Have You Thought About Where You Want to Study?
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Programs
CNM Training: These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and are often affiliated with nursing schools. They prepare midwives for licensure to practice in hospital, birth center, and home birth settings.
Some programs include Frontier Nursing University (online with clinicals), Georgetown University, and the University of California, San Francisco.
Focus: These programs combine nursing and midwifery education, emphasizing hospital-based births, though many CNMs also work in out-of-hospital settings.
Certified Midwife (CM) Pathways
CM Training: These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and are designed for individuals from non-nursing backgrounds. CMs are trained to provide midwifery care across various settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and homes. The curriculum focuses on reproductive health, pregnancy management, newborn care, and comprehensive midwifery skills.
Some programs include: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (New York), Midwifery Institute at Jefferson University (Pennsylvania), Shenandoah University ( Virginia), and Baystate Medical Center Midwifery Education Program (Massachusetts).
Focus: CM programs emphasize midwifery care without requiring a nursing background, preparing individuals to manage pregnancies, births, postpartum care, and reproductive health. These programs provide training for various birthing settings and emphasize community-based care.
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) Pathways
CPM Credential: Offered through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), this credential can be achieved via multiple routes:
Graduation from a MEAC-accredited program.
The Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP) for apprentices.
International or state-approved equivalency pathways.
Some programs include: Schools like the Midwives College of Utah, National Midwifery Institute ( Vermont), and Maternidad La Luz (Texas) provide comprehensive training for CPM candidates.
Focus: These programs emphasize community and home birth practices, often working outside the hospital system.
Direct-Entry Midwifery and Other Pathways
State-Recognized Training: States like California, Washington, and Texas have specific licensing and educational requirements for direct-entry midwives.
Examples of Schools: Bastyr University (Washington), National Midwifery Institute (online and apprenticeships), and Midwifery Institute at Jefferson (Pennsylvania).
Options for Traditional Midwifery: In some states, traditional midwives can practice without formal certification but may need to meet other requirements.
Online and Hybrid Programs
Many midwifery schools now offer flexible, hybrid programs combining online coursework with local clinical apprenticeships. These are ideal for students balancing education with personal or professional commitments.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Several programs and organizations offer scholarships and grants for midwifery students, such as the Tanya K. Taiwo Scholarship and MEAC's relocation support grants.
For a complete list of programs and pathways, consult the resources provided by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), and professional organizations like the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and NACPM.