Embarking on a career in midwifery is a deeply rewarding path, often beginning with a foundation in nursing. Many aspiring midwives naturally wonder if the specifics of their nursing education—particularly where they attended nursing school—hold weight when applying to midwifery programs. This question is pertinent for those considering advancing their nursing careers into the specialized field of midwifery.
My own journey into midwifery began somewhat unexpectedly. An article in Adbusters first sparked my interest, and the documentary “The Business of Being Born” solidified my fascination with reproductive justice and family-centered birth practices. At the time, reproductive health conversations largely centered on abortion and contraception, overlooking the broader spectrum of women’s health across their lives. Midwifery, as I learned, offered a more holistic approach, empowering families in their birthing choices.
As a student midwife in Chicago, I had the privilege of supporting over 100 families in homebirth settings. This invaluable experience instilled in me a profound trust in the birthing process and the inherent strength of women. Later, during my midwifery program, a presentation by COL. (ret) Michelle Munroe about Army midwifery opened my eyes to another dimension of this profession. While the military wasn’t initially on my radar, the idea that everyone deserves access to midwifery care resonated deeply. I commissioned into the Army Nurse Corps after graduation, stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Hawaii, joining 45 other Army Nurse Corps midwives.
Early in my military career, I observed a recurring pattern in patient charts: disclosures of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and military sexual assault. This observation sparked a deeper inquiry into the body’s response to trauma and the healing process. I became a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner (SAMFE) at Tripler, further immersing myself in the military’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR). This path underscored the critical connection between reproductive justice – defined by the Combahee River Collective as the right to bodily autonomy, to have children, not have children, and to raise children in safe communities – and healing from trauma.
Initially planning to leave the Army after my three-year commitment, I discovered a profound sense of purpose in serving military members and their families. This community faces unique challenges, including geographic isolation, employment difficulties for spouses, childcare struggles, and the stresses of deployment. Providing support to these families became a source of immense fulfillment, motivating me to extend my military service and deepen my commitment to midwifery.
After nearly four years in Hawaii, I was stationed in Landstuhl, Germany, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period presented unprecedented challenges, with travel restrictions and hospital protocols isolating birthing individuals and families. In Germany, while primarily focused on maternity care, my reflections on sexual trauma broadened to encompass combat trauma and its long-term health consequences, especially within the military population. My research, though centered on military sexual assault, has been consistently informed by the principles of reproductive justice, leading me to investigate maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, which disproportionately affect Black women.
The military environment, with its inherent complexity and constant evolution, continually inspires me. I am deeply impressed by my colleagues who dedicate themselves to shaping policy and advancing military medicine. My journey as a midwife serving military families has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this service as a nurse researcher.
So, returning to the initial question: does your nursing school background—specifically, the institution you attended—significantly impact your acceptance into midwifery programs? While admissions criteria vary across programs, the overarching answer is generally no, the prestige or ranking of your nursing school is not the primary determinant. Midwifery programs are more interested in the competencies, experiences, and passion you bring to the table.
Accreditation of your nursing program is essential; graduating from an accredited institution ensures you’ve received a foundational nursing education that meets established standards. However, midwifery programs are more keenly focused on your:
- Registered Nurse (RN) License: A current, unrestricted RN license is a fundamental requirement for most, if not all, accredited midwifery programs. This license validates your foundational knowledge and skills in nursing.
- Academic Performance: Your GPA in nursing school is considered, as it reflects your academic capabilities and commitment to learning. Strong grades in relevant coursework, such as obstetrics, women’s health, and public health, can be advantageous.
- Clinical Experience: Experience as a registered nurse, particularly in labor and delivery, postpartum care, or women’s health settings, is highly valued. Practical experience demonstrates your exposure to the patient population and healthcare environment relevant to midwifery.
- Personal Qualities and Passion: Midwifery programs seek individuals who are compassionate, dedicated to patient-centered care, and deeply passionate about reproductive justice and women’s health. Your personal essay, letters of recommendation, and interview (if applicable) are crucial for showcasing these qualities.
- Commitment to Midwifery Philosophy: Understanding and embracing the midwifery model of care, which emphasizes natural birth, minimal intervention, and patient empowerment, is important. Programs want to see that you align with the core values of midwifery.
In essence, midwifery programs are looking for well-rounded individuals with a solid nursing foundation, relevant experience, academic aptitude, and a genuine passion for midwifery. While your nursing school provides that initial foundation, it’s your subsequent experiences, your commitment to women’s health, and your embodiment of midwifery values that truly distinguish you as a competitive applicant. My own path, beginning with a broad interest in reproductive justice and evolving through diverse experiences within and beyond traditional nursing roles, underscores that a multifaceted journey, driven by passion and purpose, is often more compelling than the name on your nursing school diploma.
