Learning sites will vary depending on the location of the preceptorship. The National College of Midwifery student is commonly “dual-enrolled” in the College and in the preceptor‘s midwifery education program, be it a one-on-one apprenticeship, a group apprenticeship, or even a midwifery school. The student must ascertain whether the preceptor(s) can provide the variety and number of clinical experiences required, as well as supervision of the colleges academic requirements.
The preceptor(s) will direct the student to a variety of sites which may include hospitals, clinics, offices, health centers and observation in obstetric and neonatal high risk centers.
The College will verify the preceptor’s credentials and recommendations.
Preceptor sites may have requirements and policies regarding students in their training program that are different from the College’s (e.g., the time frame within which a student must complete training). The College’s requirements are detailed in the description of the degree programs in this site.
In addition, the student should inquire as to any other policies a preceptor site may have. It is the student’Äôs responsibility to know the State requirements for direct-entry midwives in the state they are apprenticing in or planning to practice in.
Differences in students’ experiences will arise from different settings and preceptor styles. Students and preceptors need to work out the details of their program individually depending on the student’s needs and the preceptor’s preferences and schedule.