The following is an introduction to Midwives College of Utah:

History and Background: Founded in 1980 as the Utah School of Midwives, the school is one of the largest and oldest direct-entry (out-of-hospital) midwifery programs in the United States. The college was founded by Dianne Bjarnson to meet the growing demand for accessible, high-quality midwifery education.

Nature and Size of the School: As a non-profit organization, the college has a board of directors, president, administrative staff, and academic and clinical faculty. There are currently approximately 150 students and more than 100 graduates from multiple certificate and degree programs.

Professional Settings and Accreditation:

Undergraduate Programs: The college offers a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) program and a CPM-to-BSM program, both of which meet and exceed the requirements of the Midwifery Education Accreditation Commission (MEAC) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).

Graduate Programs: Its Master of Science in Midwifery (MSM) program offers courses such as research methods, professional development, critical research in midwifery care, and field-based experiential learning. The graduate program is designed for midwives who want to gain advanced skills in four professional areas: midwifery research, midwifery promotion, midwifery policy, and midwifery education. The college is accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Commission (MEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Teaching Mode: The college adopts a distance education model, and the administrative office is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. All academic courses are equipped with on-site instructors for students, and the clinical part is one-on-one guidance by approved midwives. Upon completion of their studies, students can obtain a degree in midwifery and a national certificate as a registered professional midwife issued by the North American Registry of Midwives. Students who live outside the United States and wish to register or obtain a license to practice may be required to complete a midwifery accreditation pathway program specific to their province or jurisdiction.

School Advantages: Graduates of the Utah College of Midwives have played a key role in transforming maternal care and childbirth culture in North America in the 21st century. Its flexible, affordable and student-centered education model enables students to gain professional midwifery development opportunities in a friendly and interactive learning platform.