The Association of Texas Midwives philosophy is that midwives should be trained by other midwives, be that training in a school or through apprenticeship. ATM has been involved with the education of aspiring midwives for over 30 years. The development of a curriculum to better help the student integrate academic learning with the clinical training received with an experienced midwife-teacher (preceptor) has evolved and grown as the needs of both midwifery students and consumers of midwifery care has evolved and grown. This culminated with the ATM Midwifery Training Program (ATMMTP) being designated as an approved midwifery education program by the Texas Midwifery Board in 1999. ATMMTP graduates are eligible to take the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam as a Texas agency candidate, and upon successful completion, to obtain the Texas midwifery license. The program is also designed to help prepare the graduate for the NARM Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential.

Program Overview

The ATMMTP is an eight-part comprehensive midwifery education program whose curriculum is based on the Midwives Alliance of North America's standards for practice and "Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice", and incorporates and NARM educational requirements. These requirements are met through a variety of methods, including home and internet based coursework, required reading, and research and community projects. Each of the 8 parts, or modules, ends with classroom time in the form of 2 or 3 day mandatory workshops where review, application, integration, and testing occur. The Program's expected completion period is approximately 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years, including the required clinical training. 

The academic portion of the ATMMTP is divided into eight (8) Study Modules with related workshops.

• Introduction to Midwifery
• Anatomy and Physiology for Midwives
• Antepartum I
• The Normal Intrapartum
• Antepartum II
• Complications of the Intrapartum
• Postpartum and Newborn
• Advanced Skills

Click here for more information on Program Content

Clinical Training

Note: April 10, 2012 - The North American Registry of Midwives has revised clinical requirements for CPM candidates. Current ATMMTP clinical requirements are subject to change in order to remain in accord with new NARM requirements. The following information does not reflect the NARM revisions. Please check back for updated information.

All students must complete a mandatory minimum 18 months and 1350 contact hours of clinical apprenticeship with one or more approved ATMMTP preceptors. While under the supervision of the preceptor(s), the student will learn and demonstrate mastery of a minimum set of skills and document completion of all ATMMTP clinical requirements. During the apprenticeship phase the student will begin to develop her intuitive skills and sense of touch, as important to midwifery care as the knowledge, risk assessment and problem identification skills learned through the academic portions of the Program. 

The ATMMTP recommends that students begin the clinical portion of their training following completion of the second module, and students must be in an apprenticeship by the sixth module (Complications of the Intrapartum). It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with an approved midwife preceptor who will work with them to complete their clinical training. The ATMMTP will provide the student with a list of approved preceptors. Midwives who are not already approved by the ATMMTP may seek approval by requesting an application from the Course Coordinator. 

The ATMMTP realizes that completion of clinical experience (apprenticeship) is dependent on the good will of mothers and midwives in allowing students to participate in their birth experiences. The dignity and wishes of midwifery clients are of utmost importance. Therefore, Program extensions will be granted when circumstances warrant. 

Click here for more information on Clinical Requirements

Enrollment

Enrollment in the ATMMTP is open, and may take place at any time of the year. The student may begin studies immediately upon receipt of the program materials, which includes the first module, Introduction to Midwifery. The enrollment deadline, which is considered the "start date" for each class, is January 1st for students who plan to attend the first workshop in May, and June 30th for students planning to attend the November workshop. Students who complete all assignments early may begin work on Independent Study projects and assignments. 

Click here to download a Program Schedule for your selected start date.

What does it cost?

The Program tuition is $7000.00, or $875.00 per module. All payments to ATM can be paid using your credit card through Pay Pal or by check or money order by mail. See our payment plan below. 

Additional expenses include:

• ATM membership fee - ( see application )
• Exam Retake fee - $50.00 per exam
• Module Retake fee - normal tuition ($875.00)
• Fee for re-grading of failing worksheet corrections - $50.00
• Required and Recommended Textbooks
• Instruments and equipment - approximately $250.00 and up
• Apprenticeship fees - varies**
• Application Fee - $150.00/U.S. students, $200.00/Mexico & Canada

**This program requires an apprenticeship with an approved midwife preceptor. Apprenticeship fees are arranged privately between apprentice and midwife preceptor.

Payment Plans

A payment of $875.00 for the first module is due with your application for enrollment. Tuition payments of $875.00 for each subsequent module are paid prior to receipt of each modules' assignments. (Eight payments of $875.00, total tuition $7000.00) 

Refunds: There will be no refunds issued more than 72 hours after the initial application is sent in to the ATM office. The ATM membership fee is non-refundable. 

The ATM Midwifery Training Program in its entirety is protected under copyright laws. No portion of the course may be copied or transferred by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the express and written permission of ATM. The course materials are not transferable to other students, they are for your use alone.

Computer Requirements

Students will require a computer and the following software:

• Microsoft Word 2003 or newer
• Microsoft Power Point or Power Point Reader
• Adobe Reader

Non-Microsoft Word software programs such as Open Office are not compatible with ATMMTP assignments.

All students must maintain a functional email account.

Where do I start?

• The Texas Department of Health requires midwifery students to have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and current certification in Infant and Adult CPR. 
  PLEASE NOTE: CPR certification must be either BLS for the Health Care Provider, American Heart Association or CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Red Cross.
• Submit the completed Application and Payment Agreement Contract along with requested Background Information.
• Have current membership in ATM - $30 for students ( see application ).
• Enclose the $875 initial payment (deposit) for the first module and the application fee of $150.00 along with completed payment plan ( on application ).

What do I receive?

Upon receipt and approval of your application, you will be given:

• ATMMTP orientation materials, including a CD with assignments and all ATMMTP required forms
• The first of eight modules of study, "Introduction to Midwifery"
• Independent study assignments and projects
• Student Handbook
• Enrollment in the ATMMTP Study email group
• The name of an experienced midwife whom you may contact if you need assistance.

A telephone interview to orient you to the program will be scheduled once you have received your initial materials.

Who can benefit?

• Students desiring to meet Texas state-mandated minimum education requirements for a Licensed Midwife
• Students or midwives who wish to obtain the CPM credential
• Practicing midwives wishing to review their knowledge or supplement the knowledge gained through independent study

ATMMTP Contact Information

We encourage experienced midwives to become approved ATMMTP preceptors. To request more information, a Preceptor Handbook, and an application email the Course Coordinator at: ATMCourse@texasmidwives.com or call 432-664-8845 .