Get the Facts…
So, you are ready to launch your birth career! But since you are smart & organized, you want to make sure you know what you are getting into before you start! Here are the steps, the timing and the associated fees ~~ all in one place so that you can be totally prepared as you begin this journey!
Click each step below to learn more:
$550 Tuition (bonus for early registration!)
First you will need to attend an in-person training. The trainings that I offer are Labor Doula and Childbirth Educator. Both of these trainings last 2 days for a total of 18 hours of instruction. For full details, click on the specific class links above. There are NO pre-requisites or anything you need to do before the training other than a homework assignment that I will send to you when you register. For local Postpartum, Lactation or New Parent trainings, see Laura Nance at LauraNance.net.
One year of CAPPA membership is now included with all CAPPA trainings!
Membership will not only give you access to CAPPA Academy, it also gives you an active business listing on the CAPPA website, allows the newsletter with up-to-date birth news to arrive in your inbox every month, AND gains you FREE access to the annual conference!
$175 (plus booklets)
After the training, you will sign up for CAPPA Academy, which is the online portion of the training/certification. It has all of your requirements in the order you will need to complete them, including printable forms, online content and final exams. The CAPPA website has complete lists of certification requirements for Labor Doulas and for Childbirth Educators. On those pages, click on “Traditional (In-Person) Training”. Labor Doulas have 2 online booklets to purchase and complete. Childbirth Educators have 3. The booklets are in place of the class observations that used to be required. Each booklet is $25 or can be purchased as a bundle of 3 for $65! Other requirements include things like a reading list, creating a list of local resources for your clients, and attending at least 3 births (for doulas) or observing 2 births (for educators). We go over all of these in GREAT detail at the training, so that you will be ready to get started when you go home!
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Your final requirement in CAPPA Academy is your exams. They are online and consist of a multiple choice test and an essay test. They must be passed with a score of 85% or higher. We will discuss how to navigate Academy and some tips and tricks for test taking during your in-person training. Don’t worry! I will help set you up for success!!
Recertification is required every 3 years as an opportunity to document your professional growth and continuing education. The requirements are: 15 hours of continuing education in your field and to read 10 current research studies from peer reviewed journals. CAPPA makes it as easy as possible to recertify, and we will discuss how to do so during your training. Recertification is a basic expectation in every professional field, and ours is no different! It tells other professionals that you are up to date on current birth information and that you have accountability in that area.
Timing
With Traditional Training, you have 2 years to complete all of your certification requirements. Some complete it faster, some need more time. Whatever you need is ok! The parts that tend to take people the longest are (1) working through the reading list and (2) finding births to attend or observe. We will brainstorm lots of ideas for finding births during our training time together. You can also reach out to me or to others in your training group for ideas if you get stuck! I have seen people complete their certifications in as quickly as a few months. Most complete it in 1-2 years. But sometimes life happens! Extensions are available through the CAPPA office if you need more time. (There is a small processing fee.)
Special Considerations
Doulas who have trained or certified with DONA may be eligible for the Dual/Transfer Course. Educators who have trained or certified with ICEA or Lamaze may be eligible for the Educator Dual/Transfer Course. Educators who are nurses, doulas or experienced teachers may qualify for the Accelerated Course. Each of the above options gives only one year to complete requirements, but the course load is significantly less. If you think you may qualify for one of these, contact the CAPPA office to confirm BEFORE registering for training!
Questions?????
I know this is a TON of information to sift through! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me! I would love to help you on your journey.Â
