Dean, School of Science and Health: Matt Dane Baker, PA-C. D.H.Sc., 215.951.2870 Phone, 215.951.2615 FAX, bakerm@PhilaU.edu
Program Director:
Katherine Dawley, CNM, Ph.D.
215.951.2528 Phone, 215.951.2526 FAX
instituteofmidwifery@PhilaU.edu
Campus Location: 222 Hayward Hall, The Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University offers distance-learning programs with and without on-campus requirements.
M.S. in Midwifery
M.S. in Midwifery Completion Program
Post Master’s Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery
Philadelphia University provides an exciting way to earn the Master’s of Science in Midwifery through distributive, at home/anytime learning in the fundamentals of the art and science of midwifery, research, health policy and selected advanced clinical and professional competencies. This program, initiated in 1998, prepares individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and an RN (Registered Nurse) credential in the practice of midwifery and qualifies them to sit the American Midwifery Certification Board’s (AMCB’s) national certification exam and upon successful completion use the title CM or CNM.
The Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University offers a 6 semester, 2 year full-time, graduate-level, distance-education program for midwifery. Students can be admitted with a class cohort in either the fall or spring semesters. For those who prefer not to attend full-time, this program can also be completed through part-time study over 3 years.
From the beginning, the Midwifery Institute’s education program was designed for distance learning and values and builds upon the student’s previous education and life experience. State-of-the-art communication technology, coupled with the professional expertise of an accomplished and caring faculty, maximizes the educational experience. The program model focuses on graduate-level skills of inquiry and critical thinking. Candidates for the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
The program integrates theory and practice into six semesters of asynchronous study, clinical experience and two week-long on-campus sessions. The theoretical components of midwifery are learned through readings, seminar room discussions, writings, quizzes and examinations. The practice components are learned through a clinical practicum, close to home, under the direction of a qualified midwife preceptor.
Our program is modeled on midwifery-practice principles. The role of the Midwife Tutor is unique at The Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University and is the foundation of our model for midwifery education, which mimics the midwifery model of care for women. Two Midwife Tutors follow each small class (16-20 students) throughout the program, modeling the midwifery value of continuity of care. They treat students with respect as individuals and provide a personalized approach that encompasses all aspects of the education process including advising, evaluation and supervision.
The Midwife Tutor’s primary focus is the facilitation of learning. This facilitation of the learning process is similar to the midwife’s role during labor. Both roles require the ability to challenge, assess, confront, encourage, provide feedback, assist, listen and problem solve. We find that this process meets the challenge of distance education and facilitates learning in an environment where students and faculty share the responsibility for lifelong learning.
Electronic Seminar Rooms are full of thoughtful discussions about the art and science of midwifery practice, reflections on the role transition to midwife, midwifery research, education and health policy. Students interact asynchronously with each other and the faculty via computer and learning can happen day or night, seven days a week, when the student is ready to focus on school, and yet remain in the comfort of home.
As adult learners, students are able to reach their professional goals while building relationships within their online learning community. This national networking is an asset as our graduates enter the work world. We see the midwife within each of our students and Midwife Tutors and faculty are able to facilitate individual growth and development into the role of midwife, assuring the vitality and vision for the future of midwifery. We remain on the cutting edge of a changing world, by weaving tradition with technology.
The 21st-century midwife must be prepared for evidence-based practice, requiring increasingly sophisticated skills in the analysis of knowledge and practice of midwifery. Today’s midwife supports practice with research and respects both the art and science of midwifery. Changes in the health-care environment require midwives to be well informed and to negotiate important changes to improve midwifery care and the health care of women and families. Frequently, midwives act as administrators, teachers and advanced clinical practitioners. This program also facilitates professional development in these areas through excellent teaching, innovative technologies and the Internet.
In preparation for meeting these professional challenges students engage in a comprehensive, 50 credit course sequence to prepare for clinical practice. They prepare for an expanded professional role through a 2 course sequence in research for midwifery, a health policy course, an elective that can prepare them either for teaching, practice in a developing nation, or practice in an administrative role (12 credits). We are fortunate to have a diverse, experienced faculty in midwifery education, clinical practice, research, policy, education, and international midwifery practice. We believe in lifelong learning and continue to be partners in the growth and development of ourselves, our students and the profession of midwifery.
A safe beginning practitioner of midwifery.
A provider of primary health care for women across the lifespan as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team.
An advocate for the betterment of women’s health.
A participant in lifelong learning.
An active member in the profession of midwifery.
A critical thinker with the skills to analyze and synthesize research into evidence-based practice.
Politically aware, active in the profession of midwifery and knowledgeable about health policy in the United States.
Successful students of distance-learning programs are self-motivated and disciplined. Midwifery education at Philadelphia University requires extensive reading of primary-source materials in professional journals. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to think and write critically. They use the written word to express themselves electronically in discussions in the virtual seminar room, in communicating through emails and in the preparation of learning activities.
All students must have access to a computer (either PC or Mac), a USB port headset, and an Internet Service Provider, with a DSL connection recommended. Web-cam transmission capability is also required. As technology is continually being updated, before purchasing a computer, please contact Distance Learning Coordinator for up-to-date information on hardware and software required.
At the Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University, instruction is provided through the use of the Lotus Notes software that delivers the curriculum and facilitates faculty/student discussion, communication, and electronic submission of assignments. Orientation to Lotus Notes is provided prior to and during the on-line orientation to the program. Readings and frequent interaction with faculty and classmates complement electronic courses, which include problem-based learning. Experienced faculty members work closely with students and are accessible by e-mail or telephone. Students can access library resources online through the Paul J. Gutman Library website.
Our computer environment is intuitive and easy to use. However, students must have basic computer skills, including familiarity with Windows-based applications, word processing and Internet use. During orientation students learn how they will use the computer during their program of study and how they will communicate with both their faculty and classmates. Students new to computers are encouraged to enroll in a computer course prior to orientation.
For admission to the program, candidates must:
Be self-motivated learners, have good study habits, and be able to organize life commitments to set aside sufficient time for study and learning. We estimate this requires approximately 30-40 hours a week for full-time students, in an environment conducive to study;
Possess the emotional maturity and stability to approach stressful clinical situations in a calm and rational manner;
Have the ability to effectively communicate with women and families from a wide diversity of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in an empathetic and sensitive way;
Have well-developed oral and written communication skills;
Have the ability to make independent clinical decisions within the scope of midwifery practice and within the guidelines for relationships established with collaborating health care providers;
Display strong ethical integrity consistent with academic expectations and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Code of Ethics;
Have sufficient mental abilities and physical capabilities, including but not limited to the following areas of sensory function (vision, hearing, and touch sensation), eye hand co-ordination, neurologic and muscular coordination and control to competently perform physical assessments and the technical procedures necessary for midwifery practice.
Clinical experiences initially consist of experiences in prenatal and well-woman care that are approximately two days per week. During the final two semesters the clinical experience includes all phases of labor, birth, postpartum, newborn and well-woman care and may be up to 40 hours per week. Only part-time employment should be considered while undertaking this full-time program.
Students are required to meet and document the following practicum requirements during their clinical experience: 10 preconception care visits; 40 new antepartum visits; 130 return antepartum visits; 40 labor management experiences; 40 births; 20 postpartum visits (0-5 days); 40 newborn assessments; 10 breast-feeding support visits; 20 postpartum visits (4-8 weeks); 40 primary care visits; 30 family planning visits; 30 gynecologic care visits; 20 peri/postmenopausal visits. A Declaration of Safety, indicating a student has achieved a beginning level of competency necessary for entry into practice, must be signed by the clinical preceptor prior to program completion and in order to sit the national certification exam given by AMCB.
Students must show proof of coverage for malpractice liability prior to starting clinical rotations. This insurance is readily available to student midwives through the ACNM. Cost varies year to year and by location. Please ask for current costs during the admission process and know these may change by the time you purchase. Students are responsible for their own medical and dental care while enrolled in the program. Students may need to submit to, and be financially responsible for, any reasonable health screening that is required by a clinical agency beyond that required by the Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University.
The Master’s in Midwifery program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Their mailing address is: ACME, 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1550, Silver Springs, MD 20910-6374, (240) 485-1800, www.acnm.org.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive an M.S. in Midwifery and will be eligible to take the national certification examination for midwives offered by the AMCB. Completion of the program prepares graduates to work in all practice settings.
On-Line Orientation To The Program
|
Scheduled just prior to first term courses |
0 |
|
CMW603 |
Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology |
2 |
|
CMW605 |
Professional Issues |
2 |
|
CMW606 |
Health & Lifestyles |
2 |
|
CMM699 |
Physical Assessment |
3 |
|
CMW607 |
Healthcare of Women I |
4 |
|
CMW638 |
Pharmacological Basis for Practice I |
2.5 |
|
MMW 712 |
Introduction to Health Policy |
3 |
On campus session to include the following:
Skills Workshops and Technical Competence Validation
|
CMW602 |
Interviewing & Counseling |
0.5 |
|
CMW613 |
Embryology & Genetics |
1 |
|
Physical Assessment Checkout |
0 |
|
CMW610 |
Antepartum Care |
4 |
|
CMW612 |
Postpartum/Newborn Care |
2.5 |
|
CMW631 |
Clinical I: Maternity & Well Woman Care 1 |
2 |
|
CMW611 |
Intrapartum Care |
4 |
|
CMW 620 |
Healthcare of Women 2 |
2 |
|
CMW639 |
Pharmacological Basis for Practice II |
.5 |
|
CMW632 |
Clinical II: Maternity & Well Woman Care 2 |
3 |
|
MMW720 |
Critical Inquiry 1 |
3 |
On Campus Session To Include The Following:
Skills workshops and technical competence validation
|
CMW630 |
Preparation for Full Scope Midwifery Practice |
2 |
|
MMW 721 |
Critical Inquiry 2 |
3 |
|
CMW619 |
Perinatal Complications |
4 |
|
CMW633 |
Clinical III: Full Scope Midwifery Care 1 |
4 |
|
CMW634 |
Clinical IV: Full Scope Midwifery Care 2 |
4 |
Elective (choose one): 3
|
MMW 722 |
Introduction to Administration in the Clinical Setting; or |
|
MMW 723 |
Advanced Clinical Practices; or |
|
MMW 724 |
Introduction to Teaching Methods; or |
|
MMW 725 |
Issues in Reproductive Health in Developing Nations |
Optional
|
MMW931 |
Thesis |
3 |
The thesis is optional. Students electing to complete a thesis will complete a research project based on the research question they developed in MMW 721, Critical Inquiry II. The thesis option will be attractive to students interested in doctoral studies or additional research experience.
Total Program Credits:
Didactic credits: 48
Clinical credits: 14
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 62 (65 with Thesis)
Classes are admitted twice a year in the fall and spring. See the Philadelphia University Midwifery Institute web site for application deadlines.
Each applicant is evaluated individually. Candidates are expected to meet the following criteria for admission:
Submit a professional resume.
Be a registered nurse currently licensed in the state where employed.
Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in any discipline with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
Have an interview and a written promise of a clinical site with a midwifery preceptor.
Own a computer and have Internet access.
Submit two letters of reference.
Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate courses/Institutions.
Submit a brief essay, per guidelines, using a word-processing program.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is recommended but not required.
Complete an interview (in-person/telephone) with a program faculty member.
Submit evidence of or complete a three-credit undergraduate statistics course.
Students seeking to transfer credit from another accredited nurse-midwifery program into the Master’s in Midwifery course of study will have courses evaluated on an individual basis.
Philadelphia University also offers an ACNM accredited Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Nurse-Midwifery and a MS in Midwifery Completion program through the Midwifery Institute.
The CM route of entry to our existing midwifery education program is for individuals prepared at the bachelor’s level who want to become midwives. Graduates will be able to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to become certified midwives (CMs) after successful completion of our program. The American Midwifery Commission for education has identified specific learning needs currently for individuals who may have limited or no experience as care providers within the health care system. Therefore students entering through the CM route will take, and must pass 3 courses (CMW 635, CMW 636, CMW 637) as prerequisites before they segue way into our existing full midwifery education program. Additionally, some applicants with a bachelor’s degree but without a background in biology/health sciences will have to take additional courses to meet requirements. To date, the CM credential is legally recognized to practice in the following states: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island. Other states are currently considering licensure for the CM.
This program is available for those who currently hold a Master’s degree in a clinical health care discipline and wish to practice midwifery. It consists of the fifty 600 level course credits in the MS in Midwifery course of study listed above. Depending on previous professional practice and education, the student may be eligible to enroll in an advanced placement option by challenging courses equivalent to those previously taken. This should be discussed with the coordinator for admissions. See Master’s in Midwifery section for full details.
This program is designed for certified nurse-midwives/certified midwives whose basic midwifery education was at the certificate level who now wish to further their education in midwifery at the Master’s level. Potential students must hold the CNM/CM credential or be enrolled in a current program accredited or pre-accredited by the ACNM’s American Commission on Midwifery Education (ACME, previously the Division of Accreditation). The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the ACME as an accrediting agency. Questions regarding this affiliation or ACNM accreditation can be addressed to: American College of Nurse-Midwives, 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1550, Silver Springs, MD 20910-6374, (240) 485-1800, www.acnm.org.
At Philadelphia University, we have planned the program to accommodate the work demands of midwives’ clinical practice. The program involves extensive reading and participation in online discussions and learning activities. The richness and diversity of experience that each student brings to the discussions has been a source of inspiration for the faculty and students and adds greatly to the rigor of the program. A virtual orientation to the program is provided without requiring travel. This degree is designed for completion without relocating or incurring excessive expenses.
The MS in Midwifery Completion Program consists of 36 graduate credits. You will be awarded 24 credits for your American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)-accredited certificate in nurse-midwifery/midwifery. The final 12 credits will be taken through Philadelphia University and will include three required courses and one elective. (See 700 level courses above.)
The Admissions Committee uses a variety of criteria in making a decision relative to acceptance. To be eligible for admission to Philadelphia University, you must follow the admissions procedures described above and have the following credentials:
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Educational preparation as a certified nurse-midwife/certified midwife with evidence of graduation from an ACME-accredited program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Student nurse-midwives/student midwives currently enrolled in an accredited ACME program may also enroll in the program, but will not receive the M.S. degree until their certificate program has been successfully completed.
All applicants must have completed a three-credit undergraduate course in statistics prior to admission.
Applicants write a short personal statement (criteria available online). This essay will be examined for written communication skills, motivation and time for graduate education.
Applicants submit an updated resume, which highlights their background and experience.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is recommended but not required. The standardized test requirement is waived for those applicants who have completed a prior master’s degree.
These letters attest to the applicant’s abilities, communication skills and motivation.
The Advanced Placement Option (APO) is an individualized program of study for qualified candidates with previous professional preparation in advanced nursing practice or midwifery. APO students may challenge selected portions of the certificate midwifery program by demonstrating competency. The purpose of the APO is to assure sound preparation in midwifery, while minimizing repetition of learning activities for knowledge and skills already attained. Part-time study or accelerated options may be planned according to class schedules, availability and learner preferences.
Applicants must meet all of The Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia’s admissions requirements.
Documentation of successful completion of a nurse-practitioner or midwifery program, in an institution accredited by the recognized regulatory body for the jurisdiction where the institution is located. NP programs must meet the USA federal accreditation standards. Midwifery education programs located outside of the USA must have a review by a USA credentials evaluation service.
No history of any professional credential revocation.
A TOEFEL score of 500 or greater, if English is not the applicant’s first language.
A minimum of two (2) years experience in advanced clinical practice as a nurse-practitioner or midwife within the previous ten (10) years, or graduation from a nurse-practitioner or midwifery education program within the previous three (3) years.
For Foreign Educated Midwives (FEMS), work experience as an RN in the USA for at least one (1) year in the preceding five (5) years on a labor/delivery unit.