Alphabet Soup
Just what do those acronyms stand for?


CAM California Association of Midwives - A professional organization made up of and representing California midwives.
CNM Certified Nurse Midwife - A credential earned by nurses completing midwifery training.  
CPM Certified Professional Midwife - A competency based credential granted by the North American Registry of Midwives. Students completing MEAC approved programs must also pass the NARM written exam to earn their CPM. Note: This credential may or may not allow you to practice legally in your state. 
LM Licensed Midwife - Many states regulate the midwifery profession by requiring midwives to have licenses. Each state regulates midwifery differently. In those states which license midwives, practicing midwifery without a license is illegal.
MANA Midwives Alliance of North America - An advocacy group made up of and representing midwives dedicated to ensuring the availability of midwifery care.
MEAC Midwifery Education Accreditation Council - A federally recognized accrediting agency "providing guidance, evaluation and accreditation of midwifery schools so that midwifery students receive high quality education."
NARM North American Registry of Midwives - An international agency that administers certification for the credential Certified Professional Midwife.