Program Philosophy
The Columbia Nursing Midwifery Program recognizes that education of midwives improves the health of birthing people, infants, and their families. Integral to the program is the belief that every client has the right to be centered in all aspects of their healthcare, to be provided with the resources to achieve their optimal wellness and to make informed decisions about their health and healthcare. The option of midwifery care should be available to every client regardless of socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, or national background.
As an interdependent discipline with its own core of knowledge, skills and competencies, midwifery promotes pregnancy and birth as physiologic processes that respond well to respect, support and quality care. Direct and honest communication with clients is an essential component of care that serves to empower each client. Health promotion and disease prevention are emphasized through a person-centered approach in the context of family and community.
Midwifery education is enhanced through diversity in the student body, faculty and preceptors. The program strives to provide an atmosphere of mutual trust, support, and collaboration between faculty and students. The midwifery curriculum acknowledges the value of adult learning and promotes professional role and leadership development. Faculty and preceptors provide educational resources to foster the growth and understanding of midwives’ role in the collaborative management of safe and satisfying healthcare throughout the lifespan. The program acknowledges the strengths in students and faculty members and promotes the development of critical thinking and compassionate care. The faculty serve as role models in academic and clinical endeavors while instructing and including students in leadership and advocacy positions for the advancement of the profession.
The midwifery program values evidence-based midwifery education and is combined with competency-based learning. Clinical experiences serve as an opportunity for students to learn from various preceptors and provide students exposure to a range of clinical experiences and diverse patient populations. A global perspective on pregnancy, birth and sexual and reproductive health is fostered and valued. Students and faculty participate in local and global communities to foster high quality health care for parents and babies and to reduce health disparities. By integrating skills and knowledge while valuing the uniqueness of each client, students can competently practice culturally respectful, full-scope midwifery care.