BSN to DNP Nurse-Midwife Major (onsite)

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s DNP program was ranked tenth nationwide as part of 2023-2024 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice.

The School of Nursing is pleased to offer the Nurse-Midwife major within our nationally recognized DNP program. Nurse-midwives, part of the centuries-long tradition of midwifery, provide services to foster a supportive environment for women and families before, during, and after pregnancy, including well-woman care.

About our Nurse-Midwife Major

This major will prepare graduates to sit for the national certification examination in Nurse-Midwifery and to apply for state licensure as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) from appropriate state boards. It achieved FULL  accreditation status from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) in February 2022.

Objectives

Graduates of the Nurse-Midwife DNP are prepared to:

  • Assume independent responsibility for promoting, maintaining and restoring health while diagnosing and managing health problems in women and childbearing families
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary research and provide leadership in mobilizing health services

Curriculum

The curriculum explores the art and science of the nurse-midwifery profession including classes on the role of nurse-midwives in population-based health, family-centered care for healthy pregnancy and childbirth, management of women’s complex health issues; well newborn care, and high-risk labor and births. Clinical rotations take place in the region’s outstanding hospitals, birthing centers, and health practices including Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, the Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health, and the Allegheny County Health Department. 

Additional course/clinical work for the DNP degree provides further knowledge focused on using evidence in clinical decision-making, developing leadership skills, implementing viable clinical innovations, and applying research and theoretical understanding to facilitate changes in practice. A culminating DNP project reflects the student’s application of knowledge gained during this program, focusing on a quality-improvement effort, surveillance project, program evaluation, or N of 1 study. Students submit at least one manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal.

Full-time study will permit the student to complete the program within three years: part-time study is an option. 

Additional Information

Accreditation Statement:

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Nurse-Midwife Doctor of Nursing Practice Program midwifery program is accredited through February 2027 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

Nurse Midwife Licensure/Certification

All US states require professional licensure/certification to be employed as a nurse-midwife. In addition to graduating from an accredited midwifery program, graduates must have an active registered nurse license and take and pass the American Midwifery Certification Board’s national certification examination in midwifery to apply for state licensure as a certified nurse-midwife. Please visit Nursing Licensure.org for state-specific requirements.