Core Midwifery Curriculum
NRMW 5205 : Advanced Pharmacology (3 grad credits):
This course will begin with the basic concepts of pharmacology and the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students will be introduced to the mechanisms by which commonly used pharmacotherapeutics alter normal physiology as well as the pathophysiology of selected diseases. Patient-specific goals for therapy, choice of safe and effective therapeutic regimens, dosage adjustment, monitoring for specific therapeutic endpoints, adverse effects, and patient education are emphasized. Students will consider the indications for use, mechanisms of action, routes of administration, contraindications, precautions, adverse reactions, and drug interactions of commonly prescribed medications. The legal basis of prescriptive authority is addressed in depth.
NRMW 5017: Professional Issues, Leadership, and Social Justice in Midwifery (3 grad credits):
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to assume the role and responsibilities associated with professional midwifery practice and to promote the development of the midwifery leader. This course introduces students to the history of the midwifery profession in the United States from a social and racial justice perspective, social and racial justice in reproductive and sexual health, and cultural humility and respect. Seminars will cover the politics of health care delivery and midwifery practice on the local, national, and international levels. Students will participate in field trips and activities including attending professional meetings and Advocacy Day at the legislature in Albany.
NRMW 5122: Preparation for Midwifery Practice (1 grad credit):
This course prepares students to assume the role and responsibilities associated with professional midwifery practice. Seminars with expert guest lecturers include: community-based birth and the birth center model, obtaining professional liability insurance, billing and coding, clinical decision making models, midwifery organizations, working in a large hospital practice, working in a private practice, entrepreneurship, the regulation of midwifery, precepting midwifery students, and the process of securing a midwifery position as a new graduate.
NRMW 5106 : Neonatology, Didactic (2 grad credits):
The Neonatology, Didactic course focuses on the care and management of the well newborn from birth throughout the neonatal period. Normal neonatal physiology, common variations in the neonate, pathophysiology, complications and anomalies, growth and development and anticipatory parent guidance are integrated with the midwifery management process. Emphasis is given to the midwife's role as an advocate and liaison for families within the health care delivery system. Family integration of the newborn, newborn feeding methods, and cultural variations in newborn care are presented.
This course is taken subsequent to or concurrent with NRMW 5107, Neonatology, Clinical.
NRMW 5107 : Neonatology, Clinical (1 grad credit):
The Neonatology, Clinical course focuses on facilitating the newborn transition following birth and performing a comprehensive physical, behavioral, and gestational age assessment of the newborn in the hours after birth and during the first 28 days of life. Students practice newborn assessment skills in the classroom, the university’s Center for Health Simulation, and are then supervised in a clinical setting by midwifery faculty.
NRMW 5118 : Postpartum Care, Didactic (1.5 grad credits):
This course focuses on management of care from birth to six weeks postpartum. Topics include: physiologic changes, comprehensive physical assessment skills, counseling regarding self-care, initiation and support for lactation, newborn care, and restorative exercises. Screening and treatment for perinatal mood disorders, management of common discomforts, and complications are emphasized.
NRMW 5119 : Postpartum, Clinical (.5 grad credit):
This course focuses on management of care from birth to six weeks in the clinical setting with faculty supervision.
NRMW 5408 : Advanced Comprehensive Health Assessment , Didactic (3 grad credits):
This course is designed to provide the knowledge needed for the practice of primary care. Emphasis is placed on history-taking, relevant anatomy, normal and abnormal findings, and the components of a comprehensive physical examination.
NRMW 5116 : Advanced Pathophysiology & Primary Care (3 grad credits):
This course focuses on the broad scope of primary and preventive ambulatory health care. The pathophysiology and epidemiology of acute and chronic health conditions are covered in depth with an emphasis on how pathophysiology relates to health concerns. This scientific underpinning prepares students to assess for and diagnosis diseases and to follow appropriate screening and prevention strategies. The role of midwives in health promotion and disease prevention as educators and promoters of wellness is also included, as are primary preventive health care guidelines. Assessment of symptoms and physical signs, management of common acute and chronic medical conditions, and identification, consultation, and appropriate referral for other needed health care services are discussed. Genetic, environmental, and behavioral risk factors during various phases of life are covered.
NRMW 5120 : Intrapartum Care, Didactic (2.5 grad credits):
This course emphasizes management of care during uncomplicated labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. Topics covered include anatomy of the pelvis, labor physiology, mechanisms of labor, maternal and fetal assessment, labor support, birth techniques and procedures, and facilitation of early maternal/family and newborn bonding
NRMW 5121 : Intrapartum Care, Clinical (3 grad credits):
This course emphasizes management of care during labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period in the clinical setting with faculty supervision.
It runs concurrently with Postpartum Care Clinical and Neonatology Clinical.
NRMW 5208 : Clinical Practicum In Primary Care (1 grad credit):
Clinical Practicum in Primary Care is designed to augment Advanced Pathophysiology & Primary Care. This clinical practicum will take place concurrently or after students have had clinical practice in ambulatory care in the midwifery specialties of reproductive, sexual, and antepartum care. Students spend 42-48 hours in the clinical area. Supervision is given by either adult or family nurse practitioners, primary care physicians, or physician assistants. Students see patients who present with common health problems for initial or follow-up care. They are not expected to achieve independence in management skills, but will be exposed to a variety of health conditions, and may begin to develop management skills in these areas.
NRMW 5214 : Antepartum Care, Didactic (1.5 grad credits):
This course provides the knowledge base for the management of care of essentially healthy individuals throughout the antepartum period. Maternal-fetal physiology and assessment, embryology, nutrition, and patient education are presented and integrated with the midwifery management process.
NRMW 5215 : Antepartum Care, Clinical (1.5 grad credits):
This course gives students the opportunity to provide antepartum care in the clinical setting with faculty supervision.
NRMW 5212 : Reproductive and Sexual Health, Didactic (1.5 grad credits):
This course provides the knowledge base for ambulatory reproductive care from adolescence to beyond menopause. Included are health promotion and illness prevention, cancer screening, preconception care and counseling, human sexuality and family planning, and common gynecological problems that may be encountered across the lifespan.
NRMW 5213 : Reproductive and Sexual Health, Clinical (1.5 grad credits):
This course gives students the opportunity to provide reproductive and sexual health care in the clinical setting with faculty supervision.
NRMW 5405 : Integration Of Clinical Studies (4 grad credits):
In this course, the student acquires increased responsibility for clinical management of patients from adolescence through adulthood, including primary, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and gynecologic care. This full-time clinical placement allows students to integrate previously learned knowledge, skills, and judgment essential for the safe practice of full scope midwifery. Students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination in addition to successfully completing clinical practice to graduate from the program.
NRMW 5309 : Pre-Existing Conditions Complicating Pregnancy (1.5 credits)
This course focuses on the identification, evaluation, and follow-up for individuals with selected medical conditions that may complicate pregnancy. Emphasis is on the midwife's role in collaborating with physicians and other clinicians. Seminars and lectures utilize a case management approach to foster understanding of the pathophysiology, screening methods, diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of selected conditions. Faculty and experienced midwives who have experience co-managing patients with complications serve as lecturers and seminar leaders.
NRMW 5409 : Perinatal Complication (1.5 credits)
This course focuses on the identification, diagnosis, evaluation, and management of selected perinatal complications and birth-related emergencies. Emphasis is on the midwife's role in collaborating with physicians and other clinicians. Seminars and lectures utilize a case management approach to foster understanding of the pathophysiology, screening methods, diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of selected complications. Faculty and experienced midwives who have experience co-managing patients with complications serve as lecturers and seminar leaders.
NRMW 5209: Antepartum Complications (1.5 credits)
This course focuses on the identification, diagnosis, evaluation, and follow-up for individuals with selected complications of pregnancy. Emphasis is on the midwife's role in collaborating with physicians and other clinicians. Seminars and lectures utilize a case management approach to foster understanding of the pathophysiology, screening methods, diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of selected complications. Faculty and experienced midwives who have had hands-on experience co-managing patients with complications serve as lecturers and seminar leaders.
NRMW 5700 : Independent Study (1 grad credit)
This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore, in-depth and in a self- directed manner, a topic of special interest. Students, either individually or in groups select a faculty member with whom they:
- Identify their specific focus
- Define goals to be achieved
- Select and describe methodology
- Designate a final product
Students and faculty preceptors confer at mutually agreed upon intervals regarding the progress of the study. Offered on an as-needed basis.