How are licensed midwives educated?
All students complete rigorous theoretical instruction as well as extensive supervised clinical experiences in all aspects of midwifery care. LMs must attend a three-year midwifery education program accredited by Washington State or the equivalent. There are currently three programs approved by the state: Seattle Midwifery School, Birthingway College of Midwifery and the Midwifery Program at Bastyr University. Standards for education in these programs are consistent with those established by the international Confederation of Midwives and the International Confederation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and exceed the requirements for certification by the North American Registry of Midwives. Washington LMs are required to attend 100 births under supervision in the course of their clinical training.
