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Midwives College of Utah offers two midwifery degree programs: a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM), and a Master of Science in Midwifery (MSM). The degree programs are accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) which is an independent, nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting agency of direct-entry midwifery institutions and programs. The educational experience at MCU is designed to cultivate intellectual curiosity, spark passion, and expand future professional options for aspiring midwives who want to become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).

Please refer to the Student Handbook for your year of enrollment for specific details regarding your program.

If you have questions about the Bachelor’s of Science in Midwifery program options, please contact MCU Admissions at admissions@midwifery.edu or call 801-649-5230 ext. 814.

If you have questions about the Master’s of Science in Midwifery program, please contact the MCU Graduate Dean at graduatedean@midwifery.edu.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM)

The BSM requires at least 5,720 hours of academic and clinical work. The BSM degree can be completed in as few as four years, with a maximum of six years allowed for completion. This degree requires that the student transfer in 23 semester-level transfer credits from another accredited college or university. Graduation requirements include successfully passing the NARM exam or the MCU Comprehensive Exam. The NARM exam is required to receive the Certified Professional Midwife credential.

Overview | Graduation Requirements | Core Courses

Bachelor of Science For a Current CPM (CPM TO BSM)

If a current Certified Professional Midwife wishes to pursue a BSM degree, she may directly enter the BSM program. The Midwives College of Utah considers the CPM designation from NARM to be the equivalent of the MCU associate degree with a credit value of 76 credits. A CPM who wishes to pursue a BSM degree, must complete at least 34.5 MCU credits as designated on the major map, transfer in 26 credits (or acquire additional MCU credits) for a total of 127.5 credits.

Overview | Graduation Requirements | Core Courses

Master of Science in Midwifery (MSM)

The MCU graduate program is research based and does not require additional clinical work once admission requirements are completed. In order to enter the MCU graduate program, you must have completed a bachelor degree in any field and complete MCU’s undergraduate requirements for a student seeking a Master of Science in Midwifery degree. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree in any field, you will be required to complete the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery program before entering the MSM program.

If you are a CPM seeking a master’s degree from MCU and you do not have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you must complete the undergraduate requirements for a CPM pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. If you are a CPM seeking a master’s degree from MCU and you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can enter the master’s program upon completion of SOSC 302, Ethics and the Law and STAT 313, Research Analysis and Statistics.

If accepted into the program you will work with the Graduate Registrar to individually tailor your program. You will have the opportunity to choose one or more Professional Development projects and one or more Fieldwork internships. In addition to graduate coursework, you must complete a thesis or thesis project and a thesis defense. Students have a total of two years to complete the master’s degree.

Overview | Graduation Requirements | Benefits of an MSM

What can you expect at MCU

MCU is equal parts learning | Equal parts experiencing

The program at MCU is divided into three phases:

Phase I Observe
Phase II Practice
Phase III Perfect

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Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM)

The BSM program will prepare you for entry-level practice as a direct-entry midwife and meets the educational requirements for applying to take the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) examination and to receive the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) designation. Some states may require additional clinical experience or a higher degree.

MCU’s BSM program meets and exceeds the MEAC Core Curriculum Competencies in preparation for the midwife’s role of primary care provider for healthy women during the childbearing year. BSM students will work through three phases of coursework that prepare and correspond with the clinical track of the student-professional midwife: birth observer, assistant midwife, and primary midwife under supervision. After the didactic and clinical work for each phase has been completed, students will be assessed to identify strengths and weaknesses in their learning and skill level. Integrated assessments must be passed to move from phase to phase, but are primarily considered as learning tools geared toward adult learners. When a student progresses from phase to phase, they can be assured of their ability to confidently and safely provide evidence-informed care to the clients and families they serve. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore traditional midwifery arts such as homeopathy, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, fertility awareness, or engage in community projects. BSM graduation requirements include successfully passing the NARM exam or the MCU Comprehensive Exam.

MCU offers a rigorous program that is designed to prepare students for the rapidly changing landscape of maternity care in the 21st century, but honors the process of lifelong learning. The BSM degree is designed to be completed in 4 years. Students enrolled in the BSM program from Fall Semester 2016 forward will have a maximum time frame of 7.33 years to complete the degree and could finish in 3.33 years. Progressing through the program in a timely manner requires you to finish approximately 7-9 academic credits every four months, and work with a preceptor(s) that has a sufficient birth volume for you to obtain the required clinical experiences. Students with previous college experience or degrees may request a transcript evaluation for transfer credit requests. Students with extensive life-experience are also encouraged to apply for MCU Portfolio Evaluation. A current CPM can apply to the CPM-to-BSM program and apply to receive equivalency credit for the CPM designation.

Bachelor Degree Application Process

1. Participation in required, online MCU Admissions Open House
2. Completion of the MCU Admissions Application
3. Two letters of reference (if applicant has identified having birth experience, at least one reference should be from someone who has observed the applicant in a birth setting)
4. Proof of high school diploma/GED and/or official post-secondary transcripts for ALL previously attended institutions (trade schools, tech schools, community colleges, colleges, universities, etc.)
5. If a CPM, current proof of CPM status List Item
6. Admissions interview (if applicable)
7. Application Fee
8. Native English speaker or a TOEFEL score of at least 88

Core Midwifery Courses for BSM Program

All CLNC courses: (CLNC 1010, 1050, 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040, 2050, 3010, 3020, 3030, 3040, 3060, 3050)

MDWF 2010: Prenatal Care I: Foundations of Prenatal Care

MDWF 2020: Prenatal Care II: Prenatal Care for a Healthy Pregnancy

MDWF 2030 Labor, Birth and Immediate Postpartum

MDWF 2040 Postpartum Care

MDWF 2100 Well Person Care

MDWF 3010 Complications of the Prenatal Period

MDWF 3030 Complications of Labor, Birth, and Immediate Postpartum

MDWF 3050 Complications of the Postpartum Period

Core Midwifery Courses CPM to BSM Program

CPM to BSM Core Midwifery Courses

MDWF 3080 Advanced Issues in Midwifery I

MDWF 3090 Advanced Issues in Midwifery II

Master of Science in Midwifery (MSM)

The MSM program is designed for current CPMs & CNMs, and is a research-based program aimed at nurturing the next generation of midwifery leaders, educators, and advocates. At the beginning of your program, you will work closely with the Graduate Dean to develop an Individualized Development Plan (IDP) that will help tailor your graduate studies. Coursework includes research methodologies, professional development topics (such as midwifery education, community mother and child health, holistic midwifery), critical studies in midwifery care, and fieldwork-based experiential learning. Additionally, you will complete a research-based thesis or non-thesis applied project, in which you will make an original, substantive contribution to midwifery care and maternal-child health. You will also engage in professional and academic experiences, such as conference presentations, graduate seminars, and opportunities for publishing. Your work in the graduate program will be guided by a MSM committee, consisting of one primary advisor and at least two additional MCU graduate faculty members.

Eligibility for the MSM program is as follows: 1) must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field; 2) must be or have been recognized as a midwife by regional, national or international certification or licensure. Traditional or community midwives without past or current proof of certification/licensure may choose to prepare a portfolio demonstrating the experiences and training they engaged to become a midwife; and 3) must complete SOSC 1010 (Equity and Anti-Oppression in Midwifery Care: Understanding Difference, Power, & Privilege), SOSC 2050 (Ethics & the Law) and STAT 2010 (Principles of Evidence-Informed Practice), or demonstrate course equivalency. These three courses can be completed as part of your graduate program.

The MSM program is designed to be a two-year program; however, you can have a maximum of four years to complete the program to accommodate individual progression. A full-time student is expected to complete at least four credits per trimester, and a part-time student is expected to complete at least 2 credits per trimester.

Completion of 32 academic credits as outlined for the MSM degree. At least 50% of these courses must be MCU courses if you are transferring in applicable credits. All courses must be passed with at least a C grade and a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.0. You must also pass your written and oral defenses, as determined by your committee.

Master's Degree Application Process

1. Complete graduate student application
2. Three professional references
3. Transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree awarded
4. Proof of credentialing as a current or past midwife with recognition by regional, national, or international certification or licensure*
5. Application Fee
6. Current C.V. or Resume
7. Official interview with Dean of Graduate

*Traditional or community midwives without past or current proof of certification/licensure may choose to prepare a portfolio demonstrating the experiences and training they engaged to become a midwife. Midwife status must be established by your anticipated start date in the MSM program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete all courses outlined in Major Map to equal a total of 121.5 academic/clinical trimester credits
Complete all NARM required clinical experiences. (In order to assure requirement currency requirements for the year you plan to graduate, please refer to narm.org/testing/graduate-of-a-meac-accredited-program/.)
Pass all Integrated Assessments
Complete a doula training
Certification in NRP and CPR
Copy of required practice guidelines, emergency care plan, and informed disclosure
Current membership in a local or national midwifery organization
All core midwifery courses must have been completed within the last ten years and cannot be acquired via MCU’s portfolio evaluation
Pass all core midwifery courses with at least a B- grade, pass all other courses with at least a C grade. Core midwifery courses are indicated in dark red font in the Course Descriptions section of this handbook.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
All clinical experiences from the first observed to the last primary birth experience must be within the last ten years
Pass the NARM exam or the MCU Comprehensive Exam. The NARM exam is required to receive the Certified Professional Midwife credential

Complete all courses outlined in Major Map to equal a total of 121.5 academic trimester credits.
Copy of current practice guidelines, emergency care plan and informed disclosure
Current NRP and CPR certification
Current membership in a midwifery organization
BSM to CPM core midwifery courses cannot be acquired via MCU’s portfolio evaluation
Pass the BSM to CPM core midwifery courses with at least a B- grade and all other courses with at least a C grade.
Copy of CPM certification
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

Completion of 32 academic credits as outlined for the MSM degree.
At least 50% of these courses must be MCU courses if you are transferring in applicable graduate-level credits.
All graduate level courses must be completed within the last ten years.
All courses must be passed with at least a C grade and a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.0.
You must also pass your written and oral defenses, as determined by your committee.

What happens if I am accepted?

1. You will receive an official acceptance notice via email.
2. You must complete your Enrollment Agreement and enrollment packet by the specified dealdline.
3. You must submit a payment for the Acceptance Processing Fee.
4. You will get registered and work with the Registrar to create your Major Map
5. You will submit the Financial Agreement by the specified deadline and work with Financial Aid (if applicable).
6. You will participate in required orientation(s).
7. You will prepare for courses and your first day of school as an MCU student!

Benefits of Obtaining a Masters Degree in Midwifery (MSM)

Increase your RESEARCH fluency

A graduate degree will help you to acquire research fluency skills, allowing you to further expand evidence-based care in your midwifery practice and in your community.
With a graduate degree, you will have opportunities to become involved in research projects and studies, contributing to the advancement of the midwifery profession.
During your graduate career at MCU, you will learn about the publishing process and enhance your presentation skills.

MSM Alumni: Paula Hostler, CPM, MSM, being awarded the Harris-Braun Outstanding Poster Award at the 2015 Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) conference, in recognition of her graduate thesis work at MCU on shared cultural and religious birthing practices among Old Order Mennonite birthing families.

Become an EDUCATOR

With a graduate degree, you can explore options to teach in higher-education institutions, midwifery programs, community-based agencies, and continuing education programs.
You will also have increased skills, confidence, and knowledge to advance midwifery education, curricula development, and pedagogy on local, state, and national landscapes.

Enhance your LEADERSHIP skills

During the graduate program, you will enhance your skills and have opportunities in policymaking, advocacy, and programmatic design.
You will be connected with leading entities and network with individuals in the Allied Midwifery Organizations.

Meet emerging REQUIREMENTS

Some states are beginning to require a graduate degree in midwifery (or equivalent) to become state licensed or registered. Please examine your state’s specific licensing regulations to see if a graduate degree is needed or encouraged in your locale.

Support midwifery PROFESSIONALISM

An increasing number of allied health professionals are receiving graduate degrees in their fields. Graduate-level education can be a sign of professional identity and maturity, and may help to strengthen inter-professional collaboration between provider types.

Engage in the LIFELONG LEARNING process

Knowledge acquisition never ends, and a graduate degree can help you further your quest for knowledge.

PERSONAL achievements & PROFESSIONAL benefits

Our alumni speak of both the personal nurturance and professional guidance they received during their graduate program at MCU. The sense of accomplishment, both personally and professionally, is huge for our graduates!

Make a difference – contribute to SOCIAL CHANGE

Let all the benefits of a graduate degree in midwifery help you to advance a social justice agenda in your community. As Claire Fagin once said: “Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference.”

To learn more about the benefits of a Master of Science in Midwifery (MSM) degree and to explore whether graduate-level training is right for you, please contact Megan Koontz, MCU Academic Dean, at dean@midwifery.edu or 1‐866‐680‐2756, ext. 812.

We will put you in contact with our graduate faculty, graduate students, and alumni so you can further dialogue about the prospect of receiving a graduate degree in midwifery!