Distance Education | Midwives College of Utah

The Midwives College of Utah offers a unique distance education program that allows students to complete the academic portion of their degree at their own pace and schedule, and without having to travel to a campus location. Students are assigned an instructor for each course they are enrolled in, and correspond with instructors via e-mail and/or phone.

In addition, students complete the hands-on clinical portion of their program while working with an approved preceptor (midwife), preferably in their local area. Students are required to find their own preceptors.

The Midwives College of Utah is designed for the midwifery student that needs the freedom from location and time flexibility that distance education offers. As valuable as this freedom is to the needs of many women, many students find that they need certain elements of structure in order to be successful in their programs.

Students are able to complete their academic studies wherever they live in the world. Students must have access to the internet (high speed options highly recommended), and have word processing and printing capabilities.

Students complete their clinical training with an approved local preceptor. Students should identify appropriate clinical training options prior to entering the MCU program.

Using high-volume clinical sites to obtain all or a majority of clinical numbers is not appropriate for the MCU program. However, in some cases, students may have to leave their local area or country to receive a portion of their clinical training.

Students are able to complete academic and clinical work on their own time schedules. Students begin courses at the same time throughout the year; however, a student may find that they need extra time to complete a course. It is ideal if students complete their enrolled courses within the four month semester; however, they may take up to a year to complete a course if necessary.

Major Maps are course completion schedules that students develop with the MCU Registrar. Major Maps allow students to see what course work must be completed within each semester to meet the student’s graduation goal date. Major Maps give structure to the flexibility of MCU course work. If students meet the course work goals established on their Major Maps, they receive a discount on their monthly payments. Major Maps can be revised after each semester if necessary.

Financial Options and Incentives

MCU students do not need to worry about gathering a large sum of tuition all at once in order to finance their education. MCU offers students reasonable monthly payment plans based on the number of months they plan to complete their program.

A tuition discount is extended to all students who demonstrate after each year of active enrollment, that they have stayed on their Major Map (course completion schedule). The discount will reduce the monthly payments by 6% for the following year.

Students may enroll in courses at the beginning of each semester. This encourages students to complete course work by the end of the semester so that they can enroll in additional courses for the next semester. The semester system also allows students to begin new courses with other students at the same time, making student study groups more effective.

Personal Coaching is a unique service that MCU offers students enrolled in degree and certificate programs. Students have access to the services of MCU Coaches throughout their program. Coaches can help students identify and overcome progress challenges, suggest Major Map changes, and provide accountability and support through the student’s program. Students are not assigned a specific coach but can call to make an appointment with a coach at any time.

Distance education students may find it challenging to complete courses in a timely manner. Isolation can also pose a problem. A Sisters’ Circle is a student-driven program designed to help students overcome these common challenges of distance education.

A Sisters' Circle is designed to be a small, intimate group where the members create relationships and a natural culture of accountability to each other. The circle is designed to help members become more productive and consistent in their midwifery studies, help them meet their Major Map goals, and build a community of support.