Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Midwifery

The Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Midwifery at Rutgers University-Camden is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses to provide expert care to women throughout their lifespan, with a particular focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to function as certified nurse-midwives, integrating evidence-based practice, compassionate patient-centered care, and leadership in healthcare settings. Students will explore advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and specialized areas such as reproductive health, family planning, and neonatal care. The curriculum emphasizes the development of clinical competencies through supervised practicums in diverse settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and community clinics. Graduates of this program are prepared to take the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) certification exam and to serve as independent practitioners, providing comprehensive prenatal, childbirth, and gynecologic care. The program also fosters leadership and advocacy skills to promote women’s health and advance midwifery practice within the healthcare system. With faculty who are recognized experts in nurse-midwifery and women’s health, students benefit from a rigorous academic environment that combines theoretical coursework, research, and extensive clinical training. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to enhance healthcare delivery, improve maternal and fetal outcomes, and contribute to advancing the profession of nurse midwifery. This program reflects Rutgers University-Camden’s commitment to fostering innovative, evidence-based, and culturally competent healthcare professionals dedicated to improving women’s health and supporting families through all stages of life.

The Nurse Midwifery program at Rutgers University-Camden is a comprehensive graduate-level curriculum designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses to provide high-quality, holistic care to women and their families throughout all stages of reproductive life. The program emphasizes the development of clinical expertise, critical thinking, and leadership skills necessary for independent practice as a certified nurse-midwife. Students in the program will learn to perform comprehensive health assessments, manage normal pregnancies, and provide evidence-based prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care. They will also gain specialized knowledge in gynecological health, family planning, and sexual health services, enabling them to support women’s reproductive choices and overall well-being.

The curriculum combines rigorous classroom instruction with extensive clinical training in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and private practices. This integrated approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to deliver safe, culturally competent care while promoting health education and preventative practices. Throughout the program, students will engage in didactic coursework covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and healthcare policies, along with advanced courses in midwifery practices, research, and ethics. Clinical rotations are supervised by experienced nurse-midwives and gynecologists, providing real-world experience across a broad spectrum of cases.

The Nurse Midwifery program at Rutgers emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, fostering teamwork with physicians, obstetricians, and other healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes. The program is dedicated to preparing graduates to serve diverse populations and address health disparities through community-based initiatives and outreach. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for certification exams to become Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), which allows them to provide primary reproductive healthcare independently and collaboratively across a variety of healthcare settings.

Rutgers University-Camden’s Nurse Midwifery program is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages professional development, lifelong learning, and a passion for women's health. The program aligns with the university’s mission to improve health equity through education, research, and service and aims to produce competent, compassionate, and innovative nurse-midwives who will contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system. Graduates will be qualified to pursue careers in clinical practice, research, education, or healthcare policy, making a positive difference in the lives of women, children, and families.

Program Requirements for the Nurse Midwifery Program at Rutgers University-Camden include a combination of prerequisite coursework, didactic coursework, clinical experiences, and licensing requirements. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a similar undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA typically required to be competitive, often around 3.0 or higher. The program generally requires the submission of official transcripts, a current RN license, a minimum of one year of nursing experience, preferably in maternity or women’s health settings, and letters of recommendation that assess clinical skills, academic ability, and motivation for advanced practice nursing.

Candidates must also submit a personal statement highlighting their interest in midwifery, professional goals, and relevant clinical experiences. A resume or curriculum vitae detailing nursing experience is also required. Standardized tests such as the GRE may not be mandatory but should be checked on the official website to confirm current requirements.

The academic plan for the Nurse Midwifery program includes core nursing coursework, advanced health assessment, physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, and specialized midwifery courses that cover maternity care, women’s health, and pediatric aspects. Clinical rotations are integrated throughout the program, providing hands-on experience in diverse settings such as hospitals, birthing centers, and community clinics. Students must complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours to be eligible for graduation.

In addition to coursework and clinical hours, students are expected to pass comprehensive examinations, which evaluate their clinical judgment, theoretical knowledge, and readiness for independent practice. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) certification exam, which is required for licensure as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). Licensing requirements vary by state, but graduates must apply through the appropriate state licensing board and fulfill any additional state-specific criteria.

Applicants are also advised to verify any immunization, background check, or health screening requirements mandated by clinical sites. Maintaining CPR certification and other relevant credentials throughout the program is also necessary. Overall, the program is designed to prepare students for competent, autonomous practice as Certified Nurse-Midwives, capable of providing comprehensive maternity and women’s health care services across diverse populations.

Funding options for the Nurse Midwifery program at Rutgers University-Camden include a variety of financial aid opportunities aimed at supporting students throughout their graduate education. Prospective students are encouraged to explore federal financial aid programs such as the Direct Loan Program, which offers federal Stafford and Grad PLUS loans to eligible students to help cover tuition costs and living expenses. Additionally, students may apply for federal work-study opportunities, providing part-time employment options to offset educational costs. Rutgers University-Camden also offers institutional scholarships and grants specifically targeted at graduate nursing students, including the Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Scholarships which may include considerations for students enrolled in Nurse Midwifery.

Graduate students are recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and loans. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive counseling on available funding sources, application procedures, and important deadlines. Outside of federal and institutional aid, students can seek scholarships from professional organizations such as the American College of Nurse-Midwives Foundation, which offers scholarships and awards for students pursuing nurse-midwifery education. Many students also consider private loans or employer tuition reimbursement programs if available.

Students are also encouraged to explore fellowship programs, research grants, or assistantships that may be available through faculty research projects or department initiatives, which can provide additional financial support as well as valuable academic experience. The program’s cost structure, including tuition and fees, is published on the Rutgers University-Camden website, and prospective students can contact the financial aid office for personalized guidance on budgeting and planning for the duration of the program. It is important for applicants to start their financial planning early, ensure all paperwork is completed accurately, and explore all available options to make their Nurse Midwifery education financially feasible.

The Nurse Midwifery program at Rutgers University-Camden is designed to prepare students for advanced practice roles in midwifery, focusing on providing comprehensive, woman-centered care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This program emphasizes a combination of rigorous academic coursework, clinical practice, and community engagement to develop highly skilled and compassionate nurse midwives. Students will gain expertise in managing normal pregnancies, assisting with complicated cases, and providing gynecological and reproductive health services across diverse populations. The curriculum features courses in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and healthcare policy, along with hands-on clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. The program also prepares graduates to contribute to research, policy development, and leadership within the nursing profession. Through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations, students will have opportunities to acquire practical skills and develop a strong professional network. The Nurse Midwifery track is ideal for registered nurses seeking to expand their scope of practice and specialize in women's health. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the national certification exam for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), allowing them to provide independent midwifery services across the country. Rutgers University-Camden’s program is committed to fostering diversity, cultural competence, and ethical practice, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the needs of women and families from all backgrounds. The program’s faculty are experienced clinicians, researchers, and educators dedicated to advancing women's health and nursing education. With its comprehensive curriculum, extensive clinical training, and emphasis on leadership, the Rutgers Nurse Midwifery program aims to develop practitioners who are not only skilled clinicians but also advocates for women's wellbeing and health equity.