How to Become a Midwife in New York

Midwives can provide comprehensive reproductive health care throughout women's lives.

Of all the professions that have been traditionally open to women, midwifery is one of the oldest. Midwives do much more than just assisting with childbirth. In New York State a licensed midwife can provide primary care, order lab tests, assist with surgeries and provide comprehensive reproductive health care, including family planning services. Midwives can work in clinics, in hospitals or in private practice. If you are passionate about the health and wellness of women, children and families, a career in midwifery might be for you.

Instructions

1. 

   The New York State Education Department grants midwifery licenses.

   Learn about New York State licensure. The New York State Education Department supervises licensure of midwives. Practicing midwifery without a license is illegal in New York State. To be a licensed midwife, you must be a high school graduate at least 21 years old and have a bachelor's degree in any subject.

2. 

   Midwifery requires graduate-level education.

   Complete your midwifery education. There are many education paths to become a licensed midwife. You can complete a nursing degree or diploma as long as it meets the New York State midwifery education requirements. Another option is to complete a licensure-qualifying program in midwifery or attend a midwifery education program offered by the American College of Nurse Midwives.

3. 

   The board exam takes four hours and has 175 multiple-choice questions.

   Pass the American Midwifery Certification Board exam. As of 2010 the exam fee is $750. The exam is computer-based and is administered at Applied Management Professionals testing centers. In New York State you can take the exam at Applied Management Professionals centers in Albany, Buffalo, Long Island, New York City, Queens, Rochester, Selden, Utica and White Plains. The exam can be scheduled any day Monday through Friday during testing-center business hours.

4. 

   Mail a completed application with payment to get your license.

   Apply for your New York midwifery license. Mail your completed "Application for Licensure and First Registration" and fee payment to the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions. You must include a passport-style photo and have the application notarized before you send it in. Download the application from the New York State Education Department midwifery website.

5. 

   Midwives can find work in medical treatment centers such as hospitals and clinics.

   Start practicing midwifery. Midwives have traditionally been independent contractors who offer services for a fee and are hired by pregnant women for home births. Today midwives also work in hospitals, clinics, government medical programs and private practice. Find the route that is right for your level of experience and the kind of care you want to provide for your clients.

Tips & Warnings

• You may be able to get a limited permit to practice midwifery if you have completed all the requirements including midwifery education but have not yet passed the midwifery licensing exam. To apply for a limited permit, you must be under the direct supervision of a physician or a New York State licensed midwife. Limited permits are nonrenewable and valid for one year.

• All licensed and registered midwives in New York must have an official written practice agreement with a nearby hospital or physician's practice.

• State laws differ on the licensure and regulation of midwifery. In New York State, practicing midwifery without a license is a punishable offense and has been enforced in the past. Midwives who break the law will face fines and, in some cases, arrest.

References

• NYS Midwifery: Licensure Requirements
• NYS Midwifery: Questions and Answers
• American Midwifery Certification Board: Certification Examination
• American College of Nurse-Midwives: Become a Midwife

Resources

• New York State Education Department: Midwifery
• American Midwifery Certification Board
• American College of Nurse-Midwives
• Applied Management Professionals