Midwives provide care, support, and education to women before, during, and after childbirth. Most are registered nurses who complete extensive training and licensing. Nurse-midwives in the US must complete a bachelor’s degree, advanced practice diploma, and pass a national exam. Some countries allow midwifery without becoming advanced practice nurses. Refresher courses and periodic recertification exams are required to maintain a midwifery license. Continuing education is essential for staying current on medical and technological advances.
A midwife is a medical professional who provides direct care, support and education to women before, during and after childbirth. Most midwives are registered nurses who have obtained extensive teaching, training and licensing credentials. It is also possible to obtain a midwifery license in some states and countries by taking courses and certification exams at an accredited midwifery school and completing an internship. Regardless of the educational path taken, midwives become essential members of a team of health professionals for pregnant women.
Most of these professionals, especially those working in the United States, choose to become nurse-midwives. A prospective nursing midwife is usually required to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in nursing, as well as a two-year advanced practice diploma. He or she must pass a national exam to obtain registered nurse credentials, work as an intern or apprentice for up to two years in an emergency room or general hospital, and complete additional midwifery training at a birthing clinic, hospital, or gynecologist’s office . After earning a degree and completing training, a new nurse is required to pass an exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) before obtaining an official midwifery license.
Some countries and states allow individuals to enter the field of midwifery without becoming advanced practice nurses. People have the option to study independently, apprentice with an established and certified midwife, or attend courses at an accredited midwifery school. The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) is a professional organization that accredits midwifery schools and offers students the opportunity to take the AMCB licensing test upon graduation. Midwifery apprenticeships and school programs vary in size, although most take about two to three years to complete.
Many other countries have AMCB-like certification programs and boards that establish midwifery licensing requirements. In the UK, for example, an individual is expected to complete 32-month training programs at an accredited vocational school to obtain a midwifery license. Graduates must take exams and meet qualifications set by the Board of Nursing and Midwives to obtain their licenses and begin working independently.
Typically, a practitioner is required to take refresher courses and periodic recertification exams to maintain their midwifery license. NARM requires individuals to attend continuing education workshops and receive peer reviews every three years. A midwife may also retake the NARM written licensing exam to maintain her license. Continuing education is essential for professionals to stay current on medical and technological advances and ensure they are providing the best possible care to their patients.
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