MSN: Nurse-Midwifery
The need for midwives is critical to address the alarming maternity care crisis in the United States where maternal mortality is rising and Black and Indigenous mothers die at three times the rate of White mothers. Midwives make a difference because they individualize care, addressing both the physical and the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. This high touch approach results in fewer preterm births and babies born at low birth weight, more vaginal births with fewer complications, and more enhanced bonding and successful and extended breastfeeding.
At GW Nursing, the online MSN: Nurse-Midwifery program integrates research and nurse-midwifery practice, with a strong emphasis on women’s health and primary care throughout the life-span. Upon completion of our program, midwives will be prepared to:
Our online curriculum is designed to promote student success. Students enroll in two courses each semester and all courses, except the professional role integration course, are completed before the last two semesters of clinical immersion. These two semesters of intense clinical immersion improve the application of knowledge and achievement of midwifery clinical competency.
In The News
In an interview with GW Today, Tarnisha Hemphill, assistant professor of midwifery and a practicing midwife, breaks down the holistic, family-centered model of care that underpins our program.
Himmelfarb Library becomes better acquainted with Suzan Ulrich, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Education at the School of Nursing.
DC midwives describe their calling as Black moms face lower birth outcomes
Students in George Washington University’s new midwifery program tell why they feel called to serve as midwives, as research shows Black women are less likely to experience high-quality care. News4’s Jummy Olabanji reports.
Health Equity
Ensuring equitable, accessible, compassionate care for patients from menarche through menopause.
Quality Care
Providing patient centered, evidence-based, high-quality, respectful, care that decreases health disparities.
Community Birth
Increasing access to culturally congruent midwifery-led care in community birth centers that improve pregnancy outcomes.
Reproductive Justice
Supporting autonomy, control, respect and systems of support for reproductive decisions.
We offer info sessions periodically throughout the year. During each session, we cover the admissions basics, tips on funding your education, why you should choose GW, and offer the opportunity to ask questions of faculty and admissions staff.
Upcoming Nurse-Midwifery Info Sessions
I was "shopping around" for CNM programs. I went to many info sessions, and the only one that was personable and felt welcoming was GWU, and that is why I chose it. Your check-ins have proven that I chose the right school, so thank you for that. I appreciate it a ton!
GW Nursing is a leader in online learning with a reputation of academic excellence, flexible programs, and a respectful, supportive learning environment.
We're focused on making our students feel welcomed, represented, and safe, as well as challenged to be leaders and change agents to improve the health of the nation.
We are proudly ranked within the Top 10 for Best Online Master's in Nursing and Top 20 for overall Best Master's in Nursing by U.S. News & World Report. These solid rankings are a testament to GW's growing reputation as a premier destination for nurses looking to advance their careers.
Our Commitment to Equity
Our commitment is to create an environment where student midwives feel welcomed, represented, supported, and safe. We are dedicated to respect for persons in both the learning and clinical environments without bias based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, reproductive and parenting decisions, geographical locations, or physical, functional, and learning abilities. The faculty champion the adult learner principles of self-direction, motivation, engagement, mentorship, and the importance of goal attainment. It is imperative that students develop self-care and resilience for their educational journey as well as for their midwifery career. We commit to graduating well-educated, clinically-competent, culturally sensitive midwives who mirror the diverse populations they serve.
Application Open: 09/01/24
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Priority: 12/01/24
Final: 07/01/25
The MSN: Nurse-Midwifery program consists of 50 credit hours and 840 clinical hours.
Graduates of the program are eligible to take national examination to be a certified-nurse-midwife (CNM) administered by the American Midwifery Education Board (AMCB).
Questions about the program should be directed to the program director, Suzan Ulrich, DrPH, CNM, FACNM via email at [email protected] or text/call 716-223-0663.
Nurse-Midwifery program of study (fall entry, part-time) (PDF)
For full listing of courses and descriptions, please visit the University Bulletin.
Complete applications that are submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. Applications do not have to be verified by the priority deadline, only completed and submitted. Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].
Note:
The program is designed with two semesters of clinical immersion (840 hours) following completion of the didactic course. This allows full concentration on applying the midwifery model of care in the clinical setting with a seasoned preceptor. GW networks with midwives throughout the metro DC area and across the nation to assure high quality clinical experiences with an emphasis on birth centers and home birth. The midwifery faculty and clinical placement team support students in securing clinical sites in their area.
Provide an excellent learning experience that produces diverse and competent midwives who partner with patients and families to give holistic, individualized, high-quality, equitable, ethical, high-touch, and compassionate care from menarche to menopause, with particular attention to childbearing, while honoring the normalcy of these physiologic processes.
Patients deserve safe, equitable, high-quality health care that respects and values individuality and diversity and is informed, relationship centered, continuous, and compassionate. This midwifery model of care improves inequities in health outcomes by applying evidence-based interventions that honor the normal physiologic processes with judicious use of interventions. It places patients, families, and communities at the center of care and decision making using human presence and skillful communication. It involves collaboration within the health care system to optimize care and leadership and advocacy to promote policy changes at the community, state, national, and international levels that positively affect health care and the midwifery profession. Educating and socializing midwives to be excellent and ethical leaders, providers, and scholars requires engaging and innovative education; that embrace diversity, courage, and instills a commitment to lifelong learning and reflection as well as developing resilience.
The GW Nursing Midwifery Program is pre-accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, 2000 Duke Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 www.midwife.org/acme
