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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered a “qualified clinical preceptor”?

A “qualified preceptor” is a Certified Midwifeor Certified Nurse-Midwife who is certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and has an active license in the state in which s/he practices. CNM/CMs have the scope of practice for which our students are being educated. See the ACNMs Core Competencies.


What is the difference between a Certified Midwife/Certified Nurse Midwife (CM/CNM) and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?

There are multiple paths to becoming a midwife. At The Midwifery Institute, the faculty have respect for all midwives regardless of one’s path and credentials but we believe that it is equally important to have a basic understanding of the differences in educational requirements and scope of practice. CM/CNMs attend schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and are certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). CPMs are either trained through the apprenticeship model known as the Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP) or attend schools of midwifery of which many are accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). CPMs are then certified through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). CM/CNMs predominantly practice in the hospital setting with some practicing in out of hospital settings and CPMs predominantly practice in homes or birth centers.


Can I have more than one clinical preceptor?

Yes, students at The Midwifery Institute may have more than one clinical preceptor for four primary reasons.

  1. The student is working with a group of midwives that are all part of the same practice.
  2. The student desires experience in more than one setting.
  3. The student has secured one clinical site but it is a low volume site and another will be needed to meet the minimum required numbers.
  4. The student has secured one site for outpatient clinical and another for full scope clinical.

Can students at The Midwifery Institute attend homebirths?

Yes, students are encouraged to find a clinical placement with a qualified preceptor in any setting that is of interest including home an accredited free-standing birthing centers.


I have a bachelor’s degree from a non-accredited school. Can I apply The Midwifery Institute?

Your undergraduate degree must have been earned at an accredited institution. If you are unsure if your degree was completed at an accredited school, please contact an admissions representative who will be happy to assist you.


Does The Midwifery Institute offer a route to completing my bachelor’s degree?

Philadelphia University offers four Accelerated Bachelor’s Completion options for interested applicants who currently hold an associate’s degree. Currently this program is not available at a distance but this option is being developed. If you are interested in this option, contact an admissions representative.


Can I become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) upon graduation from The Midwifery Institute?

Yes, students who attend a minimum of 10 out of hospital births as a student midwife are eligible to sit the North American Registry of Midwives examination to earn the CPM credential.

*** To see a list of the states in which CPMs practice legally, click here. Some states may have additional requirements. Be sure to contact your state licensing board for specifics.


I’m a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Can I apply to this program?

Applicants to The Midwifery Institute must be either Registered Nurses (RNs) or have completed the prerequisite courses and the three CM pathway courses. All applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. There are a number of on-line programs that offer LPN/LVN to RN programs and RN to BSN programs as well.


Does The Midwifery Institute offer the option of becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)?

The Midwifery Institute is part of a school of Science and Health offering graduate degrees in Occupational Therapy, Disaster Medicine and Management and Physician Assistant Studies and therefore does not offer this degree. CNMs who would like this credential should speak with a representative from their state licensing board as the criteria varies greatly from state to state.


What if I have a cumulative GPA of below a 3.0 from my undergraduate studies? Can I still apply?

Yes, you may still apply. Each application is evaluated individually. You will however, need to complete a writing sample in addition to the other admissions requirements. Additionally, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are required to write an additional paragraph explaining the circumstances. If your undergraduate GPA is very low, you may consider taking one or two college level courses in the area of weakness. This may help your overall application appear stronger and show the admissions committee that you are ready for graduate level work.


I am a midwife who was educated in another country and I would like to practice in the United States. Do I need to go back to school?

You will likely require further education as the scope of practice of midwives is larger here in the United States. Keep in mind that you must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in order to apply so you will need to have your foreign education and credentials evaluated by a National Association of Credentials Evaluations Services (NACES) member agency such as World Education Services (WES) or The Commission on Graduates from Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Be sure to have ALL of your previous education evaluated, not only your midwifery education.


What if I want to practice abroad after becoming a CM/CNM?

Yes, midwives do practice abroad upon graduation. If you are interested in international opportunities, click here (ACNM Dept of Global Outreach).


I am a CM/CNM interested in a doctoral degree? Does The Midwifery Institute offer this option?

The Midwifery Institute is currently developing a doctoral program. If you are interested in applying to this program, contact an admissions representative. We will be happy to let you know as soon as the program is ready to launch.


I am a CM/CNM who has been out of practice for a number of years and I would like to update my knowledge base/skills. Does The Midwifery Institute offer a reentry to practice option?

Yes, The Midwifery Institute has a non-matriculating refresher program for midwives who have been certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Please contact an admissions representative to discuss their individual circumstances. For more information on reentry programs, click here.


I am a CM/CNM who has been out of practice for a number of years and my state licensing board requires that I enter a reentry program. Does The Midwifery Institute offer this option?

Yes, The Midwifery Institute has a non-matriculating refresher program for midwives who have been certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Please contact an admissions representative to discuss their individual circumstances. For more information on reentry programs, click here.


Your application requirements state that applicants need to have “experience” before applying to the program. What counts as experience?

We have included experience in our admissions criteria because we want to know more about what life experiences led you to midwifery. Experience can take on many forms which may include nursing school or practice, doula work, lactation support, or volunteer efforts that focus on women’s heath or maternal/infant care and advocacy. If you aren’t sure if your life experience will meet the requirement, contact an admissions representative.


Can I apply to The Midwifery Institute while finishing my prerequisites or nursing school?

Absolutely! We encourage students to apply during their final semester of nursing school or prerequisite courses. Gather your materials including all official transcripts (except for those courses you are currently enrolled) and we will consider your application. If you are offered admission, your acceptance remains conditional until you show proof that you passed your courses with a C or better. Nursing students who will be bypassing the CM pathway will need to take the NCLEX and be licensed in at least one state prior to the start of classes.


How do I obtain scholarships and grants?

The Midwifery Institute currently offers students a traineeship grant during their clinical semesters. Philadelphia University also offers a competitive graduate assistantship. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, click here. We encourage all interested applicants to explore the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website for scholarship and grant opportunities. HRSAs primary function is to improve access to health care for vulnerable and medically underserved populations.

Click here for a list of organizations that may provide scholarship opportunities to midwifery students or here for a free course on finding funding sources for your education.