CourseDescriptions

AIDS/HIV - Discussions on HIV and AIDS with emphasis on transmission and prevention. Current treat-

ments and care of those with HIV/AIDS will be discussed, including dealing with sufferers

in a humane and empathetic manner.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE - Methods to improve health and treat discomforts and complications through

alternative and complementary medicine are taught. Chiropractics, Herbology,

Homeopathy, Color Therapy, Aroma Therapy, Reflexology, and Acupuncture will be

included.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - A study pf the structure and function of the human body with special

emphasis on the female pelvis and organs of reproduction.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE - This course will cover the menstrual cycle,

conception, pregnancy, puerperium, lactation, fertility, menopause and miscarriage.

APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY - This course is designed to teach the preparation, use and effects of drugs.

Emphasis is placed on calculating dosages and measurement, as well as writing scripts.

The PDR is extensively used.

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY - Approaches to counseling, interviewing skills and the availability of public

and private resources are discussed in this course.

BASIC NURSING SKILLS - Theory and performance of basic health care skills. Topics include vital

signs, aseptic technique, preparation and administration of medications, bladder

catheterization, finger and heel sticks, enemas, charting, medical terminology and

abbreviations, and the surgical environment.

BASIC NUTRITION - Basic components of human nutrition are introduced. The effect of nutrition on

human growth and development during the prenatal and infant stages, as well as

Physiological and cultural aspects are covered. Nutritional needs of the elderly are

discussed, as are special diets.

BIRTH CENTER SET UP - This course will take you from locating your site to opening the doors on

your first day.

BIRTH REVIEW I, II, III

A review of those births most recently attended or observed by the student will be pre-

sented. All aspects of birth will be reviewed and evaluated. Birth videos will be pre-

sented and critiqued.

BOOK KEEPING - This course is designed to teach the basics of birth center accounting.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION - A preparation of the student midwife to be an educator to clients. The

education is specific to out of hospital settings. Organizing classes, teaching aids, devising

a client manual and speaking in front of a group, course and content, development and

delivery of a course are included topics.

COMPLICATIONS OF BIRTH - In this course for the Four month pre-licensure students, study in the

incidence and etiology of complications in the intrapartum period with emphasis

on gaining skills at identifying skills such as identifying and managing deviations from

the norm. Additional indications for physician/hospital referral/transfer as well as the

role of the midwife as patient advocate is included.

COMPLICATIONS OF POSTPARTUM AND NEWBORN - In this course for the Four Month Pre-licensure

students, study in the incidence and etiology of complications in the postpartum period with

emphasis on gaining skills at identifying and managing deviations from the norm. Additional

indications for physician/hospital referral as well as the role of the midwife as patient advo-

cate is included. Physical identifications of neonatal complications, management and

referral are also discussed.

COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY, BIRTH, POSTPARTUM & THE NEWBORN I & II

This course is designed to make the midwife competent in identifying complications and to

rapidly place into action means of dealing with the problem and/or transferring the patient

to the hospital. Ones role in dealing with transport personnel and the hospital as a patient

advocate are covered.

COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY - In this course for the Four Month Pre-licensure students, study in the

incidence and etiology of complications in the antepartum period with emphasis on gaining

skills at identifying and managing deviations from the norm. Additional indications for

physician/hospital referral and collaborative care as well as the role of the midwife as

patient advocate is included.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Discussion of the incidence of domestic violence in midwifery client populations

and the appropriate counseling and referral of victims of domestic violence.

EMBRYOLOGY - This course is designed to familiarize the student with the terminology associated with

embryological development, genetics, genetic testing, dermatogens, the embryo, and the

fetus.

EPIDEMIOLOGY - This course is the study of germ theory with emphasis on the spread of disease in

children and the elderly.

ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM - Ethical behaviors, professional appearance, liability, and ones

responsibility are outlined here.

FAMILY PLANNING - Skills are provided for counseling families on methods of birth control including

pharmaceutical and natural.

HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS - Communication skills with clients and other health care profes-

sionals are introduced. Emphasis is on communicating in a sensitive, open manner as to

inspire trust.

HISTORY OF MIDWIFERY - The history of midwifery is traced from its origins to current practices.

HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT I - This course covers stages of human growth and development

with emphasis on infancy and geriatrics.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS - In this course communication skills with clients and other health

care professionals are introduced. Emphasis is on communicating in a sensitive, open

manner to inspire trust.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPLICATIONS - Incidence and etiology of complications are discussed with

emphasis on identifying deviations from norm.

INSURANCES - Appropriate ways of dealing with contractual issues and payment collection are covered.

ISSUES OF LITIGATION - The appropriate steps to take if either the birth center or midwife finds

themselves in litigation are presented.

LABORATORY & DIAGNOSTIC TESTING - Students learn how to perform and/or interpret tests that are

relevant to midwifery care. Included are reasons for referral and how to relay the results of

the test in a manner they will understand.

LACTATION/BREASTFEEDING - The advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding are discussed. The

different problems that might occur with the client and infant are presented, including how

to solve each problem. Breastfeeding counseling pre and post birth, is also discussed.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF MIDWIFERY - Current laws regulating the practice of midwifery, their implications,

and malpractice are discussed.

LEGAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES - In this course, legal and ethical responsibilities toward

clients are taught.

LOSS & GRIEVING - An understanding of the grieving process and relevant coping techniques. The

effects on the midwife and her family are discussed.

MEDICAL STAFF RELATIONSHIPS - How midwives relate to one another as well as to coaches, child-

birth educators, midwifery assistants, doulas, and physicians are covered in this course.

NORMAL ANTEPARTUM KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS I - This discomforts of pregnancy, signs and changes of

pregnancy, components of the prenatal visit, physical evaluation, charting health history,

assessing information gathered, and recognizing deviations from the norm.

NORMAL LABOR, DELIVERY & POSTPARTUM I - Physiology of normal labor, birth and postpartum are

discussed and how the roll of the Midwifery Assistant are discussed in this course.

NORMAL LABOR, DELIVERY & POSTPARTUM II - Management skills for labor, delivery and postpartum

are provided. Emphasis is on dealing with variations.

NUTRITION FOR THE CHILDBEARING & LACTATING WOMAN - The importance of good nutrition during

pregnancy and lactation. Emphasis is on preventing and correcting problems through good

nutrition. Techniques for evaluating and counseling the client on nutritional requirements

are taught.

OFFICE EQUIPMENT - The selection, set up and use of office equipment is taught.

OFFICE SAFETY AND SECURITY - Making the office safe for staff and clients, as well as providing

adequate security for the premises is outlined.

PARENTING I - This course covers the time period of early infancy to toddlers. The student will learn

how to help the parents adjust to their new baby, as well as explore various methods of

parenting.

PARENTING II - The student will be able to relate information to parents on the development stage of

preschoolers - their needs, fears, and discipline, upon completion of this course.

PHLEBOTOMY - Students are taught the correct methods of drawing blood with either a butterfly,

syringe, or vacutainer. Appropriate tubes and laboratory requests will be covered.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY - This course is designed to help the midwife understand the legal aspects

of her personal liability, while attending women in either prenatal care, labor, or delivery.

PROTOCOLS - How to write and establish protocols for a modern midwifery practice.

RECORD MANAGEMENT - The appropriate method of maintaining client business records is demonstrated.

RELIGIOUS/CULTURAL DIVERSITIES - A discussion of the sensitivity and understanding needed to care

for the different cultures and religions of families living in the United States.

SUTURING - Discussions of suturing techniques for first and second degree lacerations and

episiotomy repair.

THE NEONATE - This course teaches newborn exam. Variations in newborn behavior and the transitional

time period are discussed. Recognizing and referring deviations from the norm and neonatal

complications requiring immediate transfer are taught.

WELL WOMAN GYNECOLOGY - A study of methods of performing basic gynecological exams, cultures,

and tests and identify abnormalities. Emphasis will be made on making an appropriate

referral.