Cara Ann Busenhart

Dr. Cara Busenhart's career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in maternal-newborn health and the broader landscape of nursing.
Dr. Busenhart's impact extends beyond the classroom and clinic. Her dedication to advancing the profession is evidenced by her prestigious fellowships as a Fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (FACNM) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). These national recognitions highlight her significant contributions to midwifery education, practice, research, and policy. Further demonstrating her commitment to accessible education and professional development, Dr. Busenhart is also the co-host of The EngagED Midwife podcast and the co-founder of DeliverED Exam Prep, initiatives designed to support and empower aspiring and practicing nurse-midwives through comprehensive resources and engaging discussions.
A true advocate for accessible healthcare, Dr. Busenhart has been at the forefront of building a robust rural health workforce through significant grant-funded initiatives. Her innovative projects aim to bridge critical healthcare gaps, ensuring that underserved communities have access to high-quality maternal and newborn care. Furthermore, her influence is deeply felt in policy and regulatory arenas, where she actively shapes the future of nurse-midwifery practice and quality perinatal care in her state and on a broader national scale. Her work in these areas ensures that nurse-midwives are respected members of the perinatal care team and are empowered to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
Degrees
- Ph.D. in Nursing Health Professions Education, University of Kansas, 2014
- M.S.N. Nursing, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2004
- Nurse-Midwifery Certificate , University of Kansas, 2004
- B.S.N. Nursing, Truman State University, 1998
Work Experience
- University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas (2009 - 2025)
Licensure & Certification
- APRN-CNM, Arizona Board of Nursing (2025)
- Registered Nurse, Arizona Board of Nursing (2025)
- Registered Nurse, Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) (2024)
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (APRN), Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) (2024)
- Certified Nurse-Midwife, American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) (2004)
Teaching Interests
Nurse-MidwiferyNursingAdvanced Practice NursingCompetency-Based EducationInterprofessional EducationWorkforce Development
Research Interests
Nurse-Midwifery Advanced Practice NursingCompetency-Based EducationInterprofessional EducationWorkforce Development