nursing license, live in a state which requires certification licensure and has completed the second degree accelerated BSN. It's recommended that students only work part-time while completing this program due to the clinical preceptorships Additionally, the program requires two on-campus requirements for skills training conducted in Philadelphia. The graduate nursing program is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of its Best Nursing Schools: Master's.
Program Length: 62 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,146
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology for Primary Care, Advanced Pharmacology, Clinical Well Woman and Maternity Care, Embryology and Genetics, Clinical Full Scope Midwifery Care, Antepartum Care, Postpartum/Newborn Care, Clinical Full Scope Midwifery Care, etc.
Program Accreditation:
Program Website: Jefferson University
18. Marquette University
Marquette University has a hybrid MSN-Midwifery program which prepares students to care for low risk pregnancies, as well as postpartum and lifelong gynecological care. Students should hold a MSN from a nursing program which is nationally accredited, completion of an undergraduate nursing research and statistic courses, GRE scores are required for students with a 3.0 or less undergraduate GPA, an unencumbered nursing license in the U.S. (a Wisconsin or Illinois nursing license is required prior to admission), clinical nursing experience preferred but not required, letters of reference, etc. U.S. News and World Report rates this Marquette University midwifery program in its top 20 of midwifery programs in the nation.
Program Length: 49-51 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,140
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing, Ethics, Policy, and Health Care Advocacy, Organizational and Systems Leadership, Research & Evidence as a Foundation for Nursing, Advanced Concepts in Women's Health Care Management Across the Lifespan, Advanced Concepts in Antepartum Management, Advanced Concepts in Postpartum and Newborn Management, Professional Issues in APN/DNP Practice, Advanced Concepts in Labor Support, Nurse-Midwifery Care During Labor and Birth, Advance Practice in Nurse Midwifery, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Marquette University College of Nursing
19. George Washington University
This online MSN in Midwifery if offered as a collaboration of George Washington University School of Nursing (GW) and Shenandoah University. Students are responsible for identifying clinical sites for practicum experience and approved by Shenandoah University. Admission to this program requires a BSN from an accredited institution, an active and unrestricted nursing license, official transcripts from accredited schools attended, etc. The program participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and is currently unable to accept students from Alabama, Louisiana, and North Dakota. Clinical placements are restricted in New York and applicants should check with the admissions office prior to application. GW is ranked in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans.
Program Length: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,395
Curriculum Snapshot: Concepts in Population Health, Nursing Leadership, Biostatistics for Health Care Researchers, Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing, Comprehensive Antepartal Care, Midwifery Practicum, Comprehensive Perinatal Care, Integrated Midwifery Internship, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: George Washington University School of Nursing
20. Georgetown University
A private school, Georgetown University's School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a hybrid MSN in Midwifery degree that provides didactic, online coursework as well as on-campus intensives. Applicants must provide proof of a current nursing license, graduation with a BSN from an accredited nursing program, U.S. or permanent residency citizenship, and completion of a statistics course with a grade of "C" or better. Additionally, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, letters of recommendation, a live-recorded interview, and other university requirements. U.S. News and World Report rates Georgetown University in the top 25 nationally in its Best Nursing Schools: Master's programs.
Program Length: 49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $2065
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Reproductive Health Care of Women, Ambulatory Care of Women, Primary Care of Women, Labor, Birth, and Newborn Care, Integrated Health Care of Women, etc.
Program Accreditation: ACME
Program Website: Georgetown University