Top 3 Direct-Entry Midwifery Programs 2026

Direct-entry midwifery programs offer a pathway into nurse-midwifery for students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. Instead of first becoming a registered nurse and then applying to a nurse-midwifery program, students can enter a graduate-level pathway that combines nursing education with advanced preparation in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and women's health.

These programs are relatively rare compared to other healthcare pathways. Most nurse-midwifery programs require applicants to already hold RN licensure, making direct-entry options especially valuable for career changers who want to become Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) without completing multiple separate degrees. Below, we'll explore how direct-entry midwifery programs work and highlight schools that offer this specialized educational pathway.

What Is a Direct-Entry Midwifery Program?

A direct-entry midwifery program is a graduate-level educational pathway that allows students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to enter nurse-midwifery preparation without first earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs combine prelicensure nursing education with advanced midwifery coursework, creating a streamlined route toward becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife.

Most direct-entry midwifery programs begin with a nursing preparation phase that teaches foundational clinical skills, patient assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based nursing practice. Students then progress into specialized nurse-midwifery coursework focused on reproductive health, prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, newborn assessment, and women's health across the lifespan.

Depending on the school, students may earn a master's degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or complete a graduate-entry nursing program that leads directly into a nurse-midwifery specialty. Program structures vary, but all require extensive clinical training under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals.

Direct-entry midwifery programs should not be confused with direct-entry midwife pathways that do not lead to nursing licensure. The programs featured in this ranking prepare students to become Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), an advanced practice nursing role that combines nursing education with specialized midwifery training.

These programs are different from direct-entry medical schools, and are more meant for career-changers. They can be a good fit for students who are passionate about maternal and infant health, reproductive healthcare, and supporting patients throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Because direct-entry nurse-midwifery options are uncommon, they can provide a unique opportunity for career changers seeking a direct route into this specialized healthcare field.

Top Schools with Direct-Entry Midwifery Degrees

Direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs provide a rare opportunity for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees to enter the field of midwifery without first earning a separate nursing degree. The schools below offer pathways that allow students to complete nursing preparation and advanced midwifery education through a streamlined graduate-level route.

Because direct-entry nurse-midwifery options are relatively uncommon, all three programs featured here stand out for providing a clear pathway toward Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) preparation. These programs combine rigorous academic coursework, clinical training, and hands-on experience caring for patients throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus 

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is located in Aurora, Colorado, and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The College of Nursing's Master of Science in Midwifery program is specifically designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and want to become Certified Nurse-Midwives through a direct-entry pathway.

Students complete prelicensure nursing coursework alongside advanced midwifery education, allowing them to prepare for RN licensure while building specialized knowledge in reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. The curriculum includes extensive clinical experiences and prepares graduates for certification and practice as Certified Nurse-Midwives.

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and offers a unique pathway for students interested in nurse-midwifery. Students can enter the Master of Nursing program with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and then progress directly into the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse-Midwifery specialty, creating a streamlined route into advanced practice midwifery education.

The university is regionally accredited by the HLC. The Master of Nursing program provides prelicensure nursing education and preparation for RN licensure, while the Nurse-Midwifery specialty builds advanced clinical skills in prenatal care, labor and birth management, postpartum care, newborn health, and reproductive healthcare. This pathway allows career changers to move from a non-nursing background into advanced midwifery practice without earning a separate BSN.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University's nurse-midwifery pathway begins with the Master of Nursing (MN) program, which is designed for students who hold bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing. Students complete prelicensure nursing education before progressing into the Nurse-Midwifery specialty, creating a direct route into advanced practice midwifery preparation.

The university is one of the top schools in Nashville, Tennessee, and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Vanderbilt's Nurse-Midwifery specialty prepares students to provide care throughout the reproductive lifespan, including prenatal care, labor and delivery management, postpartum care, newborn care, and women's health services. The program combines advanced coursework with extensive clinical experiences and prepares graduates to pursue Certified Nurse-Midwife certification and licensure.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs are among the most specialized and difficult-to-find healthcare pathways. Because relatively few schools offer routes for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders to enter Certified Nurse-Midwife preparation, we focus on factors like:

• Accreditation: We prioritize universities with recognized regional accreditation and nurse-midwifery pathways that meet the educational requirements for Certified Nurse-Midwife certification and licensure. Accreditation helps ensure students receive a quality education and remain eligible for financial aid, certification, and advanced practice licensure.
• Program length: Direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs typically require students to complete both nursing preparation and advanced midwifery education. We consider how efficiently programs move students from a non-nursing background into advanced practice training while maintaining rigorous academic and clinical standards.
• Student outcomes: We consider factors such as clinical placement opportunities, certification preparation, faculty support, graduation outcomes, and access to hands-on experiences in maternal and reproductive healthcare settings. Programs that provide strong preparation for Certified Nurse-Midwife practice receive additional consideration.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

How Direct-Entry Midwifery Programs Differ From Traditional Pathways

Direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and want to become Certified Nurse-Midwives. Unlike traditional nurse-midwifery pathways, these programs combine nursing education and advanced midwifery preparation into a streamlined route that can save students both time and money.

• Previous Education: Traditional nurse-midwifery students typically earn a nursing degree, become registered nurses, and then apply to a graduate nurse-midwifery program. Direct-entry students enter from a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
• Nursing Preparation: Direct-entry programs include the nursing coursework and clinical training needed to prepare students for RN licensure. Traditional programs generally require applicants to already be licensed registered nurses.
• Program Structure: Traditional pathways often involve multiple admissions processes, including admission to a nursing program and later admission to a nurse-midwifery program. Direct-entry pathways combine these steps into a single educational plan.
• Timeline: Earning a nursing degree, gaining RN experience, and then completing a nurse-midwifery program can take several years. Direct-entry programs create a more efficient route into advanced practice midwifery.
• Clinical Training: Both pathways require extensive supervised clinical experiences in women's health, prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and newborn assessment.
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of both pathways may become Certified Nurse-Midwives and provide reproductive healthcare, prenatal care, labor and birth services, postpartum care, and primary care for women across the lifespan.

Admissions Requirements for Direct-Entry Programs

Direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs are often highly selective because they combine accelerated nursing education with advanced practice preparation. Schools look for applicants who demonstrate strong academic ability, a commitment to maternal and reproductive health, and the potential to succeed in a rigorous clinical environment.

Common admissions requirements include:

• Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Most programs accept students from a variety of academic backgrounds.
• Minimum GPA: Many programs prefer a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, although admissions requirements vary by school.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Students are commonly required to complete courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, chemistry, human growth and development, or nutrition before enrollment.
• Personal Statement: Most programs require essays explaining the applicant's interest in nurse-midwifery, healthcare experience, and long-term professional goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are often asked to provide academic or professional references who can evaluate their readiness for graduate study and clinical practice.
• Healthcare Experience: While not always required, volunteer work, patient care experience, public health involvement, or employment in healthcare settings can strengthen an application.
• Interview: Some programs conduct interviews to assess communication skills, professionalism, motivation, and fit for the nurse-midwifery profession.

Because direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs are relatively rare, admissions can be especially competitive. Applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in maternal health, women's healthcare, and evidence-based practice may improve their chances of admission.

FAQs About Direct-Entry Midwifery Degree Programs

Direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs offer a unique pathway into advanced practice nursing for students who do not already have a nursing degree. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife through a direct-entry program. 

How Long Do Direct-Entry Midwifery Programs Take?

Most direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs take between three and five years to complete, depending on the program structure and degree awarded. Students typically begin with a nursing preparation phase that leads to RN licensure before progressing into advanced midwifery coursework and clinical training. Programs that culminate in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree may take longer than master's-level pathways. 

Are Direct-Entry Midwifery Programs Worth It?

Direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs may be worth considering if you already hold a bachelor's degree and want to work in maternal and reproductive healthcare without earning a separate nursing degree first. These programs can provide a more efficient route into the profession while still meeting the educational requirements for Certified Nurse-Midwife certification. Students should compare program costs, clinical opportunities, and career goals when evaluating their options. 

Are There Online Direct-Entry Midwifery Programs?

Fully online direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs are uncommon because students must complete hands-on nursing education, simulation experiences, and supervised clinical training. Some schools may offer portions of the curriculum online or in hybrid formats, particularly during advanced coursework. However, students should expect to complete significant in-person clinical experiences in healthcare settings throughout the program. 

What Is a Certified Nurse-Midwife?

A Certified Nurse-Midwife(CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, newborn care, and women's health services. CNMs can provide a wide range of healthcare services, including annual exams, family planning, prenatal care, labor and birth management, and menopause care. Scope of practice varies by state.

Do Direct-Entry Midwifery Programs Require Nursing Experience?

Most direct-entry nurse-midwifery programs do not require applicants to already be registered nurses. In fact, these programs are specifically designed for students who have bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields. While prior healthcare experience can strengthen an application, many programs admit students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds who demonstrate a strong interest in maternal and reproductive health.

Find a Flexible Online Healthcare Degree

Find your perfect nurse midwifery program by exploring the direct-entry programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual nursing schools to find out more about program options and admissions requirements.