How to become a Midwife in Florida (Meaning, Steps, Duration, Practice)

Unlike the way it used to be in the past, being a midwife in Florida no longer requires that you first become a nurse. Now, anyone can directly become a midwife without going through the stage of being a nurse first.

To achieve this, you must acquire the minimum Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery, often called “direct entry”.

The role of a midwife is a very demanding one, but at the same time, it’s a unique job.

You’ll be accountable for developing and maintaining a wonderful relationship with the pregnant woman to assist her in having a pleasant and safe child delivery experience.

Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities to add in your general midwifery abilities by specializing in a specific space which may include overseeing teenage pregnancy clinics or public health.

Table of Contents

Who is a Midwife in Florida?

A midwife may be anyone older than or of the age of 21 who is not certified, but rather licensed under the Florida Statutes of 467.003(7) to oversee childbirth.

What is Midwifery?

The term “Midwifery” refers to the practice or act of overseeing the conduct of normal labour and the delivery of a baby, with the knowledgeable consent of the parent.

It involves the act of advising the parents as childbirth progresses, and the exercise of offering prenatal and postpartum care as licensed under the Florida Statutes of 467.003(8).

Why is Midwifery Licensed in Florida?

The Legislature acknowledges the need for someone to have the liberty to select the cost, manner, and setting for childbirth to happen.

It knows that access to prenatal care and the issuing of prenatal care is restricted through the insufficient number of people to deliver these services.

The Legislature additionally acknowledges the need for the secure and efficient process of childbirth and the safety, health, and welfare of the mother of the newborn child during childbirth.

In addition, the Legislature reveals that the pursuits of public health require the regulation of midwifery practice in the state of Florida for the motive to protect the welfare and health of newborns and their mothers. As licensed under the Florida Statutes of 467.002.

Can I be a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and Practice in Florida?

Anyone who meets the requirements specified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) can practice midwifery in the US as a Certified Professional Midwife but, is a CPM enough to practice as a midwife in Florida?

NARM gives the certification of Certified Professional Midwife at the national level. While many requirements to acquire this credential from the NARM overlap with licensing necessities for Licensed Midwives, being a CPM alone may not be sufficient to practice in Florida.

What does it involve to be a Student of Midwifery?

The process of becoming a midwife can be tough but always ends up being a rewarding career. Studying to become a midwife goes beyond normal academic activities, such as going to class and doing assignments.

The requirements of studying to become a midwife also largely involve doing evening and weekend shifts in the hospital and being on-call, specifically to witness childbirth.

To do well as a student of midwifery, you should be dedicated to this program and the people you work with – it isn’t like studying any other educational course where you choose where and when you prefer to study.

Your medical and educational obligations, particularly on call, can very much impact your capacity to work part-time while you still schooling.

Steps to Becoming a Midway in Florida

1. Earn a degree in Midwifery:

This is a major requirement if one seeks to become a midwife. This step involves applying to a Florida college that offers a program in Midwifery.

On completing your studies from college, you will be awarded a Bachelor in Midwifery degree. Moreover, if you also want a higher qualification, you can opt to get a Master’s degree as well.

It will give you a higher knowledge in the field of a midwife and guarantees to get you a bigger paycheck as well.

2. Get a license:

Earning a degree is not enough. Earning all the degrees in the field and not getting licensed as a midwife is worthless. A license is required for you to practice as a midwife in Florida.

In addition, you will have to sit for the NARM exam; passing the NARM exam is a step to getting you licensed.

On the other hand, to become a licensed midwife in Florida, you must complete other qualifications set by the Florida Department of Health.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery?

It takes a minimum of 3 years in all authorized colleges in Florida for anyone to earn a Bachelor’s degree to become a midwife.

According to Florida Statute 467, there may be advanced status given for earlier learning; however, on no account can the number of years for earning a Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery be less than two years.

Some students might also take time beyond regulation to complete their clinical numbers. But, the most allowable time frame for anyone to finish up this program is 4.5 years.

What Does a Midwife do in Florida?

Like a medical doctor or a nurse, a midwife can offer care before, during, or after your pregnancy. A midwife will do the following:

Offer family planning tips and preconception care.
Carry out prenatal checks as well as a bunch of other tests.
Constantly observe your mental and physical well-being.
Assist you in planning for your childbirth.
Advise you on the kind of food you should eat, what kind of exercises you should do, medications you should take and help you stay healthy.
Counsel and educate you on pregnancy, child delivery and how to care for newborns.
Offer emotional and practical aid in the course of your labour.
Help to deliver your child.
Provide suggestions to doctors when in need.

Conclusion

Aspiring students who intend to emerge as Florida licensed midwives should attend a Florida-authorized school.

Schools in Florida are certified by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE), and a few are authorized with the aid of using the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC).

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