hcmi academic programs
The HCMI’s curriculum was developed by a committee comprised of certified midwives, childbirth educators, consumers, and other maternal community care providers. Input was received from a variety of midwifery educators across the country.
All of our curriculum meets or exceeds core competencies developed by both the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is consistent with the curriculum framework developed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).
Our programs are designed with the adult learner in mind. The programs rely on self-driven individuals who can commit and navigate their distance learning without the ridged system of a traditional school environment. Instructors use a combination of learning materials to facilitate integration, application of academics, and discussion among peers in addition to assigned reading.
HCMI is dedicated to providing evidence based holistic education where modern and traditional midwifery practices mold with one another to form a unique and inclusive form of learning. We strive to integrate curriculum that reflects diversity and prepares students to practice in their communities that are as diverse as they are.
All of our curriculum meets or exceeds core competencies developed by both the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is consistent with the curriculum framework developed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).
Our programs are designed with the adult learner in mind. The programs rely on self-driven individuals who can commit and navigate their distance learning without the ridged system of a traditional school environment. Instructors use a combination of learning materials to facilitate integration, application of academics, and discussion among peers in addition to assigned reading.
HCMI is dedicated to providing evidence based holistic education where modern and traditional midwifery practices mold with one another to form a unique and inclusive form of learning. We strive to integrate curriculum that reflects diversity and prepares students to practice in their communities that are as diverse as they are.
Birth Assistant
This program is a comprehensive jump start for student midwives or those looking to work as a birth assistant.
The program includes 7 online courses and a hands on skills weekend. |
Maternal health specialist
A maternal health specialist (MHS) is a community maternal health provider whom practices in the gap between doula and midwife. Those in this gap are far more than a birth doula, but have not taken the step into the role of medical provider. MHS have advanced knowledge of labor support, postpartum support, breastfeeding education, bereavement, birth assisting, and birth business administration skills. A MHS works as part of a team of birth professionals serving birthing clients in the community.
Maternal Health Specialist Certificate
There exists a space between those who are starting their birth professional journey and those rounding out their education as a midwife. This is where the Maternal Health Specialist lives. MHS have advanced knowledge of labor support, postpartum support, breastfeeding education, bereavement, birth assisting, and birth business administration skills. A MHS works as part of a team of birth professionals serving birthing clients in the community.
There exists a space between those who are starting their birth professional journey and those rounding out their education as a midwife. This is where the Maternal Health Specialist lives. MHS have advanced knowledge of labor support, postpartum support, breastfeeding education, bereavement, birth assisting, and birth business administration skills. A MHS works as part of a team of birth professionals serving birthing clients in the community.
HCMI offers a certification that prepares students to become Maternal Health Specialists. Graduates of the MHS certification will be qualified to work as:
|
The MHS is a certificate program, which can be completed on average in 12-18 months. The MHS program provides a solid foundation for a career in midwifery with graduates being prepared to begin phases two and three of the NARM PEP route to midwifery. This program meets courses and requirements for year one of our Direct-Entry Midwifery program. This is non-degree program.
direct entry midwifery
** This program will not be available till Fall 2026 but individual courses are available**
The MI Direct-Entry Midwifery program is designed to meet the educational and professional needs of students with no prior midwifery education. This program provides students with the academic and clinical learning experiences required for graduation pursuant of certification as a professional midwife in the United States.
Students use both theory studies in the classroom along with an in the field preceptorship to care for 50 women during the childbearing year including during the prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum period. The MI DEM is a three year equivalent program, which can be completed from 2-5 years.
Graduates will be eligible to sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam. The NARM is the US certifying exam for professional midwives. Students may then apply for a state license in the state they intent to practice.
Academic Prerequisites beyond the general prerequisites include:
Students use both theory studies in the classroom along with an in the field preceptorship to care for 50 women during the childbearing year including during the prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum period. The MI DEM is a three year equivalent program, which can be completed from 2-5 years.
Graduates will be eligible to sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam. The NARM is the US certifying exam for professional midwives. Students may then apply for a state license in the state they intent to practice.
Academic Prerequisites beyond the general prerequisites include:
- College Level Math
- College Level English
- BLS & NRP