Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce

Birthwise Midwifery School is a small private institution founded in 1994 in Bridgton, Maine. We are a comprehensive, three-year education program for aspiring Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council and licensed by the State of Maine Department of Education. Birthwise has been approved by SEVIS for enrollment of international students, and students are eligible to apply for Federal Student Aid through the U.S. Education Department (FAFSA).

Birthwise offers a rigorous academic program taught by a diverse faculty at our Bridgton facility, as well as a clinical component with qualified preceptors located locally and ultimately in a location of the student’s choosing. Birthwise offers two arrangements of the midwifery program: our Campus Program is a residential program that follows the typical academic calendar and the Community Program allows students to stay in their home communities for their clinical work interspersed with ten 2-week classroom sessions at the Birthwise facility during the 3-year program.

Upon graduation from Birthwise, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam. Passing the NARM written exam in conjunction with graduation from Birthwise results in being nationally credentialed as a CPM. Many U.S. states use the CPM credential as a requirement for licensure. Birthwise is approved by the state of California and graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in that state. A Birthwise education prepares students for practice in free standing birth centers or home birth practices.