Kennedy‑King College on Chicago's South Side announced that it will admit its inaugural cohort for Illinois' first degree program in midwifery in the spring of 2027. The new program marks the state's initial offering of a bachelor's level education dedicated to training professional midwives.
Students accepted into the program will experience a curriculum that combines traditional classroom instruction with hands‑on training in a simulation laboratory. In addition to these academic components, the coursework requires participants to be on call for 24‑hour clinical duties, giving them real‑world exposure to childbirth and postpartum care under supervision.
The college emphasized that the blended approach is designed to equip future midwives with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for independent practice. By integrating simulated scenarios with continuous clinical responsibility, the program seeks to mirror the demands of modern maternity care.
Located in the historically underserved South Side community, Kennedy‑King College aims to expand access to midwifery education for residents of Chicago and the surrounding region. The school plans to draw students from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the demographic makeup of the area it serves.
While details on the size of the first cohort have not been released, the college indicated that enrollment will begin in the spring semester of 2027. Prospective students will be required to meet standard admission criteria and complete prerequisite coursework before entering the specialized program.
The launch of the degree aligns with broader efforts across Illinois to address gaps in maternal health services and to increase the number of qualified midwives in the state. Kennedy‑King College's initiative positions it as a pioneering institution in the field of midwifery education.