Midwifery Degree Program
Distinctive Midwifery Education for the 21st Century
Due to the high volume of applicants, the midwifery department is no longer accepting applications for fall 2010. Please contact Stephanie Safholm at (206) 322-8834 for more information.
Bastyr University's direct-entry Master of Science in Midwifery program trains students in all aspects of midwifery care, preparing them to greatly improve the quality and breadth of maternity care offered to women and their families. It also qualifies graduates to become state (or provincially) licensed and nationally certified midwives. The rigorous, proven curriculum -- based on the
competencies established by the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) and the combined expertise of Bastyr University and the
former Seattle Midwifery School -- makes use of state-of-the-art technologies and an extensive network of clinical training sites around the globe.
The program is intended for entry-level midwifery students and is three years in length (11 quarters), culminating in either an articulated Bachelor/Master of Science in Midwifery or simply a Master of Science in Midwifery (depending on entry level of education). Completion of the program qualifies a graduate to sit for examinations to become licensed as a midwife in Washington or other states, registered in Canadian provinces, and nationally certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).
The first regionally accredited, articulated, direct-entry Master of Science in Midwifery degree in the country, Bastyr's program is distinct for its exceptional clinical training. Midwifery students train with preceptors in a variety of clinics, homebirth settings, birth centers and hospitals in North America and overseas. The Department of Midwifery staff works closely with students to place them in optimal clinical training sites.
Program Eligibility
The Master of Science in Midwifery is available to students who already hold a bachelor's degree. The combined bachelor's/master's option is available to students who have completed at least two years at the undergraduate level (60 semester or 90 quarter credits). Prior to entering the program, applicants must complete the basic science and proficiency prerequisites as well as general education requirements.
Advantages of Bastyr University's Midwifery Program
- Graduates are eligible for licensure as midwives in Washington state and other states, as well as for registration in Canadian provinces. They can also sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) exam.
- A unique low-residency model (combining both online learning and onsite classroom intensives lasting from one to five days each) allows students to remain in their communities and commute to on-site classes at the scenic Bastyr campus three times each quarter.
- Opportunity for midwifery students to travel abroad to established clinical training sites for advanced practicum experience.
- Highly qualified faculty from both (the former) Seattle Midwifery School and Bastyr University, coupled with a strong academic advising program.
- First-hand training prepares students to directly manage the care of normal healthy women throughout their entire pregnancy, including prenatal visits, birth, postpartum and newborn care.
- Placement in clinical preceptorships for training with qualified maternity care providers.
Professional Opportunities for Direct-Entry Midwives
Throughout human history, midwives have helped women transition to motherhood. Modern North American midwives are health professionals who focus on the natural processes of pregnancy, labor and birth. They combine traditional skills and modern medical techniques to safeguard normal childbirth, while ensuring access to appropriate interventions when needed. Direct-entry midwives are generally self-employed and most often practice in homes and freestanding birth centers. Professional options include:
- Owning a private practice focusing on birth-center and home births
- Qualifying for registration in Canada as a midwife who practices in homes, birth centers and hospitals
- Developing and/or working in a community birth center
- Participating as part of an integrated maternity care team
- Acting as a consultant to conventional medical practices
- Becoming a childbirth educator, doula or lactation consultant
- Working internationally to teach and provide care
- Serving as a national policy advocate
