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National Association of Certified Professional Midwives
North American Registry of Midwives
MANA State-by-State Chart - Direct-Entry Midwives' Legal Status
Canadian Association of Midwives
American College of Nurse Midwives
Types of North American Midwives
Direct-Entry Midwives begin their education in midwifery directly, after meeting program prerequisites, rather than after completing a nursing program. Occasionally, nurses choose a direct-entry midwifery school because they want their education to focus primarily on independent midwifery practice in homes or birth centers -- skills not generally taught in nursing school. Direct-entry midwives are generally self-employed and most often practice in home and freestanding birth center practices. State laws vary regarding direct-entry midwives. There are several options for direct-entry midwives to become credentialed.
Licensed Midwives (LM) have obtained licensure in the state in which they are practicing. Many states, including Washington and California, offer a license to direct entry midwives who meet the requirements of the state law and pass the licensing examination. Graduates from SMS are eligible for licensure in nearly every state that offers a license.
Registered Midwives (RM) have obtained registration from a Canadian province, including Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta. The registration is available to midwives who successfully complete province requirements and examinations. Educational requirements, scope of practice, compensation, and employment opportunities vary by province. Prospective Canadian applicants will find province-by-province information on the Canadian Association of Midwives’ website. To date, graduates from SMS have been registered in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) attend both nursing and midwifery schools and are certified according to the requirements of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). CNMs are recognized in all states, though the minimum qualifications and scope of practice vary by state. Most CNMs practice in hospitals, though a small percentage practice in freestanding birth centers and home settings. SMS graduates desiring to be CNMs would be required to complete additional training at an ACNM- accredited program.