BSM - Bachelor of Midwifery

The Bachelor in Midwifery (BSM) degree and credential are awarded through the National College of Midwifery (NCM). The BSM degree is designed for healthcare providers who support women during labor and childbirth. It provides strong academic and evidence-based knowledge and skills to prepare students for direct entry into the field of midwifery without a nursing degree or license. 

Direct-entry midwifery is distinct from the discipline of nursing. A direct-entry midwife is a skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioner educated in the discipline of midwifery, trained to provide the Midwives Model of Care to healthy people and newborns throughout the childbearing cycle. Midwives work primarily out of the hospital and may serve rural and underserved populations.

The BSM program is for healthcare providers who work in an obstetrical setting but need or want a degree. The college also offers an associate degree for those without previous education or work experience.

Cost

• Application fee: $125, non-refundable

• Clinical Audit Fee: $1,500, due at enrollment

• Course Fee: $125 per credit, about 49 credits

• Course Package: $5,000 for all courses

• Preceptors and students enter into their own financial agreement. Fees are paid directly to the preceptor.

To earn the BSM degree, students must meet the following prerequisite/co-requisite courses in addition to the midwifery classes:

1. Three (3) credit hours of college-level Math

2. Four (4) credit hours of college-level English Composition

3. Obtain a midwifery certification or state licensure (equivalent to 67.75 credits)

Students in California must meet additional requirements, which include:

1. Three (3) credit hours of college-level Chemistry

2. One (1) credit hour of college-level Child Growth and Development

3. Basic skills course on suturing and medications

The program requires students to work under an approved preceptor. Each trimester, the BSM student must submit progress reports supervised by the preceptor.  

The BSM program is flexible and offers rolling enrollment, meaning students can start anytime. The coursework may be completed in 12 months to five years, but the average student takes 2.5 years to earn the BSM.

Prerequisites:

The prerequisites for acceptance into the BSM program include:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent certificate

• Must be 18 years or older

• Must be Alumni of NCM ASM or 30 transfer credits.

• One (1) year of clinical practice working as a midwife, including ten (10) deliveries approved through a clinical case review

Enrollment: 

BSM student enrollment is a 3-step process.

1. Apply (includes a non-refundable application fee)

2. Complete the Student Orientation course offered online through Canvas

3. Enroll with NCM

Paying for this Degree

NCM is not a Title IV school. Therefore, students are not eligible for financial aid or student loan deferment. The college does not currently offer scholarships. Students may apply for private student loans if desired.

The NCM offers the following resources:

• Preceptor Opt-In List

• Handbook

• Student Resources

• NARM Prep Course (Cost: $375)