Master of Science in Midwifery

Bastyr University's three-year Master of Science in Midwifery program trains students in all aspects of midwifery care, from preconception through pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period for parent and newborn. It is the only Master of Science in Midwifery that is both regionally accredited and MEAC-accredited and prepares graduates to become leaders in the profession.

The rigorous, proven curriculum – based on the competencies established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the combined expertise of Bastyr University and the renowned Seattle Midwifery School – is taught by exemplary classroom and clinical faculty. Students choose between developing expertise in an independent master’s project or in botanical medicine for midwifery care.

The Master of Science in Midwifery program is intended for people who desire to serve childbearing families in the home or freestanding birth center settings. Completion of the three-year program prepares graduates 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).

At Bastyr, students learn through hands-on training that overlaps with classroom theory. We use a time-tested apprenticeship model in which students work side-by-side with experienced preceptors(midwives who are legally practicing in their jurisdiction) and other healthcare professionals.  Clinical practicum rotations begin in the third quarter of the program and continue throughout the second and third years of the program. Clinical time with preceptorsand student involvement in skills increases as classroom time decreases, preparing students to integrate their knowledge and skills in preparation for entry-level practice.

Basic clinical skills, such as performing blood draws, intravenous lines, physical/pelvic exams, and cytology tests, are first taught in the classroom with qualified instructors and practiced and refined in clinical sites.  Prior to being assigned to a clinical training site, students will be required to obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for healthcare providers and neonatal resuscitation, have a negative tuberculosis (TB) test and demonstrate immunity or vaccination for hepatitis B per university policy, demonstrate immunity or vaccination for other health conditions per specific state law or as required by their clinical site (which may include but is not limited to rubella, pertussis, varicella, and influenza),  and pass a criminal background check.

Where Students Get Clinical Experience

Students obtain their clinical experience in gynecology/family planning clinics, prenatal/postpartum clinics, homebirth settings, birth centers, and hospitals in North America. Students may work with licensed midwives, registered midwives, certified professional midwives, certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, naturopathic doctors, physician assistants or physicians during these rotations.

The Department of Midwifery places all students in qualified clinical training sites and provides ongoing support to students throughout the practicum experience; students do not pay preceptors for their clinical experiences.  Students must live within a one-hour commute of an approved clinical training site and must be prepared to relocate temporarily if the community where they reside does not have adequate clinical training opportunities. This may require flexibility and the support of the student's family, as it may mean separation and economic challenges.

In our program preceptors are also known as Community Faculty who meet criteria established by the Department of Midwifery to supervise students. Community Faculty must be practicing legally, attending births as a licensed, certified or registered midwife for at least three years, and have sufficient obstetrical/gynecological volume to adequately instruct, supervise, and evaluate the student's clinical training. The Department of Midwifery screens and approves all potential preceptors and Community Faculty. Students work closely with the Clinical Education Supervisor in the process of being assigned to their clinical rotations.   Clinical training sites change frequently and prospective students are invited to contact the Department for more information.