Just like any health care provider, midwives can have different levels of education and training. Generally, the types of midwives can be broken down into 5 categories.
Certified nurse midwife (CNM): A certified nurse midwife has the highest level of education and training among the different types of midwives. Certified nurse midwives have completed nursing school and are registered nurses. They also complete a master’s degree in nurse midwifery and receive additional training in pregnancy and childbirth. CNMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and are recognized as part of the medical community. Most work in hospitals or birth centers and some have hospital privileges. Our certified nurse midwife Marcia Houpe, MSN, APRN, has earned this level of achievement.
Certified midwives (CM): A certified nurse midwife has the same education and training as a certified midwife, but does not hold a degree in nursing. Like CNMs, certified midwives often work with doctors and may work in hospitals or birth centers. They are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Certified professional midwife (CPM): Individuals with various educational backgrounds can be become a CPM. CPMs are trained in midwifery programs accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council and must meet standards of the North American Registry of Midwives. CPMs most often practice in homes or birth centers.
Direct-entry midwives (DEMs): A direct-entry midwife refers to an individual who has independently pursued midwifery training through various avenues. This many include an apprenticeship, college/university program, self-study, midwifery school or some other path. Direct-entry midwives do not work in hospitals or with doctors and most often attend home births.
Lay midwives: A lay midwife is someone who has received informal midwifery training but is not certified or licensed as a midwife. Lay midwives are not recognized as medical professionals and are not typically allowed to work in hospitals or clinical settings. Most attend home births and some may work in birth centers.