Contrary to what its name may suggest, a "midwife" does not have to be a woman.

Graduating from an accredited midwifery program qualifies you to take the national certification exam administered by the North American Registry of Midwives. If you pass this you become a "Certified Professional Midwife" (CPM). Your certification shows your knowledge and professional competence in this program.

Certification does not, however, guarantee licensure. Every state has different legal requirements for practicing midwifery. The Citizens for Midwifery web site lists the requirements for each state.

Although you can work at a birth center, midwives are generally self-employed, providing care either in a private office or at the client's home. For this reason, you might want to take some business classes.

In some programs, you may be required to find your own preceptor. This is an experienced midwife who can oversee your course work and in some cases, your clinical apprenticeship.

You are expected to purchase your own scrubs and whatever other midwifery equipment you may need. You will need malpractice insurance and in some cases a cell phone, pager, and car if you are "on call" and need to get to a client's home to help with a delivery.