How to Become a Midwife in Maryland
A midwife cares for pregnant women who are experiencing a normal, healthy pregnancy. Midwives are regulated at the state level and are bound by the law and rule of the individual state. While midwives in other states can be nurse- or non-nurse midwives, Maryland law requires that midwives be trained first as nurses, then obtain advanced practice training to become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM). Maryland CNMs practice in birth centers, hospitals and private homes; they also must have a consulting relationship with an obstetrician who has delivery privileges at a nearby hospital.
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Instructions
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Become a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). A BSN degree program is your best option because all master's programs require a bachelor's degree for acceptance. BSN programs are usually four years in duration, and they cover nursing core classes and general education courses. You will also have a clinical rotation schedule in a BSN program, which provides hands-on training for different nursing fields such as psychiatry, labor and delivery, pediatrics, and medical/surgical. If you already have an associate's RN degree, you might choose to enroll in an RN to BSN bridge program that can provide the additional courses required to complete your BSN degree.
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Work as a nurse in labor and delivery for at least one year. Once you are an RN, you should choose to work in labor and delivery. Most MSN in midwifery programs require experience in labor and delivery nursing to ensure that you are familiar with the work environment and fast-paced climate.
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Choose a master's degree program to obtain advanced practice in midwifery. MSN programs can be full or part time and have a distance option. Decide what would work best for your lifestyle and career goals. Choosing a part-time option prolongs the course of study, but the time restraints are not so rigorous. A distance education option might be a good choice if there are no programs of study available to you locally.
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Complete the clinical and didactic aspects of the master's program. All CNM programs have both a didactic and clinical course of study. Didactic study includes courses in sciences, psychology, newborn behavior, labor and delivery, complications of pregnancy and birth, client care and practice management. The clinical course of study provides the student midwife with an opportunity for hands-on client care. In the clinical portion of your education, you will provide prenatal care and well-woman care, manage labors and delivery, and assess newborns immediately after birth.
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Establish a consultative relationship with an OB. Maryland CNMs must establish and maintain a collaborative relationship with an OB who has delivery privileges in a hospital. As a CNM, you may consult with this OB if complications arise in pregnancy, or if a cesarean section is required for birth. Maryland law requires that CNMs maintain this relationship with an OB to remain licensed in the state.
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Tips & Warnings
Verify with the state board of nursing that your chosen educational programs are approved in the state.
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