CCSM PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Become A CCSM Student
Your journey to midwifery begins with finding a school that best aligns with your purpose and needs. At CCSM, we’ve structured our racially congruent and culturally sensitive program to be rigorous in nature so our students are prepared to become leaders in the maternal health field, as well as in their communities. CCSM’s programs are built and founded on The JJ Way® four tenants; Access, Connection, Knowledge, and Empowerment.
We offer a hybrid version of our direct-entry midwifery program and are expanding to a satellite school in California. We encourage our interested students to read over our program descriptions and prerequisites, to see if Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery is the right choice for you.
Congratulations on starting your midwifery journey, and we’re excited to have you here!
CCSM Direct Entry Program Options
CCSM is proud to offer the following options to enter the Hybrid Direct Midwifery Program to meet the needs of aspiring midwives.
Become a Midwife in the United States
The Hybrid Direct Entry Midwifery Program
The Hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery program is adapted to suit the needs of aspiring midwives across the United States. Our hybrid students will attend their academic courses virtually, with clinical lab courses on campus during once-a-semester workshops, and participate in a clinical externship in their local community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please find some answers to some of our commonly asked questions.
How much does your program cost?
Our Direct-Entry Program’s tuition is $350 per credit. Including administrative fees, skills fees, and technology fees the total estimates to $40,000. We offer payment plans to help spread the cost of education, as well as scholarship opportunities to our students. Click here to learn more about financing the midwifery school.
Does you offer scholarships?
Scholarship opportunities vary based on CCSM donors and funders for the year. If opportunities are available students must be meet all eligibility requirements to apply. Please Click here to learn more about our scholarship opportunities.
Do you accept FASFA or GI Bills?
We do not currently accept FAFSA or FL Prepaid at this time. We are currently in the process to be approved for Title IV Funding to provide this as an option for our students. CCSM is currently in the process of applying to accept GI Bills. To stay up to date on our financial aid options, feel free to inquire to stay informed.
What is the Direct Entry Midwifery Program?
The Hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery program is designed to meet the educational needs of aspiring midwives across the United States, with no prior midwifery, nursing, or medical training. The Hybrid program is MEAC accredited and adapted to be hosted primarily online, with preceptorships in your local area. We are currently accredited by the Medical Board of California and BPPE to support the California Satellite.
What prerequisites need to be completed to apply?
Below is a list of the required prerequisites. While we do not require that our prerequisites be completed at the linked institutes, these are just some suggestions where you can meet our prerequisites:
- Doula Certification – Cornerstone Doula Trainings
- Lactation Educator Training
- College-level Math Course – StraighterLine.com or Sophia Learning
- College-level English Course – StraighterLine.com or Sophia Learning
- College-level Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 Courses – Straighter Line or Sophia Learning
- College-level Chemistry- Straighter Line or Sophia Learning
- HIV/AIDS 4-hour Course – KIBI
- CPR Certification – American Red Cross
- NRP Certification – Birth Emergency Skills Training
If you have any questions about whether or not your previous experience will meet our prerequisites, feel free to email at admissions@commonsensemidwifery.org!
How does the Transcript Evaluation work?
If you are applying to our school and are interested in determining if some of your previous education could be applied as for credit, all you need to do is complete this Transcript Evaluation Request Form and pay the applicable transcript evaluation fee. You will need to gather a copy of your course catalog(s), as well as have an official transcript.
Please note, transcript evaluations are not required for our college-level prerequisites, just your official transcript(s) submitted with your application.
Does you assist with preceptor securement?
CCSM prides itself on student-led preceptor relationships. With the California Satellite inaugrual cohort, the clinical department has been able to gather information for tentative preceptors throughout California. Although we cannot guarantee placement with an onboarded preceptor, we are available to assist students. Our preceptors practice in a variety of settings, which allow students to explore the type of midwifery practice they would like to establish upon graduation.
What does the admissions process look like?
1. Submit Completed Application
2. Admissions Interview (for completed applications ONLY)
3. Acknowledgement Check of Governing Documents (Questionnaire of Catalog & Student Handbook)
4. Completion of Clinical Externship Attestation
5. Submission of a completed Technical Performance Standards Evaluation and Physical Exam by a Primary Care Provider
6. Preceptor Securement with Clinical Department
7. Selective Admissions Decisions based on all previous steps
8. Decision Letter emailed from Admissions Department
What is the structure of the program?
Online classes one day a week (for California Satellite half-day classes two days a week) via Zoom.
Twice per year (Spring & Fall) mandatory, in-person hands-on skills week event for clinical lab test out (California Satellite skills event will take place in Los Angeles).
What software is used throughout the program?
Our program uses the following software:
Google Suite: student GMail accounts and Google Drive access
Zoom: student accounts to attend classes
Populi: student online information system for admissions, billing and tuition.
Canvas LMS: attendance tracking, grade reporting, and delivery of academic courses
Typhon: Student tracking for clinical experience
How much time is required to attend this program?
Our program is two-fold: academic and clinical.
The academics will require 10-20 hours per week for course work, home work, and studying. The clinical will require for students to establish a schedule with their preceptor to attend their clinical site weekly to meet their clinical requirements (# of clinical hours and # of prenatal visits, newborn visits, postpartum visits, etc.). Student midwives are also expected to be on-call with their preceptor midwife throughout the duration of the program to meet their required # of births for completion.
What are the Clinical Requirements for completion of the program?
Clinical Number Requirements:
Our clinical experience requirements exceed those required by NARM and MEAC, and include:
Participation in 75 births at varying management levels including a minimum:
5 Planned Home Births
2 Planned Hospital Births
50 Prenatal Exams
50 Newborn Exams
50 Postpartum Exams
5 Well Woman GYN Exams
5 Continuity of Care Cases
5 Suturing Patients
1350 clinical hours
Breakdown of 75 Births:
Year 1, Semester (Fall) = 125 hours & (8) Observe Births
Y1:S2 (Spring) = 175 hrs & (12) Observe/Assist
Y1:S3 (Summer) = 60 hrs & (5) Observe/Assist
Y2:S1 (Fall) =190 hrs & (10) Assist
Y2:S2 (Spring) = 200 hrs & (10) Assist
Y2:S3 (Summer) = 60 hrs & (5) Assist/Manage
Y3:S1 (Fall) = 270 hrs & (10) Births – Assist/Manage
Y3:S1 (Spring) = 200 hrs &(10) Births (managed)
What is a CPM?
A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a professional, credentialed midwife who is specially trained to provide maternity care in out-of-hospital settings, such as homes or birth centers.
A CPM is trained in normal pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum care, and newborn care.
They specialize in community birth, not hospital-based practice.
They are certified through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) after completing specific education, clinical training, and passing a national exam.
Where CPMs Can Practice:
- Homes and birth centers are their primary setting.
- They generally do not have hospital privileges, though laws vary by U.S. state.
- CPM licensure/legal status differs by location—some states license them, some regulate them differently, and some don’t license them at all.
CPM training includes:
- Apprenticeships with experienced midwives
- Accredited midwifery programs (MEAC-accredited schools)
- Required clinical experiences (prenatal visits, births, postpartum care)
- Passing the NARM exam
What Services CPMs Provide
- Prenatal care
- Labor and birth support (in out-of-hospital settings)
- Postpartum care for parent and baby
- Newborn exams and breastfeeding support
- Education on nutrition, pregnancy health, and informed decision-making
How CPMs Differ from Other Midwives
- CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife): A registered nurse with a master’s degree; can work in hospitals, birth centers, or home; licensed in all U.S. states.
- CM (Certified Midwife): Similar education level to CNM but not a nurse; fewer states license them.
- CPM: Only out-of-hospital births; not required to have a nursing degree.
I was able to start my own midwifery clinic
I had a great experience at Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery. The school gave me a good foundation and I was able to start my own midwifery clinic as soon as I got my license. I had excellent teachers during my three years of school and had the opportunity to learn and prepare myself for the work I’m doing now.
A valuable opportunity to learn
Studying in CCSM was a valuable opportunity to learn about the difference between an OB/GYN and a midwife, and the laws and rules of Florida. That gave me the possibility to work quickly and be confident with the midwifery way.
Curious to learn more about how our programs can prepare you?
At CCSM, our curriculums meet all the academic and clinical requirements specified in Florida Statute 467 the Midwifery Practice Act. Our core competencies identify the essential knowledge base required of an entry-level midwife, so you're prepared for job opportunities.
Graduates from our Direct-Entry Midwifery Programs will graduate with a Diploma in Midwifery and will be eligible to sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam. Graduates from our Licensure by Endorsement Program will be awarded a Certification of Completion, and will also be eligible to sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam. The NARM exam is the National certifying exam for the midwifery profession and is used as the licensure exam in Florida.
All CCSM graduates must pass the NARM Exam, and be granted licensure by the Council of Licensed Midwifery before they may work as a midwife in the State of Florida. If you're located out of state, we want to ensure CCSM meets your state's midwifery needs. You can research your state's specific requirements here.
If you are eager to learn more, we encourage you to read through our catalog and student handbook.
Why Choose Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery?
Dedication to Diversity
CCSM believes that exposure to diversity will best prepare our students to serve all birthing people and families. Because of our strong commitment to equity and social justice, the school promotes non-discrimination in all its facets.
Unrivaled Educational Philosophy
We are dedicated to educating student midwives in the ancient art and modern science of midwifery practice. We believe that any student wanting to reach their goal will be able to benefit from the education CCSM offers.
MEAC Accredited
Our hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery program at Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery was granted accreditation by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) on July 8, 2020. Our Licensure by Endorsement program is not accredited by MEAC.
Over 40 Years Experience
Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery founder Jennie Joseph brings over 40 years experience with the results to match.
My time at CCSM was something I will never forget
I attended CCSM from 2015 to 2018. It was one of the hardest and best things I’ve ever done. I appreciate the realistic expectations that were given at the orientation and the caution to only pursue this career if it was a calling on my life.
My time at CCSM was something I will never forget and will always be thankful for. Jennie Joseph’s vision for quality and equitable care is so tangible and contagious. It is my goal in my practice to follow the methods of the JJWay. The schoolwork was challenging and the instructors were knowledgeable and approachable.
When I graduated in the Summer of 2018, I felt confident and prepared as a midwife. Years later, I still reference the things I learned in school. I highly recommend CCSM to any potential midwife looking for a school.