2027 Nurse Midwifery Degree Master's Programs Accepting Students Now

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What are nurse midwifery master's programs, and who are they designed for?

A nurse midwifery master’s program is a graduate-level nursing degree that prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice in reproductive, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn care. Most programs combine advanced nursing coursework with supervised clinical experiences and are designed to prepare graduates for national certification and state licensure as nurse midwives.

These programs are most commonly built for licensed registered nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an equivalent nursing background. Some schools also offer bridge, direct-entry, or accelerated pathways for applicants whose earlier education does not follow the traditional BSN-to-MSN route, but these options usually include additional nursing prerequisites and clinical preparation before advanced midwifery coursework begins.

Who should consider this degree?

  • Registered nurses seeking advanced practice roles: Nurses who want to move from general nursing into specialized maternal, reproductive, and newborn care are the primary audience.
  • Recent nursing graduates with a clear specialty goal: Applicants who already know they want to focus on midwifery may use the master’s degree as the next step after entry-level nursing preparation.
  • Career changers: Applicants from non-healthcare fields may be eligible for select pathways, but they should expect additional science, nursing, and clinical requirements before they can practice as advanced clinicians.
  • Working professionals: Online and hybrid formats can make graduate study more manageable, but clinical rotations still require in-person availability and careful scheduling.
  • International applicants: Students educated outside the United States must confirm transcript evaluation, English-language, licensure, and clinical eligibility requirements before applying.

How the degree differs from related nursing credentials

CredentialMain purposeTypical fit
Bachelor’s degree in nursingBuilds foundational nursing knowledge and prepares students for entry-level registered nursing practice.Students preparing to become registered nurses or advance from earlier nursing credentials.
Master’s in nurse midwiferyDevelops advanced clinical skills for nurse midwifery practice and certification eligibility.Registered nurses and qualified bridge-pathway students seeking advanced maternal and reproductive health roles.
Doctoral nursing degreeOften emphasizes advanced leadership, systems improvement, research, or the highest level of clinical practice.Nurses pursuing executive, academic, policy, or expanded advanced practice goals.

Students who are still building their nursing foundation may need an earlier credential before applying to a midwifery master’s program. For example, some prospective applicants compare bridge options with online RN to BSN programs no clinicals when planning a longer academic path. The demand for advanced nurse midwifery credentials is growing, with employment projected to increase by 10% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing many other occupations and underscoring the field's expanding role in maternal healthcare.

Which nurse midwifery master's programs are currently accepting applications?

Nurse midwifery application status changes by term, cohort size, clinical placement capacity, and university admissions calendars. A program may accept applications in one cycle and pause or close admissions in another, so applicants should treat any published list as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Always verify the current deadline, start term, accreditation status, and clinical placement expectations directly through the university and relevant accrediting sources.

“Accepting applications” can mean different things. Some schools use rolling admissions, some review applicants only after a fixed deadline, and others open separate windows for fall, spring, or summer cohorts. Applicants should also confirm whether the program is an MSN, post-graduate certificate, direct-entry option, or another pathway because eligibility requirements may differ substantially.

Programs to verify during your application search

  • University of Washington - Family Nurse Midwifery Program: This program is described as offering rolling admissions and professional and research-oriented pathways. Applicants should confirm the current cycle, degree format, clinical requirements, and available start terms before preparing materials.
  • Vanderbilt University School of Nursing: Vanderbilt's accelerated nurse midwifery track is suited for applicants with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. It accepts applications on a fixed schedule for fall and spring cohorts, so prospective students need to plan early around prerequisites, recommendations, and deadlines.
  • Frontier Nursing University - Nurse Midwifery Program: Frontier Nursing is known for a fully online professional nurse midwifery program and accepts applications year-round with multiple start dates. Students should still verify clinical placement expectations in their state or region.
  • University of Cincinnati College of Nursing: This program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, with distinct application cycles for fall and summer intakes. Some rolling decisions allow for quicker admissions, but applicants should confirm whether their intended track is open.
  • Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies: Georgetown's program emphasizes a thesis-based nurse midwifery curriculum with fixed deadlines geared toward fall enrollment, blending research and clinical practice.

How to confirm whether a program is open now

  1. Check the official program admissions page for the exact term and deadline.
  2. Confirm the program’s accreditation status and whether it supports certification eligibility.
  3. Ask whether your state allows enrollment and clinical placement for that program.
  4. Request clarification on prerequisites, RN licensure requirements, and required clinical hours.
  5. Apply early if the program uses rolling admissions, since available seats and clinical sites may fill before the final deadline.

Applicants comparing graduate healthcare pathways may also find it useful to review broader accelerated education models, such as an online healthcare administration degree, especially if they are deciding between direct patient care, leadership, and administrative roles.

What are the admission requirements for a nurse midwifery master's program?

Admission requirements for nurse midwifery master’s programs usually evaluate three things: academic readiness, nursing preparation, and fit for advanced clinical practice. Most schools require official transcripts, a current resume or CV, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and proof that prerequisite coursework or licensure requirements have been met. Requirements vary by pathway, especially for applicants who are not already registered nurses.

Because nurse midwifery is an advanced clinical field, admissions committees look for more than strong grades. They want evidence that applicants understand the responsibilities of midwifery care, can handle graduate-level science and clinical decision-making, and have the maturity to work with patients during pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and reproductive health care.

Common application materials

  • Official undergraduate transcripts: These verify degree completion, prerequisite coursework, and academic performance in science, nursing, and related courses.
  • Letters of recommendation: Programs commonly request two or three letters from academic, clinical, or professional references who can speak to readiness for graduate study and patient care.
  • Statement of purpose: This essay should explain why the applicant is pursuing nurse midwifery, what populations they hope to serve, and how the program fits their professional goals.
  • Resume or CV: A strong resume highlights nursing experience, healthcare exposure, certifications, leadership, volunteer work, and community service.
  • Standardized tests and prerequisites: Some schools require GRE or GMAT scores, though many have relaxed or waived this requirement since the pandemic reshaped testing availability. Prerequisite courses may include anatomy, physiology, statistics, or other sciences depending on the program.
  • Licensure documentation: Traditional nurse midwifery master’s programs commonly require an active RN license, while alternative pathways may have different sequencing requirements.

Application mistakes to avoid

  • Applying before confirming that your state permits clinical placement for the program.
  • Assuming an online program has no in-person clinical requirements.
  • Submitting a generic personal statement that does not explain why nurse midwifery is the right advanced practice path.
  • Waiting too long to request recommendation letters or transcript evaluations.
  • Ignoring prerequisite deficiencies until after the deadline.

A professional who pursued an online nurse midwifery master's degree to switch careers described the application process as "intense but rewarding." Initially overwhelmed by assembling transcripts and securing recommendation letters remotely, he found writing the statement of purpose the most personal challenge.

"It forced me to reflect deeply on why I wanted to transition and how I could contribute to the profession." Navigating varying requirements among schools also required careful attention. Despite these hurdles, he felt that "the thorough preparation helped ensure I was truly ready for graduate study and the demands of clinical work ahead."

What Graduates Say About Their Nurse Midwifery Degree Master's Program

  • Holland: "I chose the nurse midwifery master's degree program because I wanted to make a tangible difference in maternal health, and the curriculum's strong clinical focus was exactly what I needed. The program's cost was manageable given the comprehensive education and hands-on experience it offered, which made my investment feel worthwhile. Since graduating, my career has flourished as I'm now trusted to lead prenatal care teams, and I owe that growth to the solid foundation I gained from this degree."
  • Tiffany: "Reflecting on my decision to pursue a nurse midwifery master's degree, I realize it was driven by a deep passion for women's health and a desire for professional autonomy. Although the financial commitment was significant, the quality of instruction and the networking opportunities were unmatched. This degree opened doors to advanced practice roles that have enriched my career and allowed me to advocate for patient-centered care effectively."
  • Marin: "The nurse midwifery master's degree stood out to me for its blend of evidence-based practice and personalized patient care. Financing the program required careful planning, but it was a strategic move toward long-term career stability and growth. Today, I lead a busy clinic and continually apply the advanced clinical skills and leadership principles I developed in the program to improve patient outcomes."

Other Things You Should Know About Nurse Midwifery Degrees

What clinical experience is required for nurse midwifery master's programs in 2027?

In 2027, nurse midwifery master's programs typically require applicants to have completed a minimum of one year of full-time clinical experience as a registered nurse. Some programs may specify experience in women's health or maternity settings as part of their prerequisites.

What is the application process for a 2027 nurse midwifery master's program?

To apply for a 2027 nurse midwifery master's program, prospective students typically need a bachelor's degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and clinical experience. Applications generally require submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and may include an interview process.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a 2027 nurse midwifery master's program?

The prerequisites for a 2027 nurse midwifery master's program typically include having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an active registered nurse (RN) license, and clinical experience. Some programs may also require specific undergraduate courses such as anatomy or physiology.

Which accreditation should a 2027 nurse midwifery master’s program have?

It should hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). ACME is the specialty accreditor recognized for nurse-midwifery education, and graduation from an ACME-accredited program is typically required for eligibility to take the American Midwifery Certification Board exam.