The certified nurse-midwife (CNM) independently provides care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The CNM scope of practice includes gynecologic care, family planning, preconception care, and care of the healthy newborn for the first 28 days of life. CNMs provide primary care to individuals across the life span, inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Care may be provided in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, private practice, community health centers, ambulatory clinics, hospitals, birthing centers and the home setting.
The Nurse-Midwifery (DNP-NM) specialty is a hybrid program utilizing a mixture of online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives and clinical placements. Applicants may enter the DNP program as a post-BSN student or a post-MSN student. The program has both full-time and part-time options. Graduates of the NM specialty are prepared according to the ACNM Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice and are eligible to apply for certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Notice
The University of Arizona College of Nursing is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code. To file a complaint or to contact the agencies that regulate the University of Arizona College of Nursing, please find:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001 P: 202-887-6791 https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation
- Arizona Board of Nursing 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix AZ 85007 P: 602-771-7800 https://www.azbn.gov/
- Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, 2000 Duke Street, Suite 300, Alexandra, Virginia 22314 P: 703-835-4565 https://theacme.org/
- Generate and disseminate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes
- Improve health outcomes through scientifically based advanced practice within a specialty
- Engage in and lead collaborative practice teams
- Influence clinical practice transformation and policy initiatives
- Demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional attributes thereby meeting the Core Competencies of Basic Midwifery Practice (ACNM, 2020).
- Use the midwifery management process to provide evidence based clinical care within a shared decision-making model.
- Integrate the Hallmarks of Midwifery in academic, clinical, and professional settings.
- Apply self-reflection to midwifery practice to minimize bias and discrimination
- Implement strategies to address the social determinants of health to improve health equity and outcomes.
Rooted in the rich history of midwifery, our mission is to educate the next generation of midwives, to improve access to care for all by supporting communities to achieve reproductive health equity.
The University of Arizona College of Nursing Midwifery Specialty acknowledges the generations of midwives who have come before us, especially the midwives of the Indigenous nations and communities of color. The midwifery specialty will uphold the belief that everyone is unique, has a right to reproductive healthcare, in which they can be actively engaged, by advocating for racial and social justice and equitable access for holistic care. Pregnancy and birth will be respected as normal physiologic processes, and each person has the right to be actively engaged in their health care decisions. The midwifery specialty will infuse the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Hallmarks of Midwifery and the University of Arizona Core Values in its curriculum.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at The University of Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The University of Arizona College of Nursing DNP Nurse-Midwifery Specialty is preaccredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, 2000 Duke Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, www.theacme.org.
Program Facts
3
Years
Full-time Program Length
3-4 Courses per Semester
Hybrid
Program Delivery
Online coursework with 3 on-campus intensives and a clinical practicum
69
Credit
Hours
900
Clinical
Hours
Aug
15
Applications Open
March
1
Final Deadline
| Graduation Year | Full-Time Students | Part-Time Students | Attrition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | 1 LOA | Pending |
| 2026 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Pending |
| Graduation Year | Certifying Body | Specialty | Number of Students taking Exam | Certification Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | AMCB | Midwifery | 2 | Pending |
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 |
Curriculum
Students admitted to the DNP-NM program must complete a rigorous curriculum consisting of 69 credit hours and 900 clinical hours. In addition, students attend RISE twice and CPI once during their program of study. Admitted students should refer to and follow the academic program guide for their cohort year.
Residential Intensive Summer Experience
The Residential Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) is an intensive learning experience designed to support student success in the DNP program. DNP students are required to attend RISE in Tucson, AZ on an annual basis. RISE attendance for part-time students may vary.
Clinical Preparation Intensive
Clinical Preparation Intensive (CPI) helps prepare DNP students for further specialty-specific skills under the supervision of a clinical preceptor. Students are required to attend in Tucson, AZ once before the start of clinical coursework.
Clinical Practicum
Clinical placements for students are arranged with appropriate preceptors, clinical coordinators and administrators. Priority is given to arranging clinical placements in the student's geographical area.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about this DNP specialty or applying to the DNP program, please contact:
Layla Salazar
Enrollment Coordinator, Doctoral Programs
Email: CON-OSAA@arizona.edu
Phone: 520-621-1860
See the Costs & Financial Aid page for cost estimates.
Students are assigned clinical sites in coordination with clinical coordinators and the program administrator. Students may be required to travel to a different geographic area if a suitable preceptor cannot be found.
No elective courses are required for this DNP specialty. Students may elect to take additional courses to meet their needs and interests but should first consult their faculty advisor.
Consider attending a virtual information session hosted by the College of Nursing for all specialties EXCEPT Nurse Anesthesia. You will have the opportunity to meet the program team and select members of the faculty as well as ask questions about the program and admissions process. Registration is required and the session is conducted via Zoom.
The DNP program holds multiple information sessions throughout the year. If you are unable to attend a currently scheduled session, check back soon for the next available session or fill out the Request Information form on this page to have program details delivered to your inbox.
Ready to take the next step?
See the full admission requirements and application process on the DNP Program Admissions page.