Yes, a Birth Assistant, also known as a Midwife's Assistant, is a healthcare professional specifically trained to support community midwives with births in out-of-hospital settings, such as homes or free-standing birth centers. They provide support during labor, birth, and postpartum care. Birth Assistants typically work as independent contractors and are primarily hired by direct-entry midwives. Under the supervision of a midwife, a Birth Assistant performs various duties. These include taking maternal and fetal vital signs, charting, setting up equipment, maintaining a clean and organized birth space, and providing assistance in obstetrical emergencies, among other essential birth assistant responsibilities. RESOURCE VIDEOS: • WATCH NOW: ((https://youtube.com/shorts/ozDzlP2sFWM?feature=shared)CLICK HERE) (https://youtube.com/shorts/ozDzlP2sFWM?feature=shared)What is a birth assistant / clinical assistant?(https://youtube.com/shorts/ozDzlP2sFWM?feature=shared) • WATCH NOW: (CLICK HERE) B(https://youtu.be/DAX-0aBSJWU?feature=shared)rittney Miller, Birth Assistant?(https://youtu.be/DAX-0aBSJWU?feature=shared) • WATCH NOW: (CLICK HERE) SANM Brand Film(https://vimeo.com/555772143) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97fae2_f02839cc4a3d46fbba3f4948f04f3021~mv2.png

No, you do not need a degree or a medical background to become a Birth Assistant. There is no national accrediting body that governs who can become one. Do your due diligence and know what your state's laws and regulations are in regards to working as a birth/ midwife's assistant.

To maintain the clinical integrity and the fast-paced nature of the curriculum, 3 out-of-hospital birth experiences (Home or Birth Center) OR verified L&D/Mother-Baby clinical experience are a non-negotiable prerequisite for my programs. I require my students to have a baseline "rhythm of the birth room" before we begin the advanced clinical training required for certification. If you are ready to cross the bridge but need to anchor in 3 out-of-hospital birth experiences, I recommend you prepare for enrollment by: • Shadowing a Community Doula: Connect with an experienced homebirth doula and ask to "second" or shadow her. This is the fastest way to obtain and witness the sacred flow of out-of-hospital birth. • Networking with Midwives: Reach out to local midwives or birth centers in your area to offer "Assistant-in-Training" support with birth room setup or post-birth cleanup. • Documenting Your Clinical Hours: To help you track your progress, I have created a professional Out-of-Hospital Birth Observation Record Form.(https://www.canva.com/design/DAGy5x5h6ZM/Br-7W-HNqWVK3SRvDQzMug/view?utm_content=DAGy5x5h6ZM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb97ca8352c) (https://www.canva.com/design/DAGy5x5h6ZM/Br-7W-HNqWVK3SRvDQzMug/view?utm_content=DAGy5x5h6ZM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb97ca8352c)Use this to validate your attendance as you build your foundational experience. The bridge will be here when you’re ready. Once you’ve secured your 3 verified out-of-hospital birth experiences, I invite you to take the Readiness Quiz (https://form.jotform.com/252436844573161)and begin your clinical bridge.

To choose the right one, consider your learning style, your current clinical comfort, and the demands of your schedule. • Choose the Online Program if: You are a highly independent learner with an unpredictable "on-call" schedule. This self-guided clinical pathway allows you to master the modules at your own pace from any location. It is ideal for experienced birthworkers who already feel comfortable navigating out-of-hospital settings and prefer the autonomy of independent study. • Choose the Hybrid Program if: You thrive on hands-on "muscle memory" training and direct, one-on-one instructor support from me. This track is essential for those seeking the immersive experience of in-person skill validation, dedicated real-time mentorship, and direct clinical feedback. • Both pathways lead to the same high-standard Black Sisters Birth Academy® credential. Program Comparison Chart: https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97fae2_1b3c0312e99e483e8313bc6a513ac460~mv2.png https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97fae2_4f7521e2204446b78db9927652c33c77~mv2.png Copyright© 2026 Black Sisters Birth Academy®

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97fae2_e6a60e7a883d4a19b268116ad9c64151~mv2.png Here's what's included in the Black Sisters Birth Academy® Online Birth Assistant Program: • Black Sisters Birth Academy® Online Birth Assistant Course: (30 pre-recorded modules, training videos, 30 interactive quizzes, internal assignments and an exit exam) • BSBA Clinical Experience Course: External Assignments with Community Midwives & Birthing Families. (This course includes: Job Search Preparation) • BSBA Resource Library • A Certification of Completion • PLUS: Two Additional Certification of Completion For Bloodborne Pathogens & OSHA, and HIPAA • Downloadable Birth Assistant Manual • Placement on Birth Assistant Directory after your program completion PLEASE NOTE: This program does not include direct, one-on-one time with an instructor. This feature is available in the Hybrid Program. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97fae2_7da63081ad754c6db5e0a0630b8db668~mv2.jpg Here's what's included in the Black Sisters Birth Academy® Hybrid Birth Assistant Program: • Black Sisters Birth Academy® Online Birth Assistant Program PLUS • 2-Day In-Person Birth Assistant Skills Training in Central Florida (Group & 1:1 Skills Drills) • (1) LIVE Virtual Group Skills Day Session with built-in Module Reviews (3 hour session) • Student Support: Instructor Assignment Feedback & Monthly Email Check-Ins • Access to Our Private Thinkific Community • 1:1 Mentorship Calls: Access to the instructor between sessions via phone or email during office hours M-F 11 AM - 5 PM EST (Except for Federal US Holidays), answering questions, birth reviews, ensuring you are clear through all of the integration and implementation. • Certificate of Completion • Black Sisters Birth Academy® Tote Bag • Academy T-Shirt: BIRTH: It's What We DO • Professionally Catered, Plant-Based Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Provided During Your In-Person Training

The Online Birth Assistant Program is designed in Two Phases, and completion of both phases are required for certification. PHASE ONE: • Completion of the Online Birth Assistant Course • Provide proof of a valid CPR Certification (External Certification)** • Provide proof of a valid NRP (Advanced Provider) Certification (External Certification)** • Completion of the Phlebotomy, Venipuncture, and IV Techniques Certification (External Certification)*** PHASE TWO: • Completion of your Clinical Experience with a community midwife(s): Attendance at 3 prenatal visits (at 28 weeks +) and 3 out-of-hospital births The Hybrid Birth Assistant Program is designed into Three Phases, and completion of each phase is required for certification. PHASE ONE: • Completion of the Online Birth Assistant Course • Provide proof of a valid CPR Certification (External Certification)** • Provide proof of a valid NRP (Advanced Provider) Certification (External Certification)** • Completion of the Phlebotomy, Venipuncture, and IV Techniques Certification (External Certification)*** PHASE TWO: • Completion of a 2-Day In-Person Birth Assistant Skills Training in Central Florida PHASE THREE: • Completion of your Clinical Experience with a community midwife(s): Attendance at 3 prenatal visits (at 28 weeks +) and 3 out-of-hospital births **Note on External Certifications:  To meet the Black Sisters Birth Academy® Standard for Clinical Readiness, all students must obtain or maintain active 'Gold Standard' credentials (NRP, CPR, and Phlebotomy/IV) to transition into the Clinical Phase. A curated list of approved providers is available in our Clinical Readiness FAQ: [Where do I obtain the required external clinical certifications?] and is provided immediately upon enrollment. ***Note on Phlebotomy, Venipuncture, and IV Techniques Certification: Advanced Standing/Exemptions are available for active Healthcare Licenses or Certifications (RN, LPN, PA, etc.). See Academic Policies for details.

To meet the Black Sisters Birth Academy® Standard for Clinical Readiness, all students must obtain or maintain active "Gold Standard" credentials (NRP, CPR, and Phlebotomy/IV) to transition into the Clinical Phase of our programs. To ensure your credentials meet this standard, a curated list of approved providers is provided immediately upon enrollment. Below is the list of approved organizations for each required certification: For CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certification: US Residents: American Heart Association (https://shopcpr.heart.org/heartsaver-cpr-aed-online) American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/cpr-training/cpr-certification) Canadian Residents: Canadian Red Cross (https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification) For NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) Certification: US Residents: American Academy of Pediatrics (https://nrplearningplatform.com/nrp_catalog) Canadian Residents: Canadian Paediatric Society (https://cps.ca/en/nrp-prn) For the Phlebotomy, Venipuncture, and IV Techniques Certification: The specific Venipuncture Course & Training Kit link will be provided within your Student Portal immediately upon enrollment. Note for Licensed Healthcare Professionals (RN, LPN, PA, etc.): I honor your existing expertise. If you hold an active license or certification in these skills, you may qualify for Advanced Standing/Exemption for the Phlebotomy/IV requirement. Please review the Academic Policies (https://www.blacksistersbirth.com/academic-policies)for the specific exemption criteria and the submission process.

Black Sisters Birth Academy® Online Birth Assistant Course is a 10-week online curriculum-based course with pre-recorded modules and external assignments to be completed within the course. Three (3) modules are released each week. You will receive a certificate of completion for the online course after all assignments are completed and after you have successfully passed your exit exam with an 80% or higher.

All programs (Online and Hybrid) must be completed within 180 days from your enrollment date. ONLINE PROGRAM COMPLETION TIMEFRAME (RECOMMENDED): • PHASE ONE: Complete within 90 days from the date of your enrollment. • PHASE TWO: Complete at any point within 180 days from the date of your enrollment AFTER completion of PHASE ONE. IMPORTANT: Completion of PHASE ONE is MANDATORY before entering PHASE TWO. HYBRID PROGRAM COMPLETION TIMEFRAME (MANDATORY): • PHASE ONE: Must be completed within the first 90 days from your enrollment date, or before your scheduled date in-person training for PHASE TWO. • PHASE TWO: Must be completed by the scheduled date of your in-person training, and only after you have successfully completed PHASE ONE. • PHASE THREE: Can only be completed after the successful completion of PHASE TWO. IMPORTANT: In the Hybrid program, it is mandatory to complete PHASE ONE before starting PHASE TWO, and PHASE TWO must be completed before beginning PHASE THREE.

Yes. My Hybrid Birth Assistant Program includes a mandatory two-day in-person skills training session I hold annually in Central Florida. I limit enrollment to a maximum of six students per cohort to ensure you receive high-level, 1:1 mentorship from me. (Detailed travel and venue logistics are provided to you immediately upon enrollment.) I also offer Annual Alumnae Clinical Intensives during the summer months. I make these specialized sessions available to graduates of both the Online and Hybrid pathways. To preserve the quality of the training, I host these on an on-demand basis for small groups (minimum of 4, maximum of 6). If you and your fellow alumnae are ready for a clinical refresh, you can request a summer intensive to sharpen your skills at the bedside. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97fae2_2a35e19144984ffd92d6eb48090eb74a~mv2.png

For the Online Program: • Enrollment is offered on a rolling basis. • Once accepted, you will have 7 days to complete your enrollment and secure your spot. For the Hybrid Program: • Enrollment opens once a year in January. • We accept a maximum of six students per enrollment period. • Once accepted, you will have 48 hours to complete your enrollment and secure your spot. PLEASE NOTE: Only qualified applicants will be considered for enrollment into Black Sisters Birth Academy®. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97fae2_dba93d35717542f38d698897a1ed2359~mv2.jpg

Online Birth Assistant Program: • Pay-In-Full Savings: $1,997 USD (One-time payment at enrollment) • Standard Tuition: $2,197 USD • Installment Plan: 5 monthly payments of $439.40* *Includes a 10% administrative fee for payment plan processing and account management. Hybrid Birth Assistant Program: • Pay-In-Full Savings: $4,997 USD (One-time payment at enrollment) • Standard Tuition: $5,500 USD • Installment Plan: 4 monthly payments of $1,375* *Includes a 10% administrative fee for payment plan processing and account management. Additional Professional Requirements: To fully prepare for practice, students should budget an additional $250–$350 for professional equipment (e.g., Doppler, blood pressure cuff), clinical supplies, and required CPR and NRP certifications if not already certified.* * Estimated costs for equipment and external certifications are subject to market rates and may vary by provider. Flexible Financing via Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): For those who prefer smaller installments while securing the Pay-In-Full Savings, we offer third-party financing through Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, and PayPal Pay. To access these installment options, please select the 'Pay In Full' tuition choice at checkout. Please note that eligibility and financing terms are determined solely by the third-party provider.

Yes. I specifically designed this program to prepare you for professional employment. Upon completion, you will have the clinical portfolio, the required safety certifications, and a listing in my National Birth Assistant Directory to help midwives find and verify your expertise. Please note that while I provide the 'Gold Standard' training, each midwife, birth center, and state law determines specific hiring requirements. I created my Directory specifically to bridge this gap, connecting you with community midwives who value the BSBA Standard.

While rates vary by state, the national average for a trained Birth Assistant is $400–$600 per birth. Because I prepare you to step into this role with 'Gold Standard' clinical readiness, my graduates are positioned to enter the field as high-level professional partners whose first few clinical opportunities can fully cover their training investment.