Dedicated to providing a quality educational program that prepares midwives to provide safe, competent and high-quality care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? We’ve compiled lists of our most frequently asked questions covering enrollment, academic and clinical requirements, financials and more!

If you have other questions or need more information, please reach out to our Education Director by clicking the button below!

FAQ’s about Enrollment

  • - Completion of a minimum of high school or GED (transcripts required)

    - College transcripts may be submitted in place of high school transcripts

    - Health care provider CPR (BLS)

  • Statement Regarding Decision Not to Pursue MEAC Accreditation:

    The Association of Texas Midwives Midwifery Training Program (ATMMTP) has decided not to pursue accreditation through the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). After careful consideration and a vote by our leadership in 2024, continuing to operate under our current structure allows us to best meet the needs of our students and the communities we serve.

    One of the primary factors influencing this decision is our commitment to keeping tuition affordable for our students. We recognize the importance of providing accessible education that does not place a financial burden on those pursuing a career in midwifery.

    We remain dedicated to providing high-quality midwifery education that upholds the standards set forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). While we are not seeking MEAC accreditation at this time, we will continue to evaluate our program and make decisions that align with our mission and the evolving needs of our profession.

  • Yes.

  • Only the academic portion may be completed on-line. Skills cannot be done on-line. Approved CPR courses are:

    American Heart Association: Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider

    Red Cross: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

  • Yes, although the enrollment process cannot be completed until a copy of your CPR card is received by the office. The card can be scanned and emailed to the office once you receive it.

  • No, but you should make sure there are ATMMTP preceptors or midwives eligible and willing to become preceptors in your area. Otherwise, you may have to relocate to complete the required clinical training.

  • “ATMMTP does not provide preceptors for clinical training. While the responsibility lies solely on the student to contract with an approved ATMMTP Preceptor and obtain clinical training, ATMMTP may make referrals to preceptors and aid students in obtaining possible preceptor contacts.

    With that being said, you will find a preceptor(s) of your choice to complete the clinical experience. ATMMTP provides currently enrolled students with an Approved Preceptor List. Should your preceptor of choice not already be listed, any CPM or CNM can complete the application process to be registered as an approved ATMMTP Preceptor.

  • No. While certain college courses may be helpful for some students, the ATMMTP includes all courses necessary to qualify the student to sit for the licensing exam.

  • You must wait until the next class begins enrolling before your application will be processed and you can begin your studies.

  • Class size may be limited if needed, thus acceptance is not guaranteed. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are applying at or near the enrollment deadline you may want to contact the ATMMTP Director to verify that the class limit has not been reached.

  • As soon as your application is received you will be notified via email. This allows the ATMMTP to verify an accurate email address and to let you know your application has been received and what to expect. An "enrollment pathway" is included during your application process.

 

FAQ’s about Academics

  • The only classroom hours are the end-of-module workshops, which last 2 or 3 days, depending on the workshop. The rest of the academics are completed from your home.

  • The length of each module is 14 weeks.

  • Study time will vary based on:

    • The module

    • Student aptitude

    • Student study skills

    Students should plan on dedicating at least 10 – 24 hours weekly to study and completion of assignments throughout the program. Most students spend more time studying and completing assignments during the early part of the program than later when study skills have improved and knowledge is increased, even though assignments may become more detailed and comprehensive.

  • No. The ATMMTP recommends students not begin an apprenticeship until they have completed the second module, but students must be in an apprenticeship no later than the 5th module. The ideal time to begin clinical training is at the beginning of module 3.

  • No. Each module, including the end-of-module workshop, must be completed in order and the exam passed prior to advancing to the subsequent module.

  • This one is up to you! The ATMMTP Program has moved entirely to an online platform that will work equally well on a PC or MAC. Our recommendation is to choose whichever laptop you feel the most comfortable using.

FAQ’s about Clinical Training

  • The ATMMTP maintains a list of preceptors that can be provided to students after enrollment.

  • She can apply to become an ATMMTP approved preceptor. Eligibility requirements are the same as those of the North American Registry of Midwives. Associate membership in ATM is also required.

  • The ATMMTP strongly recommends students not begin clinical training until they have completed the second module, but students must begin clinical training no later than the 5th module.

  • The length will vary based on how busy of a practice the preceptor has. The minimum time is 24 months. Most Texas students can complete clinical requirements within 2 – 3 years.

  • No; the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (which oversees the ATMMTP program) does not allow you to count anything done before enrollment.

  • Yes, training with more than one midwife is very beneficial to the student’s education. However, it is recommended that students do not attempt to train with more than one preceptor in the early stages of training. Clinical training with more than one midwife concurrently requires a great deal of cooperation between all parties.

FAQ’s about Finances & Everything Else

  • No. Because the ATMMTP approval is through the Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation and not an education agency, it does not qualify for education loans or grants.

  • Yes. Tuition may be paid by the module rather than all at once.

  • Yes; see the Scholarships page for more information

  • Probably not. It may be possible to work prior to beginning clinical training (apprenticeship), but most employers quickly lose patience when you miss work repeatedly due to births. Most preceptors will expect you to be on-call 24/7.

  • No, but to graduate and take the NARM exam as a Texas Agency Candidate (which can be done from any state offering the exam) you must meet the same requirements as Texas students. This includes attending workshops and all clinical requirements.

  • Probably not, unless you are willing to move to obtain your clinical training. All preceptors must be practicing legally.

  • No. Babies may be brought to nurse during breaks and lunch, but not during class. They are far too cute and distracting!

  • No, the current midwifery education rules require all graduation requirements be met as part of the program. Additionally, the ATMMTP Anatomy & Physiology module has a very heavy focus on reproduction. It includes more in-depth coverage of topics such as the effects of pregnancy on the entire body, embryology and fetal development. These are subjects not fully covered in college A & P.

  • No, all requirements must be met during enrollment in the ATMMTP.

  • No. Graduates of the ATMMTP apply to take the NARM exam as a “Texas Agency Candidate”. Upon successful completion the graduate can apply for the Texas midwifery license. She/he may then apply for the CPM credential with NARM as a “Licensed Midwife in an Approved State”

  • In Texas, a licensed midwife may have a private, independent midwifery practice and attend births at home or in birth centers. Licensed midwives may own and operate licensed birth centers

  • That will depend on a number of factors:

    • Where you live: what is the “going rate” for midwifery care in your area?

    • Will you work in or own a birth center?

    • Will you start your own private, home birth practice?

    • Experience: if beginning your own private practice expect it to take some time to build a practice.

    • How busy do you want to be?

    • Most licensed midwives in Texas charge from $3500.00 - $6000.00 per client/birth for home births; fees may be higher in birth centers.

    • Licensed midwives who work out of their home vs. renting office space will have fewer out-of-pocket expenses.

    • The demand for birth centers and midwives who work in birth centers is much greater than the demand for homebirth midwives.

  • Most do, but typically only “out-of-network” coverage.

  • No.

  • Midwifery regulations vary significantly in every state. Generally, it is the CPM credential that is recognized since regulating agencies will be more familiar with NARM minimum requirements for certification, and many states use the NARM exam as their state exam.

    Direct-entry midwifery is still illegal in a few states.

    For more information on midwifery state-by-state, see MANA.