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Nurse Midwifery


The Nurse Midwifery concentration is designed to provide the Registered Nurse with specialized knowledge and skills to provide family-centered primary care for individuals across the lifespan. Nurse-Midwifery offers a wide variety of professional career pathways. Nurse-Midwives are known for their evidence-based care that is grounded in affirming the power of women and individuals, honoring the normalcy of their lifecycles, and prioritizing compassionate partnerships with their clients (American College of Nurse-Midwives, ACNM). Beyond pregnancy and childbirth care, services provided by Nurse-Midwives include primary care, annual gynecology wellness visits, family planning, fertility, and newborn care during the first 28 days of life.

The Nurse Midwifery concentration includes pathways for those wishing to obtain initial Nurse Midwifery certification and for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) with current certification. Coursework and supervised clinical experiences assist students to develop expertise in family-centered primary care across the lifespan. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) for the credential of Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). Graduates are expected to contribute to the delivery of quality healthcare through their implementation of evidence-based care and their ability to foster independence in an individual’s management of health.

Accreditation

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202-887-6791, http://www.ccneaccreditation.org, through December 31, 2034, and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing Doctor of Nurse Practice Nurse Midwifery (DNP NMW) concentration is preaccredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, 2000 Duke St., Alexandria, VA, 22314, 703-835-4565, ACME, for four years (February 2021-February 2025). The most recent class of Nurse Midwifery graduates at UT Health Science Center completed the program in May 2024. The attrition rate was 5%.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the midwifery educational program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to:

Provide current, evidence-based care integrating holistic perspectives, a family-centered approach, ethical factors, and a focus on normalcy in the care of women and newborns using the Midwifery Management Process (Varney’s Midwifery).

  1. Gather relevant data from multiple sources
  2. Analyze and synthesize data to identify and prioritize problems
  3. Develop and implement management plans using the best available evidence
  4. Evaluate outcomes and modify management plans
Commit to lifelong learning.
  1. Evaluate clinical evidence from multiple sources
  2. Identify clinical challenges and participate in scholarship
  3. Apply clinical scholarship to improve outcomes in health care.

Assume the roles and responsibilities inherent in being a professional, certified nurse-midwife including leadership.

  1. Provide midwifery leadership to improve client/family outcomes and shape health systems
  2. Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in interactions with clients, colleagues, and systems.
  3. Collaborate with clients and colleagues to improve access to and quality of health care.
  4. Act as a catalyst for assuring access to timely, quality health care for all people, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, or social status.
  5. Participate in professional activities such as education and the political process.

 

Nurse Midwifery Faculty Practice

The UTHSC CON DNP-NMW faculty practice is a true collaborative practice model with a midwifery-led unit at Regional One Health, one of our practice partners. Our student nurse-midwives’ practice in a setting where all members of the healthcare team are respected and actively involved in the plan of care.

DNP Nurse Midwife Concentration Course Requirements

Post-BSN DNP Courses

Core Courses

Course ID

Title

Credits

NSG 876

Leadership and Health Policy 

3

NSG 877

Healthcare Economics 

3

NSG 824

Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnosis

3

NSG 827

Epidemiology for Clinical Practice

3

NSG 855

DNP Advanced Practice Role Development

2

NSG 910

Philosophy of Science & Theory in Nursing

4

NSG 831

Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology

3

NSG 830

Advanced Pharmacology

3

NSG 947

DNP Project Seminar 1

1

NSG 948

DNP Project Design and Methods

2

NSG 949

DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation

2

NSG 950

DNP Project Seminar II

1

 

Total

30

Concentration-specific Courses

Course ID

Title

Credits

NMW 800

Birth Matters: A Midwifery Perspective

1

NMW 802

Midwifery Care of Women

3

NMW 803

Midwifery Care of Women-Practicum

2

FNP 808

Health Promotion for Family Nurse Practitioners

2

NMW 804

Midwifery Care During the Antepartum Period

3

NMW 805

Midwifery Care During the Antepartum Period-Practicum

3

NMW 806

Midwifery Care During the Intrapartum and Postpartum Periods

4

NMW 807

Midwifery Care During the Intrapartum and Postpartum Periods-Practicum

3

NMW 808

Midwifery Care of the Newborn

2

NMW 809

Integrated Midwifery Practicum

2

NMW 810

Social Determinants of Health

1

NMW 811

Complex Obstetrics and Midwifery Care

2

NMW 812

Complex Obstetrics and Midwifery Care -Practicum

2

NSG 926

DNP Synthesis Practicum: FNP

6

 

Total

 36

 

Post-BSN DNP Total Credits:

 66

 

Total Clinical Hours:                                                                         

1200

.

Post-MSN, CNM to DNP Courses

.

Core Courses

Course ID

Title

Credits

NSG 876

Leadership and Health Policy

3

NSG 877

Healthcare Economics

3

NSG 827

Epidemiology for Clinical Practice

3

NSG 910

Philosophy of Science & Theory in Nursing

4

NSG 947

DNP Project Seminar I

1

NSG 948

DNP Project Design and Methods

2

NSG 949

DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation 

2

NSG 950

DNP Project Seminar II

1

 

Total

19

Concentration-specific Courses

Course ID

Title

Credits

FNP 806

Integrated Behavioral Health Care

3

NSG 960

Directed Study: Complex Obstetrics

4

NSG 926

DNP Synthesis Practicum: FNP

6

 

 Total

13

 

Post-MSN DNP Total Credits: 

 32

 

Total Clinical Hours:

480

 Individual course details and descriptions can be viewed in the College of Nursing section of the 2020-2021 Academic Bulletin.

Technical and Performance Standards: All DNP Concentrations

In addition the technical and performance standards expected of all students in educational programs in the College of Nursing, students in the DNP program are also expected to possess the mental, auditory, visual, sensory, strength, manual dexterity, and communication skills to:

  1. Perform a systematic and complete history and physical examination on a client.
  2. Communicate significant examination findings to other professionals and client/family.
  3. Appropriately assess and record subjective and objective findings.
  4. Maintain effective relationships and interact appropriately with other professionals and clients/families, demonstrating skills of leadership collaborations and decisiveness.
  5. Accurately analyze alterations in functional patterns.
  6. Demonstrate advanced use of the nursing process: assess, develop, implement, educate and counsel clients, prescribe appropriate therapy, demonstrate self-care skills and evaluate appropriate plans of action for diagnosed problems.
  7. Maintain flexibility and emotional stability in response to novel, unique situations and stress.

 

Additional Technical and Performance Standards Specific to Nurse Midwifery Concentration
  1. Anticipate potential common, acute self-limiting, and selected chronic problems.
  2. Develop insight into own emotional functioning to evaluate the ability to provide therapeutic intervention for a client.

If a student cannot fulfill these Technical and Performance Standards, with or without accommodations, at any time in the program, the student will be ineligible for admission or continued progression in the DNP Program. In addition to assuring that students can meet the intellectual, emotional, and physical criteria for the DNP Program, it is of utmost importance that students have the ability to provide for the safety and welfare of their patients and others. Reasonable accommodations will be provided, when appropriate, to help student meet these Technical and Professional Standards. Determination of eligibility and recommendations of accommodations must be made by Disability Services at https://www.uthsc.edu/tlc/disability-services.php 

Nurse Midwifery FAQs

What skills do CNMs have? 

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) provide advanced care to women/individuals and their partners throughout the lifespan with a specialized emphasis on pregnancy, birth, reproductive and gynecologic health care. The program is designed and continually revised to address the ACNM Core Competencies of Basic Midwifery Practice and skills required for today’s versatile nurse-midwife as medical knowledge expands, healthcare systems evolve, and technology advances in response to health care needs and evidence-based research. CNMs possess the skills necessary to make differential diagnoses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and manage normal physiologic birth.

Where can I work after graduation? 

Most CNMs work in primary care sites such as a family or women’s health practice and attend hospital births. CNMs may also work in birth centers or home birth practices. Individual state legislation determines the scope of practice; rules and regulations vary. Scope of practice is based on education and experience. The best place to explore individual scope of practice issues is the State Board of Nursing, not the physician or office manager in a practice. Contact information for individual state boards of nursing is at https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm..

What salary can a CNM expect to earn? 

Compensation rates vary regionally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates nurse practitioners generally start around $72,000 with a maximum salary estimated near $150,000. The median salary is around $100,000.

.

What makes the UTHSC NMW program different? 
 

The UTHSC DNP-NMW concentration is fortunate to be in close proximity to numerous primary care clinics in the Memphis and Mid-South region. Additionally, the CON partners with Regional One Health, which has a vibrant CNM practice, and with CHOICES birth center. Along with a dynamic and challenging didactic program, students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 hours in direct, supervised family-centered care that includes managing births in both the hospital and birth center settings.   

 

How long is the program? 
 

The length of the program varies depending on whether the applicant is applying as a BSN-DNP or MSN-DNP student. Additionally, the length of the program may vary based on completion of previous graduate courses at another university and/or having previously completed an APRN program. Please see the links to the various program plans of study.

May students go part-time or full-time? 
 

Full-time and part-time plans of study are available. Students should consult with the concentration coordinator about how to proceed with his/her respective program needs.

 

Are students able to work while attending the program? 
 

The UTHSC DNP-NMW full-time program is a rigorous program. The program requires a significant commitment for successful completion of didactic and clinical course experiences. For this reason, students are strongly discouraged to maintain full-time employment while enrolled in the program. Each student has his/her own individual responsibilities. If employment is essential, students are encouraged to explore flexible part-time employment and utilize saved vacation or other leave that can afford more time to commit to the program. 

 

How much will the program cost? 

Tuition costs are determined by in-state or out-of-state status and may change during the program. Tuition and fee information is located on the UTHSC Bursar's Fees webpage. Additionally, the Academic Common Market may be available for some out-of-state students. Information on this program is available through the Office of Financial Aid. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement for full-time and part-time employees. Students should also consider the costs incurred for travel and hotel accommodations during the on-campus experiences. Students are encouraged to explore the many private scholarship funds available for graduate study in their communities as well as regional, state, and national financial aid. An internet search of graduate nursing scholarships can unmask various opportunities. Many diverse groups offer scholarship programs; some states and organizations have loan repayment programs for nursing education. There are also federal government grants for nursing students.

What books, equipment and supplies will I need? 

Book purchases will vary by semester. Many books specific to the DNP-NMW program will be used in consecutive semesters. Textbooks are supplemented with electronic media, much of which is available in the library for the students at no cost. Students need adequate computer hardware and internet access. Basic health assessment equipment including a high-quality stethoscope are required. Students generally do not have clinical their first semester and are encouraged to wait to purchase this equipment closer to their first clinical course. Requirements change as the quality of equipment continually advances. Lab coats are mandatory for clinical experiences, but the specifications periodically change.

When/where will I do my clinical experiences?
 Clinical experiences are interspersed throughout the program and differ based on concentration and student background. Clinical hour requirements are identified in the plan of study. One credit of clinical experience equates to 60 clinical clock hours. To determine the number of clinical clock hours, multiply the clinical credits in the plan of study by 60. Clinical hours do not include on-campus experiences, conferences, travel or mealtime. Please remember that these are minimum hours.  Clinical proficiency may be individualized, which means minimum requirements can vary.
How do I find a clinical site? 
Faculty are integrally involved in the selection of highly qualified preceptors and the placement process in order for students to have opportunities that will meet course outcomes. The UTHSC CON partners with the Regional One Health (ROH) Midwifery practice as our primary site for students' clinical experiences. While students who live outside the Memphis area have an opportunity to collaborate with the clinical course faculty to identify appropriate clinical sites closer to their homes, the expectation is that clinical hours will be with our ROH midwifery partners. This may require the student to either relocate to the Memphis area or to make living arrangements to meet their clinical hours requirement. The UTHSC CON does not provide living arrangements or financial support for such arrangements.  Relatives may not serve as preceptors for students. Students who choose to continue working may not obtain their clinical hours in the same unit/office where they are employed. Clinical contracts are required for all clinical sites; development of a new clinical contract can be tedious, so it is important to start this process early in the program.
Do I have to come to campus? 
 Required on-campus experiences are scheduled as a part of specific courses to provide structured experiences such as with simulation. In the DNP-NMW program, students will be required to be on-campus 4 times during the second semester for the advanced health assessment course. Intensive skills labs and simulation occur 3 times per year - August, December, and May. On-campus experiences may last 1-3 days and are identified 6 months in advance. A published schedule is located on the CON academic calendar page.
How is a primarily online education different? 
Online education is very popular as it offers the student greater flexibility with location of learning sites. This flexibility can be more accommodating to your style of learning and lifestyle. Some online educational experiences are synchronized for classes to occur at a designated time. Online education takes discipline and self-motivation; it is not for everyone. Online education requires participative learning with much less traditional lecture-style teaching. Graduate course work entails significant quantities of reading and discussions among learners with guidance from the faculty.  Good computer skills are essential. Strong grammar and writing skills are important.  While online learning can be somewhat isolated, there are opportunities both online and during the on-campus weeks to be acquainted with your colleagues and develop strong professional relationships.  Some students struggle with online learning and may find that it is not for them. The Faculty at UTHSC CON are highly skilled in online education and are leaders in using distance technology in teaching/learning.
What are some tips to enhance my educational experience? 
 Students are encouraged to ""shadow"" a CNM for a day or two. Learn as much as you can about the role by meeting APRNs, attending professional meetings, and/or reviewing the local and national websites. The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) is the primary organization that represents CNMs. The ACNM website at https://www.midwife.org/ offers much information about education and practice.

The American College of Nurse-Midwives' local affiliate provides strong student support as well as an opportunity for students to volunteer on behalf of the profession. Our students benefit from all of these wonderful opportunities in Tennessee.

Find and visit your local NP group meetings. The Greater Memphis Area APN group web page is https://gmaapn.enpnetwork.com.

Obtain a diagnostic evaluation of your learning style. Numerous online engines offer this service at no cost. Simply enter "learning style assessment" into a search engine to locate these services.  Students admitted to the DNP Program have their learning style assessed prior to beginning classes.  We will also offer an intensive review of health assessment skills prior to class beginning.

Evaluate your family, community and work commitments and prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. The program requires a full commitment. All students will have to make adjustments in their personal and professional lives. 

Oct 10, 2024