There are many paths to becoming a home birth midwife; a few include online and in person academics, an apprenticeship model with at least one Licensed Midwife while following the NARM requirements, your state requirements, or intensive education programs through an out of hospital birth center. Each of these comes with their pros and cons and each person needs to choose the path right for themselves. We host "Intro to Becoming a Midwife" events periodically to discuss these paths more in depth and help students find what fits best. Here are some websites to research.

 

• New Mexico Student Midwifery Requirements

• New Mexico Apprentice Midwife Application

• New Mexico Apprentice/Preceptor Application

• MEAC Midwifery Schools

• NARM North America Registry of Midwives (CPM title)

• Texas Training Program Application

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Some of the schools geared towards midwifery training are MEAC accredited. MEAC standards incorporate the nationally recognized core competencies and guiding principles set by the Midwives Alliance of North America and the requirements for national certification of the North American Registry of Midwives.

MEAC-accredited schools prepare students to sit for the NARM examination. Students who graduate from MEAC-accredited schools are eligible for certain benefits from NARM, such as a simplified application process and the option for early certification testing. Students who choose to use a midwifery school that is not MEAC accredited are required to maintain their own documenting if they plan on licensing through their state or NARM.

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Several schools offer payment plans, scholarships, student loans, and federal student loans. Follow the MEAC midwifery school link to compare available schools. After determining which learning style is best for you, finding a local preceptor or Midwife or training birth center who can take you on as a student.  

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Each path can vary in length of time it takes to train and be ready to sit for exams or feel prepared to license, but generally anywhere from 3-5 years depending on your area and availability to practicing the skills and births needed. 

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Whichever path you choose, the need for more Midwives around our border region is ever growing as more and more people are drawn to midwifery care and home birth and there are many underserved areas. Interested in more info? Contact us for more info.