Course Schedule
Each module in the midwifery program is designed to be completed in one month. The knowledge gained in each module provides the foundation for the next module's learning activities. There are thirty-seven required modules. An advanced certification module (the Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics course provided by the American Academy of Family Practitioners) and an Integration Phase are also available. The Integration Phase is utilized by students who need or desire additional opportunity to practice midwifery skills and complete all requirements for certification as a professional midwife (C.P.M.) by the North American Registry of Midwives. This credential is required for midwifery licensure in many states.
- Foundations of Contemporary Midwifery
- The Midwives' Model of Care
- Midwifery Practice and Professionalism
- Contemporary Midwifery History and Politics
- The Role of Informed Consent in the Midwifery Practice
An introduction to the midwives' model of care and the context of professional midwifery practice. Students consider the sociopolitical ramifications of contemporary midwifery while exploring global, national and state midwifery professional issues.
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Medical Terminology and Abbreviations
Students memorize basic medical and midwifery terminology as a means of creating commonality, mutual understanding and professionalism between health care providers.
- Practice Documentation
- Developing a Documentation System
- Standardized Procedures and Practice Guidelines
An introduction to legal and ethical guidelines for documentation of midwifery care. Students apply medical terminology to midwifery practice with simulated charting exercises. Informed consent is introduced as the context of care for the midwife-patient relationship.
- Communication Skills
- Midwifery in Multicultural Settings
- Communication and Counseling Skills
- Education Skills
- Understanding and Working with Social Styles
Students are introduced to communication, education and counseling skills for midwifery practice. Students learn to work with differing social styles as a means of improving communication in midwifery practice. The practice of midwifery in multicultural settings and the concepts of "cultural competency" and ?cultural humility? are explored.
- Introduction to Midwifery Skills
- Hygiene
- Clean and Aseptic Technique
- Universal Precautions and OSHA Standards
- Introduction to Clinical Skills
Midwifery students learn universal precautions, aseptic technique and basic midwifery skills with application to clinical practice.
- Foundations of Reproductive Science
- Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
- Ethical Considerations in Reproductive Health
An overview of reproductive anatomy and physiology with application to well-woman gynecologic care.
- From Conception to Birth
- Introduction to Genetics
- Embryology and Fetal Development
- Teratogens
An overview of genetics, fetal development and teratogenic complications of pregnancy with applications for pre-conceptional counseling and midwifery practice as well as appropriate referral to perinatal providers.
- Microbiology for Midwives
- Introductory Microbiology
- Introduction to Laboratory Skills
An introduction to basic microbiology and laboratory skills for midwives.
- Complete Health Assessment
- Taking a Midwifery/Medical History
- Assessing Histories from Other Care Professionals
- The Complete Physical Examination
Students learn to take a detailed midwifery and medical history, evaluate histories from other health care providers and perform a physical exam in a clinical setting.
- Well-Woman Care
- Well-Woman Gynecologic Exam
- Pap Testing
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Clinical Skills Practicum
Students learn to perform a well-woman gynecologic exam, including screening tests and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Students learn guidelines for communicable disease referral to state departments of public health.
- Nutrition in Pregnancy
- Methods of Nutritional Assessment
- Improving Perinatal Outcomes through Nutritional Applications
- Nutritional Supplements
The impact of nutrition on pregnancy, including the prevention of complications such as preterm labor, anemia, pre-eclampsia and abruptio placenta. Emphasis is placed on research regarding the direct impact of nutrition on perinatal outcomes and long-term health.
- Diagnostic Testing in Pregnancy
- Diagnostic Testing in Pregnancy: Options, Ethics and Informed Consent
- Improving Perinatal Outcomes through Diagnostic Testing
- Clinical Skills Practicum
A survey of obstetrical technology and its applications to pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Students learn selection of appropriate diagnostic tests during pregnancy and their clinical application to improving perinatal outcomes. Students learn phlebotomy skills.
- Prenatal Care I
- Facilitating Health during Pregnancy
- The Place of Birth and Choices in Childbirth
- Risk Assessment
- The Midwifery Care Plan
Students integrate material learned in previous modules with the midwifery model of care to develop critical thinking skills relative to midwifery care and treatment of common complaints during the normal pregnancy. Students learn to evaluate client?s level of risk relative to place of birth and begin developing midwifery care plans and practice guidelines.
- Prenatal Care II
- Providing Prenatal Care
- The Prenatal Home Visit
- Issues of Abuse: Victims and Survivors Give Birth
An introduction to the clinical skills involved in the provision of prenatal care. Students learn about the unique value of the home visit and explore the psychosocial impact of abuse issues relative to pregnancy, birth and perinatal outcomes.
- Complications of Pregnancy I
- Recognizing and Treating Complications to 28 Weeks Gestation
Students learn to recognize and treat the complications of early pregnancy to 28 weeks gestational age.
- Complications of Pregnancy II
- Recognizing and Treating Complications at 28 Weeks Gestation and Beyond
- Clinical Skills Practicum
Midwifery students learn to recognize and treat the complications of pregnancy from 28 weeks gestation to term.
- Evaluation of Fetal Well-Being
- Midwifery Evaluation of Fetal Well-Being
- Technological Approaches to Fetal Assessment
- Clinical Skills Practicum
Students learn low- and high-tech approaches to the assessment of fetal well-being during pregnancy and develop appropriate guidelines for referral in the presence of complications.
- Pharmacology I: American Herbal Pharmacology
- American Herbal Pharmacopoeia
An exploration of traditional American herbal pharmacopoeia with applications to the childbearing year.
- Pharmacology II: Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Introduction to Chinese Medicine and Acupressure
An introduction to the basic theory and philosophy of Chinese medicine, including acupressure, with clinical applications to pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
- Pharmacology III: Homeopathy for Midwives
- Introduction to Classical Homeopathy
- Homeopathy for the Childbearing Year
An introduction to the history and principles of homeopathic practice. Techniques for acute prescribing for midwifery care of mother and infant are discussed in the context of case studies.
- Normal Labor and Birth
- The Process of Labor and Birth
- Common Variations in Labor and Birth
An introduction to the physiologic processes of labor and birth and their common variations.
- Intrapartum Care I
- Assisting the Mother
- Assisting the Midwife
Students learn skills to assist in supporting the woman in labor and are introduced to the practices and attributes necessary to assist a primary midwife during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period.
- Intrapartum Care II
- Midwifery Care during Normal Labor and Birth
Students are introduced to the principles and practices of primary midwifery care during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period.
- Intrapartum Care III
- Midwifery Care during Complications of Labor and Birth
A comprehensive overview of the treatment of complications of labor and birth, including malpresentation, prolonged labor, shoulder dystocia, the birth of multiples, breech birth and immediate postpartum hemorrhage.
- Intrapartum Care IV
- Clinical Skills Practicum
Students practice clinical skills relative to birth and complications of birth. Students are provided with timed, simulated clinical case scenarios to assist them in integrating theory with practice.
- Pharmacology IV: Allopathic Pharmacology
- Allopathic Pharmacopoeia and the Childbearing Year
- Clinical Skills Practicum
The allopathic pharmacologic approach to pregnancy and birth, including treatment of preeclampsia, preterm labor, group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection, medications in labor and delivery and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
- Pharmacology V: Intravenous Therapy
- Introduction to Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Use and Administration of IV Fluids
- IV Equipment and Technique
- IV Certification and Clinical Skills Practicum
The principles of fluid and electrolyte balance relative to the correct use of intravenous fluids during labor, birth and the postpartum period. Students learn and practice techniques for starting an IV line and participate in a clinical skills practicum for IV certification that meets standards set by California's Licensed Midwifery Practice Act.
- The Normal Postpartum Period
- Midwifery Care during the Normal Postpartum Course
Students develop a standard of midwifery care for the normal postpartum period, including guidelines for practice.
- Complications of the Postpartum Period
- Recognition and Treatment of Postpartum Complications
Students learn to recognize and treat complications of the postpartum period and establish guidelines for referral.
- Techniques of Perineal Repair
- Anatomic Review of Pelvic Structures
- Episiotomy and Lacerations
- Principles and Techniques of Perineal Repair
- Clinical Skills Practicum
A comprehensive review of the anatomy of the female pelvis. Students learn methods for preserving perineal integrity and the appropriate use of episiotomy. Students learn to recognize degrees of laceration and practice techniques of perineal repair. Students review sterile technique and learn selection of equipment and sutures, administration of local anesthesia, use of instruments, throws and hand and instrument ties.
- Care of the Normal Newborn
- The Newborn Assessment and Newborn Care
- Neonatal Development
- Issues in Newborn Care
- Clinical Skills Practicum
Students recognize the signs of the normal newborn transition and are introduced to effective practices for stabilizing the baby following the birth. Students learn to perform a complete newborn physical examination. Care of the infant during the postpartum period is also covered in this module.
- Complications of the Neonatal Period
- Recognition of Newborn Complications
- Care of the Newborn with Complications
- When Grief Is Part of Birth
- Clinical Skills Practicum: Neonatal Resuscitation Program
The recognition of neonatal complications and development of guidelines for treatment and referral to hospital-based providers. The American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification course (sections I-IV) is offered to participants who do not hold current NRP certification.
- Infant Feeding
- Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby: Maternal Nutrition for Lactation
- Initiating and Sustaining the Breastfeeding Relationship
- Nourishing the Special Needs Baby
- The Politics of Breastmilk and Breastfeeding
This module provides an introduction to the intricate maternal-infant physiology of breastfeeding. Short- and long-term benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby are discussed. Students become familiar with techniques to assist the new mother in establishing breastfeeding and learn to advise her regarding complications of nursing and lactation.
- Family Planning
- Contraceptive Options and Counseling
- Clinical Skills Practicum
Risks and benefits of available contraceptive options, including the lactation amenorrhea method and natural family planning.
- Midwifery Research
- Introductory Statistics for Health Professionals
- Reading-and Understanding!-Midwifery and Medical Research
This module provides an introduction to basic statistical applications for midwifery and medical studies. Students learn to read and evaluate studies for statistical merit and evidence-based practice.
- Midwifery and the Law
- Licensure and Certification: Maintaining Your Right to Practice
- Covering Your Assets: Protecting and Preserving Your Livelihood
- Disgruntled Clients and Organized Opposition to Midwifery
- The Progress of Midwifery Legislation
Students research the laws relative to midwifery practice in the area in which they intend to practice. This module provides a comprehensive overview of the historical impact of case law on midwifery practice. Students explore the use of legal and legislative systems as defined mechanisms for improving the climate for birth locally, nationally and globally.
- The Business of Midwifery
- Establishing Your Midwifery Practice
- Billing and Coding
- Marketing Midwifery and Multiple Streams of Midwifery Income
- Taxes
This module covers introductory midwifery business practices, including structure of the practice, marketing, insurance coding and billing, and tax requirements.
- ALSO Certification (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics)
- ALSO Certification preparation, workshop and review
This is an optional course designed to prepare the student to participate in the Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics course sponsored by the American Academy of Family Practice. The workshop provides a comprehensive review of the recognition and treatment of obstetric emergencies and grants the nationally recognized ALSO certification.
- Integration Phase
- Submission of Midwifery Projects
- Submission of Business Plan
- Submission of Standardized Procedures and Practice Guidelines
- Supervised Externship
During the integration phase, the student completes all written assignments and practice guidelines as well as the preceptor-supervised externship, during which the student assumes all primary midwife responsibilities under supervision.
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