Nurse Midwifery Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Updated: Dec 19, 2023

Designed for RNs who have already earned a master's degree, the post-master’s certificate in Nurse Midwifery enables nurses to become primary care providers to women across the reproductive lifecycle. Such programs can advance an RN's career in less time. These post-grad certs are commonly offered via a blend of online and on-campus instructional methods; in-person clinicals are required. Program graduates are prepared to sit for the national certification exam, which is awarded by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

What Are the Online Nurse Midwifery Post-Master's Certificate Requirements?

Most online post-master’s certs for Nurse Midwifery include the following requirements:

Completed application with fees.
Graduate and undergraduate degrees, including transcripts and proofs of completion.
GPA of 2.5-3.0 or higher
Unexpired, unencumbered nursing license
A required number of completed practice hours as an RN (some programs)
Proof of required immunizations
Resume with letters of reference
Letter of intent or essay

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Nurse Midwifery Post-Master's Certificate Curriculum?

Nurse Midwifery post-grad certificates are typically offered through a mix of online and on-campus instruction. They are 21-30 credits in length, plus in-person clinical experiences. At Shenandoah University, for instance, students complete two introductory courses on women's health followed by an in-person practicum. Next, they complete two advanced midwifery courses followed by an in-person practicum.

Lastly, they complete the final advanced course as well as a capstone followed by an internship. Though course names may vary from school to school, this is the standard coursework sequence nurses should expect for the Nurse Midwifery post-master's certificate.

Courses taken in an online Nurse Midwifery post-grad certificate may include:

Primary Care of Women
Antepartum Care
Women's Health
Midwifery Practicum I & II
Comprehensive Perinatal Care
Perinatal Care with Complications
Advanced Nurse-Midwifery Role Development
Evidence-Based Practice Project or Capstone
Integrated Midwifery Internship

Nurses should become acquainted with the program requirements, course sequences, clinicals, and practicums prior to applying to the program.

What Type of Career Can I Pursue with an Online Nurse Midwifery Post-Master's Certificate?

Nurses with a post-master’s cert in Nurse Midwifery function as primary care providers to women from their pre- to post-childbearing years. However, they are most known for helping women during the labor and delivery process. They focus on providing a natural, holistic health care environment.

Skilled Nurse Midwives can minimize complications that can occur during childbirth to enable an optimal delivery for both mom and baby. They can also guide women throughout the course of their pregnancies, helping them make solid health and wellness decisions.

Job opportunities for students who complete a post-master's cert in Nurse Midwifery are large and growing. Nurse midwives work in hospitals, medical centers, birth centers, and private practices; some states allow them to practice independently.