[mothernatureskathy]

Anyone know the answer to this question? I am an LPN and a DONA doula who would love to go to Midwifery school however in Florida you have certain requirements to follow. You can not go the AAMI route because they do not accept any school that is not MEAC. They further do not seem to accept any program that is not in state. This means I can not use any distance learning programs. When you check the site for Florida license requirements they only list a few schools that are acceptable. This would mean I would have to travel far from my home and be away from my family to go to one of these schools. Is it possible that I am misunderstanding the requirements? Is anyone out there going to a distance learning program in Florida that is MEAC certified. If so would you mind telling me about it?

 

[Hallielynn01]

I'm in the same boat, my understanding is that at the current time, state approved MAEC schools are the only option. There is a great thread about this on here

or search this forum for midwifery and FL, but these links have some good info

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...rida+midwifery

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...archid=9864774

 

[MamaRabbit]

Only FL approved MEAC schools in the state. Sucks big time. This is one reason we are not moving back to FL!

 

[wombjuice]

If I remember correctly, the International School of Midwifery in Miami is NOT a MEAC school, but it does graduate midwives who are licensed to practice in the state of Florida.

Anyway, there are only two midwifery schools in Florida right now: Florida School of Traditional Midwifery in Gainesville and the International School of Midwifery in Miami.

The school in Miami does not charge tuition fees at all; only a $100 per month lab fee. It is not very commuter-friendly, as classes are usually spaced throughout the week. You also do your clinicals right there are the birth center, so there is not much opportunity for homebirth experience.

The school in Gainesville has a very expensive tuition rate, but it is a MEAC school and is very friendly to commuters. Basically, they pack all their classes into two consecutive (long) days, so you only have to drive to Gainesville once per week. Most of the students will pitch in and get a hotel room together or stay with a local student on the first night of classes. Then, they have their second day of classes and drive home. The classes will either be on Tuesday and Wednesday, or on Wednesday and Thursday, and they try to keep them the same two days throughout all three years in order for their students to better arrange childcare or work schedules.

I believe FSTM also allows breastfeeding infants up to 6 months old to be taken to classes, but don't quote me on that.

Hope this helps!