Rutgers School of Nursing Enhances Nurse-Midwifery Training with Axia Women’s Health Partnership
Strengthening Clinical Training for Future Nurse-Midwives
Rutgers School of Nursing has formed a strategic partnership with Axia Women’s Health to address critical gaps in women’s health care education. This collaboration provides nurse-midwifery students access to clinical rotations across 100+ Axia facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, significantly expanding hands-on training opportunities in obstetrics, gynecology, and maternal-fetal medicine.
Why Clinical Experience Matters in Midwifery Education
Nurse-midwifery programs require extensive clinical hours where students develop essential skills under supervision. Through this partnership, Rutgers students gain exposure to diverse patient cases and contemporary care models within Axia’s integrated network. Julie Blumenfeld, Nurse-Midwifery Program Director at Rutgers, emphasizes: “This collaboration ensures our graduates enter practice with the confidence to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.”
Axia Women’s Health: A National Leader in Women’s Care
Axia operates one of the largest women’s health networks in the United States, specializing in:
- Comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic services
- Fertility treatments and prenatal diagnostics
- Collaborative care models combining midwives and physicians
Thomas Dardarian, Axia’s Chief Medical Officer, notes: “Our partnership with Rutgers allows us to mentor the next generation of providers who will expand access to evidence-based women’s health services.”
Considering specialized training in women’s health care? Learn more about Rutgers’ nurse-midwifery program requirements.
The Growing Demand for Nurse-Midwives in the USA
Recent data highlights urgent needs in maternal healthcare:
- Midwives now attend 12% of U.S. births, up from 8% in 2010
- The Association of American Medical Colleges projects an 86,000-physician shortage by 2036
- Studies show midwifery care reduces cesarean rates by 15-25% in low-risk pregnancies
Impact on Maternal Health Outcomes
Research demonstrates that midwifery models improve patient experiences while lowering healthcare costs. Rutgers’ training emphasizes:
- Reducing unnecessary medical interventions
- Supporting physiological birth processes
- Addressing racial disparities in maternal mortality
Program Structure and Student Opportunities
Rutgers’ nurse-midwifery curriculum combines rigorous coursework with clinical placements at Axia facilities. Key components include:
| Training Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinical Hours | 650+ hours across Axia’s OB/GYN practices |
| Specialized Tracks | Options in high-risk pregnancy care and community health |
| Interprofessional Education | Collaboration with physicians, sonographers, and behavioral health specialists |
Ready to advance your career? Review application deadlines for Rutgers’ nurse-midwifery program.
Future Directions in Women’s Health Education
The Rutgers-Axia partnership plans to:
- Develop hybrid simulation training combining virtual and in-person experiences
- Expand rotations into underserved communities
- Create joint research initiatives on maternal health innovations
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
With maternal mortality rates disproportionately affecting Black and Indigenous women, Rutgers prioritizes training that emphasizes:
- Culturally responsive care practices
- Community-based health interventions
- Advocacy training for health policy reform
Preparing for a Career in Nurse-Midwifery
Prospective students should consider:
- Prerequisites: Active RN license, 2+ years of labor/delivery experience
- Program Length: 2-3 years for Master’s or DNP degrees
- Certification: Graduates qualify for AMCB national board exams
For personalized guidance, contact Rutgers School of Nursing admissions advisors.
The Path Forward in Women’s Healthcare
This partnership represents a strategic response to systemic challenges in maternal care. By training nurse-midwives in evidence-based practices within high-volume clinical settings, Rutgers and Axia aim to:
- Increase access to quality prenatal and postpartum care
- Reduce preventable maternal complications
- Develop new standards for collaborative care models
As healthcare needs evolve, such academic-clinical partnerships will play a vital role in shaping the future of women’s health services across the United States.
Take the next step toward becoming a nurse-midwife: Explore Rutgers School of Nursing’s program details and admission requirements.
