MS - Midwifery

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent. Additionally, applicants must:

• Be currently licensed as an RN in the United States, or
• Complete the second degree accelerated BSN prior to admission, or
• Live in one of the states where the Certified Midwife is licensed and complete science and health coursework prior to admission and 8 additional credits. See Certified Midwife Pathway.

Our computer environment is intuitive and easy to use. The program starts with a mandatory in-person orientation that includes how to use our learning platforms. Students need to have basic knowledge of file organization, basic proficiency in MS Office applications, and a stable internet connection capable of video conferencing. Dual monitors are recommended but not required. A Mac or PC desktop or laptop that is no more than two to three years old will be sufficient; Chromebook will not work. Students also need an iOS or Android mobile device.

Students must show proof of health insurance or purchase health insurance from the University. Students are responsible for their own medical and dental care while enrolled in the program. Students may need to submit to, and be financially responsible for, any reasonable health screening that is required by a clinical agency beyond that required by the Midwifery & Women's Health Programs at Jefferson. The University provides professional liability and general commercial liability insurance for all students. Students pay a professional liability insurance fee associated with clinical education in full-scope practice that covers additional insurance for births.

The final four semesters of any progression include clinical rotations. The first two of these clinical rotations require 12-16 hours per week of ambulatory clinical only – no births. Clinical may occur during the week, on a weekend, or in the evening. During the final two semesters, didactic work continues and the clinical experience includes all phases of labor, birth, postpartum, newborn, primary, reproductive and sexual healthcare (“full-scope”) and requires up to 40 hours per week. These final full-scope rotations include nights, weekends, and an irregular schedule.

Students are required to be "safe beginner-level practitioners" before graduation. Evaluation of clinical progress is competency-based. Midwifery does not use clinical hours as a proxy for competency.

Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice (PDF)

Technical standards are the fundamental abilities that are required to complete their degree. These standards are determined by the competency, proficiency and/or skill standards set forth by accrediting and professional organizations appropriate to each program and apply to classroom, laboratory and clinical/fieldwork environments. Students are allowed reasonable accommodation.

The technical standards for admission set forth by the Midwifery Program establish the essential qualities that are considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills and levels of competency stipulated for graduation by the faculty. All students admitted to this program are expected to demonstrate the attributes and meet the expectations listed below. These Technical Standards are required for admission and also must be maintained throughout a student's progress through the Midwifery Program. In the event that, during training, a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, then the student may be asked to leave the program.

Students must possess aptitude, ability, and skills in the following areas:
General
Observation
Communication
Motor coordination and function
Conceptualization, integration, and quantization
Behavioral and social skills, abilities, and aptitudes
Professionalism

• General: The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, taste, and smell so that data received by the senses may be integrated, analyzed, and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. A student must also possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, position equilibrium, and movement that are important to the student’s ability to gather significant information needed to effectively evaluate patients.
• Observation: The student must have sufficient capacity to accurately observe and participate in the lecture hall, the laboratory, and with patients at a distance and close at hand, including non-verbal and verbal signals, to assess health and illness alterations in the outpatient and inpatient clinical settings. Inherent in the observational process is the use of the senses to elicit information through procedures regularly required in physical examination, such as inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
• Communication: The student must communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally to elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity, posture; and perceive non-verbal communications from patients and others. Each student must have the ability to read and write, comprehend and speak the English language to facilitate communication with patients, their family members, and other professionals in health care settings where written medical records, verbal presentations, and patient counseling and instruction are integral to effective medical practice and patient care. The student must communicate effectively verbally and in writing with instructors and other students in the classroom setting, as well.
• Motor coordination and function: The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to perform complete physical examinations utilizing the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, and other diagnostic maneuvers. A student must develop the psychomotor skills reasonably needed to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medication, management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment utilized in the general and emergent care of patients required in practice as a Midwife. The student must be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium; have sufficient levels of postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-to-hand coordination; and to possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, and physical exertion required for satisfactory performance in the clinical and classroom settings.
• Conceptualization, integration, and quantization: The student must be able to develop and refine problem-solving skills that are crucial to practice as a Midwife. Problem solving involves the abilities to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures; to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize objective and subjective data; and to make decisions that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. A student must have the capacity to read and comprehend medical literature. Each student must demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the medical literature to formulate sound judgment in patient assessment and diagnostic and therapeutic planning.
• Behavioral and social skills, abilities, and aptitudes: Flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, effective interpersonal skills, and concern for others are personal attributes required of those in midwifery practice. Personal comfort and acceptance of the role of a dependent practitioner functioning under supervision is essential for training and practice as a midwife. The student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of the student’s intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom setting, as well as those in the clinical setting attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients; and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team. Each student must have the emotional stability required to exercise stable, sound judgment and to complete assessment and interventional activities. The ability to establish rapport and maintain sensitive, interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a midwife. The student must be able to tolerate physically taxing loads and still function effectively under stress; adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; graciously accept constructive criticism; manage difficult interpersonal relationships during training; and learn to function cooperatively and efficiently in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice.
• Professionalism: A candidate/student must consistently display honesty, integrity, respect for self and others, tolerance, caring, fairness, and dedication to their patients, peers, Jefferson faculty and staff, the community and the Midwifery profession. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and applicable federal and state laws, Thomas Jefferson University ensures people with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to participate in its programs and activities. Students who believe they require accommodations to meet program objectives and technical standards should contact Student Accessibility Services as early as possible. All accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in a timely fashion.

Accessibility Services
130 South 9th Street
Edison Building, Room 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19107
TJU_CC_AccessibilityServices@jefferson.edu 
215-503-6531

Once admitted to the Jefferson Midwifery Program, all students will be measured by the same academic standards. Regardless of disability and reasonable accommodation, a student must pass all courses at an acceptable level and master all essential clinical competencies.

Students who seek accommodations should contact the Program Director and Accessiblity Services as directed above.