University of Arizona launches new Master of Science in Nurse-Midwifery degree program to expand the Arizona healthcare workforce
University of Arizona received final approval to launch the new Master of Science (MS) in Nurse-Midwifery degree program that will train the next generation of certified nurse-midwives to meet the urgent need for better care for Arizona women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
The new Master of Science (MS) in Nurse-Midwifery degree program at the University of Arizona has received final approval and will now accept students for Fall 2026! The program, housed in the School of Health Professions in the Zuckerman College of Public Health, will train the next generation of certified nurse-midwives to meet the urgent need for better healthcare for Arizona women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Guided by the leadership of Erin McMahon, EdD, CNM, FACNM, program director and associate clinical professor, the MS in Nurse-Midwifery program was established to build the maternity care workforce in Arizona. McMahon brings deep experience training providers and delivering care to underserved and rural communities in the state, often working with the Arizona Center for Rural Health.
“From a global perspective, midwifery care is a well-documented strategy to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and we need to expand and improve that care right here in Arizona,” said McMahon. “The nurse-midwife provides holistic care through education, respect, shared decision making, and continuity of care. Every woman deserves a midwife as a member of her healthcare team.“
In their unique healthcare role, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) independently provide care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The CNM scope of practice includes gynecologic care, family planning, preconception care, and care of the healthy newborn for the first 28 days of life.
“The School of Health Professions is proud to play a central role in building Arizona's maternal health workforce,” said Dr. Kevin Lohenry, vice-dean of health professions and executive director of the UA School of Health Professions. “Through this new MS in Nurse-Midwifery program, we are preparing the next generation of Certified Nurse-Midwives to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to Arizona women and families — especially in the communities that need it most.”
Design of the MS Nurse-Midwifery Program
The Master of Science (MS) in Nurse-Midwifery degree is a hybrid program utilizing a mixture of online didactic coursework, on campus clinical intensives, and supervised clinical placements. The course of study consists of 41 credits and 900 clinical hours over a 2-year period.
Applicants may enter this graduate program with a bachelor’s degree and active Registered Nurse (RN) license. Now accepting applications, the program plans to admit a cohort of students beginning Fall 2026.
Graduates are prepared according to the American College of Nurse-Midwives Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice and are eligible to apply for certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board.
“I’m so proud of all the thoughtful work that has been done to launch our new MS in Nurse-Midwifery program,” said Dr. Iman Hakim, dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health. “Arizona needs more care providers for mothers and babies, and this program will help to meet that need by training compassionate wholistic caregivers for all our communities across the state.”
About the School of Health Professions
The School of Health Professions was established in July 2025 as part of the Zuckerman College of Public Health. With a focus on health professions and health science design, the school is committed to training students and developing a workforce of health professionals to serve the needs of Arizona’s communities with compassionate and culturally sensitive care. The school offers four graduate-level degree programs – Physician Assistant, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nurse-Midwifery, and Genetic Counseling – as well as a variety of courses in our Health Science Design center that deliver transdisciplinary education for both graduate and undergraduate students.
About the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
Established in 2000, the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona delivers education, research and service programs that build healthier communities locally, nationally, and globally. The only nationally accredited college of public health in Arizona, the college enrolls hundreds of students per year across degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels taught at campuses in Tucson, Phoenix, and online. As a leader in public health research and promotion with a focus on health equity, the college receives significant federal grant funding. Through research, education, and community engagement among diverse populations, the Zuckerman College of Public Health continues to find solutions to public health challenges across the state and around the world.
For more information: publichealth.arizona.edu (Follow us: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook).