Admissions Prerequisites

Entry Prerequisites

Every NMI applicant must meet the same baseline requirements to enter the Midwifery Certificate Program. Review the Foundational Understanding of Midwifery pathways below to confirm your eligibility before launching your online application form.

Entry Prerequisites (Before You Apply)

Baseline Requirement

High School Equivalency

All applicants must provide documentation showing completion of secondary education before launching their online application form.

Accepted Evidence & Documentation:
  • A standard High School Diploma
  • A General Educational Development (GED) credential
  • A verified international equivalent transcript
Crucial Step

Foundational Understanding of Midwifery

Before launching your online application form, you must meet this requirement via one of the two completely valid tracks outlined below:

Standard Track

Path A: Course Completion

You have successfully finished an introductory midwifery training/course curriculum or you have completed at least one trimester, one semester, or two quarters at a MEAC accredited school.

Accepted Evidence:
  • Completion of Heart & Hands (preferred option).
  • A certificate of completion or transcript from an equivalent basic introductory training.
Alternative Option

Path B: Objectives-Based Alternative Pathway

For experienced community birth workers and self-directed learners who have built introductory-level understanding through independent work and/or study.

What you will need to package & upload:
  • Completed OBAP Worksheet: Your objective-by-objective source mapping checklist.
  • Reading Bibliography: List of foundational midwifery textbooks and resources.
  • Experiential Records: CV/Resume, birth experience logs, workshop attendance, course certificates, course transcripts (Lactation, Neonatal Resuscitation, Childbirth Education, Midwifery training, etc).

🧭 Using the OBAP Worksheet Template

Unsure if your previous birth work, doula training, or prior academic coursework counts as an equivalent prerequisite? Need to map out an independent study route instead of taking a preferred course? We have clear learning objectives to help evaluate your unique journey.

📝 OBAP Worksheet Formatting Rules:
  • Do not write paragraphs: We are looking for structural reference items, not detailed summary narratives under each objective.
  • Format as lists: Simply use clear bullet points naming the precise textbook chapter, online resource, course unit, or workshop source where you learned that core objective.
📖 View Learning Objectives in the Student Handbook → OBAP Worksheet Template →

Would you prefer to talk through your background with us? Schedule a Discovery Call to map this out together.

⚠️ Strict Non-Duplication Policy

Any coursework, independent study materials, certifications, or apprenticeship hours utilized to satisfy this entry prerequisite cannot be reused or counted toward advanced placement, transfer credits, or clinical/graduation requirements later in the program.

Can I enroll in NMI from my state?

National Midwifery Institute is legally authorized or exempt from authorization to offer our distance-education certificate program in the states highlighted in green below.

Living in a gray state? Don’t worry - regulations change frequently, and we are working on expanding our reach. Inquire below and we’ll add you to our waitlist.

⚠ Permission or exemption to operate an educational program in a specific state does not indicate the legal status of midwifery practice or licensure in that state.

Midwifery practice laws vary significantly across the United States. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant or student to research the legal status of direct-entry midwifery, apprentice requirements, and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) licensure pathways within the state where they intend to practice. For information about CPM regulations and licensing in the US check out the following resources: