The University of New Mexico College of Nursing's Master of Science in Nursing Nurse-Midwifery program has been recognized as the 11th best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report's 2025 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools. Felina Ortiz, DNP, RN, CNM, FACNM, interim Nurse-Midwifery program coordinator, expressed her pride in the program, stating, “This ranking for the Nurse-Midwifery program is a testament to the dedication, scholarly curiosity, and passion for community modeled by UNM’s nurse-midwives and midwifery students.”
The College's commitment to excellence in educating health care professionals has been further demonstrated by securing grants to support its programs. One such grant is the Advancing Midwifery Outcomes and Resiliency (AMOR) grant totaling $4 million over four years, aimed at enhancing the program and increasing the number of diverse nurse-midwives in New Mexico. Additionally, a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has allowed the UNM Midwifery program to expand its collaboration efforts with birthworkers across the state.
Carolyn Montoya, PhD, RN, PNP-PC, FAANP, FAAN, from the UNM College of Nursing, commended the program, saying, “This program forges true leaders in nurse-midwifery and I am ecstatic that it has earned such a notable ranking. These rankings signify not only the hard work and dedication that our faculty, staff, students and community partners consistently bring the College, but it also speaks to the legacy of this program in New Mexico.”
The recent donation of $1.6 million from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has been instrumental in establishing the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Endowed Nursing Professorship. This professorship aims to expand work related to midwifery, perinatal, maternal/child, and women’s health, thereby enhancing midwifery student education and program coordination.
In essence, the UNM Nurse-Midwifery program is not just focused on producing skilled midwives but also on nurturing change-makers dedicated to advancing nursing. As the program continues to evolve and thrive, it is poised to significantly influence the future of maternal health care delivery in New Mexico and beyond.
Applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery are set to open on August 15, 2024. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore the financial support opportunities available through the HRSA AMOR grant and other financial aid programs.
