We get asked all the time, what do I need to do to become a midwife? Well, here is a handy guide to the paths one can take to achieve that dream. Helping families grow is one of the greatest and most rewarding callings someone can fufill. Join us!

There are two different types of midwives:

Certified Nurse Midwives are midwives who become registered nurses (RNs) and then earn a master’s degree in Midwifery or Nursing with a focus on midwifery. The vast majority of CNMs attend births in hospitals, but you will find a smattering who practice out of the hospital setting. CNMs may provide wellness care for a client’s lifetime, have prescribing privileges, and are licensed in all 50 states. The education piece for CNM’s is a four year degree, with an additional two-three year Master’s degree, for which loans are available for tuition. A degree as a Certified Midwife does offer you the opportunity for higher wages in and out of the hospital setting.
Certified Professional Midwives or Licensed Midwives do not have to become nurses or earn a master’s degree. They enter straight into the profession of midwifery from high school or college (they are also called Direct-Entry Midwives for this reason). They either attend a midwifery school or go through an apprenticeship program to become certified, and depending on the state you reside in, are not always licensed. CPM’s attend home and birth center births, but do not have hospital privileges. Many families feel that only CPMs are truly able to practice the art and science of midwifery because they are not subject to hospital policies and routines.

Where does Treasure Valley Midwives come in?

Treasure Valley Midwives is a preceptor site for midwifery, family medicine residencies and family nurse practitioners. We are able to offer three full time student positions yearly and have smaller rotations available. Once you have established yourself in a program and have started to meet your requirements, get in touch! We have a strong mission to help provide better outcomes to families through incorporating tenets of The Midwifery Model of Care in all areas of practice.

Resources:

Paths to becoming a Midwife: http://www.midwiferytoday.com/books/paths.asp
Citizens for Midwifery: http://www.cfmidwifery.org/
What is a CNM: http://www.midwife.org/Become-a-Midwife
What is a CPM: http://www.midwife.org/Become-a-Midwife
Midwifery Schools: http://www.meacschools.org/