Following is an overview of the admissions process at Birthwise. We recommend that applicants submit their application by the Early Admissions deadline if at all possible to ensure a place in the class. Please contact us if you have questions that are not answered below.

You may also click here to download our current application forms.

Academic Prerequisites

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Birth Doula training workshop (can be done at Birthwise before classes begin; contact us for more information).
• The Apprenticeship Program has the additional recommendation of a college level Anatomy and Physiology course (minimum 4.0 credits that covered all body systems).  this can be a computer-based course.
  

Recommended Preparation

• Experience in the area of women's healthcare or childbirth (as a doula, childbirth educator, attendance at midwifery conferences/workshops, volunteer work with a midwife, attending breast-feeding classes).
• Independent reading on childbirth and midwifery.

Selection

There is limited enrollment at Birthwise. Therefore, it may be necessary to select students most appropriate for this particular training based on compatibility with the Birthwise philosophy, past academic success, past experiences, personal qualities, geographic location, etc. Birthwise does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other school-adminstrated programs.  

Application Requirements

• Copy of high school or college transcripts (from most recent academic experiences).
• Transcript from a college level Anatomy and Physiology Course if taken.
  
• Certificate of attendance at a birth doula training workshop.
• Submission of the completed application form and required essays.
• Submission of three completed reference forms (no family members please).
• One interview by phone or in person. This is scheduled for the week following the application deadline.
• Payment of a $50.00 application fee (nonrefundable unless not accepted, then partially refundable). Late applications require a $100.00 application fee.

Admissions Schedule for the Campus - Based Program

January 15 Application for Early Admission due.

February 15 Admissions decision notification for Early Admission. 

March 15  Candidate's confirmation due for Early Admission.

April 1 Applications for Regular Admission due.

May 1  Admissions decision notification for Regular Admission. 

June 1 Candidate's confirmation due for Regular Admission.

September   Classes begin. 

Admissions Schedule for the Community - Based Program

 January 15, 2012 Application for Early Admission due.

  February 15, 2012  Admission decision notification.

  March 1, 2012 Candidate's confirmation due.

  March 1, 2012 Application for Regular Admission due. 

  April 1, 2012 Admissions decision notification.

  Orientation: June, 2012 (In Bridgton)