Frequently Asked Questions
Midwifery Training Program
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DFW Community Birth School prepares students pursuing the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP). Our curriculum is also designed to meet the educational requirements for individuals seeking licensure as a Texas Licensed Midwife (LM).
Graduation from DFW Community Birth School alone does not result in certification or licensure. Students are responsible for completing all current NARM and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements, including clinical apprenticeship experiences, before becoming eligible for certification and licensure.
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No.
DFW Community Birth School is intentionally designed for students pursuing the NARM Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP) pathway. This allows us to offer an apprenticeship-focused education with flexible learning options while keeping tuition affordable and emphasizing individualized mentorship.
Students planning to pursue the CPM credential through a MEAC-accredited program should carefully research the pathway that best aligns with their personal and professional goals.
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Not at this time.
As our program continues to grow, we are working toward becoming an approved Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Basic Midwifery Training Program while maintaining the personalized mentorship, small class sizes, and hands-on educational experience that define our school.
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Our program is designed for individuals who are passionate about serving families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn care.
Whether you're beginning your journey into birth work or already have experience as a doula, birth assistant, nurse, lactation professional, or childbirth educator, our curriculum is built to help you develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional judgment needed to become a community midwife.
We value students who are curious, compassionate, self-motivated, and committed to lifelong learning.
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Choosing a midwifery program is an important decision, and we believe finding the right fit matters.
At DFW Community Birth School, education extends beyond the classroom. Students learn from practicing Licensed Midwives in a working birth center through lectures, skills labs, guest instructors, clinical mentorship, workshops, and community involvement.
Our curriculum emphasizes:
Relationship centered care
Evidence informed practice
Hands on clinical skills
Critical thinking and clinical judgment
Professional development
Community engagement
Individualized mentorship
Our goal is not simply to prepare students to pass an exam, we strive to graduate confident, compassionate midwives who are prepared to safely care for families and contribute positively to the birth community.
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Every midwifery program has its own philosophy, strengths, and educational approach. We encourage prospective students to explore multiple programs before making their decision.
What makes DFW Community Birth School unique is our commitment to combining structured education with meaningful real-world experiences.
Students benefit from:
Small class sizes
Learning inside a working birth center
Personalized mentorship from practicing Licensed Midwives
Hands-on skills labs beginning early in the program
Guest instructors from across the birth community
Access to workshops and continuing education throughout the year
Opportunities to participate in our Community Midwifery Access Program
A collaborative learning environment that values both the science and the art of community midwifery
Rather than focusing solely on completing coursework, we aim to prepare students for the realities of practicing as compassionate, competent community midwives.
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Both learning formats follow the same curriculum, educational standards, and cohort schedule.
In Person students attend weekly classes at our Dallas campus, participating in lectures, skills labs, workshops, guest presentations, and hands on learning throughout the program.
Hybrid Distance Learning students complete their coursework remotely while attending all required in person final examinations, workshops, skills competency evaluations, and hands-on learning experiences.
Regardless of the format you choose, all students are held to the same academic expectations, complete the same curriculum, and graduate as members of the same cohort.
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No.
Community midwifery is a hands on profession that requires practical skills, direct observation, and competency evaluation.
While Hybrid students complete coursework remotely, all students are required to attend scheduled in-person:
Final examinations
Skills competency evaluations
Skills sign offs
Required workshops and hands on learning experiences
These experiences are essential to developing the knowledge, confidence, and clinical judgment expected of a community midwife.
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DFW Community Birth School follows a cohort based admissions model.
New cohorts begin three times each academic year during designated enrollment periods. Students progress through the curriculum together, creating opportunities to build lasting relationships, collaborate throughout the program, and support one another during both classroom and clinical learning.
Our current academic calendar, application deadlines, and upcoming cohort start dates can be found on our Academic Calendar page.
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Because our students are at different stages of the program, Community Learning Days are designed to bring everyone together for shared learning while also providing time for individualized coursework, mentorship, and skill development. Rather than spending the entire day listening to lectures, students actively engage in discussion, hands-on practice, clinical reasoning, and collaborative learning.
Every Tuesday is a little different, but a typical Community Learning Day may include:
Morning Community Gathering
We begin the day together by connecting as a learning community.
Activities may include:
Announcements and upcoming events
Birth stories and recent clinical experiences
Questions from students and apprentices
Clinical problem solving and group discussion
Celebrating milestones and accomplishments
Evidence Informed Learning
Faculty guide students through topics related to the current course modules using a variety of teaching methods, including:
Interactive instruction
Case studies
Evidence review and journal discussion
Clinical decision-making exercises
Small group activities
Student presentations
Guest speakers
Because students are progressing through different courses, learning often includes opportunities for peer teaching and mentorship, allowing students to learn from one another while reinforcing their own knowledge.
Hands On Skills & Clinical Practice
Throughout the day, students build confidence through practical skill development.
Skills may include:
Prenatal assessments
Leopold's maneuvers
Blood pressure and vital signs
Fetal heart tone assessment
Newborn examination
Suturing
Documentation and charting
Emergency simulations
Skills competency evaluations and sign offs
Independent Coursework & Individualized Support
Community Learning Days also provide dedicated time for students to work on their individual course requirements while receiving support from instructors.
Depending on where a student is in the curriculum, this time may include:
Completing assignments
Reviewing online lessons
Meeting one on one with instructors
Practicing clinical skills
Preparing for exams
Receiving individualized feedback
Apprenticeship planning and documentation
This flexible approach allows beginning students, advanced students, and apprentices to continue progressing through their required coursework while still learning together as a community.
Workshops & Guest Instructors
Throughout the year, Community Learning Days may also feature specialty workshops and guest instructors from across the birth community.
Examples include:
Licensed Midwives
Obstetric providers
Lactation Consultants
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists
Bereavement Specialists
Birth Photographers
Experienced Birth Assistants
Childbirth Educators
Other professionals serving childbearing families
These sessions provide students with diverse perspectives and practical skills that complement the core curriculum.
Learning in a Working Birth Center
Because Community Learning Days are held within a working birth center, students gain insight into the daily operations of a community midwifery practice. When appropriate and always with client consent and respect for privacy, learning opportunities may extend beyond the classroom into real world experiences.
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We believe community midwives are developed through more than lectures and textbooks.
Our program consists of 31 required courses, but we also recognize that every student progresses at their own pace. By bringing students together each week for Community Learning Days, we create an environment where beginning students, advanced students, apprentices, and experienced birth workers can learn alongside one another.
This collaborative model reflects the traditional apprenticeship model of midwifery where knowledge is shared through mentorship, observation, discussion, reflection, and hands-on experience. It allows instructors to provide individualized guidance while fostering a supportive learning community that continues well beyond graduation.
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The didactic portion of the program is designed to be completed in approximately 24 months, although each student's timeline may vary based on their pace, apprenticeship progress, and personal circumstances.
Students are expected to make steady academic and clinical progress throughout the program. To maintain continuity of learning and ensure coursework remains current, all program requirements must be completed within 60 months (5 years) of enrollment.
Students who do not complete the program within this timeframe may be required to reapply, repeat coursework, or meet any updated curriculum or program requirements in effect at that time.
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Students should plan for 15–25 hours per week, depending on the stage of the program.
This includes:
Tuesday classroom instruction
Reading assignments
Online coursework
Written assignments
Skills practice
Apprenticeship hours
Study time
Projects and exam preparation
Time commitments typically increase as students become more involved in clinical apprenticeship and begin attending births.
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Hybrid students should have reliable access to:
High speed internet
A computer or laptop (recommended)
Webcam and microphone access for virtual meetings
Email
Ability to view videos and digital course materials
Basic computer skills for submitting assignments and participating in online learning
Course materials are delivered through our online learning platform, allowing students to access lessons, assignments, announcements, and resources from anywhere.
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Many lecture based portions of the curriculum are available through our online learning platform for enrolled students. However, due to the interactive and hands on nature of our program, not every class session, discussion, guest presentation, or skills lab can be recorded.
Students are expected to attend all required classes, participate actively, and complete all required in-person learning experiences outlined in the program.
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Yes.
Students who successfully complete all 31 required courses and satisfy the academic requirements of DFW Community Birth School will receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing the completion of the school's didactic curriculum.
Please note that this certificate does not confer the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential or Texas Licensed Midwife (LM) licensure. Students must also complete all required clinical apprenticeship experiences and meet the current certification and licensure requirements established by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Your Certificate of Completion reflects your successful completion of the educational component of the program and serves as documentation of your didactic training.
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Clinical apprenticeship is an essential component of becoming a community midwife and provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real clinical settings under the supervision of qualified preceptors.
While completing the didactic portion of the program, students also work toward fulfilling the clinical experience requirements established by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Apprenticeship experiences include prenatal care, labor and birth, postpartum care, newborn examinations, clinical documentation, and the development of hands on skills and professional judgment.
The apprenticeship is designed to complement the curriculum, allowing students to immediately apply what they are learning in the classroom to real world practice.
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Yes.
Students are responsible for securing a qualified clinical preceptor who meets the current requirements established by NARM and, when applicable, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
We understand that finding the right preceptor can feel overwhelming. DFW Community Birth School provides guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help students identify potential preceptors and build professional relationships within the birth community.
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Students are responsible for securing their own apprenticeship.
DFW Community Birth School maintains relationships with practicing midwives and may be able to assist students in identifying potential apprenticeship opportunities. However, because apprenticeship placements depend on the availability, capacity, and individual practice requirements of each preceptor, placement cannot be guaranteed.
Limited apprenticeship opportunities may become available through DFW Community Birth & Wellness as our Community Midwifery Access Program continues to grow. These opportunities depend on client enrollment, informed consent, student competency, and available capacity. Students must attended in person weekly to qualify for an apprenticeship with the birth center.
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Students are responsible for securing their own apprenticeship.
DFW Community Birth School maintains relationships with practicing midwives and may be able to assist students in identifying potential apprenticeship opportunities. However, because apprenticeship placements depend on the availability, capacity, and individual practice requirements of each preceptor, placement cannot be guaranteed.
Limited apprenticeship opportunities may become available through DFW Community Birth & Wellness as our Community Midwifery Access Program continues to grow. These opportunities depend on client enrollment, informed consent, student competency, and available capacity. Hybrid students will not qualify for an apprenticeship at the birth center.
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Yes.
Students planning to practice in another state should carefully research that state's laws and licensing requirements before selecting a preceptor. While our didactic curriculum prepares students pursuing the CPM credential through the NARM PEP pathway, licensure requirements vary by state.
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Yes, although we encourage it after completing session 3.
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Yes, it’s encouraged. Learning from at least 3 preceptors is beneficial as a student midwife.
Because continuity and communication are important to a successful apprenticeship, we encourage students to discuss any concerns with their current preceptor and with DFW Community Birth School before making a transition whenever possible.
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Finding the right apprenticeship can take time, and we recognize this is one of the biggest concerns for many students.
While students are ultimately responsible for securing a qualified preceptor, DFW Community Birth School provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout the process. We encourage students to begin building professional relationships early by attending workshops, volunteering within the birth community, participating in Community Learning Days, and connecting with practicing midwives.
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Clinical requirements are established by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and may change over time.
Students are responsible for completing all required clinical experiences, competencies, documentation, and evaluations required by NARM before applying for the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential.
We strongly encourage students to regularly review the current NARM requirements and maintain accurate documentation throughout their apprenticeship.
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DFW Community Birth School is committed to providing high quality midwifery education at an affordable cost.
Because tuition and fees may change over time, please visit our Midwifery Program page for the most current tuition schedule and a complete breakdown of program costs.
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Course tuition includes instruction, access to the online learning platform, educational materials, instructor support, Community Learning Days, Skills Labs and Workshops presented by DFW Community Birth School.
Certain books, workshops (CPR, NRP, etc), clinical equipment, and third party expenses may require additional fees.
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Some required learning materials are provided digitally through our online learning platform. We have a list of free public library resources along with a growing lending library for in person students.
Students may need to purchase text books they are not able to borrow. Clinical supplies such as stethoscope, scrubs, etc.
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Yes.
Annual materials/ supplies fee may be broken up throughout the year.
Courses must be pre-purchased through the curriculum platform at the start of the session.
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We do not currently offer scholarships.
However, we periodically offer limited Work Exchange Tuition Assistance opportunities for eligible students.
The Work Exchange Tuition Assistance Program allows a limited number of students to receive a 50% reduction in class tuition in exchange for approximately four hours of in-person administrative work each week at DFW Community Birth & Wellness.
Because these positions are based on the operational needs of the birth center, availability is limited and placement cannot be guaranteed.
The tuition discount applies only to class tuition and does not include other program fees or expenses.
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Federal financial aid is not currently available.
Students are responsible for planning their educational expenses and are encouraged to explore employer tuition assistance, private educational loans, scholarships from outside organizations, or other funding sources if needed.
Students may opt to use PayPal Pay Later when purchasing their courses.
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Workshops and skills sign offs/labs taught by DFW Community Birth School Instructors are included in tuition for current actively enrolled students.
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Applying to DFW Community Birth School is simple.
Complete the online application.
Submit the required application fee.
Schedule your admissions interview if invited.
Receive an admissions decision.
Complete enrollment paperwork and submit your enrollment fee to reserve your place in the next available cohort.
We encourage all prospective students to watch our Free Information Course before applying, as it answers many common questions about the program, expectations, and career pathway.
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Applicants should:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Possess a high school diploma or GED or higher. Documentation required.
Have reliable transportation for clinical experiences.
Be able to attend required workshops, final examinations, and skills evaluations.
Be committed to completing a clinical apprenticeship.
Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a willingness to learn.
Students must provide documentation of current Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification appropriate for healthcare providers/professional rescuers.
Previous birth experience is welcomed but not required.
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Yes.
Applicants who meet our initial admissions requirements will be invited to schedule an admissions interview.
The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, discuss your goals, answer questions, and determine whether DFW Community Birth School is the right fit for your educational journey.
Because we believe every student deserves individualized attention, interviews are scheduled by appointment.
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No.
Students enter our program with a variety of backgrounds. Some have experience as doulas, birth assistants, nurses, childbirth educators, or lactation professionals, while others are completely new to birth work.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to build knowledge progressively, providing students with a strong educational foundation before advancing to more complex clinical concepts and responsibilities.
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Possibly.
Transfer requests are reviewed individually. We consider previous coursework, clinical experience, and educational goals when determining placement within the program.
Because our curriculum is intentionally sequenced, transfer students may be required to complete specific courses to ensure they have the foundational knowledge necessary for later coursework and clinical practice.
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Previous education and birth experience are valuable and are considered during the admissions process. However, because our curriculum is intentionally designed to build knowledge in a specific sequence, students are generally expected to complete the required coursework to ensure a consistent educational foundation.
Some prior learning may satisfy specific program requirements at the discretion of the school, but previous experience does not automatically replace required courses.
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At this time, our 31 course curriculum is designed as a complete educational program.
However, we regularly offer workshops, skills labs, and continuing education opportunities that are open to members of the birth community. These events provide an excellent opportunity to learn with us without enrolling in the full program.
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Yes.
Because DFW Community Birth School follows a cohort based admissions model, applications are accepted during designated enrollment periods for each upcoming cohort.
Application deadlines are posted on our Academic Calendar page. We encourage prospective students to apply early, as class sizes are intentionally kept small to provide individualized mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
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Not necessarily and that's okay.
We believe there is a midwifery program for every student, and we encourage prospective students to explore multiple educational pathways before making a decision.
Students who thrive in our program are typically self motivated, collaborative, adaptable, and passionate about serving families. Our educational model emphasizes mentorship, hands on learning, community involvement, and lifelong learning. If you're looking for a highly structured, lecture only environment, another program may be a better fit.
Our goal isn't simply to enroll students, it's to help each future midwife find the educational path that best supports their growth and long term success.
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Yes.
Many of our students work while completing the program. However, students should recognize that becoming a community midwife requires a significant investment of time both academically and clinically.
In addition to weekly Community Learning Days, students should expect to spend time completing coursework, studying, participating in clinical apprenticeship experiences, attending births, and preparing for examinations.
As apprenticeship responsibilities increase, flexibility in your work schedule may become increasingly important.
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We understand that many of our students are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Our Hybrid Distance Learning option allows students to complete much of their coursework remotely while maintaining the structure and accountability of required workshops, skills evaluations, and final examinations.
Although we strive to provide flexibility whenever possible, students are expected to meet academic deadlines, participate actively, and complete all required program requirements.
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Absolutely.
Community is one of the foundations of our educational philosophy which is why we are cohort-based.
Because students learn together through Community Learning Days, workshops, online clinical discussions, and shared experiences, strong professional relationships naturally develop throughout the program.
Many of the relationships formed during training continue well beyond graduation, creating a network of colleagues who support one another throughout their midwifery careers.
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Yes.
Students are encouraged to become active members of the birth community through volunteer opportunities, educational events, childbirth classes, community outreach, workshops, and professional organizations.
Participation in these activities helps students build relationships, develop professional confidence, and gain a broader understanding of community midwifery.
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We recognize that every student learns differently.
Our small class sizes allow instructors to provide individualized guidance, answer questions, review difficult concepts, and help students develop strategies for success.
Our goal is to challenge students while creating a supportive learning environment where questions are welcomed and growth is encouraged.
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Community midwifery has traditionally been taught through mentorship, apprenticeship, and shared experience.
Rather than separating students by experience level during every Community Learning Day, our educational model intentionally brings together beginning students, advanced students, apprentices, and experienced birth workers.
This collaborative environment allows students to learn from one another through discussion, peer mentorship, case reviews, and shared clinical experiences while instructors provide individualized guidance based on each student's level of training.
Learning alongside students at different stages helps reinforce foundational knowledge, strengthen critical thinking, and foster the sense of professional community that is essential to lifelong learning.
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Successful students are not necessarily those with the most birth experience—they are those who remain curious, teachable, and committed to growth.
Students who thrive at DFW Community Birth School are typically:
Self-motivated
Compassionate
Adaptable
Collaborative
Respectful
Professional
Open to feedback
Committed to evidence-informed practice
Passionate about serving families
Perhaps most importantly, they understand that becoming a community midwife is a lifelong journey of learning.
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No.
Graduation from DFW Community Birth School signifies successful completion of the didactic portion of the program and the school's graduation requirements.
To become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and, if practicing in Texas, a Licensed Midwife (LM), students must also complete all required clinical apprenticeship experiences and meet the current certification and licensure requirements established by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
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Yes.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to build the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and foundational competencies expected of entry-level community midwives.
Throughout the program, students participate in examinations, assignments, case studies, skills evaluations, and evidence-informed learning experiences that support preparation for NARM certification.
While no educational program can guarantee success on a certification examination, our goal is to prepare graduates with the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully complete the certification process.
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Possibly.
Because licensure laws vary by state, students planning to practice outside Texas are responsible for researching the laws and licensing requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
Our curriculum follows the NARM PEP pathway, which may support licensure in many states, but individual state requirements should always be verified before enrollment.
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Professional standards and regulatory requirements occasionally change.
DFW Community Birth School monitors updates from NARM and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation closely and communicates significant changes to students whenever possible.
Ultimately, students are responsible for ensuring they meet the certification and licensure requirements that are in effect when they apply.
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Graduates may pursue a variety of careers within the birth community, depending on their certification, licensure, interests, and local regulations.
Career opportunities may include:
Community Midwife
Birth Center Midwife
Home Birth Midwife
Midwifery Practice Owner
Clinical Preceptor
Midwifery Educator
Birth Assistant
Childbirth Educator
Doula
Lactation Professional
Perinatal Health Advocate
Public Health & Community Outreach
Many graduates continue expanding their education through additional certifications, professional organizations, leadership opportunities, and continuing education.
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Graduation marks the beginning of your professional journey, not the end of your education.
We encourage graduates to remain involved through continuing education workshops, professional networking, guest teaching opportunities, mentorship, and community events hosted by DFW Community Birth School.
As our alumni community grows, we look forward to creating additional opportunities for graduates to stay connected, continue learning, and support future generations of student midwives.
Community Midwifery Access Program
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The Community Midwifery Access Program (CMAP) is a unique initiative of DFW Community Birth & Wellness that expands access to relationship centered midwifery care for families who may not otherwise be able to afford out of hospital birth services.
For students, the program provides meaningful educational opportunities to observe continuity of care and participate in supervised clinical experiences while serving the community.
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Possibly.
Participation depends on several factors, including:
Client enrollment
Informed client consent
Student competency
Clinical readiness
Available learning opportunities
Students may have opportunities to observe, assist, or serve in a primary student role under the direct supervision of a Licensed Midwife.
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Potentially, yes.
Students who help introduce families to the Community Midwifery Access Program may have opportunities to follow that family's journey throughout prenatal care, labor, birth, postpartum, and newborn care.
Participation always depends on:
Client consent
Student competency
Instructor approval
Clinical availability
One of the greatest educational benefits of community midwifery is experiencing continuity of care, and we strive to create those opportunities whenever appropriate.
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Limited apprenticeship opportunities may become available through DFW Community Birth & Wellness.
Because these opportunities depend on Community Midwifery Access Program enrollment, client consent, student competency, and available capacity, placement cannot be guaranteed.
Students should expect to secure their own qualified preceptor while viewing birth center apprenticeship opportunities as an additional possibility rather than an expectation.
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Yes.
When participation meets current NARM requirements and is completed under the supervision of an approved preceptor, eligible clinical experiences may be documented toward your apprenticeship requirements.
Students are responsible for maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring all experiences meet current NARM standards.
Workshops & Continuing Education
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No.
Many of our workshops are open to the broader birth community. While some workshops are reserved for enrolled students, many educational opportunities are available to individuals from other midwifery programs and birth related professions.
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Depending on the workshop, registration may be open to:
Student Midwives
NARM PEP Students
Licensed Midwives
Doulas
Birth Assistants
Nurses
Lactation Professionals
Childbirth Educators
Other birth workers
Workshop descriptions will indicate any prerequisites or experience requirements.
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Workshop offerings vary throughout the year and may include:
Birth Assistant Training
Doula Training
Placenta Workshops
PAP Smear Workshops
IV Skills
Lab Collection
Newborn Assessment
Breastfeeding Support
Emergency Skills
Documentation & Charting
Suturing
Skills Competency Practice
NARM PEP Skills Sign Offs
Additional workshops are added based on community needs and instructor availability.
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Yes.
Throughout the year, DFW Community Birth School offers skills competency evaluations and sign offs for NARM PEP students.
Available skills, eligibility requirements, registration information, and pricing are announced as workshops become available.
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Absolutely.
We welcome student midwives from other educational pathways who would like additional hands on learning opportunities, workshops, or eligible skills competency evaluations.
Our goal is to strengthen the community of birth workers through collaboration and education.
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Yes.
Many workshops are intentionally designed for a wide variety of birth professionals. Whether you're exploring midwifery or expanding your current skills, you're welcome to participate in workshops appropriate for your experience level.
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Workshop schedules vary throughout the year based on instructor availability, student needs, and community interest.
New workshops are announced as they become available.
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Current workshops, registration information, and pricing are posted on our website.
Because workshop offerings change throughout the year, we encourage you to check back regularly for new educational opportunities.