The University of South Carolina (USC) is set to launch the state’s first accredited nurse-midwifery program in Fall 2025, aiming to improve maternal healthcare and address growing concerns about childbirth and pregnancy care in the state.
The new program, offered through USC’s College of Nursing, will train registered nurses to become certified nurse-midwives. These healthcare professionals provide essential services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, and general women’s health. Research shows that midwives help lower C-section rates, reduce preterm births, and improve breastfeeding success.
South Carolina faces significant maternal health challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas. By training more nurse-midwives, USC hopes to expand access to quality maternity care across the state and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The program will be offered online, giving working nurses a flexible way to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Graduates will be eligible to take the Certified Nurse-Midwife exam through the American Midwifery Certification Board.
USC is also planning to launch a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a midwifery focus in 2026. The programs align with national trends, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 40% increase in midwifery jobs over the next decade.
To ensure hands-on clinical experience, USC has partnered with medical organizations such as the School of Medicine Columbia, Prisma Health Baptist, and the South Carolina affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Additionally, ten midwifery practices across South Carolina—including locations in Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and Spartanburg—have committed to providing clinical training for students.
University officials say the overwhelming support from healthcare partners reflects the urgent need for more maternal care providers. With this new program, USC hopes to make a lasting impact on maternal and infant health in South Carolina.
