Midwifery School

What can be expected from schools of midwifery?

Midwifery exists as one of the oldest and most revered medical professions in the world. At the heart of this career is the desire to facilitate safe and natural childbirth while keeping the best interests of both baby and mother in mind. Midwifery schools offer training with respect to the fact that many expectant mothers prefer a pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum experience free of drugs and invasive medical intervention. Given this fact, aspiring midwives can expect a wholly inclusive and convivial educational experience with professors and instructors who share a similarly reverent philosophy towards pregnancy and child bearing.

Within the warm environment of midwifery schools students can still expect a very serious and science-based scholastic experience. Midwifery programs will provide the training necessary to recognize any abnormalities during the term of pregnancy as Midwife Schools

well as the skills needed to act decisively in the best interest of the mother and her unborn child should any issues arise.

Overall, midwife degree programs are exceptionally comprehensive as they prepare practitioners to work autonomously with mothers during pregnancy, as well as during and after the birthing process. Most midwifery training programs last between two and three years by themselves. The two to three year programs represent training specific to those pursing an education for direct-entry into this profession.

What is a direct-entry midwife?

Programs for Direct-Entry Midwives, as the title may imply, are designed for individuals who do not have existing nursing training or experience. Nursing experience is by no means a required prerequisite to midwifery programs. In fact, most programs are designed to prepare aspiring midwives who have not already received prior medical training. This is a fully inclusive and highly accessible career for anybody with the discipline and personal motivation to complete the required schooling, and the gentle and patient disposition needed to work closely with expecting mothers and newborn infants.

Through private midwife schools that operate completely independent of nursing programs, students are prepared for the unique demands that will be placed on them as professional midwives.

How does a practicing nurse become a midwife?

Those actively working as nurses have the option of pursuing midwifery as a specialty by enrolling in a nurse to midwife conversion program that is adjunct to their existing nursing training. These programs are often available through the same midwifery schools offering direct-entry programs. This means that beyond the two to four years of training already received in nursing programs, an additional one to two years of schooling would be required to take on this specialty training in midwifery. For nurses who go this rout, the total time spent in training can be in excess of five years.

This is time well invested as this career choice denotes a unique level of expertise that ensures plenty of opportunities for advancement and leadership positions, as well as a very comfortable midwife salary. However, according to midwives interviewed, these opportunities for advancement and higher pay are secondary to the wonderful challenges and rich personal rewards derived from facilitating a safe and natural childbirth.

Home | Resources | About Us | Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Policy