How to Become a Midwife in Arizona

Midwives can help women experience safe childbirth with minimal medical interventions.

A midwife can be a natural and cost-effective alternative to giving birth under the care of a physician, allowing women to experience the natural childbirth process using as few medical interventions as possible. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Office of Special Licensing oversees midwives in that state.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of citizenship
• American Heart Association CPR Certification
• American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal CPR Certification
• Letters of recommendation
• Filing fee of $25.00
• Photograph (2" x 2")

Instructions

1. Provide documentation to insure that you meet age (at least 18) and educational requirements (valid high school diploma).

2. Begin your apprenticeship midwifery by performing prenatal physical exams, newborn exams, and by attending several childbirths. You will need to obtain a letter of reference from your preceptor and from a mother that you assisted with birthing. Your preceptor can be a midwife or a physician, as long as she provides you with a letter of reference that includes her title, license number and signature.

3. Take the midwifery examination that is offered by ADHS twice a year. The examination consists of three parts: a written exam, an oral exam, and a practical exam. You must pass all three parts of the examination to qualify for your midwife license.

4. Complete the midwife licensing packet that contains instructions and several forms, including an application form and midwife preceptorship forms. These forms can be downloaded from http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/Title_09/9-16.htm#Article_1. Your preceptor must complete some forms. You will also need CPR certification from the American Heart Association and neonatal CPR certification from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

5. Send your licensing application packet, apprenticeship forms, CPR certifications, letters of reference, proof of identification and educational requirements along with the $25.00 filing fee to:

   Arizona Department of Health Services
   Office of Special Licensing
   150 North 18th Avenue
   Phoenix, AZ 85007

6. Wait for your license by mail, usually within 75 days if no further information is required.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a copy of everything that you send in to ADHS in case your paperwork gets lost in the mail.

References

• Arizona Secretary of State: Article 1. Licensing of Midwifery