Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse-Midwifery Track
Overview
Launched in 2023, UNLV School of Nursing’s Nurse-Midwifery program addresses the growing demand for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) across Nevada and the U.S. As a critical solution to the national shortage of perinatal health providers, our program prepares students to deliver holistic, evidence-based care throughout the lifespan: pregnancy, birth, postpartum, newborn, and gynecologic care.
While many CNMs work in hospitals and clinics, others provide care in birth centers, homes, schools, the military, prisons, and wherever there is a need for care. As primary providers, nurse midwives lead and support interprofessional teams, improving the health of women, families, and communities.
Our flexible online nurse-midwifery program offers both full- and part-time options. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), becoming certified nurse-midwives ready to serve where they’re needed most.
“I feel so honored to be one of the first graduates of this program. We have such a special opportunity to increase access to obstetric and gynecological healthcare in an amazing city that needs more providers. I feel so fortunate to have been taught and trained by my amazing professors and preceptors, and can’t wait to serve patients in the community using all I have learned.”Rachel Matthews, 2025
Highlights
Our online nurse-midwifery program offers flexible learning options designed for busy people who want to expand their contributions toward improving the health of women and communities. Students begin in their cohorts at the start of every fall semester. It is a three-semester program, running year-round. Applications open in the fall and close in the spring semesters. Students can become certified nurse-midwives in 1.5 to 2.5 years.
Flexible Pathways
- Full-time (5 semesters)
- Part-time (8 semesters)
Program Format
- Complete most of your coursework online with optional synchronous sessions.
- Students will be informed of opportunities for in-person events.
- Three required on-campus lab immersions.
Clinical Experience Where It Matters
- Gain over 750 clinical hours in hospital-based and community-based settings. The program will identify clinical preceptors for students within a 75-mile radius of the Las Vegas area.
- Students outside Southern Nevada will receive support in identifying approved preceptors in their area.
- In some cases, relocation to Las Vegas may be required to complete clinical training. An encumbered Nevada RN license may be necessary.
Out-of-State Applicants Welcome
- UNLV is authorized to enroll MSN students in select states. View the list of authorized states and check with your state’s Board of Nursing to confirm eligibility.
Credit Hours
- 53 total credits, including comprehensive nurse-midwifery training and interprofessional education.
Ready to Apply?
Learn More About Our Impact
Publications
Research focused on better understanding the midwifery workforce, the systems in which midwives work, and the care midwives provide helps individuals and professional organizations advocate for improvements in perinatal and women’s healthcare. The following publications are examples of the research done by UNLV’s midwifery faculty.
- “Counting Midwives Providing Clinical Care in Nevada” (2025), published in The International Journal of Health Planning and Management
- “Associations Between State Practice Regulations and Access to Midwifery Care” (2024), published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health
- “Content Analysis of Water Birth Policies With Implications for Practice and Research” (2023), published in Nursing for Women’s Health
- “Midwifery Autonomy and Employment Changes During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic” (2022), published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health
Podcasts and News Articles
Stay informed about the latest developments in midwifery education, maternal health, and perinatal outcomes through our curated collection of podcasts and news articles. Our content shares expertise, experience, and insights from students, faculty, and CNMs serving communities across Nevada and beyond.
- “National Midwifery Week,” (2024) podcast appearance on Vital Views
- “First Graduates of Midwifery Program Ready to Address Maternal Health Needs” (2025), published by the UNLV News Center
- “Take Care: Janice Enriquez Is Here to Help” (2024), published by the UNLV News Center
- “Why Midwifery Matters,” (2022) podcast appearance on Vital Views
Contact Us
Kate Woeber
CNM Program Director
kate.woeber@unlv.edu