CPM question?

[CrunchyDoula]

I have a quick question reguarding certifying as a Certified Professional Midwife.

I am currently waiting to start AAMI in January of 2008. I am currently living in Colorado and plan to live here to some time. Through my research I am finding that in order to apply for certification, in Colorado, I need to:

-pass the educational requirments(graduation from AAMI)
-pass the NARM
-obtain CPR certification

I guess my question for becoming a CPM, is since AAMI (I belive is NOT a MECA accredited school), do I need to partake in the PEP? I guess I am unsure since I know that it also says that unless you go through a MECA approved school that you need to do the PEP.

This is what the NARM site says about applying in Colorado,

Legal Recognition in States Previously Evaluated for Educational Equivalency
The purpose of this category is to expedite the application process for individual midwives applying from a state listed below. Candidates from states marked with an asterisk (*) must submit additional documentation to comply with NARM standards. The state’s additional documentation form will be provided upon request with the application packet.

Alaska*

Colorado New Mexico South Carolina*
Arizona* Florida Montana Texas
California Louisiana Oregon Washington

Candidates who are legally recognized in states previously evaluated for educational equivalency must:

I. Fulfill the General Education Requirements (described on pp. 4-5).

II. Complete the appropriate NARM application forms.

III. Submit a notarized copy of your current state endorsement process (i.e. certification, licensure, registration, or documentation).

Upon approval of your application materials, you will be scheduled for the NARM Written Examination if you have not already taken it.

After you pass the NARM Written Examination, you will receive your Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) Certificate.

Thanks in advance!

[Midwife Kris]

Originally Posted by Crunchy Doula

I guess my question for becoming a CPM, is since AAMI (I belive is NOT a MECA accredited school), do I need to partake in the PEP? I guess I am unsure since I know that it also says that unless you go through a MECA approved school that you need to do the PEP.

Think of PEP as documentation of your experience, both academic and clinical, not an additional method of education. In order to take the NARM written examination and skills test you will fill out the PEP paperwork as the application process so in essence if you are not doing a MEAC school (no, AAMI is not) then you are doing the PEP process.

I did a MEAC school and still filled out most of the PEP paperwork to submit for my written NARM test date (skills testing is built into MEAC academics/apprenticeship). You won't need anything extra for Colorado and I believe the passage you are quoting in your original post is for a CPM who is trying to get to another state after practice in a place where the CPM is recognized. When NARM sends DORA your CPM notice they are happy campers to issue your registration to practice.

FYI the state for some reason is more concerned that we have CPR certification which has nothing to do with neonates so contact the Colorado Midwives Association for the next class in which Karen Strange will provide neonatal resuscitation provider training.

Who is your preceptor going to be there in CO if you don't mind sharing? I just left after 4.5 years and a full year of solo practice for sunny SoCal.

[CrunchyDoula]

Originally Posted by metromidwife

Think of PEP as documentation of your experience, both academic and clinical, not an additional method of education. In order to take the NARM written examination and skills test you will fill out the PEP paperwork as the application process so in essence if you are not doing a MEAC school (no, AAMI is not) then you are doing the PEP process.

Yeah the PEP is just like a portfolio or work, correct?

I did a MEAC school and still filled out most of the PEP paperwork to submit for my written NARM test date (skills testing is built into MEAC academics/apprenticeship).

That I didn't know. It sort of seemed, from what I have heard, that the PEP is a long tedious process, so I am glad to hear it is not.

You won't need anything extra for Colorado and I believe the passage you are quoting in your original post is for a CPM who is trying to get to another state after practice in a place where the CPM is recognized. When NARM sends DORA your CPM notice they are happy campers to issue your registration to practice.

I think that passage I quoted was one of 4 ways to obtain your CPM status, one I think you had to go through a MECA approved school, second certification through the ACC, third Legal recognitions by state (provided you fullfill their requirements), and fourthly going throught the pep process.

FYI the state for some reason is more concerned that we have CPR certification which has nothing to do with neonates so contact the Colorado Association of Midwives for the next class in which Karen Strange will provide neonatal resuscitation provider training.

Thanks for the heads up. That is what it sounded like to me when I was reading the laws and requirements, but I wanted to do the adult, neonatle and infant just to be sure. LOL

Who is your preceptor going to be there in CO if you don't mind sharing? I just left after 4.5 years and a full year of solo practice for sunny SoCal.

You know I have no idea who my preceptor will be I am just getting started. If you can recommend anybody who is looking or willing to take on a student I would be happy to hear about it! I actually met you at the Birth Network meeting in Lone Tree about a month back. I had the one little girl in the stroller, if you remember me.

Thank you for all of the information and I wish you luck in Cali!

[Reha]

I'm not in Colorado, so I am no help there, but I am an AAMI student doing the PEP process so that I can sit for the NARM next year some time. Personally, I don't think the PEP process is all that much of a hassel...just fill in as you go!!!

[MidwifeErika]

I am another AAMI student who has just started the PEP process and it really isn't that bad. I printed off the whole deal and put it in a binder that I carry with me so that I can have my preceptors sign off on things as I go. It sounds like a big complicated mess, but it really isn't, it is just basically a checklist wanting to know that you have learned all these different skills.

[Lynnette]

MM gave an accurate answer. I did the PEP process and had no trouble getting the CPM and my Colorado registration. AAMI, not being MEAC, just goes into the box with education achieved. Print off the CIB and the app files now and refer to them daily :

I am thinking of doing another pre apprenticeship class this fall- location to be determined by interest...

[Midwife Kris]

Originally Posted by Crunchy Doula

That I didn't know. It sort of seemed, from what I have heard, that the PEP is a long tedious process, so I am glad to hear it is not.

Yeah, it's just a boatload of paperwork, but not tedious as in insurmountable. Take the advice of all and do it as you go and don't wait for the end to recall names and dates. You will have a big headache then

You know I have no idea who my preceptor will be I am just getting started. If you can recommend anybody who is looking or willing to take on a student I would be happy to hear about it! I actually met you at the Birth Network meeting in Lone Tree about a month back. I had the one little girl in the stroller, if you remember me.

Talk to Lynnette Were you talking with me about your next home birth plan?

Thank you for all of the information and I wish you luck in Cali!

Thanks!

[CrunchyDoula]

Talk to Lynnette Were you talking with me about your next home birth plan?

I was aswell as another girl who was there with her 2 girls. My daughter was asleep in my arms when we were chatting with you and your midwife assistant (I think she said she was working with you, maybe not)

Lynnette? I am not sure I know her, or I have a short memory, lol.

I will email you tonight when I have some time.

Thanks again
Jessica