Midwifery training programs can be direct or non-direct entry, with theoretical information and practical field work. Direct entry programs are not certified or accredited, and students should research the program’s theoretical training, clinical support, and business practices. Non-direct entry programs require a nursing license and may not offer experience in home births. Prospective students should inquire about class size, instructor qualifications, and the school’s pass rate on the national certification exam.
Midwives provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Midwifery training programs can be divided into two general categories: direct midwifery training and training that comes after – or in conjunction with – a licensure program in another healthcare profession. The best training programs in both categories incorporate theoretical information with extensive practical field work with an experienced and experienced midwife.
Direct entry programs are generally not themselves certified or accredited by any external government body; therefore, prospective students will need to research these schools carefully. Students first want to ask what kind of theoretical training is offered and who teaches it. Some direct-entry midwifery training courses provide classroom instruction, while others provide self-study modules.
Any of these options can be a good choice, depending on the student’s learning style. Self-study modules can work well for a student who has geographic barriers or scheduling conflicts that make classes difficult. A student who has trouble learning from written information alone or has difficulty keeping to a schedule may choose a midwifery training course that offers classroom learning.
Prospective students of direct-entry midwifery training programs will also want to know about what clinical support is available and how many births they will be attending before being the primary assistant for a birth. Actual salaried jobs as a direct-entry midwife may be limited, and most direct-entry midwives will be self-employed. Therefore, a good direct-entry midwifery training program will also provide insight into independent business practices such as obtaining referrals, billing techniques, and working with other healthcare professionals.
The most common licensing program for non-direct midwifery training in the United States is the certified nurse-midwifery program. To apply to these types of programs, a student must already be a licensed and registered nurse. Although this type of program is accredited by a national board, prospective students still want to know about class size and instructor qualifications. Also, not all certified midwifery training programs offer experience in home births. If a student intends to assist with home births, he or she will want to inquire about school policy.
Prospective students of the school of midwifery training programs for certified nurses should inquire about the school’s pass rate on the national certification exam. While a high pass rate does not guarantee a quality program, it is an indicator that the school is capable of providing good midwifery training.
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