Top Nursing-Midwifery Schools

According to the U.S. News & World Report Graduate Schools ranking, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has emerged as the leader in the field of midwifery education, topping the list of the best graduate nursing programs in midwifery. This prestigious ranking recognizes OHSU School of Nursing for its commitment to excellence in nursing education, particularly in its Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM) program. The university’s placement ahead of the University of Pennsylvania, which secured the second position, reflects OHSU’s significant contributions to the field of nurse-midwifery education, as well as its overall prominence in nursing education and research.

OHSU's School of Nursing is widely regarded as one of the top nursing schools in the country, and its performance in midwifery education further solidifies its reputation. The university is not only known for its leadership in CNM programs but also for its broad scope of graduate nursing programs that prepare students for leadership roles in diverse areas of nursing practice. Ranked among the top 10 nursing schools nationwide, OHSU has consistently demonstrated its ability to provide high-quality education and clinical training that equips students to excel in their careers.

At the core of OHSU’s success in midwifery education is its robust Nurse-Midwifery Program. This program is recognized as one of the best in the nation, attracting students who are committed to making a difference in the lives of women and families by providing safe, compassionate, and culturally competent care during childbirth. The program’s success is attributed to several factors, including its highly skilled faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and close collaboration with healthcare providers in both clinical and community settings. Students in the Nurse-Midwifery Program at OHSU are exposed to a broad range of clinical experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared to address the unique needs of pregnant individuals in a variety of healthcare environments.

OHSU’s School of Nursing is also distinguished by its emphasis on research, particularly in areas that directly impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The university is ranked among the top two percent of institutions nationwide for nursing research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This recognition highlights OHSU’s commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of nursing, which in turn influences both clinical practice and the broader healthcare landscape. By encouraging students to engage in research projects, OHSU provides them with opportunities to explore critical issues in healthcare, from maternal and child health to innovations in nursing education. This focus on research allows students to contribute to the ongoing development of nursing practice and fosters a culture of inquiry that benefits both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

In addition to its success in midwifery and research, OHSU’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. These accreditations and approvals ensure that OHSU’s nursing programs meet rigorous standards for educational quality, preparing students to succeed in their careers. The nurse-midwifery program at OHSU is further accredited by the Division of Accreditation of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), a recognition that ensures the program meets the highest standards for midwifery education and clinical training. Similarly, the Nurse Anesthesia Program at OHSU is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, guaranteeing that students receive the education and clinical experiences necessary to become skilled nurse anesthetists. These accreditations underscore OHSU’s commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for students in all areas of nursing practice.

The continued success of OHSU School of Nursing reflects its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry while maintaining a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and compassionate patient care. The university’s focus on midwifery education is a prime example of how OHSU is meeting the demands of a diverse healthcare system that requires highly trained, skilled, and culturally competent professionals. As one of the leading institutions for midwifery education, OHSU has earned its place at the forefront of nursing education, setting a standard for other institutions to follow.

The nurse-midwifery field is essential in providing women-centered care that emphasizes personalized support, education, and advocacy throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. As midwifery continues to evolve in response to changing healthcare needs, the education and training provided by institutions like OHSU will remain a key factor in shaping the future of maternal and child health. Graduates of OHSU’s Nurse-Midwifery Program are well-equipped to make a positive impact in this dynamic field, offering high-quality care that prioritizes both the physical and emotional well-being of patients.

Moreover, the importance of midwifery education cannot be overstated in a healthcare system that increasingly values comprehensive, holistic care models. OHSU’s Nurse-Midwifery Program provides students with a strong foundation in clinical skills, advocacy, and leadership, enabling them to assume roles as change agents in the maternal healthcare field. OHSU's emphasis on cultural competence, community engagement, and evidence-based practice ensures that its graduates are prepared to work effectively with diverse populations and navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems.

OHSU’s success in midwifery education also serves as a model for other nursing schools seeking to expand their programs and develop similar areas of expertise. As healthcare systems worldwide strive to provide more integrated and patient-centered care, institutions like OHSU will continue to play an essential role in producing highly skilled and compassionate professionals who are ready to meet the needs of their communities.

Ranking of Top Nursing-Midwifery Schools:
1. Oregon Health and Science University
2. University of Pennsylvania
3. University of California–San Francisco/San Francisco General Hospital
3. University of New Mexico
3. Yale University
6. University of Illinois–Chicago
6. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
8. Emory University
8. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
8. University of Utah
8. University of Washington
12. Columbia University
12. Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing
12. University of Colorado–Denver
12. University of Florida
12. University of Kansas
12. Vanderbilt University
18. Marquette University
18. New York University
20. SUNY–Downstate Medical Center
21. Case Western Reserve Univ
21. Georgetown Univ
21. Univ of Maryland–Baltimore
21. Wayne State Univ
25. California State Univ–Fullerton
25. Medical Univ of South Carolina
25. Ohio State Univ
25. Shenandoah Univ
29. East Carolina Univ
29. SUNY–Stony Brook
29. Univ of Cincinnati
29. Univ of Miami
33. San Diego State Univ
33. Univ of Indianapolis
35. Univ of Rhode Island

Source: U.S. News & World Report 2008

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