Specialty Highlights
Complete in 5 Full-time Semesters
MN Prespecialty students complete in just 4. Part-time plans are also available.
Hybrid Learning Format
Students take preparatory classes virtually their first semester (fall), then switch to an in-person format with face-to-face classes on campus for their spring, summer and second fall semester.
Robust Clinical Experience
Over 840 hours of clinical practice. Faculty arrange clinical sites for students, who are placed at vetted clinical sites across the U.S.
In-person Opportunities
Small and collaborative classes have low faculty-to-student ratios and provide personalized attention. Students establish a sense of belonging and build life-long relationships with their cohort.
My experience at VUSN shaped me not just to become a nurse-midwife, but also to become a leader.
Prestigious Program with Exceptional Outcomes
- #1 ranked Nurse-Midwifery program for nearly a decade.
- Our extensive nurse-midwifery faculty practice provides student clinical experience at multiple clinics, Vanderbilt's birth center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Classes are small and collaborative, with low faculty-to-student ratios and personalized attention.
Curriculum & Objectives
We offer a rigorous curriculum, low faculty-to-student ratios and one of the nation’s largest nurse-midwifery faculty practices in a university setting in the country. Our practice-active faculty use a mix of traditional classroom settings, simulated experiences and clinical training to fully prepare students for a career in this field. Graduates are prepared to work independently and in collaboration with other health professionals.
The Vanderbilt Nurse-Midwifery curriculum is based on the 2020 Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice developed by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. The NM curriculum assures that Vanderbilt students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education that meets the highest standards in nursing education and assures they are well-prepared for practice.
Explore the MSN full-time, MSN part-time, MN Prespecialty, sample Post-Master's Certificate and DNP curriculums.
Clinical Experience
As students progress through the program, they receive a greater amount of clinical learning than classroom learning. Over the course of the program, students engage in more than 840 clinical hours, divided into three rotations. The intrapartum and integration rotations will involve night and weekend call. Students receive nearly 100 hours of direct, hands-on skills practice prior to moving into intrapartum clinical practicums.
Clinical experiences vary by semester:
- Summer 1: Students' sites are within 4-5 hours of Nashville
- Fall 2 & Spring 2: Students may be placed anywhere in the U.S.
Watch this short video regarding clinical rotations.
Time Commitment
This accelerated specialty is best suited for motivated, self-directed learners who can master large amounts of complex material in a short time. Balancing full-time or part-time work with the program’s rigorous, full-time, accelerated curriculum is not recommended, although the specialty can be completed on a part-time basis. The Nurse-Midwifery specialty is 5 semesters (20 months) for MSN full-time students and 4 semesters (16 months) for Vanderbilt MN Prespecialty students.
Outcomes
As Certified Nurse Midwives, graduates provide care to individuals in urban and rural settings, including hospitals, OB-GYN clinics, private OB-GYN practices, public health clinics, birthing centers, military bases, Indian Health Service sites and others. On completion of the midwifery program, students are eligible to take the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam. On completion of the AMCB exam, graduates will be Certified Nurse-Midwives and can obtain licensure to practice in all U.S. states.
The Nurse-Midwifery program stands out for its rigorous academic training combined with extensive hands-on experience, preparing students to provide exceptional, holistic care to women and newborns. Our dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong emphasis on evidence-based practice ensure that graduates are well-equipped to excel as compassionate and skilled nurse-midwives in diverse health care settings.
Take the Next Step
The Nurse-Midwifery specialty is available as part of the Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing Prespecialty, Post-Master’s Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Contact admissions counselor Cheryl Feldner with questions.
For more information from the specialty director, view this short video.