FAQs for California's first Licensed Midwife Associate of Science Degree at Cerro Coso Community College
The Licensed Midwife Associate of Science degree program at Cerro Coso Community College is on track to welcome its first class in the fall of 2026. An innovative hybrid program that combines online learning with regionally-based clinical training, Cerro Coso will revolutionize the way midwifery education in the state of California is delivered.
Prospective students, clinical directors, preceptors, and interested parties are encouraged to submit their questions and comments here.
Who should attend the program?
The Cerro Coso Licensed Midwife Associate of Science degree program is designed for students planning to qualify as licensed midwives who specialize in providing maternity care in homes and freestanding birth centers. Graduates of the program will meet all of the necessary education requirements to qualify as California licensed midwives. Additionally, the program's national accreditation through the Midwifery Education and Accreditation Commission (MEAC) qualifies graduates to earn the national Certified Professional Midwife credential, which is required for midwifery licensure in other states.
Is this program approved by the Medical Board of California, qualifying students to complete all California requirements and sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) national board exam?
Yes.
Does this program replace other programs previously approved by the Medical Board of California?
No. This program is intended to create more options in licensed midwife education. Students are encouraged to consider which program is best suited for their situation and needs.
Will this program be approved by MEAC, therefore allowing graduates to apply for licensure in those states requiring MEAC-accredited education?
Yes.
Will students need to live near, or travel to, the campus?
The Licensed Midwife Associate of Science degree program at Cerro Coso Community College is designed as a hybrid model that combines online learning with regionally-based clinical training sites situated as close to the student’s home community as possible. In practice this typically means that theory class content will be delivered virtually, if students need to travel to the college for hands-on learning labs, dates will be provided in advance.
How many credits and years will it take to complete the program?
A total of 84 credits are required to complete the program, which includes all NARM-required clinical hours. For those who matriculate without prior experience or transfer credits, the program is anticipated to take three years to complete.
What are the pre- and co-requisites of the program?
While curriculum sequencing has not yet been finalized, all of the following courses will be required either prior to enrolling or concurrently with midwifery core classes. The anticipated course requirement sequencing is:
Prerequisites (24 semester credits):
- Academic Reading and Writing (4 credits)
- Introduction to Chemistry (4 credits)
- General Microbiology (5 credits)
- Human Anatomy (4 credits)
- Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
- Human Physiology (4 credits)
General Education Co-requisites (8 semester credits):
- Communication in Healthcare (2 credits)
- Cultural Diversity in Healthcare (3 credits)
- Child Growth and Development (3 credits)
Completing the pre and co-requisites of general education (32 credits) plus the midwifery program core of 52 credits (29 credits of lecture and lab in addition to 23 credits of clinical practicums) earns a total of 84 credits for the midwifery program.
Please click here for Cerro Coso Community College program course descriptions.
I have a degree in another discipline, do these credits transfer?
Potentially, yes. All accredited classes will be evaluated for transfer when applying for admission to the program. Transcripts will need to be sent directly to the college from your previous school.
May I receive credit for doula-attended births or work done at another midwifery school?
All transcripts from previous credits completed will be evaluated thoroughly and considered for transfer. We acknowledge that previous experience is valuable and will work to include this towards completion of this program. We anticipate that up to 10 births attended in the past 3 years will be applied for credit in the first clinical course, MIDW 101: Midwifery Practicum - Observation Phase.
What are the tuition costs?
California Community College fees for in-state residents are $46 per unit/credit. 84 credits = $3,864. All non-resident students will be charged out-of-state tuition at the rate of $336.00 per unit in addition to the required enrollment fee.
There are a variety of financial aid, grants, and scholarships available for qualifying students. To find out if aid is available, students should submit a FAFSA application as soon as possible, then schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor at CCCC once they submit their FAFSA. This will enable the financial aid counselor and student to review options for paying for school.
Are there other associated costs?
Yes. Additional fees will include, but are not limited to, textbooks, materials for clinical work, certifications such as Neonatal Resuscitation program (NRP) and Basic Life Support Training (BLS), travel expenses for onsite learning, and licensing fees. It is estimated that the cost of books and supplies will be approximately $550 to $650 per semester for a 12-unit schedule.
Will students be able to work while enrolled in this program, specifically while completing the clinical requirements?
Students are encouraged to find a life, school, and work balance based on their individual needs. This is an essential skill for practicing a licensed midwife. Due to the on-call nature of the clinical component of the program, students who must work while enrolled are encouraged to seek part-time employment with flexible hours.
What are the potential employment opportunities for graduates?
Licensed midwives are typically independent practitioners who care for clients in their homes and in freestanding birth centers. Many are self-employed small business owners, while others own or are employed by freestanding birth centers or other health care clinics. The Associate of Science degree also qualifies graduates to pursue other education opportunities in the maternal-child health field.
What if I don't complete the program?
All credits earned will remain on your transcript and all general education course credits will articulate towards other degree programs and at other colleges. Students who complete the first two semesters of the program and subsequently withdraw will be certified as a doula and midwife assistant, as well as having BLS/CPR and NRP certification. These certifications are incorporated into the first core midwifery course (Midwifery Fundamentals and Skills Lab).
How soon will I be able to enroll for the Fall 2026 semester?
We anticipate enrollment to be open the summer of 2026.
Prospective students, clinical directors, preceptors, and interested parties are encouraged to submit their questions and comments here.
