Best Midwifery Programs in Texas: A Guide for Midwives

In Texas, midwifery is becoming increasingly popular as a career, driven by the growing demand for midwifery services. Over the past decade, the number of midwives has increased by 66.7%, including a 43% increase in Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) since 2014. Above all, midwifery is meaningful and rewarding work that enables professionals to make a lasting impact on maternal and newborn care.

However, becoming a midwife requires proper training, education, and certification. Texas offers several midwifery programs, and choosing the right one is essential for building a successful career. This guide is designed to help aspiring midwives explore the best midwifery programs in Texas and understand what to look for when selecting the right educational path.

Types of Midwifery Programs in Texas

You can find 3 types of midwifery programs in Texas to become a competent midwife. 

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

It’s the most common pathway to become a midwife. To become a CNM, you need a nursing background (BSN/ADN) and a graduate degree (MSN/DNP) from an ACME-accredited program. You also need to pass the national certification exam.  

Certified Midwife (CM)

If you have a bachelor’s degree and are from a non-nursing field, you must complete an ACME (Advanced Course in Medical Education) program. After that, you need to pass the same exam as CNMs; however, CM licensure is limited to NY, MA, and NJ. 

Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)

A CPM focuses on out-of-hospital care, often through apprenticeships or non-nursing education, and is certified by the NARM (North American Registry of Midwives). 

Best Midwifery Programs in Texas

The best Texas midwifery programs are as follows:  

Baylor University (Louise Herrington School of Nursing)

Baylor University is the first choice you should consider. It’s highly regarded in Texas, with positive student reviews for its graduate nursing programs, including midwifery.

Texas Woman’s University (TWU)

Texas Woman’s University is another option to consider. It offers flexible MSN programs with online options. It makes TWU a strong choice for working nurses in Texas. 

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers an online MSN Nurse-Midwifery program with competitive tuition for residents and non-residents. 

Frontier Nursing University

FNU stands as a national leader for midwifery programs. It offers distance education ideal for those needing flexibility while completing their nurse-midwifery education. 

Online vs On-Campus Midwifery Programs

In this section, we will learn the difference between online and on-campus midwifery programs. 

Online Midwifery Programs

Online midwifery programs in Texas have the following to offer. 

Advantage

• Due to being online or hybrid, these programs offer better flexibility for working professionals.
• As you don’t need to commute, the cost to pursue an online course becomes affordable. 
• You can enjoy self-paced learning. 

Disadvantage

• As you don’t go to the class in person to attend it, you need to be highly self-disciplined. 
• You interact less with peers than on campus, although digital collaborations do exist for makeup.

Examples

The Texas University Health Sciences Center offers a hybrid MSN. 

On-Campus Midwifery Programs

If you choose the best midwifery programs in Texas, on-campus options have the following to offer.  

Advantage

• In offline programs, you interact face-to-face with your teacher and get immediate feedback. 
• Once your routine is set, you stick to it and enjoy a disciplined learning experience.
• At present, you can find easier access to campus resources, making attending offline classes more convenient. 

Disadvantage

• As you need to commute to the campus, the cost naturally increases. 
• If the campus is far from your location, you may even need to relocate. 
• Due to being offline, you must visit the campus, which is not flexible enough for working professionals. 

Examples

Baylor University offers a DNP with in-person immersions, while many online programs utilize Texas facilities for clinicals.

How to Find the Right Program for You

Wondering how to find the right greenville midwifery program for you? Follow the steps given below. 

Identify Your Certification Path

Start by determining which accrediting bodies and schools you should target. You can choose from CNM, CPM, and CM.

Evaluate Clinical Placement Support

Consider clinical training hours, which are the most critical part of a program. A program should include 600 to 1,000 hours of clinical training. If you are considering an online program, find a local clinical site. You can also ask the school if they have a dedicated clinical placement coordinator. On-campus programs have established partnerships with local hospitals or birth centers, simplifying your placements. 

Compare Cost and Duration

In-state public universities are affordable, with costs sometimes below $700 per credit. Private programs can exceed $100,000 in total tuition. Full-time tracks take 2-3 years to complete, but you can find accelerated options and complete them in 12-18 months. 

Check Admission Rigor

Currently, competitive programs often have a 15-30% acceptance rate.

Choosing the right midwifery program is essential for building a successful and rewarding career in maternal care. Texas offers several accredited programs designed to prepare midwives with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed for professional practice. By selecting a program that aligns with your certification goals and learning preferences, you can confidently move forward in your journey. At Sweet Pea Midwifery, we value well-trained, compassionate midwives who provide safe and personalized care. A strong educational foundation is the first step toward making a meaningful impact on families and communities.