Story: By Care Providers
Midwifery Education Pathways at Greenfield Community College
A conversation with the Dean of Workforce Programs at a Massachusetts’ community college explores the importance of diverse pathways into the second oldest profession.
These two pathways are designed to meet the needs of every current and future professional midwife across the Commonwealth: those currently practicing and in need of professional development, as well as those interested in exploring the field for the first time.
Q: What type of midwifery training program is Greenfield Community College (GCC) developing?
“GCC is currently developing two education and training pathways for certified professional midwives (CPMs) in Massachusetts: 1) a menu of non-credit continuing education courses (CEUs) for currently practicing CPMs to hone essential emergency care skills that will ensure safe and equitable care for birthing people, and 2) a full Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in midwifery for those seeking to earn the national CPM credential. GCC is seeking Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) accreditation for both pathways.”
Q: Why did GCC begin developing training programs for professional midwives at this time?
“In 2024, several deeply connected CPMs, who also serve as midwifery educators, approached GCC leadership regarding the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to create clear pathways to state licensure for CPMs. They saw the need for increased access to training and education pathways for new and practicing midwives, and their observations aligned with our findings when we began to explore this gap in our region. Increasing access to a strong pipeline of trained, licensed midwives is among the goals of the MA DPH’s new Maternal Health Access and Birthing Safety Task Force. Chapter 186 of the Acts of 2024 promotes access to midwifery care and community birth options, which in turn will grow the demand for midwife-assisted births in MA, reinforcing the need for more in-state MEAC-accredited training options, especially those that prioritize opportunities for hands-on skill building. Graduates of GCC’s program will be able to apply for licensure in MA.”
Q: Who is the program designed for? How are prior learning, experience, or community-based practice recognized as part of program development?
“These two pathways are designed to meet the needs of every current and future professional midwife across the Commonwealth: those currently practicing and in need of professional development and/or a pathway to state licensure when the time comes, as well as those interested in exploring the field for the first time through an AAS degree program. Hands-on experience through the clinic courses, which require attending and eventually assisting births with practicing midwives throughout the region, will be a key element of the AAS degree, making community-based practice at the core of the program. This program has been in development since 2024, and collaborators have included practicing and retired midwives, GCC faculty members, maternal health advocates, doulas, healthcare professionals, and so many more collaborators from nearly every corner of this vital field. This broad tapestry of contributors has ensured that GCC’s curriculum builds the required knowledge and addresses the highest-need skill gaps that the regional midwife community has observed in recent years. These programs wouldn’t be possible without the collective experience and expertise of so many different voices and perspectives.”
Q: Where is the program currently at, and where can people go to learn more as this work moves forward?
“The continuing education workshops have been developed, and nearly all have been approved by the accrediting body, MEAC. We are awaiting updates at the state level before launching those professional development courses. Our goal is that these CEUs will stack into a Bridge Certificate for practicing midwives seeking state licensure in addition to their national certification. The full degree program is likely at least a year and a half away from implementation, if not more, given the many layers of rigorous review and approval required of new degree programs. GCC will continue to offer updates via our website and typical communication channels, and I’m always available to field questions.”