How Do I Become a Midwife Without a Nursing Degree?

Midwife Programs

Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery (CCSM)

The Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery (CCSM) offers a comprehensive and culturally sensitive midwifery training program that aims to prepare highly competent midwives. The school emphasizes teaching the art of out-of-hospital birth, differentiating between low-risk and high-risk pregnancies, and preparing students to operate as professional midwives. 

CCSM provides two programs: the Hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery Program and the Licensure by Endorsement Program. The Hybrid Direct-Entry Program is adapted to meet the needs of aspiring midwives across the nation, with academic courses offered virtually, clinical lab courses on campus during trimester workshops, and clinical externships in their local community over a period of three years. On the other hand, the Licensure by Endorsement Program is designed for experienced foreign-trained midwives or doctors, as well as registered or licensed midwives from other states, and focuses on preparing them for careers as Florida Licensed Midwives. 

• Location: Winter Garden, FL
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) 
• Tuition: $27,000 total

Florida School of Traditional Midwifery 

The Florida School of Traditional Midwifery offers two primary programs: the 3-Year Direct-Entry Midwifery Program and the Four-Month Licensure by Endorsement Program. The Direct-Entry Program is designed for students with no prior midwifery or nursing education. It includes academic and clinical learning experiences required for graduation as per Florida’s Midwifery Practice Act, Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 64B24, and requirements set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). 

The program comprises 91 credits, totaling 2,505 clock hours of instruction, and takes three years to complete. The curriculum includes foundational courses like Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Healthcare Skills I and II, Microbiology, and Pharmacology during the first year. Core midwifery courses such as Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum are covered in the second year, while advanced midwifery topics are taught in the third year. 

The Licensure by Endorsement Program prepares maternity care providers credentialed in other states or countries for licensure as Florida Licensed Midwives. To apply, candidates must have their credentials and midwifery education reviewed and approved by a recognized independent credentialing agency before enrollment. Graduates from both programs are eligible to sit for the NARM exam and become Florida Licensed Midwives (LM) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPM).

• Location: Gainesville, FL
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) 
• Tuition: $39,168 total

Mercy in Action College of Midwifery 

Mercy In Action College of Midwifery offers aspiring midwives a comprehensive, community-based distance learning program. The academic year commences with an online orientation week where students are introduced to the degree specifics, curriculum, schedule, and general expectations. Students continue their academic work online from the third semester onwards while beginning clinical placements with a qualified community midwife at their chosen location. 

Students follow through their cohorts until graduation, participating in online discussion boards and collaborating on assignments. Post-graduation, there’s assistance provided for networking with local midwives or optional international placements. The application deadlines are February 1 for Early Enrollment, March 15 for Regular Enrollment, and May 1 for Late Enrollment. Applicants receive acceptance notifications a month after the respective application deadlines. The Fall 2023 semester begins in late August. The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council accredited the college and registered with the Idaho State Board of Education.

• Location: Boise, ID
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) 
• Tuition: $29,795 total

Midwives College of Utah 

The Midwives College of Utah offers a rigorous and comprehensive midwifery program to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional care as professional midwives. The program is delivered through an innovative distance education model, allowing students to learn at their own pace and in their communities. It combines academic study with hands-on clinical experience, providing a well-rounded education in theoretical and practical aspects of midwifery. 

The application requirements for this program include a minimum age of 21 years, a high school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in English language, basic computer skills, and the ability to participate in physical tasks associated with midwifery. Applicants must also submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and complete an interview process. For those interested in furthering their education, the college offers a master’s degree in midwifery.

• Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) 
• Tuition: $30,240 total

Midwife Program Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements to midwifery programs vary based on the type of degree conferred. For programs that lead to certification in midwifery without an undergraduate degree, here are some standard admissions requirements set forth by the American Midwifery Certification Board and state licensure boards: 

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic computer skills
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview

Midwife Certifications & State Licensure

Midwife Certification

The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential, offered by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), is a comprehensive certification with various application routes. 

The certification and recertification process involves thorough guidelines, informed disclosure, informed consent, and emergency care forms. The Candidate Information Booklet is valuable for understanding the NARM Examination and the Midwifery Bridge Certificate. 

For professional development, NARM provides resources encompassing: 

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training
• Continuing Education Units (CEU) 
• Cultural awareness
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) information 
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Preceptors play a significant role in the certification process, and specific policies and resources are in place to guide preceptor-student relationships. NARM also emphasizes accountability in midwifery care, with mechanisms for community peer review, complaint review, and a grievance procedure. The NARM website is a wealth of information, providing insights into the history of the CPM credential.

Midwife State Licensure

Although state licensure forms the legal foundation for practicing midwifery, most states require certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to obtain this license. Additionally, many institutions mandate AMCB certification as a prerequisite for granting the privileges to practice.