Foreign-Trained Midwives'
Frequently Asked Questions
About California Licensure

What if I am licensed in another country?
Unfortunately, California does not recognize midwifery licenses from other countries. In order to get licensed in California, you need to graduate from a midwifery school in the United States recognized by the California Medical Board.

What if I am licensed in another state in the United States?
Licensure laws vary from state to state.  If you have graduated from a midwifery school in the United States recognized by the California Medical Board, and taken the NARM exam, you will probably be able to get licensed in California.  Contact the Medical Board of California for more information.

Can I work for a hospital as a licensed midwife?
Probably not. Midwifery in the United States is quite different from midwifery in most other countries.

In the United States, the midwives who practice in hospitals are nurse midwives. These midwives are nurses who have gone on for advanced nursing training in midwifery.

Most hospitals in the United States will not hire or grant privileges to licensed midwives. Licensed midwives generally have independent home birth or birth center practices. A few medical clinics will hire licensed midwives to provide prenatal and postpartum care only (not to do deliveries).

If you think you might qualify to be a nurse midwife, you should contact the California Board of Nursing.

I still have questions. Who can I talk to?

Click here for more information about enrolling at Seattle Midwifery School.
 

For questions about becoming a licensed midwife in California:

Herman Hill
Midwifery Program Coordinator
California Medical Board
1428 Howe Ave, Suite 56
Sacramento CA 95825-3236
(916) 263-2393
 

For questions about becoming a registered nurse or nurse midwife in California:

California Board of Nursing
(916) 322-3350 ext. 2

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