The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery Program has earned the Lifetime Golden Commendation by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) – one of only four educational programs in the country to achieve this recognition.
“We are delighted to have our Nurse-Midwifery program honored in this way,” said Linda Norman, Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Valere Potter Menefee Professor of Nursing. “For our faculty, it’s simply all about the students. Our team is constantly trying new educational approaches and engaging their students in profound ways. As a result, we are preparing the most competent and capable nurse-midwives in the country.”
The recognition is given only to programs that demonstrate innovative methods of midwifery education, educate a diverse group of students and increase access to care for women with community involvement from faculty and students. To achieve the Golden Commendation, the program must also be at least 20 years old.
Faculty and students received the news last week as Michael McCann, CNM, the ACNM’s regional representative came to Nashville to bestow the honor in person.
Michelle Collins, PhD, CNM, FACNM directs the Nurse-Midwifery program which is made up of nine faculty and 37 currently enrolled students. The program was established in 1995 and has been distinguished as the #3 ranked Nurse-Midwifery Program in the country for the past five years, according to U.S. News and World Report, and is known as having one of the largest midwifery faculty practices in the country, West End Women’s Health Center, which provides many opportunities for hands-on education and modeling high quality care.