Become a Community Midwife in the United States - the CPM Credential
What is a CPM?
A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a professional, credentialed midwife specially trained to provide maternity care in out-of-hospital settings, such as homes, clinics, or free-standing birth centers.
A CPM is trained in normal pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum care, lactation support, and newborn care, and specializes in community birth rather than hospital-based practice.
A CPM is an expert in normal physiologic birth and is highly trained to recognize the difference between low-risk and high-risk or complicated cases. CPMs work in an interdisciplinary manner, escalating care to colleagues or institutions when needed, and collaborating closely to provide continuous support for the best possible outcome for the birthing family.
CPMs are certified through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) after completing specific education and clinical training and passing a national exam.
Where Can CPMs 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 and legal status differ by location — some states license CPMs, 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 experience (prenatal visits, births, postpartum care)
- Passing the NARM exam
What Services Can 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 homes; licensed in all U.S. states.
- CM (Certified Midwife): Similar education level to a CNM but not a nurse; licensed in fewer states.
- CPM: Practices mostly in community settings and out-of-hospital births; a nursing degree is not required for certification or licensure.
CCSM Program Options
CCSM is proud to offer the following options to enter the 3-Year Hybrid Direct Midwifery Program to meet the needs of aspiring midwives.
Become A CCSM Student
Your journey to midwifery begins with finding a school that aligns with your purpose and your goals. At CCSM, we’ve built a rigorous program grounded in community, so our students graduate ready to lead — in the maternal health field and in the communities they return to serve. CCSM’s programs are built and founded on The JJ Way® four tenets: Access, Connection, Knowledge, and Empowerment.
We offer a hybrid version of our direct-entry midwifery program, open to students in Florida, Rhode Island, California, and several other approved states. Read through our program descriptions and prerequisites to see if Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery is the right fit for you, and when you’re ready to see exactly what the path ahead looks like, our Admissions Program Team walks you through it step by step.
Congratulations on starting your midwifery journey – we’re excited to have you here!
Why Choose Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery?
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.
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.
Every Person, Every Time
At CCSM, we believe every birthing person and family deserves a midwife who can truly see them and serve them well. We prepare our students to work confidently and respectfully with people from every background, because that breadth of experience is what makes a midwife ready for real community practice. CCSM does not discriminate and welcomes people from every background without exception.
Unrivaled Educational Philosophy
We educate student midwives in the ancient art and modern science of midwifery practice. We believe any student ready to do the work can reach their goal here, and we build the comprehensive education to make sure of it.
We believe that every person should have access to a maternity care provider of their choice and to the information needed to make informed decisions. Our goal is to develop competent, highly educated midwives who can provide this option.
MEAC Accredited Program
CCSM's hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery Program was granted accreditation by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) on July 8, 2020. [Learn more about MEAC.]
Over 40 Years Experience
Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery founder Jennie Joseph brings over 45 years of international midwifery experience with the results to match.