Importance of Continuing Education

Once a midwife finishes school, the last thing she wants to think about is more training! She is so grateful to be done. As time goes on (I personally realized it a couple years ago), we are always learning and keeping updated with new research and standards of care. Having access to an app and resource program is essential for safe care. I really like “Up To Date” system. It is a little pricey per year, but the knowledge my fingertips (especially for things I haven’t care for ever or years) is vital. Each state has different requirements of what continuing education looks like.

Some midwives decide to do continuing education through online videos, courses, articles, or forums. Many will go do live conference and travel the country. There are options to expand your scope with additional certifications like circumcision, colposcopy, ultrasound, first assist during cesarean sections, gynecological procedures like endometrial biopsy, and so much more. CPMs and Direct Entry Midwives are apprenticeship trained and have been talk through a continuous education model. CNMs tend to have more structured CEUs and requirements within a state of what need to be learned or “re-learned” to renew their state license.

In Michigan, there is a minimum of 1 CEU in pain every renewal rotation. Some states have abuse screening education, alternative therapy education credits, or hospice CEUs required of their nursing license. Some states have nursing license separate from midwifery license, but each continuing credit is important to renew those licenses. Know your specific state requirements and what skills you currently have.

Maybe you want to expand your scope or services offered at your midwife business. Are you having trouble finding a doctor that is affordable for your Amish community’s circumcision request? Is having an ultrasound in office beneficial for early heart rates or confirming presentation of baby near delivery time? Do you want to start doing gynecological care, but have been doing obstetrical care only last 10yrs? Having a First Assist Certification is amazing in a small community hospital and an emergency cesarean section is warranted.

Adding certifications and more skills to your “tool chest” only makes your resume and services more valuable. The more you know, the better you can care for families in your area. The last thing any midwife wants is to harm a mother or child from lack of education. Screening, guidelines, and care plans dramatically change in a few years. Keeping up to date with current recommendations is a must in today’s ever changing health care system.