Admission Requirements

What if I'm not a nurse?

Becoming a nurse is required. One option is to attend a two year nursing program, either an associate's degree program or one of the many second bachelor's degree programs, and then attend one of the accredited midwifery/nurse-midwifery education programs. For example, the University of Massachusetts has an 18 month "second degree" program for people who already have a bachelor's to obtain a BSN. Another option would be to apply to one of the several programs that combine nursing and midwifery, such as Yale, Vanderbilt, University of Pennsylvania or Columbia.

All American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) accredited nurse-midwifery programs require a bachelor's degree.

Do I need to have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) to apply?

You need to be a nurse and you need to have a bachelor’s degree but that degree can does not need to be in nursing.

What if I'm a nurse but I don't have a Bachelor's degree?

Individuals who are registered nurses, but do not have a bachelor's degree, may become certified nurse-midwives by completing either a BSN or a bachelor's in another field, then attending an accredited nurse-midwifery education programs such as Baystate Medical Center Midwifery Education Program. Some accredited midwifery/nurse-midwifery programs are in schools of nursing that offer bridge programs to facilitate progression through the bachelor's degree in nursing to midwifery and the master's degree.

What if I haven't been able to get labor & birth experience?

Candidates who do not have labor and birth experience but who are otherwise qualified must complete either a childbirth education course or doula training.

In addition, many students have found it useful to complete a basic and/or intermediate fetal monitoring course, spend time observing a midwife in practice, and shadow a midwife or nurse in the labor and delivery setting.

To discuss the labor and birth experience guidelines and your specific requirements, please call Sukey Agard Krause, CNM, MSN, Program Director, at 413-794-4448.

Financial Considerations

How much will the program cost?

Total tuition cost for a Certificate of Midwifery with Master’s Completion is approximately $34,000. See a breakdown of tuition and other expenses.

Is there financial aid available through Baystate?

The Baystate Midwifery Education Program is unique being located in an academic medical center rather than within a university. This allows us to keep our tuition extremely low. There is no financial aid available through the institution. Current student loans are eligible for deferral while you are in the program. Students completing their master’s degree through Jefferson may be eligible for student loans through that institution.

Does Baystate provide housing for its midwifery students?

Baystate Medical Center does not have dormitory facilities for any of its students. The campus is convenient to public transportation with various residential communities within commuting distance.

Miscellaneous Questions

Will I need to find clinical placements?

No, all clinical placements are provided by the program. You are guaranteed placements for every semester.

Can I continue to work during the program?

Most students continue to work on a part-time or per diem basis while they are students in the Baystate Program. Managing the education demands of the program with a job is one of the challenges many students face but is can be achieved if the job has flexibility of hours.