10 Best Online DNP-Midwifery Programs – 2024


Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Do you feel passionate about providing quality care for women related to reproductive health and childbirth? Are you ready to take your career to the next level by earning a doctorate in nursing? If so, a DNP-midwifery program is an excellent option to accomplish that goal. You may have considered becoming a nurse midwife but cannot commit to a campus-based program. If that sounds familiar, do not give up! There are several options to earn a doctoral degree and specialize as a nurse midwife through online programs. With so many options, you may wonder, “What are the best online DNP-midwifery programs?”

In this article, you will learn about the 10 best online DNP-midwifery programs for 2024. I will share important components about these programs, such as how long they take, how much they cost, admission requirements, examples of classes, and practical training requirements. When you finish reading, you will have information to help determine if an online DNP-midwifery program is the option you wish to pursue.



What Exactly is the Goal of an Online DNP-Midwifery Program?


The best online DNP-midwifery programs aim to prepare students with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills needed to become practicing midwives. The programs offer rigorous curriculum plans designed with the highest level of clinical nursing practice in mind. As a student in an online DNP-midwifery program, you will learn to assess, diagnose, and treat issues related to female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.



7 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an Online DNP-Midwifery Program


Knowing what you will learn and the skills you will gain during these online DNP-midwifery programs can help you decide if it feels like a good fit. Take a look at the seven most important skills and abilities you will gain:

1. You will develop the skills needed to provide quality clinical care:

Students in online DNP-midwifery programs learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat women throughout their lifespans with a focus on reproductive issues, especially during childbearing years. You will learn to care for patients before, during, and after pregnancy, including all aspects of perinatal care. Additionally, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and treat acute and chronic female health issues.

2. You will learn to support women and their families throughout their lifespan:

Women and their families need an immense amount of personalized support when it comes to health. Online DNP-midwifery programs will prepare you to provide support and education to your clients and their families, making a positive impact on their health outcomes.

3. You will learn to work as a valuable member of an interdisciplinary team:

Nurse midwives work closely with other professionals such as medical doctors, nurses, anesthetists, and other healthcare team members. Knowing how to work in an interprofessional team is critical to the safety and well-being of patients. Faculty for the best online DNP-midwifery programs understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and will prepare you to be a strong member of the healthcare delivery team.

4. You will grasp an understanding of and ability to utilize evidence-based practices in patient care:

As an advanced practice nurse and DNP, you must remain vigilant and stay abreast of current trends in patient care. Part of that responsibility involves using proven, evidence-based knowledge to direct patient care. As a healthcare leader, other healthcare team members will look to you for guidance about current evidence-based practices. Online DNP-nurse midwifery programs teach you the importance of evidence-based practice, including ways to research and use evidence to make care decisions and improve patient outcomes.

5. You will learn the art of advocacy:

Complacency in healthcare can lead to mistakes and bad patient outcomes. Knowing when to stand up for yourself, patients, or other healthcare providers is an important skill. One of the most important things nurses can do for patients and the profession is to advocate for positive change in healthcare. Students in online DNP-midwifery programs learn the importance of advocacy, especially as it applies to women’s health. The knowledge and skills you gain in one of these programs will prepare you to advocate for changes, which can impact health outcomes for clients and organizational outcomes which help healthcare providers.

6. You will learn measures to help eliminate health disparities facing patients and communities:

Women in their childbearing years often have trouble accessing and affording essential healthcare services. Online DNP-midwifery programs will teach you the skills needed to help decrease health disparities and increase access to care for individuals and people, especially those in underserved populations.

7. You will master the ability to prescribe medications safely:

If you enter this program as a BSN-prepared nurse, prescribing medication will be entirely new for you. If you enter as an MSN-prepared nurse with an APRN certification, you are probably already prescribing medications. Either way, online DNP-midwifery programs will prepare you with in-depth knowledge about medications as they relate to midwifery and the care of newborns.



5 Main Advantages of Online DNP-Midwifery Programs


There are unlimited advantages related to becoming a nurse midwife. As you research different options to decide if an online option is right for you, weigh the pros and cons carefully. The following list reflects five main advantages of the best DNP-midwifery online programs.

1. You can make more money:

Earning a great income is undoubtedly one of the biggest advantages of online DNP-midwifery programs. The knowledge and skills you acquire make you an excellent candidate for well-paying jobs.

2. You will become qualified to take on roles where you can advocate for and implement positive changes:

Online DNP-midwifery programs prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to fill jobs such as a chief nursing officer or manager of a clinical practice or health system. These advanced roles allow you to create change by developing and implementing new policies, improving work culture, and ensuring providers deliver evidence-based care.

3. Your degree will make it easy to get a job:

Advanced-level practitioners are currently in high demand due to a nationwide shortage across all specialties. Having an advanced practice degree, as a doctoral-prepared nurse midwife, you will be well-qualified for jobs in women’s healthcare.

4. Online DNP-midwifery programs prepare you for both clinical and administrative roles:

One of the awesome things about earning your degree through an online DNP-nurse midwifery program is you can choose whether to pursue a job providing clinical care or work in an administrative position in women's healthcare. The programs will prepare you with the practical training and knowledge to be successful. You may find a role that incorporates both the clinical and administrative sides.

5. You can create positive outcomes for women:

Historically, women in the United States have had higher levels of poor maternal outcomes following childbirth compared to other developed countries. One of the leading ways to counteract this is by having highly trained professionals who can help prevent unnecessary bad outcomes. Having the ability to directly impact patient outcomes through your education and experience is a huge advantage.



3 Main Disadvantages of Online DNP-Midwifery Programs


After considering the advantages of online DNP-midwifery programs, think about possible disadvantages. When you compare the benefits against the possible disadvantages, you can make an informed decision. The following are three main disadvantages of online DNP-midwifery programs.

1. It can be hard to maintain professional boundaries:

As a DNP nurse midwife, it is easy to form close attachments with clients. No matter how professional you try to be, sometimes the line between personal and professional relationships blurs. While these patient relationships are rewarding, it is necessary to establish and maintain professional boundaries.

2. Online DNP-midwifery programs can be expensive:

Earning a DNP-Midwifery degree can be quite expensive. When you add up the cost of tuition, fees, and books for three to four years, you might decide it is too much. It can also be quite difficult to continue working while earning this degree, so you will have a limited income to help pay for the program.

3. It will only put you so far ahead:

If you are already an APRN with an MSN degree, earning your doctorate will not radically change your career, especially if you plan to stay on a clinical track. The new skills you gain in online DNP-midwifery programs are more geared toward academia, research, and leadership roles.



Who Accredits DNP-Midwifery Online Programs?


DNP-midwifery online programs are accredited by three agencies. These agencies are the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

S.NO.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
2Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)



When Do DNP-Midwifery Online Programs Start?


Start dates for online DNP-midwifery programs vary. Some schools begin their programs once per year, typically in the fall or spring semester. Other programs offer multiple start dates. The following are the start dates for five of the ten best online DNP-midwifery programs in the nation.

The online DNP-Midwifery program at the University of Colorado starts twice per year in January and August.

The DNP-Midwifery degree at the University of Minnesota begins once each year in the fall semester.

The University of Utah begins its online DNP-midwifery program in the fall semester.

Baylor University’s online DNP-nurse midwifery program offers three start dates each year. You may begin the program in the fall, winter, or spring semesters.

Thomas Jefferson University offers admission to its DNP-Midwifery program each fall.



How Many Credits are There in DNP-Midwifery Online Programs?


DNP-midwifery online programs offer curriculums with anywhere from 32 to 90 credits. The credits vary based on your previous degree. The following is a list of the credit requirements at a few of the best programs in the nation.

The DNP-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota consists of 81 credits.

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers an online DNP-midwifery program that features an 88-credit hour curriculum.

At Georgetown University, the online DNP-Midwifery program includes 74 credits.

The University of Arizona’s online DNP-Midwifery program consists of 68 credit hours.

The University of Texas Health Science Center offers another of the nation’s best online-DNP midwifery programs with options for post-baccalaureate and post-master's entry. The BSN-to-DNP pathway consists of 66 credits. The MSN-to-DNP program is a 32-credit hour pathway.



How Long are DNP-Midwifery Online Programs?


The amount of time it will take you to complete online DNP-midwifery programs depends on if you enter with a BSN or MSN degree and whether you enroll part-time or full-time. BSN degree holders can earn their DNP degree in three to four years. In contrast, MSN degree holders can earn their DNP degree in around two years or less. Here are a few examples:

The online DNP-Midwifery program takes three and a half years to complete at the University of Colorado.

Thomas Jefferson University’s online DNP-Midwifery program is formatted to be completed in three years.

At Baylor University, you can earn your online DNP-Midwifery degree in three years and four months if you enter with a BSN degree or 18 to 24 months if you enter with an MSN degree.

The DNP-Midwifery degree at the University of Arizona takes three years of full-time study to complete.

The University of Minnesota offers three and four-year degree plans, allowing you to choose a schedule that aligns best with your goals and current responsibilities.



How Much Do DNP-Midwifery Online Programs Cost?


DNP-midwifery online programs can cost you anywhere from $20,000 to $175,000 or more. The amount you pay is mainly determined by the number of credits you need, which is calculated after a GAP analysis of your previous degree, and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. The following are examples of the cost of five of the nation’s top programs.

Tuition at the University of Minnesota is $1,053 per credit. The online DNP-nurse midwifery program requires 81 credits, which makes total tuition approximately $85,293.

At the University of Kansas, tuition for the online DNP-Midwifery program is $872.27 per credit hour. This rate includes tuition, required campus fees, course fees, and e-learning fees. The program features a 76-credit curriculum, which means students pay approximately $66,292.52.

Arizona State University’s tuition for the online DNP-midwifery program is $67,707 for in-state students and $67,287 for out-of-state students.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center charges tuition on a per-credit basis. In-state students pay $443 per credit, and non-resident students pay $1,348. The post-baccalaureate pathway requires 66 credits and costs $29,238 for residents and $88,968 for non-residents. The post-master's pathway is a 32-credit program and costs between $14,176 and 43,126, depending on your residency status.

At Georgetown University, students in the online DNP-midwifery program pay $2,358 per credit. The program consists of 74 credits. Therefore, tuition averages $174,492.



What Kind of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Tuition Waivers are Offered by Online DNP-Midwifery Programs?


There are many options for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, private or federal loans, work-study, and research opportunities. The following are options offered at some of the best online DNP-midwifery programs.

Thomas Jefferson University offers financial aid through a combination of federal programs, state grants, university-administered funds, private scholarships, and private loans. Federal programs include the federal nursing loan program, which is a low-interest loan offered on a need basis. University-administered funds can be merit or need-based. Graduate assistantships provide money for tuition or a stipend in exchange for hours worked.

The University of Utah offers graduate funding opportunities, including the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, Teach and Research Assistantship positions, and The Western Regional Graduate Program. The Nurse Faculty Loan program is for students who want to pursue a teaching career and can commit to a four-year service requirement as an instructor. Teaching and Research Assistantships are for graduate nursing students who want to gain teaching experience. Finally, the Western Regional Graduate Program is for graduate students who are residents of WICHE member states and allows you to pay a discounted tuition rate.

The University of Minnesota offers financial aid for graduate students through its school of nursing scholarships. Students fill out one application and submit it along with proof of their FAFSA application to be considered. The school offers needs-based and merit-based scholarships. DNP program applicants are automatically considered for one of fifty $20,000 scholarships offered each year, known as the Bentson Scholarship.



What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Into Online DNP-Midwifery Programs?


The minimum GPA requirement for online DNP-midwifery programs ranges from 3.0-3.25, depending on the school’s guidelines. Here are a few examples of the GPA admission criteria for some of our featured programs.

The minimum GPA to be considered for admission to the online DNP-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota is 3.0.

Baylor University requires candidates seeking admission to its online DNP-midwifery program to have a minimum college GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The University of Illinois Chicago prefers candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.25. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered with the submission of satisfactory GRE scores.

The minimum GPA requirement for admission to the University of Colorado online DNP-midwifery program is 3.0. Candidates with lower college GPAs are still encouraged to apply but must submit GRE scores.

The University of Utah requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for admission.



What are the Admission Requirements For Online DNP-Midwifery Programs?


Admission to DNP-midwifery online programs is relatively competitive. Because admission requirements vary, it is important to verify the admission criteria at each school to which you plan to apply. The following are examples of the admission requirements for some of the nation’s best online DNP-midwifery programs.

Candidates seeking admission to the DNP-Midwifery program at Thomas Jefferson University must have earned a master's degree in a health-related field and have a minimum college GPA of 3.0. In the past 10 years, you will need to have taken a graduate-level statistics course. Along with meeting these requirements, you must submit official transcripts for any undergraduate or graduate programs you have attended, two letters of recommendation, a resume, proof of your professional licensure or certification, and an academic writing sample or your GRE score. The final step is to complete an admissions interview. Some international applicants will need to submit either a TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson PTE Academic Exam score.

Georgetown University’s admission requirements for the online DNP-midwifery program include the following. Applicants must hold either a BSN or MSN degree from an accredited program and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the most recent nursing degree. You will need to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident, have an active unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse, and have at least one year of relevant nursing experience as an RN. Prerequisite classes include a statistics course completed within the last three years at a college level. In addition, you must submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae, sealed official transcripts from any college or university you attended, a personal statement, a live recorded interview, and three letters of recommendation. If English is not your native language, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

The University of Utah requires applicants to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. You must have a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you are currently completing your BSN degree, you must complete your program before the start of the following fall semester. Proof of an active RN or APRN licensure is required. Candidates with at least one year of direct patient care experience are preferred. You must complete all prerequisite courses, which include clinical psychology and statistics. Along with your application, you must submit official transcripts, your resume, three letters of recommendation, and a goal statement.

The admission requirements for the online DNP-nurse midwifery program at Baylor University include holding a BSN or MSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above, having an active and unrestricted nursing license, and one year of full-time nursing experience. You must provide a current professional resume or CV, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. If you are applying for the post-master's DNP pathway, you must have completed a graduate-level statistics course and provide proof of the total number of clinical hours completed during your MSN program.

At The University of Kansas, the admission requirements for the online DNP-midwifery program include having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program and a current RN license in the United States. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, with preference given to applicants with a 3.5 and above. Candidates must show proof of completion of a graduate-level statistics course (this can be taken during your first semester of the DNP program). The University of Kansas specifically looks for students who show potential for leadership and application of scholarship within the nursing field. Therefore, highlighting any leadership experience, whether paid or volunteer, is helpful.



What Kind of Courses Will You Take in Online DNP-Midwifery Programs?


Online DNP-midwifery programs offer in-depth, content-rich curriculum plans. Although course names and requirements vary somewhat among schools, the content is similar among accredited programs. Some of the classes you will take in one of these specialized programs include the following.

At the University of Illinois Chicago, the online DNP-midwifery program includes classes such as Epidemiology & Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Leadership, Policy, & Interprofessional Collaboration: Effecting Changes in Complex Health Systems, Strategic and Financial Planning for Clinical programs, Pharmacotherapeutics, Health Care of Women I, II, & II, Dimensions of Midwifery & Women's Health Practice, and Care of the Newborn.

The curriculum for the online DNP-midwifery program at the University of Utah includes the classes Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan, Fundamentals of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Advanced Physical Assessment & Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Childbearing Complications, Antepartum Management, and Ambulatory Care & Inpatient Simulation for Women’s Health Care.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers the following courses in its online DNP-Midwifery curriculum: Leadership & Health Policy, Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnosis, Advanced Pharmacology, Birth Matters: A Midwifery Perspective, Midwifery Care During the Antepartum Period, Social Determinants of Health, and Complex Obstetrics & Midwifery Care.

Students in the BSN-to-DNP Nurse Midwifery program at the University of Kansas take classes, including Professionalism & Scholarship, Interpreting Research for Applied Science, Principles of Clinical Epidemiology, Reproductive Endocrinology, Nurse-Midwifery I: Sexual, Reproductive, & Gynecologic Health in Primary Care, and Global Perspectives & Diversity in Healthcare.

The University of Arizona’s online DNP-Midwifery program offers courses such as Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Women’s Health in Advanced Practice, Evaluation Methodologies for Safety and Quality Improvement, Pharmacotherapeutics in Midwifery Care, Midwifery Care in the Birthing experience, Advanced Midwifery Management of Gynecologic Care, and Population Health for DNPs.



What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in Online DNP-Midwifery Programs?


Practical training for DNP-midwifery online programs includes clinical hours and, in some cases, additional intensive experiences or simulation lab time. The following is an overview of the practical training you will receive if you choose one of the nation’s top programs.

The online DNP-midwifery program at Baylor University includes three clinical courses. The university offers clinical placement assistance, collaborating with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors for appropriate clinical practicum experiences. The clinical placement team works with you throughout the program, offering support as needed. Your clinical rotations will be in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient healthcare organizations. To meet graduation requirements, you must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. A GAP analysis will determine the actual clinical hours you need to complete.

At the University of Arizona, students enrolled in the online DNP-midwifery program complete a minimum of 900 clinical hours, depending on previous post-baccalaureate clinical experiences. Clinicals begin in the spring semester after completing an Advanced Health Assessment course. There are three direct-care clinical practice experiences with corresponding clinical courses. Two practicum experiences include 180 hours of patient care. The third involves 360 hours of care. Additionally, clinical hours are earned through the creation and dissemination of the DNP Scholarly Project. Clinical placement coordinators will work with you to secure appropriate clinical sites and preceptors.

The University of Texas Health and Science Center values your input to locate clinical sites in geographic areas close to your home. In the online DNP-midwifery program, you will take five clinical courses, each with a corresponding clinical practicum. You will complete at least 1,200 clinical hours in the programs. Clinicals are performed under the supervision of approved preceptors and completed in various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, in-patient birthing centers, outpatient birthing centers, and other women's healthcare facilities.

At the University of Minnesota, clinicals are arranged by the school and coordinated with a qualified clinical preceptor. You will fulfill your practical training requirements by completing at least 1,200 clinical hours providing direct patient care. Clinical hours are spread over five clinical practicum experiences. Clinical practicums include the following focus areas: Reproductive and Sexual Health, Women’s Primary Care, Midwifery Care of the Childbearing Family, Reproductive Health Care for Patients with Complex Conditions Practicum, and Midwifery Clinical & Professional Integration. Additionally, you will earn 160 non-clinical practicum hours from your DNP Scholarly Project.

The online DNP-midwifery program at Georgetown University includes three clinical intensives and 1,100 clinical practicum hours. Clinical hours include Women’s Health, Nurse Midwifery, and DNP-focused rotation. The university offers clinical placement assistance to all students in the program.



3 Major Challenges Students Face in Online DNP-Midwifery Programs and How to Overcome


It is normal to face challenges in any graduate degree program, including online DNP-midwifery programs. If you prepare for possible challenges, you can plan ways to overcome them and increase your likelihood of success. The following are three major challenges students face in online DNP-midwifery programs and tips for how to overcome them.

CHALLENGE #1: How to Use the Technology


About the Challenge:

Online DNP-midwifery programs come with their own technology requirements. You may use online platforms such as Canva. You must meet computer software requirements and navigate essential tools (such as webcams) and other system requirements. If you are not tech-savvy, the technological requirements of the program can feel challenging.

How to Overcome:

The first step in overcoming this challenge is to familiarize yourself with the required software and equipment before starting your first classes. Practice logging on to the online platforms and make sure your camera or other required accessories are functioning. Ask your school about any resources such as virtual training, 1:1 technical support appointments, or video tutorials. Utilizing support and training opportunities will help you feel confident and overcome this challenge.


CHALLENGE #2: Securing Clinical Placements


About the Challenge:

Another major challenge of online DNP-midwifery programs is finding clinical placements and preceptors. You must have qualified preceptors who are willing to supervise your work in the clinical setting and find clinical sites with active contracts with your school. If you want to use a clinical site that is not contracted, you may need to request the school initiate a clinical contract or face locating a new site.

How to Overcome:

Check with your program to verify if they offer clinical placement assistance. Be clear about the requirements for clinical sites and preceptors so you do not waste extra time on a potential location that won’t work. Network with people you work with or know in your area who can connect you with potential locations.


CHALLENGE #3: Not all pregnancies and births end well


About the Challenge:

Unfortunately, some pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. Additionally, in more rare cases, newborns or mothers die during the birth process or after childbirth. Dealing with these upsetting experiences while supporting your patients and their families is one of the most difficult challenges of online DNP-midwifery programs.

How to Overcome:

Perhaps one of the most difficult things about this challenge is that you really never "get over it." You can, however, learn effective coping mechanisms to deal with the trauma you feel when a pregnancy or birth does not go as planned. Take every opportunity you can to learn from more experienced midwives and women's health providers. Most of all, remember, it is okay to be "human" and let your compassion and empathy show.



What are the Best Online DNP-Midwifery Programs in the Nation?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 10 Best Online DNP-Midwifery Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)

1. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN


2. University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago, IL


3. University of Colorado - Aurora, CO


4. University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT


5. Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia, PA


6. Baylor University - Dallas, TX


7. Georgetown University - Washington, DC


8. University of Kansas - Kansas City, KS


9. University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis, TN


10. University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ



VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



Where Do Graduates of Online DNP-Midwifery Programs Mostly Work?


Graduates of online DNP-midwifery programs work in various clinical settings. Your choice of work setting will depend greatly on the type of care you wish to provide and the hours you prefer to work. The following are the top three places where DNP-nurse midwife graduates work.

1. Hospitals:

Nurse midwives are commonly employed by hospitals to work alongside OBGYNs. Nurse midwives in hospitals typically provide care for patients who are not considered high-risk and do not need surgical intervention.

2. Birthing Centers:

As a nurse midwife working in a birthing center, you can work with clients independently and assist them through labor and delivery. This role also involves caring for the newborn immediately after delivery.

3. Women’s Healthcare/ OBGYN Clinics:

Nurse midwives also provide routine gynecologic and perinatal care to women. Another of the most common places for graduates of online DNP-midwifery programs to work is women’s healthcare/OBGYN clinics.



5 Best Jobs For Graduates of Online DNP-Midwifery Programs


Graduates of DNP-midwifery online programs have many options for jobs. Your preference for the type of care and work setting will help determine the jobs you are most likely to achieve. The following are five of the best jobs for program graduates.

1. Nurse Midwife:

The best job you can have after graduation is to work directly as a nurse midwife. In this role, you will provide care for women with varying women's health needs, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and reproductive care. As a nurse midwife, you may work in an outpatient or inpatient setting, a birthing center, or in more than one setting.

2. Lactation Consultant:

Nurse midwives are knowledgeable about lactation issues and often take jobs as lactation consultants. In this role, you will educate and support women through their breastfeeding journeys. You can utilize your knowledge and experience to become a board-certified lactation consultant and ensure women have the help they need to be successful.

3. Women’s Health Nurse Manager:

Online DNP-midwifery program graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to take on leadership roles in women's healthcare settings. You can use the full scope of your degree to manage nurses in various clinical settings as they provide care for women’s healthcare needs.

4. Nursing Faculty:

Many graduates of online DNP-midwifery programs pursue careers in academia. You can leverage your degree and experience to prepare future generations of nurses in a college or university setting. This is a noble profession and is currently in high demand as there is a shortage of qualified nursing faculty.

5. Nurse Consultant:

As a DNP-nurse midwife, you can become a nurse consultant and advise health systems on best care practices related to women’s healthcare. Many nurse consultants offer targeted approaches to increasing positive patient outcomes or ensuring job satisfaction among their nurses. There are a lot of options, and they all allow you to contribute positively to the midwifery field.



What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of This Program Expect?


New graduates of online DNP-midwifery programs earn approximately $84,580 per year. This is equal to $7,050 per month, $1,627 per week, and $40.66 per hour.

Hourly$40.66
Weekly$1,627
Monthly$7,050
Annual$84,580



What Average Salary Can Graduates of DNP-Midwifery Online Programs Expect?


Graduates of DNP-midwifery online programs earn an average annual salary of $125,631. This breaks down in smaller increments to $10,470 per month, $2,416 per week, and $60.40 per hour.

Hourly$60.40
Weekly$2,416
Monthly$10,470
Annual$125,631



10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates of DNP-Midwifery Online Programs


The 10-year job outlook for graduates of online DNP-midwifery programs is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2021 to 2031, there will be a 45.68% increase in jobs in this field.

2021-31
+45.68%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



Is the Cost of an Online DNP-Midwifery Program Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?


When you compare the cost of DNP-midwifery online programs to the earning potential of graduates, a positive return on investment can be expected. The cost of the program you choose will determine how soon you will experience a positive return. However, even with some of the more expensive programs, you can expect to see some increase within at least four or five years of graduation.



Bonus! 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying to the Best Online DNP-Midwifery Programs


DNP-midwifery online programs can be strenuous. It is necessary to consider all your options and weigh the pros and cons to ensure you make a decision that is best for you. The following are five important questions to ask yourself before applying to the best online DNP-midwifery programs.

1. Do I meet all of the admission requirements?

An easy first question to ask yourself before applying to online DNP-midwifery programs is if you can meet all of the admission requirements. If you miss the mark on a few of the requirements, consider retaking some courses, gaining more clinical experience, or choosing a different program entirely. Spending your time and energy applying to this program is generally only worth it if you have a good chance of getting in.

2. Can I commit to a three-to-four-year program?

Are you ready to commit the better part of three to four years to your education? If the answer is yes, then applying to online DNP-midwifery programs could be a great option. However, if you find the time commitment too much to handle, consider waiting to apply or choosing a different career path.

3. How am I going to pay for my degree?

Planning and looking at your finances before applying to online DNP-midwifery programs will ensure a smoother admission process. In most cases, you can get an estimate of how much the degree will cost before applying. Use this information to try saving and come up with a plan for financing any portion of the degree that will not be covered by financial aid.

4. Do I want an advanced clinical degree?

There is always the option to choose an advanced nursing degree that is clinically or non-clinically focused. This is an important question to consider before applying to online DNP-midwifery programs. Think about your career goals. Are they clinical or not? This DNP-Midwifery degree is clinically focused, and while you can still pursue non-clinical jobs, it is best suited for nurses who see themselves providing direct patient care in some form.

5. Am I ready to go back to school?

Unless you are going straight into a DNP program after completing your BSN or MSN, it is important to ask yourself if you are ready to go back to school. When I was completing my BSN, I was burned out on academics and needed to take a break for a while. Rushing into your next degree without taking time to gain RN experience or rest may not be the best choice.



My Final Thoughts


If you found this article wondering, "What are the best online DNP-midwifery programs?” I sincerely hope you have found some clarity. If you have a genuine desire to work in women’s healthcare, this career path could be an excellent option. The 10 best online DNP-midwifery programs for 2024 featured in this article offer great options to achieve the goal of earning a doctorate in nursing and specializing as a nurse midwife. Please weigh your options carefully, and if this is something you wish to pursue, don’t wait!



Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert


1. What Is The Best Online DNP-Midwifery Program In The Nation?

Currently, the best online DNP-Midwifery program in the nation is offered at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.

University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN


2. Is It Easy To Get Admission Into Online DNP-Midwifery Programs?

The admission process for online DNP-midwifery programs can be very competitive. Be sure you meet all admission criteria and do your best to exceed the minimum requirements to increase your chances of admission.


3. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into DNP-Midwifery Online Programs?

The minimum GPA for admission to most online DNP-midwifery programs is 3.0. However, some programs will accept a lower GPA if you have an exemplary GRE score or another way to show why you academically qualify.


4. Can I Get Into DNP-Midwifery Online Programs With A Low GPA?

You can get into online DNP-midwifery programs with a low GPA. However, the higher your GPA, the more attractive a candidate you become.


5. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For DNP-Midwifery Online Programs?

The typical cost per credit for DNP-midwifery online programs ranges from $500 up to $1,500.


6. Can I Work Part-Time And Complete This Program?

Yes, some online DNP-midwifery programs are designed for working nurses, allowing you to keep your job while enrolled and earning your degree.


7. Can I Work Full-Time And Complete This Program?

While it is possible to work full-time while in an online DNP-midwifery program, it can be challenging. The programs have a rigorous curriculum, including clinical practicum experiences, which means there is only a little time for much else.


8. What Are The Hardest Classes In Online DNP-Midwifery Programs?

Classes such as biostatistics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics are some of the hardest classes in online DNP-midwifery programs.


9. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make?

New online DNP-Midwifery program graduates can make around $84,580 per year.

$84,580


10. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour?

The average hourly wage for graduates of online DNP-Midwifery programs is $60.40.

$60.40


11. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month?

Graduates of online DNP-midwifery programs earn an average of $10,470 per month.

$10,470


12. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of DNP-Midwifery Online Programs Make Per Year?

The average annual salary for online DNP-Midwifery program graduates is $125,631.

$125,631


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).