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.

Students taking part in prenatal examinationThe 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 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.

Midwives and Students at newborn examAll 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. Our apprentices can also take part in the NCM's Mexico Midwifery Immersion Program.

For detailed information on our Apprenticeship Program, download our Apprenticeship Handbook, which also includes an application.