Direct-entry midwives are a resource that could be effectively used to reduce disparities in maternal-child health by increasing access to community-based health care services. The midwifery model of care has been shown to have advantages for many women because it promotes healthy pregnancies, values the childbearing experience in a socially and culturally meaningful context, and reduces unnecessary interventions in labor. There are now approximately 1000 state licensed and/or nationally certified direct-entry midwives in the United States. Over 100 students are currently enrolled in direct-entry midwifery education programs. This paper describes twelve direct-entry midwifery educational programs accredited or pre-accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). These programs are located in seven states and include vocational schools; community college programs; and degree-granting institutions. All adhere to the principles of competency-based education. Program graduates must meet the core competencies described by the Midwives Alliance of North America as well as the skills and experience requirements established by the North American Registry of Midwives. The accreditation standards adopted by MEAC will be described as well as the process for evaluating eligible programs. Aggregated annual report data for all accredited programs will be reported, including: student enrollment numbers; graduation rates; percentage of graduates who have successfully completed licensure and certification examinations; and graduate employment patterns. These findings will be discussed in light of the need for increasing the number and distribution of midwives who are prepared to work in diverse social, cultural, and geographic communities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the number and distribution of direct-entry midwifery educational programs in the U.S. 2. Describe the accreditation standards for these competency-based programs. 3. Describe the number and success of students and program graduates. 4. Discuss the implications for the provision of community-based midwifery services
Keywords: Professional Training, Midwifery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Midwifery Education Accreditation Council
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by Seattle Midwifery School
Voluntary board member for Midwifery Education Accreditation Council