Empower and partner with patients through all phases of women's health care

The Marquette University Nurse-Midwifery Program (NMP) is designed to prepare scholarly, clinically specialized nurses who will function at an advanced level of practice as nurse- midwives. Graduates will be prepared for independent management of newborns and women and persons during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods, and for primary care throughout the life span. Nurse-midwifery practice occurs within the context of an interdependent collaborative health care system. The Marquette NMP is a hybrid-online program that combines the best of both campus and online learning. Living within driving distance of the Marquette campus located in Milwaukee, WI is required, although a variety of clinical placements are available throughout the state of Wisconsin, with some in Northern Illinois for students who live in that area.

The Marquette University Nurse-Midwifery Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1230, Silver Spring, MD 20910-6374; Tel: 240-485-1803, acme@acnm.org; www.midwife.org/acme. The program was reaccredited in 2019 for the maximum period of 10 years, and is currently accredited until 2029.

Upon successful completion of the program, demonstrating all the professional core competencies, the graduate will be academically eligible to take the national certification examination of the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) [849 International Drive, Suite 120, Linthicum, MD 21090, Tel: (866) 366-9632]. In 2021, there were 25 enrolled (new and continuing) midwifery students. In 2021, there were 6 full time students who graduated from the Marquette University, College of Nursing Midwifery Program. The AMCB pass rate for the 2021 graduating class was 100%. AMCB Annual Reports are available online.

 

 

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MSN Graduate Program Outcomes and Performance Indicators

At the completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Use data and analytical processes to discover, critique, and/or synthesize nursing knowledge for the continued improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
  • Integrate pertinent theories, research and other evidence, as well as patient and population perspectives to guide master’s level nursing practice.
  • Provide culturally appropriate evidence
    based clinical prevention and population health to individuals, families and aggregates.
  • Demonstrate leadership in ethical and clinical decision making using a system’s perspective.
  • Initiate, maintain, and promote intra-and interprofessional collaboration.
  • Effectively use varied modes of communication, informatics and technology to promote safe and high-quality patient care.
  • Use data and analytical processes to discover, critique, and/or synthesize nursing knowledge for the continued improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
  • Demonstrate leadership in ethical and clinical decision making using a system’s perspective.

Nurse-Midwifery Program Philosophy

The Jesuit ideal of cura personalis is actualized through the belief that all humans have worth and dignity, with inalienable rights to health care, self-determination, and information regarding all aspects of care. Women throughout their lives experience physiologic changes that are influenced by psychological, sociological, biological and spiritual factors, all of which impact the optimal state of health of the individual and the family. The science and art of nurse-midwifery are grounded in client centered and directed practice, and embodied in the provision of safe, satisfying, culturally competent care. Such practice enables and empowers clients and nurse-midwives in the creation of and participation in their care. Truth is pursued through excellence and innovation in nurse- midwifery education, practice and scholarship, the promotion of professional standards, and collaboration with members of other disciplines. Nurse-midwifery education is characterized by the acquisition of analytical skills necessary for the discovery, synthesis and application of knowledge to this specialized practice, which focuses upon health promotion and education of the childbearing family and of women throughout the life span.

Nurse-Midwifery Program Purpose/Mission

The purpose of the Advanced Practice Nursing: Nurse-midwifery option of the Master of Science in Nursing program at Marquette University is to prepare scholarly, clinically specialized nurses who will function at an advanced level of practice as a nurse-midwife. The graduate will be prepared for midwifery management of women during the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods (including newborn care) and for primary and gynecologic care. Nurse-midwifery practice occurs within the context of an interdependent collaborative health care system. Upon completion of the program the graduate will be academically eligible to take the national Certification Examination of the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

The Marquette University Nurse-Midwifery Program Faculty share the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence as described in the statement Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. Please also examine the University’s statement and policy’s on nondiscrimination.

Program Fees and Expenses

Midwifery Program Fees and Expenses

  1. $60 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (approximate fee). (This certification must be maintained throughout the student's program through biannual recertification.)
  2. $124 – Health requirements and criminal background check initial fee (approximate fee) and drug test. Additional costs may be required for immunizations, antibody titers and physical examinations. (castlebranch.com).
  3. $90 – A one-time clinical tracking system (Typhon) fee for students in the specialty clinicals.
  4. Lab coat and name tags ($50-$100)
  5. Books ($300-700 per semester for new; $200-500 per semester for used)
  6. Simulation fees up to $125.00 total for use of the simulation lab.
  7. Nurse-midwifery students are responsible for travel and housing costs while participating in clinicals that may be out of their community of residence. 

General Information

There are two major sources of information available online about the academic programs and policies that affect the NMP. One is the university’s Graduate Bulletin and the other is the College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook. Both sources provide important information when considering the NMP and when students are progressing from admission through graduation. Student demographics of the overall graduate program are presented, although within nursing generally there are fewer males and international students represented.

It is critical to review the application requirements closely. There are unique requirements for individuals who have BSN degrees and are entering the MSN Program and for those who do not hold a nursing degree but have completed bachelor’s degrees in other fields (Direct Entry Masters Program)

Additional specific information about the NMP is included below. The Curriculum and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are presented below. You may also contact Karen Nest, Graduate Program Assistant, for specific questions about the application process, admission requirements, or to request an information packet. For general information about the nurse-midwifery profession and education, contact the American College of Nurse-Midwives. After reviewing these resources, if you have questions remaining, you may contact Dr. Karen Robinson, PhD, CNM, Associate Professor, Director of the Nurse-Midwifery Program 414-288-4535 or karen.robinson@mu.edu.

What degree is right for me?

  Post-Master's Certificate MSN

Credits


Degree Required

34-36


MSN 

49-51


BSN 


Tuition Cost Per Credit: $1,245.00


View the course work

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in the NMP option requires a total of 49 credit hours of course work, which may be completed on a combined part-time and full- time basis. There are three broad categories of courses, which are 3 credits each unless otherwise noted.

View a sample program

Post-Master's Certificate Courses- 34-36 Credits

Specialty Courses – 28-30 Credits

Management of Episodic Health Problems

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

 

Foundation Courses – 9 Credits

Pathophysiological Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice

Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan

MSN Courses- 49-51 Credits

Specialty Courses – 28-30 Credits

Management of Episodic Health Problems

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

 

Core Courses – 12 Credits

Theoretical Foundations of Nursing

Ethics, Policy, and Health Care Advocacy

Organizational and Systems Leadership

Research & Evidence as a Foundation for Nursing

 

Foundation Courses – 9 Credits

Pathophysiological Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice

Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan

Graduate Bulletin

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Apply and submit all application requirements

The Nurse-Midwifery Program has two annual admission pools. Most students should consider the Feb 15 application deadline for fall admission. Applications are due by November 15 for Spring admission.  The Nurse-Midwifery Program clinical sequence is a fall start.

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  • Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges/universities must reflect undergraduate courses in health assessment, nursing research and statistics (including inferential analysis).
  • Three completed recommendation letters prepared by previous or present employers and teachers familiar with graduate education in nursing.
  • A resume and written statement of professional goals, including reasons for pursuing graduate study.
  • International applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
  • An interview is required for applicants.
  • All applicants must be registered in the United States as a professional nurse. Graduates of nursing schools in foreign countries must successfully complete the certification program administered by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and must be licensed in Wisconsin.
  • GRE not required.
  • Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program should have graduated with, or be about to graduate with, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program with an upper division major in nursing.
  • The required minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.000 on a 4.000 scale is required for the M.S.N. Science GPA of 3.0 is recommended. For graduates of foreign nursing schools, a formal evaluation of their nursing program of study documenting equivalency to a U.S. Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must be submitted.
  • Prior to or during the first term of study, all Master of Science in Nursing applicants must have taken undergraduate nursing research and a statistics course which included inferential analysis (must be completed within 5 years of program start date). If the time period of 5 years has been exceeded for the statistics course, it may be possible for applicants to demonstrate proficiency by examination through an approved testing source (list of approved examinations available from the College of Nursing). Applicants who select an advanced practice nursing specialization must have taken an undergraduate course in health assessment.
  • Unencumbered Registered Nurse license to practice in the United States. A Wisconsin or eNLC license is required at the time of admission. For students in the Indiana program, an Indiana R.N. license is required.
  • Clinical experience requirements – practice as a professional nurse recommended but not required.
  • BCLS from the American Heart Association, which must be maintained during all programs.

I think I want to be a nurse-midwife. How can I be sure that’s the right field for me?

We suggest you start by exploring the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ website. If there are certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in your area, we recommend you contact them and seek an opportunity to observe (“shadow”) them in practice. Nurse-midwives have the satisfaction of caring for women throughout the lifespan and are considered specialists in women’s health and fostering normal birth.  Midwifery often requires long, irregular hours of work, but it can be a very fulfilling career. Becoming a nurse-midwife requires academic ability in both the sciences and ‘people-oriented’ subjects.  It takes determination to complete the rigorous program of study.

If you wish to meet the nurse-midwifery faculty to discuss the profession further, they generally hold an open house in the afternoon of the first Monday in December. If you wish to be invited, you will need to send an e-mail to Dr. Karen Robinson, CNM, Program Director [karen.robinson@mu.edu]. Remember to include all your contact information.

What academic background do I need for the Nurse-Midwifery Program?

Everyone entering the nurse-midwifery program must be a nurse. However, there are unique requirements for those entering the MSN program with BSN degrees and those who have completed bachelor’s degrees in other fields  but need to become nurses (MSN Program for Non-Nursing Graduates, also called Direct Entry/GEM).They are explained on the College of Nursing website under Academic Programs. MSN Graduate school admission requirements for the Nursing MSN programs are also explained on the following website.

Do I need to be a licensed RN before applying to the Nurse-Midwifery Program?

If you are in your last year of nursing school, have recently graduated, or are in the Direct Entry program, you may apply now. It is possible to be admitted to the program contingent on passing the NCLEX-RN licensing examination, for which you will need to provide proper documentation of your success before actually beginning the NMP courses. A Wisconsin nursing license is required.  If you wish to participate in clinicals in Illinois, an Illinois license will also be required.

I will have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree by the end of summer, but I won’t have taken Statistics, including Inferential, by that time. Could I apply anyway, and take my last prerequisite class during my first semester at Marquette?

If you have not completed all your statistics prerequisites, you will have to be admitted on a contingent basis until you have successfully completed the needed course and submitted the official transcript. We can provide you with a list of acceptable statistics courses that are available at Marquette and other universities. It is possible to take statistics during your first semester of enrollment in the NMP.

I have earned a master’s degree in Nursing already. Can I do a post-master’s program in Midwifery?

Yes. The actual number of classes you take will depend on what courses were included in your master’s program. Plan to discuss this with the Nurse-Midwifery Program Director, Karen Robinson PhD, CNM, FACNM, around the time of your admission interview,  bringing your transcript(s) and course descriptions. Your program plan will be individualized including planning for transfer or waiving of select credits upon review. Upon program competition you will receive a post-master’s certificate in nurse-midwifery.

I am an international student. Do I need to demonstrate my proficiency in English?

Yes. Beyond Wisconsin licensure, there are other requirements. For more information, please refer to Graduate School Bulletin on the topic.

Do I need work experience as a registered nurse to qualify for the Nurse-Midwifery Program?

It is recommended, but not required, that you have at least one year of maternal- child health related nursing experience. When we admit program candidates who do not have this experience, we encourage them to seek employment as RNs in labor and

delivery settings as soon as possible. This allows them to gain essential experience while they are students in our program. If students do not obtain employment in Labor and Delivery, they will be required to take 2 credits of clinical for the Summer course NURS 6751 that provides basic intrapartum knowledge and nursing related skill development. These two credits are in addition to the 1 credit theory portion of this course (Advanced Concepts in Labor Support) that all Midwifery students take.

I won’t have time to apply for the Midwifery Program starting this fall.  Could I apply to Marquette as a non-degree student, take Master of Science in Nursing core courses now, and apply for the Midwifery Program for the following year?

It may not be to your advantage to take many courses before being admitted. Taking courses as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission. You need to go through the whole admission process to become eligible for the specialty classes and clinical work. The University also discourages earning many credits non-degree because it does not guarantee you can apply them to a degree program later. In fact, transferring in credits to the program is limited, as described in the Graduate Bulletin in the alphabetically listed transfer of credit policy and in the non-degree status description.

I live far from Milwaukee. How much of the coursework is online?

The Nurse-Midwifery Program is hybrid-online. This means that each of the midwifery specialty courses includes both in-class and asynchronous internet-based interactions among faculty and students. The Midwifery courses are scheduled on campus 4-8 times a semester, depending on the course. There are also many clinical hours that occur in the mixed didactic and practicum courses in the NMP. Generally, the nurse-midwifery specialty coursework is completed on-line, once weekly basis, with required readings accessible through Marquette's e-Learning platform called Desire2Learn (D2L), a web-based tool which facilitates and supports online education. On-line learning software allows you to remain at home, access course materials, and interact with your classmates and professors via web-based classroom discussions in an easy to use format. The Nurse-Midwifery Program also includes 8 core and foundational MSN courses and 6 nurse-midwifery specialty courses. Some of the core and foundational courses are also hybrid online. Each course at Marquette has its own D2L course site with facilities for interactive communication, secure submission of student assignments to faculty. Easy reference to all their course materials is a common positive expressed by students when working online.

Tell me more about Class Schedules

Students need to plan to come to the Marquette campus several days per week and also be available for significant clinical time that increases progressively throughout the final two years of the program. We attempt to cluster days that SNMs need to be on campus when possible.

Where do students do their Nurse-Midwifery Program clinicals?

Marquette faculty arrange the clinicals for the students in our program. Nurse-midwifery students generally do clinical work at various nurse-midwifery practices throughout Wisconsin. While some student nurse-midwives (SNMs) do part of their clinical training in the Milwaukee area or near their homes, all students should plan on traveling to gain clinical experiences during the course of the program. Participating in clinical in a variety of settings enables our students to gain exposure to rich learning experiences. Our wide geographic network of clinical settings and our online coursework offerings make distance learning possible for students. We schedule clinical practica with consideration of SNMs’ competencies, class requirements, the unique characteristics of each nurse-midwifery service, and preceptor faculty time availability. Travel to clinical sites is at the student’s expense, but it is possible to work with the Associate Program Director, in charge of clinical placements to attempt to schedule some clinical time near family or friends when possible.

How long is the Nurse-Midwifery Program?

The NMP contains 49 total credits. Marquette defines full-time attendance as a minimum of 7 graduate credits per semester. A three-year plan, is considered optimal for students entering with a BSN who plan to work. The Nurse-Midwifery clinical courses occur in a set sequence in the final two years of the program. You may spread the pre-clinical courses over two or more years (part-time).  However, during the final program year, you would need to attend full-time to complete your studies, due to significant clinical time required. Therefore, it is important for you to consider all aspects of your life, including work and family, when making the decision to attend the program. Similarly, know that your admission offer guarantees you a place in the clinical sequence for a particular class cohort and that the CNM faculty monitor this closely.

How many students are accepted annually in the Nurse-Midwifery Program?

Class size can become a limiting factor in the number of admissions each year. If one clinical class is full, we will work with you to see if you can be admitted into the clinical sequence beginning the next year. However, there is no way to predict future class sizes and it is possible that changing your plan & clinical sequence could necessitate that you need to delay until there is an opening for you in the clinical sequence of courses. Therefore, plan carefully about when you wish to begin and finish the program to stay on track. Always discuss any possible alterations in your official program plan with the Program Director Karen.Robinson@marquette.edu.

Kathlyn Albert, DNP, CNM, FNP-BC - Program Director

Lisa Hanson, PhD, RN, CNM, APNP, FAAN, FACNM- Associate Program Director

Kathryn Harrod, PhD, RN, CNM

Karen Robinson, PhD, RN, CNM

Graduate school is an important investment in your future career. The university sets & publishes in the Graduate Bulletin, available online, the tuition, fees, and relevant refunds at this direct link. The College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook has additional health requirements and a background check; it is also available online.

Given the costs, it is important to consider how you will finance your degree program. Financial aid is available to eligible students. The Graduate Bulletin explains the options for assistance at the following link. The graduate nursing student financial assistance options are noted in the College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook.. In addition, the midwifery professional organization, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) also has suggestions on financing your education.


 

 

Program Contact

Taylor Rose Pamperin, M.Ed.

Graduate Student Success Advisor

Email Taylor

Schedule a virtual appointment with Taylor

 



Nurse Midwife Sample Programs

Sample plan below is typical for students who enter with a BSN.

Year 1: Fall

Credits

Year 1: Spring

Credits

Summer

N6009  Organizational and Systems Leadership

3

N6000  Theoretical Foundations of Nursing

3

 

N6035  Advanced Health      Assessment

3

N6010 Research & Evidence as  a Foundation for Nursing

3

 

 

 

N6030  Pathophysiological      Concepts for Advanced           Nursing Practice

3

 

Total Credits

6

Total Credits

9

 

Year 2: Fall

 

Year 2: Spring

 

 Year 2: Summer

N6032  Pharmacology for    Advanced Nursing        Practice

3

N6742 Advanced Concepts in Antepartum Management

3

N6751 Advanced Concepts in Labor Support 1 (+2)*

N6037  Management of Episodic Health Problems

3

N6746  Professional Issues in APN/DNP Practice

3

 

N6740  Advanced Concepts in Women’s Health across    the Life Span

3

N6007 Ethics, Policy, and Health Care Advocacy

3

 

Total Credits

9

Total Credits

  9 **

Total Credits 1-3

Year 3: Fall

 

Year 3: Spring

 

 

N6744  Advanced Concepts in Postpartum & Newborn  Management

3

N6753  Advanced Practicum in Nurse-Midwifery

7

 

N6752  Nurse-Midwifery Care During Labor & Birth

5

 

 

 

Total Credits

8

Total Credits

7

 

* Plus 2 credits extra in summer as needed for intrapartum preparation                                   

Total credits in NMP = 49+

 

Sample plan is typical for a student entering the Midwifery program from the Marquette University College of Nursing Direct Entry Master’s Program.

Year 1: Fall

Credits

Year 1: Spring

Credits

Summer

 Credits

N6037  Management of Episodic Health Problems

3

N6742 Advanced Concepts in      Antepartum Management

3

N6751 Advanced Concepts in Labor Support 1 (+2)*

1-3*

 

N6740  Advanced Concepts in Women’s Health across the Life Span

3

N6746  Professional Issues in    APN/DNP Practice

3

 

Total Credits
6
Total Credits
6
 

Year 2: Fall

 

Year 2: Spring

 

 

N6744  Advanced Concepts in Postpartum & Newborn  Management

3

N6753  Advanced Practicum in Nurse-Midwifery

7

 

N6752  Nurse-Midwifery Care During Labor & Birth

5

 

 

 

Total Credits
8
Total Credits
7

 

*Plus 2 credits extra in summer as needed for intrapartum preparation. 

Total credits in NMP=28+