How long does a midwife have to stay in college for?

Hi Haley,

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  Science courses like biology, microbiology, chemistry, human anatomy and physiology are typical prerequisites to most midwifery programs. Courses in nutrition, algebra and statistics, lifespan development, English composition, sociology, and psychology are also helpful and often required.

  
  


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  A bachelor’s degree in nursing sets you up for a smooth transition into a graduate midwifery program. In fact, most midwifery programs are in schools of nursing, and some programs require applicants to be registered nurses (RNs) prior to entry into midwifery school. A degree in women's studies, anthropology, sociology, or psychology may be useful in your future work as a midwife. Most midwifery programs for non-nurses will provide a basic nursing education prior to midwifery training. This path involves an extra year of school, but can result in a more diverse and well-rounded education

  
  


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  Participate in extra-curricular activities that are related to health care, such as volunteering at local health clinics or women's health centers. Read books that describe the lives of present day American midwives.

  
  


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  Talk with practicing midwives, women's health nurse practitioners, doulas, and childbirth educators in your local community.

  
  

More information in: http://www.midwife.org/For-College-Students

Best of Luck!

It truly depends on the type of midwife you want to become. A certified nurse midwife currently requires a masters degree, so assume 6 years (4 years for bachelors, then 2 more for masters). There is talk of making a doctorate as mandatory, so that would be an additional 2 years.

Now, if you want to become a LM/CPM/LPM, then the schooling and prep is different. There is some coursework and exams, but much of the training is hands-on, as an apprentice. This process takes a few years as well.

Hope this helps!