University of Arkansas Launches Nurse Midwifery Program
The new program adds six specialists annually to help address the state's declining maternal health care options.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences launched the first nurse midwifery program in the state, with the inaugural cohort beginning studies in fall 2026. This training program aims to address declining access to maternal health care in Arkansas.
Why it matters
The program targets a critical deficit in maternal health options across Arkansas by producing a steady pipeline of advanced practice registered nurses trained in labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will accept six students per cohort annually into the state's first nurse midwifery program. This initiative establishes the first dedicated training pipeline for advanced practice maternal care providers in Arkansas.
The players
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The state's only academic health sciences center, responsible for medical education and research in Little Rock.
The details
The program provides specialized clinical education for nurses who will deliver prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. By implementing a shared decision-making model and a focus on patient education, graduates are trained to provide maternal health services in areas currently experiencing limited clinical access.
Timeline
Fall 2026: The inaugural nurse midwifery cohort began the program.
Market Landscape
This program follows a documented industry trend of states expanding the scope of nurse midwifery to address significant gaps in maternal health coverage. It aligns with broader national efforts to reduce maternal care deficits in medically underserved populations.
Healthcare facility operators in rural or underserved areas should monitor this pipeline as a potential future source for recruitment. Integrating these specialized clinicians may help clinics address local maternity care demand as graduation cycles commence.
The takeaway
Expanding advanced practice nursing roles represents a strategic shift for addressing specialized care shortages in Arkansas. Operators should track annual enrollment and graduation timelines to identify potential additions to their clinical staff.
Further reading
For context on the local medical labor market, see Nursing Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KATV.
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