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Are there any specialties as a Nurse Practitioner to become a midwife? Would I have to get two Master Degrees in order to do both specialties? #Spring25
I am starting nursing school in the fall of this year and I originally wanted to continue after I get my BSN to become a midwife. Now I have been interested in become a Nurse Practitioner because I want to possibly open my own wellness center but still want to be a midwife. Would I have to get two masters degree to do both or is there a specialty in the nurse practitioner program that is affiliated with midwifery when I receive my family nurse practitioner license?
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Robin’s Answer
Besides the option mentioned earlier, you could also consider getting a midwife MSN. After that, you can return to a post-graduate program to become a family nurse practitioner. This path can open up exciting opportunities for you!
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Susana Abena’s Answer
Hi Jindriska, thank you for your question.
Is a good thing that you're considering combining your interests in midwifery and nurse practitioner (NP) practice! You don't necessarily need two separate master’s degrees to pursue both specialties. Let's look at how you can approach it:
1. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) as a Specialty in Nurse Practitioner Programs:
Some Nurse Practitioner programs offer a Dual Certification in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Midwifery (CNM). This allows you to become both a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) with a single graduate education pathway.
Many CNM programs are available as part of an NP program, meaning you can complete both certifications in one course of study. After earning your BSN, you can enter a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an emphasis on midwifery and become a CNM without needing a separate master’s degree.
2. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with Midwifery Focus:
Some FNP programs may offer a focus on women’s health or maternal-child health that includes aspects of midwifery care. However, this would typically not provide the same level of training or certification as a CNM.
If your goal is to provide full midwifery care (especially in birth settings), becoming a CNM is usually required.
3. Dual Master’s Programs:
If you’re specifically interested in both NP and CNM roles but can’t find a program that offers dual certification, you could pursue both separately, but this would indeed require two master’s degrees.
One option is to complete the NP program first (e.g., FNP or Women's Health NP), then follow that with a Certified Nurse Midwifery program. Some programs allow you to gain CNM certification after completing an NP degree.
4. Doctoral Option (DNP):
If you are looking for more advanced practice or leadership roles, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) might be an option. Some DNP programs offer a track that can combine midwifery and NP training, allowing you to work in both fields without pursuing two separate master’s degrees.
Next Steps:
Research programs that offer dual certifications (FNP + CNM) to see if they fit your career goals.
Look into women's health NP programs if you are particularly interested in managing pregnancy, prenatal care, and gynecology, which can include some aspects of midwifery.
Consider how you want to balance clinical midwifery care with your desire to open a wellness center—both can be pursued, but one may require additional business skills or certifications.
Best of luck.
Is a good thing that you're considering combining your interests in midwifery and nurse practitioner (NP) practice! You don't necessarily need two separate master’s degrees to pursue both specialties. Let's look at how you can approach it:
1. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) as a Specialty in Nurse Practitioner Programs:
Some Nurse Practitioner programs offer a Dual Certification in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Midwifery (CNM). This allows you to become both a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) with a single graduate education pathway.
Many CNM programs are available as part of an NP program, meaning you can complete both certifications in one course of study. After earning your BSN, you can enter a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an emphasis on midwifery and become a CNM without needing a separate master’s degree.
2. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with Midwifery Focus:
Some FNP programs may offer a focus on women’s health or maternal-child health that includes aspects of midwifery care. However, this would typically not provide the same level of training or certification as a CNM.
If your goal is to provide full midwifery care (especially in birth settings), becoming a CNM is usually required.
3. Dual Master’s Programs:
If you’re specifically interested in both NP and CNM roles but can’t find a program that offers dual certification, you could pursue both separately, but this would indeed require two master’s degrees.
One option is to complete the NP program first (e.g., FNP or Women's Health NP), then follow that with a Certified Nurse Midwifery program. Some programs allow you to gain CNM certification after completing an NP degree.
4. Doctoral Option (DNP):
If you are looking for more advanced practice or leadership roles, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) might be an option. Some DNP programs offer a track that can combine midwifery and NP training, allowing you to work in both fields without pursuing two separate master’s degrees.
Next Steps:
Research programs that offer dual certifications (FNP + CNM) to see if they fit your career goals.
Look into women's health NP programs if you are particularly interested in managing pregnancy, prenatal care, and gynecology, which can include some aspects of midwifery.
Consider how you want to balance clinical midwifery care with your desire to open a wellness center—both can be pursued, but one may require additional business skills or certifications.
Best of luck.
Thank you so much susana for such a fantastic and insightful response. I appreciate you taking the time to give me such great advice about this field. I know that my purpose in life is to be of service to others especially women in underserved communities. I am just trying to find the best way to provide care to the communities that need it the most. Thank you again!!
Jindriska
All thanks be unto GOD.I am glad I have been able to help you
Susana Abena Appiah