The College of Traditional Midwifery is a competency-based, degree granting midwifery education program for aspiring midwives pursuing the CPM credential.
WHO AUTHORIZES CTM?
The College of Traditional Midwifery (CTM) was formed pursuant to the Postsecondary
Education Authorization Act of 1974 (Tenn. Code Ann. 49-7-2001, et seq.) and with The
Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), Division of Postsecondary State
Authorization (DPSA). The College of Traditional Midwifery (CTM) is authorized by the
Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is
based on an evaluation of minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business
practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility
WHAT MAKES THE CTM DIFFERENT?
a) Community-based Education - Education occurs primarily in the community where the
student resides. The program is tailored for adult learners. Students are expected to be
self-motivated to study and manage the time needed to complete their studies.
b) Student Liaison – Each student is assigned a Student Liaison who will assist with
monitoring progress and be available for consultations through the three-year program.
c) Competency-based Education Program - The CTM Midwifery Program is a competency-
based education program developed from the core competencies for entry into the
practice of midwives. Competency is measured through multiple direct assessment tools
to ensure proficiency and mastery by the student.
d) Portfolio Evaluation Process - CTM utilizes a Portfolio Evaluation Process to verify a
student’s clinical experience.
e) Orientation Week – Orientation is an intensive week that marks the beginning of the
CTM Midwifery Program. Students meet their Student Liaison, receive the outline of
required knowledge, skills, abilities and attitude, attend the first standardization
workshops, and meet the other students in their class.
f) In-Residence Weeks - Each Term, students must attend an In-Resident Week at the CTM
Campus located in Summertown, TN, where they will participate in standardization
workshops, face-to-face meetings with their Student Liaison, take the Term Written
Examination and receive a general assessment of their progress.
g) The CTM Midwifery Program is a 36 month or three-year Midwifery Program equaling at
least 2010 hours of knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes (equivalent to 92 credit hours), plus the required Prerequisites. The program is divided into six Terms or two Terms per year. Each Term is at least 20 weeks in length. Students must successfully
complete Term 1 through Term 6 to graduate.
h) Rolling basis admission – Students are admitted throughout the year with the initial
Term beginning with attendance at Orientation week.
i) Associate of Applied Science in Midwifery – Students will be awarded an Associate of
Applied Science of Midwifery when they have completed Terms 1 through 6.
The mission of the College of Traditional Midwifery is to preserve and increase community-
based midwifery care by providing a competency-based, degree-granting midwifery education program for aspiring midwives who want to pursue the profession of midwifery and the Certified Professional Midwife credential.
