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Preceptor Program

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The National Fellowship of Direct Entry Midwives (NFDEM) preceptor is a NON-compensated role unless otherwise specified at the time of agreement between the preceptor and aspiring midwife. 

This program provides a structured and supportive environment for intermediate and advanced Tier Aspiring Midwives to develop clinical skills and knowledge in out-of-hospital settings based on the Midwifery Model of Care, which emphasizes the normalcy of pregnancy and birth, individualized care, and minimal intervention. The NFDEM preceptor program ensures that the preceptor and the aspiring midwives share the responsibility for completing the CDEM Proficiency Program.

A preceptor in a voluntary capacity plays a pivotal role in the education and development of future midwives. Their significance lies in their selfless dedication to mentoring and guiding aspiring midwives without expecting monetary compensation.

 

These preceptors bring experience and knowledge, offering personalized feedback, support, and real-world insights crucial for applying theoretical knowledge. By volunteering their time and expertise, preceptors help bridge the gap between classroom learning and hands-on clinical practice, ensuring that aspiring midwives gain the confidence and proficiency needed to excel in their field. Their commitment to fostering the growth of new community midwives enhances the quality of education and strengthens the profession by cultivating a new generation of proficient and compassionate midwives.

 

The voluntary nature of their contribution underscores their passion for direct entry midwifery care and their dedication to giving back to the community, creating a lasting impact on both the aspiring midwives they mentor and the midwifery profession as a whole.

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Preceptor Pathways

NFDEM offers two (2) pathways to becoming a preceptor; Credentialed Preceptor Pathway and Traditional Midwife Preceptor Pathway

 

The Credentialed Preceptor Pathway

 

NFDEM welcomes the experience of midwives from diverse backgrounds and training. We encourage Aspiring Midwives to seek out opportunities with multiple NFDEM preceptors.

 

  1. NFDEM is currently accepting U.S. based preceptor applications from the following credentialed individuals who provide out-of-hospital births

    1. CDEM

    2. CPM

    3. CM

    4. LM

    5. CNM

  2. Experience Requirement

    1. A minimum of 40 continuity-of-care births as the primary attendant (in an out of hospital setting) within the past 7 years (not including experience gained as an Aspiring Midwife).

  3. Additional Requirements (Applies to All Preceptors)

    1. Must complete the NFDEM preceptor application, unless exempt under Step 1 Exception A

    2. Must complete NFDEM’s preceptor onboarding process

    3. Must be actively practicing in an out-of-hospital or low resource setting

    4. Must submit non-PII practice Logs for review

    5. Must maintain continuing education (30 hours every 3 years)

    6. Must uphold NFDEM’s mission, vision, values, and Midwifery Model of Care

    7. Must reapply every three (3) years

 

The Traditional Midwife Preceptor Pathway

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NFDEM also welcomes experienced traditional, community-trained, and lineage-trained midwives who do not hold formal midwifery credentials but who demonstrate safe, competent, autonomous midwifery practice.

 

This pathway provides equitable access for midwives trained through lineage, apprenticeship, community mentorship, or culturally traditional methods.

 

Eligibility Requirements — Traditional Midwife Preceptor Pathway

 

  1. Practice Experience; A traditional midwife may apply if she has:

    1. Minimum 5 years of autonomous practice as a primary midwife

    2. 30 births in the past 5 years, demonstrating active practice

    3. A minimum of 40 continuity-of-care births as the primary attendant (in an out of hospital setting) within the past 7 years (not including experience gained as an Aspiring Midwife).

  2. Safety & Professional Standing; Applicant must demonstrate:

    1. No substantiated history of negligence, abuse, or unsafe practice

    2. Current CPR for Healthcare Providers

    3. Current neonatal resuscitation training (NRP or culturally appropriate equivalent)

    4. Agreement to uphold NFDEM Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

  3. Portfolio-Based Competency Review; Traditional midwives applying through this pathway must submit a professional portfolio including:

    1. Practice Documentation

    2. Birth Log for the required experience

    3. Summary of clinical skills taught and performed regularly

  4. Case Narratives (Minimum 5); Narratives must demonstrate:

    1. Clinical reasoning

    2. Informed choice practice

    3. Emergency recognition & response

    4. Use of the Midwifery Model of Care

    5. Transport decision-making

  5. References (Minimum 3)

    1. One mother served

    2. One birth worker (midwife, doula, birth assistant)

    3. One community partner

  6. Philosophy & Ethics Statement

    1. A written statement describing:

    2. Commitment to physiologic birth

    3. Client autonomy

    4. Non-interventionist approach

    5. Cultural competency

  7. Competency Verification Phase: After portfolio approval, candidates complete

    1. Peer Interview: Conducted by two NFDEM-designated senior preceptors or CDEMs.

    2. Skills Validation; Through observation, video submission, or student-verified demonstration in:

      1. Fetal heart tone monitoring

      2. Abdominal palpation

      3. Maternal & newborn assessment

      4. Charting

      5. Hemorrhage recognition

      6. Initial neonatal resuscitation

      7. Transport readiness

    3. Preceptor Education Module: Required training in

      1. Adult learning theory

      2. Mentor ethics

      3. Evaluation methods

      4. Documentation

      5. Conflict resolution

  8. Additional Requirements (Applies to All Preceptors)

    1. Must complete the NFDEM preceptor application, unless exempt under Step 1 Exception A

    2. Must complete NFDEM’s preceptor onboarding process

    3. Must be actively practicing in an monthly proficiency evaluation meetings

    4. Must submit non-PII practice Logs for review

    5. Must maintain continuing education (30 hours every 3 years)

    6. Must uphold NFDEM’s mission, vision, values, and Midwifery Model of Care

    7. All NON-CDEM Preceptors MUST reapply every three (3) years

  9. Approval Categories: Traditional midwives may be approved as

    1. Fully Approved Preceptor: (Eligible to supervise all tiers)
      For candidates meeting all competency standards.

    2. Provisionally Approved Preceptor: (1-year provisional period)
      For skilled midwives needing mentorship in documentation or teaching.

Restricted Preceptor: (Limited scope)
May supervise only prenatal care, postpartum care, or assisting-level experiences.

Access the link below for complete program details

Preceptor Application & Approval Process

Step 1 — Online Application Submission (With Noted Exceptions)

All applicants must begin by submitting the NFDEM Preceptor Application through:
www.midwiferyfellowship.org → Preceptor Program → Apply

 

However, the following exceptions apply:

Exception A — Experienced Midwives who have successfully completed the Experienced Midwife Pathway to the CDEM credential

Midwives who have:

  • Successfully completed the Experienced Midwife Pathway to CDEM

  • Successfully passed the CDEM Examination

  • Having been awarded the Certified Direct Entry Midwife credential will automatically receive Preceptor Certification upon completion of the Preceptor onboarding workshop.
     

Because their competency and documentation have already been verified during the Certification Process, they are not required to submit a new preceptor application. These midwives will already have an established Shared Google Drive folder, which NFDEM will use for any additional documentation that may be needed.

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Exception B - Recently Qualified CDEMs applying for Preceptor status

  • CDEMs may submit a preceptor application once they have met the required clinical experience for preceptorship (minimum continuity-of-care births, active practice requirements, etc.). Because CDEMs already have an NFDEM account and document repository, candidates will use their existing Shared Google Drive folder for any supplemental documentation. 

  • All other applicants must complete the standard Step 1 online application.

 

Step 2 — Issuance of Shared Google Folder (Within 14 business days)

Once the application is received, NFDEM will:

  • Assign the applicant a Shared Google Folder for document repository

  • Provide a documentation checklist, and

  • Outline required uploads based on the applicant’s pathway.

Applicants will upload:

  • Non-PII practice Logs

  • Redacted charts when requested (up to 15)

  • Portfolio items (Traditional Midwife Preceptor Pathway only)

  • References

  • Skills documentation

  • Case narratives (Traditional Midwife Preceptor Pathway only)
     

Applicants must complete all required uploads within 30 days of the issuance of their document repository, unless an extension is formally requested.

 

Step 3 — Initial Administrative Review (10–14 business days)

NFDEM staff will verify:

  • Completeness of application

  • Required credentials

  • Active practice status

  • Eligibility under the correct pathway

  • Documentation submitted to the Google folder

  • If items are missing, applicants will receive a request for additional information and must respond within 14 days.

 

Step 4 — NFDEM Certification Committee Review (Up to 30 days) once all required documentation is received

  • The Certification Committee conducts a thorough evaluation of:

  • Experience requirements

  • Documentation and Logs

  • Competency demonstrations

  • Portfolio components (Traditional Midwife Preceptor Pathway)

  • References

  • Ethical standing and professional alignment with NFDEM standards

  • Traditional Midwife Preceptor Pathway applicants will then proceed to:

  • Peer Interview

  • Skills Validation

  • Preceptor Education Module
     

Step 5 — Final Decision & Notification

  • Applicants will receive written notification of their status as one of the following:

  • Fully Approved Preceptor

  • Provisionally Approved Preceptor (1-year period)

  • Restricted Preceptor

  • Application Deferred (additional documentation required)

  • Application Denied

  • Total expected timeline:

    4–16 weeks, depending on applicant response times and pathway requirements.

 

Step 6 — Onboarding & Activation

  • Once approved, preceptors must:

  • Complete NFDEM’s onboarding training

  • Review the Preceptor Packet

  • Onboarding Workshops are held quarterly, on the third Friday of January, April, July, and October. 

Access the link below for complete program details

NFDEM seal

National Fellowship of Direct Entry Midwives

welcome@nfdem.org

844-400-CDEM (2336)

2025 National Fellowship of Direct Entry Midwives, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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