12 Best Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs – 2024
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing interested in earning a doctoral degree in nursing? Do you enjoy learning about women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth? If so, have you considered BSN to DNP midwifery programs? Maybe you thought of this option but cannot commit to learning on campus. If that sounds familiar, an online option for earning your degree could be a perfect fit!
Perhaps you have thought of becoming a DNP specializing in midwifery care through an online program but wonder, “What are the best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs?" In this article, I will share information about the nation's 12 best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs for 2024. You will learn about program requirements, curriculum, practical training, and cost as you read further. You will also find information about earning potential, job outlook, and my opinion about whether the cost of this type of program is worth the return on your investment. When you finish reading, you will have enough information to decide if you want to take the next step and start applying to programs.
What Exactly is the Goal of an Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Program?
The goal of online BSN to DNP midwifery programs is to prepare registered nurses who possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a doctorate in nursing and the knowledge and skills to become certified nurse midwives. The programs aim to provide a safe learning environment where you can build upon the knowledge and skills you obtained in your BSN program and clinical work experience to become a practitioner at the highest practice level. BSN to DNP online midwifery programs offer theoretical training and hands-on clinical experiences to equip you to put what you learn into practice as a nurse midwife.
5 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Program
The best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs prepare students with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills needed to provide women’s healthcare services to women of childbearing age. The following are five of the most important skills and abilities you will gain as a student in one of these programs.
1. The ability to implement evidence-based practice to promote positive patient outcomes:
Online BSN to DNP midwifery programs will prepare you with knowledge of how to understand and apply evidence-based practice as it relates to women's health and midwifery care. Using evidence-based practice in patient care improves patient outcomes, positively impacting organizational and professional outcomes.
2. The ability to understand and influence healthcare policies:
As a student in one of the best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs, you will learn about healthcare policy and its impact on patient care. This is an important skill, as healthcare policies influence the level and type of care patients receive. When you develop this understanding, you will be better equipped to lobby for, and influence policy changes related to women’s health and the midwifery profession.
3. An understanding of and ability to demonstrate effective communication:
As a doctoral-prepared nurse midwife, it is crucial to have excellent communication skills. BSN to DNP online midwifery programs offer opportunities to collaborate with patients, peers, and interdisciplinary team members. Communicating effectively can promote a positive working environment, calm patients, and promote healthy practitioner/patient relationships.
4. The ability to lead teams of women’s health providers:
Online BSN to DNP midwifery programs will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective leader in healthcare. Your knowledge and clinical experience are something your team members can learn from and rely upon, which means you can positively influence organizational, team, and patient outcomes.
5. The advanced skills to perform women’s health assessments and provide appropriate care:
BSN to DNP midwifery programs teach you the appropriate methods for performing women's health assessments and developing care plans relevant to your patient's condition or needs. You will learn about advanced physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, which are instrumental in providing high-quality patient care.
4 Main Advantages of Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs
Online BSN to DNP midwifery programs offer many advantages. As you research programs, consider the pros and cons to help you decide if this is a career path you wish to pursue. The following list includes four main advantages of BSN to DNP online midwifery programs.
1. You will earn a great income!:
One of the top advantages of BSN to DNP online midwifery programs is they prepare you for careers that offer excellent earning potential. In fact, on average, graduates of these programs earn more than $125,000 yearly!
2. There is a positive job outlook for graduates of online BSN to DNP midwifery programs:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of these programs will see an increase in jobs through 2031. What this means for you is that you can enroll in a program, get your degree, become certified, and start work while this uptick in employment opportunities is still ongoing!
3. You have the option of working in several practice settings:
Graduates of BSN to DNP online midwifery programs work in many settings. You may work in inpatient or outpatient settings, teach at a college or university, or work as a travel or contract nurse midwife, or consultant. The possibilities are truly endless!
4. You will earn the highest clinical nursing degree:
With a degree from online BSN to DNP midwifery programs, you will have the highest degree possible in nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. This degree coupled with your certification as a nurse midwife will open doors of opportunity for you unlike any you experienced with your previous BSN degree!
2 Main Disadvantages of Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs
After considering some of the main advantages of online BSN to DNP midwifery programs, it is important to also consider the possible disadvantages. The following are two of the main disadvantages.
1. No matter how good a program is, you are never prepared for patients to die:
Online BSN to DNP midwifery programs prepare you to provide exceptional care to patients. You will learn the theory behind midwifery care and practice in clinical settings with preceptors. However, even the best clinical training and classroom instruction never prepares you for mothers or their newborns dying. It is natural to feel overwhelmed. It is important to know when you need to talk to a peer, instructor, or counselor if things become too much to handle..
2. Being a nurse midwife is physically and emotionally taxing:
The most successful students in online BSN to DNP midwifery programs still experience physical and emotional fatigue. If you want to succeed in the program and in your role after graduation, it is crucial that you practice self-care. Get plenty of rest, eat a well-balanced diet, and exercise to stay healthy.
When Do BSN to DNP Midwifery Online Programs Start?
Start dates for online BSN to DNP midwifery programs vary based on the school's available faculty and other resources. Some programs start once each year, typically in the spring or fall. Other programs offer multiple start dates yearly. As you research programs and decide the ones that interest you, verify deadlines and start dates so you can get your application turned in on time and prevent admission delays.
Here are a few examples of start dates for five of the best BSN to DNP online midwifery programs.
• The online BSN to DNP midwifery program offered at the
University of Washington begins in the
fall semester of each academic year.
• Georgetown University accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students to the online BSN to DNP midwifery program in the
spring semester.
• The
University of Pittsburgh admits students to its online BSN to DNP midwifery program
each fall.
• At the
University of Michigan, students begin the online BSN to DNP midwifery program in the
fall semester yearly.
• Baylor University’s online BSN to DNP midwifery program offers three start dates each year in
January, May, and September.
How Many Credits are There in BSN to DNP Midwifery Online Programs?
The curriculum for BSN to DNP midwifery online programs is quite rigorous. Many programs require students to complete between 70 and 100 credits. Each school determines the curriculum for its program and decides which credits if any, you may transfer from your previous nursing degree. The following are credit requirements for a few of the nation’s top programs.
• Students enrolled in the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Washington complete
93 total credit hours.
• The online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Pittsburgh features a
99-credit hour curriculum.
• At the
University of Michigan, students enrolled in the online BSN to DNP midwifery program complete
72-73 credits.
• The
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers another of the best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs in the nation. The program includes an
81-credit-hour curriculum.
• At
Baylor University, the online BSN to DNP midwifery program consists of
75 credits.
How Long are BSN to DNP Midwifery Online Programs?
Online BSN to DNP midwifery programs typically take three years to complete full-time or four to five years part-time. The time it takes you to complete a program will depend greatly on whether you enroll part-time or full-time and whether you have transferrable credits. The following list shows examples of the length of a few of the top programs featured in this article.
• The online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Washington is offered in a full-time format only and designed to be completed in
three years.
• At the
University of Pittsburgh, you may choose to pursue the online BSN to DNP midwifery program either
part-time or full-time. Full-time students typically complete the program in three years. Part-time students usually take at least four years to graduate.
• The
University of Michigan offers
three - and
four-year study plans for its online BSN to DNP midwifery program.
• Students enrolled in the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities may choose from a
three-year or
four-year pathway.
• At
Baylor University, the online BSN to DNP midwifery program takes
three years and four months to complete.
How Much Do BSN to DNP Midwifery Online Programs Cost?
One of the main concerns for prospective students considering earning a doctoral degree is the cost. BSN to DNP midwifery online programs cost between $82,000 to more than $135,000. If you want to earn your doctoral degree in nursing and become a nurse midwife, do not let the cost scare you. With proper financial planning and by accessing private or federal grants, scholarships, and loans, you can manage the cost and make your dream of becoming a DNP-Nurse Midwife a reality.
For comparison, the following are examples of the cost of five of the nation’s best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs.
• The cost per credit cost for the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Washington is $944. The program includes 93 credits, which means tuition costs approximately
$87,792.
• At the
University of Pittsburgh, students pay $1,190 per credit hour for the online BSN to DNP midwifery program. Because the program is offered online, the rate is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. The curriculum includes 99 credits, making the total
$117,810.
• Tuition at the
University of Michigan is based on a per-credit rate and differs among resident and non-resident students. Students in the online BSN to DNP midwifery program pay distance learning fees of $1,624 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,912 for out-of-state students. The curriculum requires completing 72 credits. Therefore, tuition costs between
$116,928 and $137,664.
• The
University of Minnesota’s online BSN to DNP midwifery program costs $1,053 per credit hour. With 81 required credits, the cost of tuition averages
$85,293.
• At
Baylor University, the online BSN to DNP midwifery program costs $1,100 per credit hour. Therefore, the 75-credit hour program costs
$82,500.
What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Into Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs?
One of the main criteria colleges and universities consider when reviewing the application is a candidate's prior academic record. The best BSN to DNP midwifery online programs typically require applicants to have at least a 3.0-grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale. However, because each school determines its admission requirements, it is necessary to verify the GPA requirement of each school to which you plan to apply. The following list offers examples of the GPA admission requirements for some of our featured programs.
• Applicants seeking admission to the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at
Baylor University must have a
minimum 3.0-grade point average from their previous bachelor’s in nursing program.
• At the
University of Chicago-Illinois, candidates with at least a
3.25 college GPA are preferred. If your grade point average is less than 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, you must submit GRE scores.
• The minimum admission GPA requirement at the
University of Arizona is
3.0. The grade point average must be earned on the most recent 60 nursing credits.
• The
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts students with a
minimum GPA of 3.0. However, admission is competitive, with most students entering with a cumulative college GPA of 3.4 or higher.
• Admission to the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at
Baylor University requires a
3.0 for your most recent 60 credit hours of coursework.
What are the Admission Requirements For Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs?
In addition to meeting the minimum grade point average requirement, you must follow additional admission guidelines and meet other criteria to get into online BSN to DNP midwifery programs. Although some criteria are similar, you may notice differences from one school to another. Therefore, verify admission requirements carefully as you begin applying for programs. The following are admission requirements for some of the nation’s top programs.
• At the
University of Washington, candidates
applying to the online BSN to DNP midwifery program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university with a college GPA of at least 3.0 and a current and unrestricted license to practice as an RN. Candidates must provide a current resume, three letters of recommendation, transcripts from any college or university attended, responses to admission questions, and an online essay.
• Admission to the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Pittsburgh requires
meeting the following criteria. Candidates must have a BSN earned at an NLN, ACEN, CCNE, or ACICS nursing program and have a current RN license without restrictions. Applicants must submit GRE scores, a Statement of Intent, a professional resume, and show proof of completing a college-level Statistics course with a great of “B” or higher.
• Applicants wishing to enroll in the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Michigan must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or be in the process of earning one at the time of application. The BSN must be conferred by an AACN, NLN, or CCNE-accredited institution. Candidates must have a minimum 3.0-grade point average for all undergraduate coursework. Once an application is received and verified as complete, applicants must complete a video assessment through Kira Talent and a live interview.
• The application process for the
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities online BSN to DNP midwifery program begins with creating a
NursingCAS account. Candidates must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools, a current curriculum vitae or professional resume, a Personal Statement, a Short Essay Response about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and three letters of professional recommendation. An applicant must possess a current unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States.
• The online BSN to DNP midwifery program at
Baylor University requires
candidates to have a BSN from a regionally accredited nursing school, a 3.0 cumulative college GPA, and at least one year of full-time nursing experience as a registered nurse by the first day of class. Candidates must provide three letters of recommendation (one from a peer nurse, one from a graduate-prepared registered nurse, and one from an immediate supervisor), a Personal Statement, and show proof of current, unencumbered RN licensure.
What Kind of Courses Will You Take in Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs?
The curriculum for BSN to DNP online midwifery programs includes in-depth content. Students study advanced-level pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, epidemiology, statistics, and women's health-relevant courses. The following are examples of some of the classes offered in the nation's top programs.
• The online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Tennessee Health Science Center includes
classes such as Birth Matters: A Midwifery Perspective, Midwifery Care During the Antepartum Period, Midwifery Care of the Newborn, Social Determinants of Health, Complex Obstetrics & Midwifery Care, and Advanced Pharmacology.
• Students enrolled in the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
take classes, including Care of the Childbearing Family, Reproductive Physiology, Inferential Statistics & Quality Improvement, Advanced Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Epidemiology, and Gynecologic Care.
• At the
University of Utah, the online BSN to DNP midwifery
curriculum includes classes like Gynecologic Management, Childbearing Complications, Normal Intrapartum Management, Postpartum/Newborn Management, Well Woman Health Management, and Application of Outcomes Measures for Clinicians.
• The online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Illinois at Chicago features a
robust curriculum. A few subjects students in the program study include Issues for Research & Practice in Women’s Health, Biological Basis for Women’s Health, Dimension of Midwifery & Women’s Health Practice, Health Promotion Theories & Population-Focused Interventions, Comprehensive Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing, and Pharmacotherapeutics.
• The
74-credit curriculum for the online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Washington includes the classes Physiology & Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Management of Common Newborn Conditions, Physiologic Adaptations in Women & Children, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Perinatal Care for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Nursing Practice.
What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs?
All nursing programs have a clinical component. The type of clinicals and the number of hours required depend on the specialty and a student’s previous education and clinical experience. Accredited online BSN to DNP midwifery programs require students to complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. This requirement is in alignment with guidelines set forth by the
American Association of Colleges of Nursing and published in the
Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice Nursing.
For example, the following are practical training requirements for five of the nation’s best BSN to DNP online midwifery programs.
• Practical training for the
University of Kentucky BSN to DNP online program includes a
minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Clinical sites are typically located in the Kansas City area. However, sites may extend throughout the ate and to other communities where distance-learning students are located. Clinical practicum assignments are prepared by the Course Coordinator at the start of each semester.
• At the
University of Pittsburgh, the online BSN to DNP program includes
1,440 clinical practice hours. The curriculum includes clinical courses designed to prepare you for corresponding practicum experiences. Clinicals are completed in various settings, including inpatient hospitals, birthing centers, women’s health centers, and public health clinics.
• Students in the BSN to DNP online midwifery program at the
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities complete
1,200 hours of hands-on patient care practicum. The program consists of five clinical courses with corresponding practicum, with each having between 120 and 360 clinical hours. Additionally, the program includes a 160-hour DNP Scholarly Project. The School of Nursing offers clinical placement assistance to ensure you have the best clinical experiences.
• The online BSN to DNP midwifery program at the
University of Tennessee Health Science Center requires students to complete
1,200 clinical hours. Faculty are deeply involved in selecting qualified preceptors and appropriate clinical sites. Students who live in the Memphis area complete most clinical hours through the UTHSC College of Nursing in partnership with Regional One Health Midwifery practice. If you live outside of Memphis, you will collaborate with clinical faculty to identify clinical sites and preceptors, preferably Regional One Midwifery partners.
• At
Baylor University, the online BSN to DNP midwifery program includes
1,125 hours of clinical practicum. Once enrolled in the program, you will complete a clinical placement intake form and must complete clinical clearance requirements such as drug screening, a background check, and verification of vaccinations. The university offers clinical placement assistance and support to ensure you have quality clinical experiences. Program faculty offer mentoring and support throughout your clinical practicum rotations.
What are the Best Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 12 Best Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
3 Best Jobs For Graduates of Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Programs
There are many options for great jobs after you graduate from an online BSN to DNP midwifery program. You may choose to work in an inpatient setting, outpatient setting, academia, or travel nursing, just to name a few options. The following are examples of the three best jobs for graduates of BSN to DNP midwifery online programs.
1. Hospital Nurse Midwife:
Graduates of online DNP midwifery programs often work as nurse midwives in the hospital. In hospital settings, nurse midwives provide care for obstetric and gynecologic care to patients, including pregnancy care, childbirth care, postpartum care, care of newborns, family planning, and patient education.
2. Birthing Center Nurse Midwife:
Birthing centers have become a popular option for expectant families, as they offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing high-quality care in a medical setting. Nurse midwives who work in birthing centers provide direct prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and well-women patient care. Other responsibilities include educating staff, students, patients, and families.
3. Nursing Instructor:
Experienced nurse midwives often work in academic settings. As a nursing instructor, you may teach undergraduate or graduate nursing students, preparing them to become nurses. Your role will include classroom instruction, laboratory skills instruction, and clinical guidance.
What Starting Salary Can New Gradates of This Program Expect?
New graduates of online BSN to DNP midwifery programs earn an average of $32.52 per hour, $1,301 weekly, or $5,640 monthly. This pay is equivalent to an annual salary of $67,650.
Hourly | $32.52 |
Weekly | $1,301 |
Monthly | $5,640 |
Annual | $67,650 |
What Average Salary Can Graduates of BSN to DNP Midwifery Online Programs Expect?
The average salary for graduates of BSN to DNP midwifery online programs is $60.40 per hour, $2,416 per week, and $10,470 per month. This pay is equal to a generous annual income of $125,630!
Hourly | $60.40 |
Weekly | $2,416 |
Monthly | $10,470 |
Annual | $125,630 |
10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates of BSN to DNP Midwifery Online Programs
The job outlook for graduates of BSN to DNP midwifery online programs is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of these programs can expect a job growth of 7.41% between 2021 and 2031.
2021-31 |
+7.41% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Bonus! is the Cost of an Online BSN to DNP Midwifery Program Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?
If you are considering earning your degree through BSN to DNP midwifery online programs, it is natural to wonder whether the cost is worth the financial return. The best programs typically cost between $82,000 and $135,000. While the cost may feel a bit on the expensive side, when you compare the average annual salary of $124,630, you can see where the cost of the program could be well worth the investment. In fact, even if you do not receive financial assistance, you could see a return on your investment within just a few years!
My Final Thoughts
If a career as a doctoral-trained nurse midwife interests you, asking, “What are the best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs?” is logical. After comparing program costs, admission, and curriculum requirements, if you feel this is the right career path for you, I encourage you to pursue your dream. The 12 best online BSN to DNP midwifery programs for 2024 featured in this article offer excellent options for earning your degree and becoming a nurse midwife. Remember, you can do this!!
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).