ABOR approves Master of Science in Midwifery program

The Arizona Board of Regents on June 20 approved a new Master of Science in Midwifery degree to be offered through the University of Arizona College of Health Sciences beginning in the fall of 2025. 

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The Master of Science in Midwifery will address the critical shortage of maternal health care providers by increasing the number of certified nurse-midwives in the workforce. The degree provides students with interprofessional education experiences in collaboration with other proposed graduate-level programs within the College of Health Sciences, including Physician Assistant and Physical Therapy. Compared with existing degrees, the master’s offers a shorter, two-year pathway to certification. 

“This shorter degree pathway will make the degree more accessible, which will increase our ability to diversify the profession and result in better outcomes for our patients,” said Erin McMahon, EdD, CNM, director of the College of Health Sciences’ proposed Midwifery Program and an assistant clinical professor at the UArizona College of Nursing.

Midwives can help improve maternal health outcomes and combat rising maternal mortality rates, while also addressing significant racial and rural disparities in access to maternal health care. Graduates will be prepared to provide a wide range of services beyond childbirth, including primary and gynecologic care, family planning services and general reproductive health care. 

“We would like to thank the Arizona Board of Regents for their approval of this important degree program,” said Kevin C. Lohenry, PhD, PA-C, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Arizona is facing a maternal health crisis that mirrors national trends. Our graduates will be highly skilled, culturally competent providers who are able to make a difference for Arizona’s residents.”

Arizona’s maternal mortality rates have continued to rise, with data from the Arizona Department of Health showing an alarming increase in maternal deaths. Between 2018 and 2019, there were 149 pregnancy-associated deaths, with 43 of these determined to be directly related to pregnancy. Approximately 90% of these deaths were considered preventable.

“It is an important time for us to launch this program so that we can begin addressing the critical gaps in maternal health care in our state,” said McMahon, who also developed the nurse-midwifery specialty for the UArizona College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. “Early identification of high-risk pregnancies and timely referral to higher-acuity care can significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Our goal is to train highly skilled, compassionate midwives who can provide excellent care to women across Arizona, particularly in underserved rural and minority communities.”

The College of Health Sciences’ Midwifery program is awaiting approval from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education and the Arizona Board of Nursing. If approved, the program plans to enroll students for the 2025-26 academic year.