Whether you are attending a MEAC-accredited school or going through the NARM Portfolio Evaluation Process, you will need to find and work with a preceptor. Here are some tips and information to get you started on that process!
According to NARM, a preceptor is “a midwife who meets requirements for supervising CPM candidates and has current, approved registration through NARM. The Registered Preceptor must be credentialed as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Midwife (CM); or must be a licensed practitioner legally recognized by a state/jurisdiction to provide maternity care. A preceptor must have an additional three years of experience after credentialing or fifty primary/co-primary births beyond entry-level CPM requirements. A preceptor must have attended a minimum of ten out-of-hospital births in the last three years.”
With the CPM credential being primarily an apprenticeship-based midwifery education (even if you attend a MEAC school), preceptors play an important role in educating and supporting midwifery students.
Considerations for Finding a Preceptor
- if you are attending a MEAC school, check with your program for a list of approved and/or registered preceptors
- reach out to local midwives in your area to inquire about preceptorship
- not every midwife chooses to also become a preceptor
- confirm they are a current NARM preceptor by emailing NARM
- meet with any potential preceptor and discuss things like expectations, time commitment and timeline, payment (if any), etc.
- get agreements in writing and have them signed and dated by your preceptor
