Our 2 year program is a full time, graduate level, distance education program in midwifery for registered nurses (RN) and CM Pathway applicants who want to become midwives. The program begins with an orientation held at a distance with several sessions over several days. The program has integrated components of theory and practice, with six terms of study integrated with fours terms of clinical experience, and two on-campus sessions for intensive learning of hand skills, critical reflection and time to bond with classmates and faculty. The theoretical components are learned through readings, seminar discussions, and problem-based learning tutorials. Mastery is demonstrated through writing assignments, return demonstrations, quizzes and proctored examinations. The practice components are learned through a clinical practicum under the direction of a qualified midwife preceptor (clinical faculty). Applicants have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and are either registered nurses or have completed the CM pathway and required pre-requisites. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national examination of the American Midwifery Certification Board to earn the credential CNM or CM.

Problem Based Learning (PBL) occurs in small groups centered around discussion and inquiry. A specific, real world clinical scenario serves as the impetus for acquisition of knowledge and professional behaviors underpinning midwifery practice and interdisciplinary teams. PBL teaching methods are used in medical, midwifery and nursing schools around the world.

Our model of putting the midwife back into midwifery education has been possible at a distance by the use of computer technology. The curriculum is rich with pearls of wisdom from experienced midwifery faculty. Two Midwife Tutors follow each small class throughout the program, modeling the midwifery value of continuity of care. Students meet in computer Seminar Rooms that are full of thoughtful discussions about the art and science of midwifery practice, case presentations and reflections of role transition to midwifery. Our primarily asynchronous system allows this to happen, day and night, seven days a week... when the individual is ready to focus on school, and yet be in the comfort of one’s own home. Monthly real time problem-based learning tutorials connect tutors and students and support group bonding and processing as well as individual and group learning.

The role of the Midwife Tutor is unique at The Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University and is the foundation of our model for midwifery education. The Midwife Tutor model mimics the midwifery model of care for women: students are treated with respect as individuals, with a personalized approach that encompasses all aspects of the educational processes of advising, evaluation and supervision. The Midwife Tutor’s primary focus is the facilitation of learning. This facilitation of the learning process is similar to the midwife’s role during labor. Both roles require the ability to challenge, assess, confront, encourage, provide feedback, assist, listen and problem solve. The challenge of distance education is to facilitate learning at a distance, where students and faculty share the responsibility for life long learning.

We are fortunate to have a diverse, experienced faculty in both midwifery education and clinical practice. We believe in lifelong learning and continue to be partners in the growth and development of ourselves, our students and the profession of midwifery.

It is wonderful to be able to continually renew our vision of midwifery and midwifery education through the minds, hands and hearts of the students and faculty of the Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University. With the advances and advantages of on line learning, adult learners are able to reach their professional goals without losing any of the personal connectedness of midwifery education.

We can see the midwife within each of our students. The Midwife Tutors and the faculty are able to help strengthen this individual vision and the vision of the future of midwifery. We seek to maintain the time-honored practices of midwives while adapting to our evolving world by weaving tradition with technology.

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