Become a certified midwife in California
To become a certified midwife in California, one must first complete a midwifery education program that is accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) or the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These programs typically take two to four years to complete and include both classroom and clinical training.
After completing the education program, individuals must pass the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam, which is a national certification exam for midwives. Once certified by NARM, individuals can apply for a California state license through the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
To be eligible for a California midwifery license, individuals must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a midwifery education program, pass the NARM exam, and have a current CPR certification. Additionally, individuals must complete a background check and submit an application to the BRN, along with the required fees.
Once licensed, midwives in California must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses and renewing their license every two years. They must also adhere to the standards of practice set forth by the California Association of Midwives and the American College of Nurse-Midwives.