Midwifery Program Application Process

Applying to the Midwifery Programs

Admission to Birthingway College is by application. Core class size is generally limited to 15, and prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible prior to the October 15 application deadline. (Midwifery Program Application is currently under revision - please check back soon and we should have it available for download). 

Prerequisites

The following prerequisites are required for admission into either the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery or Certificate of Midwifery program. You may take any of the prerequisite courses Birthingway offers while you are applying for our Midwifery Program. Acceptance into the program would be final pending successful completion and meeting pertinent grade requirements.

Hold a high school diploma or equivalency

Anatomy and Physiology Course - applicants must have completed an anatomy and physiology course of at least 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits which covers all of the body systems, taken at an accredited post-secondary institution, and must have earned a grade of at least 3.0 (B). An official transcript must be provided. Birthingway offers “Human Anatomy and Physiology – Overview for Midwives”, which will fulfill this prerequisite if you haven't already taken A&P.

Writing Course - applicants must have completed a three credit college-level expository writing course, and received a grade of at least 3.0 (B). Creative writing will not be accepted as a prerequisite. Birthingway offers “Writing for Midwives” which will fill this prerequisite.

Labor Doula Workshop - applicants must have completed an approved Labor Doula course or workshop. Birthingway offers a Labor Doula Workshop which will fulfill this prerequisite. (See Labor Doula Programs) Other approved Labor Doula programs include ALACE, DONA, ICEA and Birthworks. For approval of additional programs, please contact the college. Labor Doula Certification is not a requirement.

Meet Technical Standards for Candidates for Admission

Technical Standards for Admission Candidates

Because a midwifery diploma from Birthingway signifies the holder is a midwife prepared for entry into active practice, candidates for graduation must have the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of client care. Therefore, the following abilities and expectations must be met and maintained by all candidates for admission to Birthingway.

• Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, and learn to conduct basic office lab procedures.

• Candidates must have sufficient use of the sensory, vision, hearing, motor and the somatic sensation necessary to perform a physical examination. Candidates must be able to perform clinical care activities such as palpation, auscultation, percussion, the administration of intravenous medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways and the movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision (see Skills Assessment Checklist for complete list of required skills).

• Candidates must be able to learn to respond with precise, quick and appropriate action in emergency situations.

• Candidates must be able to communicate with accuracy, clarity, efficiency and sensitivity.

• Candidates must be able to learn the skills to analyze and synthesize information, solve problems and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments.

• Candidates must be able to acknowledge evaluation and respond appropriately.

• Candidates must possess the interpersonal skills to develop rapport and positive relationships with clients, midwives, other care providers and with other students.

• Candidates are expected to possess the perseverance, diligence and consistency to complete the midwifery college curriculum. Candidates, therefore, must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, to function effectively under stress, to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many clients.

• Candidates must demonstrate a proficiency in the English language.

Students/applicants who have questions regarding these standards are encouraged to contact the Student Affairs Coordinator.

Submitting Your Application

Applicants are encouraged to observe a class at Birthingway, if possible, prior to submitting an application. Applicants are also encouraged to attend our workshop, “So, You Want To Be A Midwife?” which is offered at Birthingway each summer or early fall.

Applications must be post-marked by October 15. Late applications will only be considered for admission if space is available after all other applicants have been considered. We recommend that applicants keep a copy of the completed application.

A completed application includes:

• The completed application form
• $50 application fee
• Answers to application essay questions
• Two written letters of recommendation sent directly to Birthingway. Faxed or emailed letters are acceptable provided that signed, hard copies follow.
• Copy of high school diploma, GED, or equivalency certificate, or high school transcript
• Official college transcripts from any colleges attended
• Offical transcript documenting completion of the coursework prerequisites in A&P and Writing..*
• Documentation of completion of an approved labor doula workshop

*Students enrolled in classes to meet admission prerequisites at the time of application must provide an official transcript including the final grades no later than December 31.

Applications are checked for completeness. A letter is sent notifying applicants when all documentation has been received.

Evaluation of Application

In evaluating applications, the following factors are considered:

• Completion of prerequisites
• Completeness and clarity of the application
• Response to the essay questions on the application
• Time available for study, clinicals, etc.
• Previous life experiences that would contribute to the sensitivity and insight a good midwife needs, as well as demonstrate initiative, independence, and leadership
• Previous experience as a birth educator, health care provider, lactation consultant, doula, or birth assistant
• Previous study in midwifery, including attendance at midwifery conferences, meetings, workshops, apprenticeships
• Academic training and coursework in areas related to midwifery
• Demonstration of commitment to midwifery through a history of membership and involvement in midwifery organizations and causes
• If reapplying for admission, ability to demonstrate commitment to a midwifery path through continued study, reading and participation in midwifery meetings and events

After your application is received, you will be contacted to arrange an interview time and to set you up with a currently enrolled student who will be your "buddy" through the application process.

A personal interview with the Admissions Committee will be conducted to augment the written application. Interviews will be held in October and November for area residents and in the third week of November for other applicants.

On the third Friday of November, a "Meet and Greet" reception for applicants is held. Former and current students, area midwives and faculty will be present. Input from the college community is a vital part of application evaluations, and presence at the reception greatly improves an applicant’s chances of being accepted into the program. Not attending the Meet and Greet could put an applicant at a disadvantage.

A high priority is placed on applicants currently residing in communities that need or desire midwifery services. People of color are encouraged to apply.

Birthingway College of Midwifery strives to foster an environment of diversity and acceptance. The College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnic identity, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Concerns regarding this policy can be addressed to the Title IX coordinator, G. Neyland, 12113 SE Foster Rd., Portland, OR 97266, 503-760-3131, or by contacting the Office of Civil Rights at 400 Maryland, SW, Washington D.C. 20202-1100, 1-800-421-3481.