2 answers
3
Questions
Updated
141 views
What do you do in high school and college to become a midwife?
I am interested in the career of a midwife and I need some course guidance on it.
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
There are a few pathways to becoming a midwife but the one most people pursue is to become a certified nurse midwife, which is an advanced nursing degree.
In high school, I would focus on getting a solid biology, chemistry, math, and psychology education. You may also have the option through a vocational training program at your school to get a CNA certification, which would be helpful for getting patient care experience in high school and college. You should also spend some time volunteering or working with pregnant people and talking to people who work in this field to confirm this is the career path for you.
In college, you can either apply to a nursing program and get a BSN or complete a BS or BA degree. If you get a BSN, you can work with pregnant people in an OB clinic or on a labor and delivery floor, and then apply to a nurse midwifery program to complete your advanced degree.
If you go the BS/BA route, you will need to complete a BSN or MSN degree to become a nurse. In order to apply to a nursing program after graduating from college, you will need to take prerequisite college courses in biology, chemistry, statistics, and psychology. Once you have a nursing degree, there are bridge programs that allow you to complete the advanced degree to become a midwife.
If you elect to complete a 2 year nursing degree at a community college, you can still work your way up to the advanced degree. There are an increasing number of midwifery bridge programs designed for nurses without a Bachelor's or Master's to work towards the advanced practice degree. The Associate's degree gets you into nursing faster and a bit cheaper at the start, but it may take longer to achieve your end goal so you have to weigh the pros and cons of each pathway.
It can be confusing because there are so many on-ramps for nursing that take you to the same destination. In all cases, you will be working towards a graduate-level nurse midwifery degree after completing foundational science and nursing courses. Your best bet is to talk with some midwives in your area and ask them about their career paths. Here's a link to help you get started: https://www.midwife.org/become-a-midwife
Good luck!
In high school, I would focus on getting a solid biology, chemistry, math, and psychology education. You may also have the option through a vocational training program at your school to get a CNA certification, which would be helpful for getting patient care experience in high school and college. You should also spend some time volunteering or working with pregnant people and talking to people who work in this field to confirm this is the career path for you.
In college, you can either apply to a nursing program and get a BSN or complete a BS or BA degree. If you get a BSN, you can work with pregnant people in an OB clinic or on a labor and delivery floor, and then apply to a nurse midwifery program to complete your advanced degree.
If you go the BS/BA route, you will need to complete a BSN or MSN degree to become a nurse. In order to apply to a nursing program after graduating from college, you will need to take prerequisite college courses in biology, chemistry, statistics, and psychology. Once you have a nursing degree, there are bridge programs that allow you to complete the advanced degree to become a midwife.
If you elect to complete a 2 year nursing degree at a community college, you can still work your way up to the advanced degree. There are an increasing number of midwifery bridge programs designed for nurses without a Bachelor's or Master's to work towards the advanced practice degree. The Associate's degree gets you into nursing faster and a bit cheaper at the start, but it may take longer to achieve your end goal so you have to weigh the pros and cons of each pathway.
It can be confusing because there are so many on-ramps for nursing that take you to the same destination. In all cases, you will be working towards a graduate-level nurse midwifery degree after completing foundational science and nursing courses. Your best bet is to talk with some midwives in your area and ask them about their career paths. Here's a link to help you get started: https://www.midwife.org/become-a-midwife
Good luck!
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Dear Dee, embarking on the journey to become a midwife requires dedication and commitment. First, you'll need to earn your college degree, followed by entering a nurse practitioner program that paves the way to your midwife certification. This journey will enrich your knowledge about maternal health, covering both pre and post-pregnancy scenarios.
As a midwife, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy journey for many, striving for positive outcomes for all involved. This profession allows you to build meaningful relationships with your patients, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.
However, it's important to remember that midwifery is a round-the-clock commitment. The nature of childbirth doesn't adhere to a 9-5 schedule, so be prepared for some long days and sleepless nights. Nonetheless, the joy and fulfillment you'll derive from this noble profession will make every moment worthwhile.
As a midwife, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy journey for many, striving for positive outcomes for all involved. This profession allows you to build meaningful relationships with your patients, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.
However, it's important to remember that midwifery is a round-the-clock commitment. The nature of childbirth doesn't adhere to a 9-5 schedule, so be prepared for some long days and sleepless nights. Nonetheless, the joy and fulfillment you'll derive from this noble profession will make every moment worthwhile.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Dee