Accepting applications now.

Since the Midwifery Center first began in 1978, it has been a training site for midwives from all over the country. Because Taos is the only place in the United States where such a high percentage of its population chooses to give birth naturally outside the hospital, it is a unique place in which to study midwifery.

The Midwifery Center’s clientele reflects a true cross section of the population, which is a mix of Latinas, Anglos and Native Americans from a wide range of economic and educational backgrounds. Our clientele come from a broad range of communities in Northern New Mexico & Southern Colorado, including Taos, Española, Santa Fe & Los Alamos. Because of the broad diversity of our community, apprenticing at the Midwifery Center allows prospective midwives to develop a deep sense of ease in working with people from all walks of life. Because of the relatively high volume of our practice, it is a great place to obtain a full range of clinical experience.

Our apprentices and interns learn by hands on experience and are encouraged to develop clinical skills through direct contact with the clients from the very beginning of their apprenticeships. Apprentices who do well in our program are extremely self-motivated, open minded and highly energetic, and are comfortable working in a group of strong-minded individuals.

All of our apprentices gain their midwifery degree from the National College of Midwifery. The National College of Midwifery is accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). The midwives of the Northern New Mexico Midwifery Center are preceptors for the National College of Midwifery and so are able guide the apprentices through the academic curriculum provided by the College. They also can sign off on all of the apprentices’ skills and numbers that make them eligible to obtain their degrees.

Important Info about Apprenticeship Program

• Our apprenticeship program is 24 months.
• Our students, historically, have all been enrolled in the National College of Midwifery as well.  NCM is a MEAC accredited program. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the NARM exam and become a CPM.
• NCM’s academics are self-study. You must be a highly motivated independent learner. The Birth Center offers additional classes on Fridays unless there is a birth.
• You will be in clinic 4 out of 5 days. (Optional day off.) Clinic begins at 8:45 am and ends typically between 5:30-6. It may end earlier, it may end later. It may never end!
• Depending on the number of students, you will be on-call 6 out of 7 days for births in a rotation. Currently, we take 2 students to each birth.  (This may change.) You will also be on-call after hours and on weekends for home-visits and births.
• This program is VERY “hands-on” and skills-oriented.
• The cost for the apprenticeship is $20,000. Payment is as follows: First year is $15,000 and second year is $5000. The first year is intensive learning, training and education. The second year you become more useful and begin to enhance our practice even more—thus the cost reduction! 
• Payment plans are available. $5000 is due on the first day of your apprenticeship. Three months later, the second payment of $5000 is due. Three months after that, the next $5000 is due. The last payment of $5000 is due the very first day of the second year.
• We believe in the importance of a long apprenticeship. It is the continued, supervised, hands-on engagement with the complexity and simplicity of pregnancy and birth over an extended period, in the company of fellow students, that will provide you with an understanding of all the intricacies of client care, risk assessment, and charting. We believe in taking the time to become the best midwife you can be. We do guarantee your “numbers,” but we do not believe “numbers” make a midwife. Time, tolerance, curiosity, compassion and perseverance in a focused learning environment make superlative midwives.
• If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a three-day interview.

 Internships

• This program is VERY “hands-on” and skills-oriented. We will tailor it to your skills level.
• 1-6 months
• $1000 a month
• May or may not be enrolled in a separate educational program
• You will be in clinic 4 out of 5 days. (Optional day off.) Clinic begins at 8:45 am and ends typically between 5:30-6. It may end earlier, it may end later. It may never end!
• Depending on the number of students, you will be on-call 6 out of 7 days for births in a rotation. Currently, we take 2 students to each birth.  (This may change.) You will also be on-call after hours and on weekends for home-visits and births
• Room and Board not included. Need own transportation.
• Interviews will be conducted by Skype or in person.
• Complete this application: ApplicationNewest and email it to midwiferycenter@gmail.com

• Scholarship applicants must commit to at least three months. Priority given to those who can commit to 6.
• If you are chosen to receive a full scholarship, you must complete the months committed to, otherwise a financial penalty will be imposed.
• See Internships for more info.

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We reserve the right to dismiss any intern or apprentice who is not compatible with our program.

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