Today's midwives have many opportunities for formal training. This is due
to the tireless efforts of midwives who have campaigned for legalization,
trained apprentices and formal school.
There are two basic educational paths -- direct-entry midwife (DEM), and
certified nurse-midwife (CNM).
The direct-entry midwife enters the profession directly through
self-directed study and experience, or apprenticeship with a senior midwife
or doctor, or attendance at a direct-entry midwifery training program.
The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) has also established a national
certification process. Midwives can go through a process to become certified
professional midwives (CPM).
"Just as long as you can meet the mandated standards, you can practice
whether you are direct-entry, an apprentice, or following the CPM route,"
says Heidi Fillmore-Patrick. She is the director of the Birthwise Midwifery
School in Maine.
There are only about a dozen accredited direct-entry midwifery schools
in the U.S. Since a nursing degree is not required, direct-entry midwives
can be certified and practicing within three years.
The typical program includes three semesters of academic courses followed
by clinical placement in a home birth practice or birth center. Upon graduation,
students are ready to take the NARM exams and apply for CPM status.
A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who is also
trained in midwifery.
Schools offering this education must gain accreditation status through
the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council. State requirements for nurse-midwifery
must also be met.
Candidates must earn a bachelor of science in nursing, then pass
board of nursing examinations to become a registered nurse.
One to two years of work experience in obstetrical nursing or labor
and delivery in a hospital is required for a nurse-midwifery program,
which takes about a year to complete. Candidates may earn either a master's
degree or a certificate in nurse-midwifery.
After completing the nurse-midwifery program, the candidate must pass the
American College of Nurse-Midwives board examination to be certified.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Check here for more information related to this field of study
How to Become a Certified Professional Midwife
Information from the North American Registry of Midwives
Midwifery Today Magazine
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