Requirements to Be a Midwife in Virginia
Midwives provide prenatal care for women, deliver babies and provide postpartum care after delivery. Only licensed physicians, certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives can legally deliver babies in Virginia. There are two types of midwives in Virginia: certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives. Each must meet specific requirements to practice midwifery in Virginia, but the requirements differ.
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Education
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Certified nurse-midwives must complete nursing school and earn a bachelor's degree in the science of nursing. They must then complete a graduate degree in nurse-midwifery, which takes another year or two depending on the program in which they enroll. Licensed midwives must complete a midwifery education program but, do not have to go to nursing school or earn a graduate degree. Programs vary in length. Both types of midwives get hands-on experience during their educational programs.
Certified Nurse-Midwives
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Certified nurse-midwives must become registered nurses by passing the NCLEX-RN exam and meeting other criteria set by the nursing board in Virginia before going on to train as midwives. Once they complete their nurse-midwifery training, they must pass another exam issued by the American Midwifery Certification Board to become licensed to practice midwifery. They can practice midwifery in any state as long as they obtain a nursing license in that state.
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Licensed Midwives
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In Virginia, unlike in some other states, midwives do not need to be certified nurse-midwives to legally practice midwifery. Those who do not hold nursing and nurse-midwifery degrees can become licensed to practice midwifery by meeting specific criteria outlined by state law. Licensed midwives must conform to the standards of practice outlined by the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives and meet other criteria as well. They are licensed to practice midwifery in Virginia, but may not be able to practice legally in other states (criteria vary from state to state).
Scope of Practice
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Certified nurse-midwives can do some things licensed midwives cannot do in Virginia, like prescribe medications. Each type of midwife must work within their proper scope of practice. Both types of midwives can deliver babies in birthing centers and in women's homes, but licensed midwives usually cannot get approval from hospital boards to deliver babies in hospitals. Both types of midwives must have plans for dealing with emergencies during childbirth and those who deliver babies outside of hospitals must have plans in place for transporting women to hospitals quickly in emergencies.
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- Photo Credit birth image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
