Innovations in midwifery education.

Midwifery educators and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) have created educational pathways for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) based on sound principles and creativity. A review of these educational innovations portrays the strong foundation that exists and provides direction for the future. Accreditation of educational programs, the development of core competencies, and the certification process for graduates of midwifery education programs form the foundation for excellence in midwifery education, while the early development of the modular mastery learning curriculum provided a transition to later use of telecommunications and the incorporation of various instructional technologies into midwifery education. Midwifery educators have continued to innovate with distance-learning, Web-enhanced curricula and community-based clinical preceptorships, and a master's degree in midwifery option to increase access to midwifery education and degree programs. Continued innovation and creativity will be required to prepare midwives for the 21st century.