Directory-NFP Teacher Training Programs

NFP Teacher Training Programs

Preface

       This directory provides basic information on services provided by Natural Family Planning teacher training programs in the United States. Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the term for fertility education methods designed to achieve and avoid pregnancies through the understanding of the woman’s menstrual cycle. These methods are based on the daily observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

       NFP methods are compatible with the teachings of the Catholic Church because they respect the unitive and procreative nature of conjugal relations. In the words of Pope John Paul II, NFP methods are “a valuable help to responsible parenthood, in which all individuals, and in the first place the child, are recognized and respected in their own right and where every decision is guided by the ideal of the sincere gift of self” (Evangelium vitae, #88).

       The effectiveness of NFP methods for achieving or avoiding pregnancy rely upon three factors: the competency of the teacher; how well the couple learns the information; and the couple’s motivation to follow specific guidelines according to their family planning intention (i.e., achieving, spacing or limiting births).

       NFP methods are unique among family planning methods because their starting point is the acceptance of human fertility. Typically, modern science has sought to control births through manipulating human fertility. The word “contraception” reflects the typical scientific approach—to work against conception. NFP methods, on the other hand, do nothing to frustrate human fertility.These methods work with the biologically established fertility of men and women. Indeed, these methods go a step further than biology; they rely on couple behavior. Through the use of periodic sexual abstinence as the means by which births are spaced in marriage, NFP requires that couples work together. Couples must understand their combined fertility in order to plan or avoid pregnancies. Spouses are therefore taught to think of their fertility in terms of “us” and “we,” not “I” or “you.” This holistic approach to family planning gives NFP the distinction of being one of modern science’s healthiest achievements.

       Natural Family Planning teacher training programs may be local, regional, or national. Each program has its unique history with founders and pioneers that include both clergy and laity (see Appendix). Each of the schools included in this directory offer standardized curricula. All provide objective evaluations of the trainees’ knowledge and teaching skills. Most have some form of supervised practicum whereby the teacher candidate is directed and observed while they teach new clients. Most have implemented the Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) and are part of that national system of accountability. All provide education in authentic NFP. For additional information, please contact the programs directly.

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Glossary

 

1. Billings Ovulation Method™ (BOM™)

2. Cervical Mucus Method (CMM) or "Ovulation Method" (OM)

3. Natural Family Planning

4. Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry- Approved

5. Sympto-Hormonal Method (SHM)

6. Sympto-Thermal Method (STM)

Billings Ovulation Method™ (BOM™)

Approximately at the time of a woman’s ovulation, a type of mucus is secreted by the cervix. This primary sign of fertility indicates when a woman is potentially fertile. The woman’s observation by sensation of her cervical mucus is the basis of the Billings Ovulation Method™ (BOM™).

Doctors John and Evelyn Billings (Australia) are the founders of the BOM. The Billings first called their method the “Ovulation Method” or “OM.” In the 1970s the World Health Organization attached the name “Billings” to indicate the authentic OM created by the Billings.

The Billings Ovulation Method™ (BOM™) is the official title of the method. Due to the early work of the Billings in training teachers world-wide, the term “Ovulation Method” or “OM” has become an umbrella term for most cervical mucus methods.

The BOM™ requires the couple to follow the method guidelines established by the Billings. Among other things, this means placing an emphasis on the woman’s “sensation” of cervical mucus as a primary way to observe cervical mucus.

 
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Cervical Mucus Method (CMM) or “Ovulation Method” (OM)

Approximately at the time of a woman’s ovulation, a type of mucus is secreted by the cervix. This primary sign of fertility indicates when a woman is potentially fertile. The woman’s correct observation of her cervical mucus is the basis of all cervical mucus methods (CMM). Due to the early work of the Billings in training teachers world-wide, the term “Ovulation Method” or “OM” has become an umbrella term for most cervical mucus methods.

All CMMs are reliant on the extensive research and influence of Drs. John and Evelyn Billings. The variety of cervical mucus methods rests on the differences in approach to the observation of cervical mucus (e.g., sensation, sight, and/or touch). The guidelines for interpretation of cervical mucus vary per CM method approach.

 
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Natural Family Planning

“Natural Family Planning” is the umbrella term for those methods for achieving and avoiding pregnancy that are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of the woman’s menstrual cycle. Couples using Natural Family Planning methods to avoid pregnancy, abstain from sexual intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman’s cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.

The methods of Natural Family Planning reflect the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life and the value of the child. By complementing the love-giving and life-giving nature of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife (Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry, 2010).


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Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry—Approved

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry (Standards). The Standards articulate the basic requirements for quality diocesan NFP services in the areas of: program structure and activities; client curriculum; nature and role of the diocesan teacher; and components of the NFP teacher training program.

An NFP teacher training program can freely elect to implement the Standards by submitting for review and evaluation, documentation to the USCCB's NFP Program. Upon successfully meeting the Standards, the award given to the NFP teacher training program is called "Approval." A teacher training program that meets the Standards is "Approved" according to the Standards.

Diocesan NFP programs that have implemented the Standards are required to use only NFP teacher training programs that meet the Standards and have achieved Approval. This directory indicates which NFP teacher training programs have been evaluated and meet the Standards.

For the complete text of the Standards see usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/standard.

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Sympto-Hormonal Method (SHM)

A multi-indexed method of NFP, the Sympto-Hormonal Method (SHM) makes use of an electronic hand-held hormonal monitor in addition to the sign of cervical mucus, to teach a woman how to observe and interpret her fertility.

The fertility monitor detects two reproductive hormones in the woman's urine and provides information on three levels of fertility, i.e., low, high, and peak. The observation and charting of cervical mucus is used as a double check to the monitor's readings. This method was developed at Marquette University College of Nursing's Institute for NFP (Milwaukee, WI).


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Sympto-Thermal Method (STM)

Sympto-thermal methods are multi-indexed methods of NFP. A woman is taught to observe her multiple signs of fertility.

ST methods teach a woman to observe her primary signs of fertility (cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and cervical changes). The secondary signs of fertility (breast tenderness, back pain, etc.) are also taught. Among STM providers, variations exist in some rules, charting two or more of the primary signs of fertility, as well as differences in chart symbols. Despite the variations, all refer to the multi-indexed methods as "STM.


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Annotated Directory

1. Archdiocese of Boston NFP Teacher Training Program

2. Archdiocese of San Antonio Teacher Training Program

3. Billings Ovulation Method Association (BOMA-USA)

4. Couple to Couple League (CCL)

5. Diocese of Erie Natural Family Planning

6. Family of the Americas Foundation

7. FertilityCare Center of Kansas City Teacher Education Program

8. Marquette University College of Nursing Institute for NFP

9. Natural Family Planning of the Diocese of Cleveland

10. Northwest Family Services, Inc.

11. Pope Paul VI Institute Creighton Model FertilityCare Education Programs

12. St. Joseph FertilityCare Practitioner Education Programs

13. St. Joseph School of Nursing FertilityCare Practitioner Education Programs

14. St. Louis University Nursing Center for Fertility Education

15. Southern Star Natural Family Planning Program

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Archdiocese of Boston NFP Teacher Training Program

At a Glance...

NFP Method: STM
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Will travel to train teachers
Member, New England NFP Association.
Mary Finnigan, Diocesan NFP Coordinator
Marriage & Family Ministry Office
66 Brooks Drive
Braintree, MA 02184
(617) 746-5803
(617) 746-5782 FAX
Mary_finnigan@rcab.org
www.bostoncatholic.org/NFP.aspx

 

A. Instruction Time

Training provided over two weekends.

B. Teaching Format

On-site training includes lecture, learning activities and final exam. A final grade of 80% is required.

C. Practicum

Required: A supervised practicum of instruction, to a minimum of six clients, in a series of classes completed within one year of completing classroom training.

D. Certification/Recertification

After successful completion of the practicum, certification is granted for an indefinite period of time. If there is a prolonged lapse in teaching, a continuing education requirement and an additional supervised practicum is required.

E. Fees

Contact coordinator.

F. Miscellaneous

Program is affiliated with the New England NFP Association. Client materials are available in Spanish, but teacher training is in English only. Personal use of NFP prior to teacher training is required.

 

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Archdiocese of San Antonio NFP Teacher Training Program

At a Glance...

NFP Method- CMM
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Spanish language classes provided
Will travel to train teachers
Steve Pokorny, Diocesan NFP Director
Office of Marriage and Family Life
2718 West Woodlawn
San Antonio, TX 78228-0410
(210) 734-1650
(210) 734-2774 FAX
E-mail: steve.pokorny@archsa.org
Web Page: www.archsa.org

A. Instruction Time

Classroom study is a total of 36 hours.

B. Teaching Format

1. On-Site Training.

Training includes lecture, independent study, reading, role playing, practice teaching, and exams.

2. Teacher training is in English. Spanish is offered upon request.

C. Practicum

The practicum consists of a supervised observation of the teacher candidate teaching two classes (with different supervisors) and conducting two separate follow-ups (with 3-5 couples each). The practicum also includes:

1. Submission of class outline for approval.

2. Instruction of a class with certified instructor (optional).

3. Instruction of a class under supervision of teacher trainer.

4. Two follow-up sessions conducted under supervision of certified instructor or teacher trainer.

5. Documentation on ten clients with different reproductive circumstances from first class through autonomy.

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Billings Ovulation Method

At a Glance...

NFP Method: Billings Ovulation Method (BOM)
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Distance Learning provided via Internet; correspondence also available
Spanish Teacher training available in USA; Mulit-languages through WOOMB-international
Will travel to train teachers

Note: BOMA, USA provides training and materials in the official Billings Ovulation Method. It offers the only approved Billings Ovulation Method Teacher Training Program in the United States according to WOOMB-International standards (World Organization Ovulation Billings Method).

Sue Ek, Executive Director
BOMA-USA P.O. Box 2135 St. Cloud, MN 56302
(651) 699-8139 / FAX (320) 654-6486
E-mail: boma-usa@msn.com
Website: www.boma-usa.org
Dolores Clark, MSN, RN, FNP, CPNP Chair, Education Committee
6211 Windsong Drive Arlington, TX 76001
817-483-3841
dewclark@gmail.com

A. Instruction Time

40 contact hours.

B. Teaching Format

1. Training is scheduled at various locations throughout the United States. Faculty is primarily comprised of BOMA master teachers and occasionally includes guest presenters, particularly physicians and priests. Teaching format includes lecture, independent study, discussions, group activities and exams. Teacher candidates must score a minimum of 90% on the final exam in order to begin supervised practicum. Teacher training is also available via the Internet or correspondence.

2. The teacher candidate ideally has charted and used the Billings Ovulation Method™ for at least six months prior to teacher training (some exceptions can be made). If unable to do so the candidate must philosophically accept the principles of BOMA-USA. Users of other NFP methodologies must chart the BOM™ for a minimum of three months prior to teacher training.

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Couple to Couple League

At a Glance...

NFP Method: STM
Distance learning provided via online classes; also available via post
Spanish teacher training provided
Will travel to train teachers

Michael Manhart, PhD, Executive Director
P. O. Box 111184
Cincinnati, OH 45211-1184
or
4290 Delhi Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(800) 745-8252
(513) 557-2449 FAX
E-mail: ccli@ccli.org
Web Page: www.ccli.org

A. Time to Complete Teacher Training

Estimated to be 35-50 hours.

Maximum flexibility is allowed for teacher candidates to proceed at their own pace.

B. Training Format

The teacher training curriculum is comprised of 30+ independent courses grouped in six webbased modules. Successful completion of training courses is based upon passing end-ofcourse tests, which can be retaken until a passing score is achieved. The teacher training curriculum is offered in Spanish. Courses can be accomplished in several ways. Traditional instruction is through self-paced study of downloadable courses. Toll-free teleconferences are offered periodically throughout the year for various courses. On-site teacher training (in English or Spanish) is available on a case-by-case basis by contacting the CCL Central office.

C. Practicum

A six-month mentoring program is provided to assist newly-certified teachers in gaining experience with student couples. The program includes assistance in responding to questions from clients, interpreting charts, maintaining records, and the like.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Conditional certification is awarded upon completion of the training courses, and full certification is awarded upon completion of the 6-month mentoring program.

E. Fees

CCL's teacher training program is free. No fees are charged to the candidate teaching couple for the teacher training program.

F. Publications

Three full-color course manuals are available—the main student text for the main class series as well as postpartum and perimenopause texts for separate postpartum and perimenopause classes. Family Foundations, an award-winning NFP magazine, is offered bi-monthly by subscription.

G. Miscellaneous

CCL is one of the largest NFP providers in the United States. Its NFP courses are taught by married couples who not only provide instruction in the Sympto-Thermal Method but also witness to the beauty of living marriage and sexuality as God intended. On site client courses are offered throughout the US and can be located and registered for electronically at CCL's website: www.ccli.org. NFP client instruction is provided in three ways: on site class instruction from a CCL teaching couple; live instruction via Internet from a CCL teaching couple; and through home study courses supervised by a personal NFP instructor and consultant. Dedicated classes and course manuals are also available for the postpartum and perimenopause transitions.

 

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Diocese of Erie Natural Family Planning

At a Glance...

NFP Method: STM
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Ed and Barbara Burkett, Co-Directors
429 East Grandview Boulevard Erie, PA 10397 (800) 374-3723 x259
bburkett@eriercd.org

A. Instruction Time

Classroom instruction is conducted over 40+ hours.

B. Teaching Format

Format includes lecture, class discussion, reading assignments, and student reports.

C. Practicum

A supervised practicum is required consisting of 2-4 clients (minimum) taught over a six month period of time.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Certification is awarded at completion of training. There is no re-certification process.

E. Fees

Contact Director.

F. Publications

A quarterly newsletter is published for all NFP couple clients and teachers.

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Family of the Americas Foundation

At a Glance...

NFP Method: OM
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Distance learning via post
Multi-languages provided
Will travel to train teachers
The practicum is provided for approximately 6-12 months.

1. Master Teacher Training Institutes.

Provided periodically at the home office in Dunkirk, MD, (usually in the Spring and/or Fall), a minimum of 6-10 teacher candidates is required for a course to be scheduled.

2. On site Master Teacher Institutes are provided upon request.

3. The Master Teacher Institute Correspondence Course.

This format allows students to study in their own home at their own pace. Accompanying videos correspond with the 16 unit MTI Training Manual. A training guideline booklet is given with step-by-step instructions to follow the at home study course.

C. Practicum
Note: The most difficult part of the practicum is meeting the requirement of teaching clients in different reproductive circumstances (i.e. breastfeeding, coming off artificial methods, etc.). Since Family of the Americas requests that teacher candidates follow at least 6 different couples/clients for at least 3 months, the time from the beginning of the course to the final certification could take up to one year.

E. Fees

Teacher candidates who attend the institute at the Family of the Americas home office are responsible for their own transportation, food, and lodging. When the Institute is held on location (e.g., in a diocese), the host is responsible for the expenses of the FAF faculty (including transportation, food, and lodging). An honorarium is appropriate if Mercedes Wilson is requested as the primary Instructor. Teacher candidates who select the correspondence course pay for materials, shipping and handling fees of all materials. All teacher candidates must pay for client materials needed during the practicum, phone calls required to the central office, and the supervision visit.

F. Publications

Family of the Americas is known for producing innovative client texts that are designed to make the Ovulation Method accessible to couples of all cultures and educational levels. The Love and Fertility text, video or chart have been translated into more than 21 languages including English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Ukrainian, Italian, Korean and Arabic. An interactive computer program entitled, “Charting Coach,” as well as Nature’s Method, a CD-ROM program are also available. See website for further resources: www.familyplanning.net.

G. Miscellaneous

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FertilityCare Center of Kansas City Teacher Education Program

At a Glance...

NFP Method: CMM (Creighton Model FertilityCare System)
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Will travel to train teachers

Note: Accredited by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals (AAFCP).
Phyllis A. White, CFCE, Director
1312 NW Fairway Circle Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 229-1473 FAX: (816) 229-3390
E-Mail: pwhite@fertilitycarekc.com
Website: fertilitycarekc.com

FertilityCareTM Practitioner (FCP)

This 13 month program covers basic and advanced instruction for the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System and NaProTechnology. It includes two education phases, two supervised practica and an on-site visit. Only the educational phases are done on campus. All other educational services are provided through an innovative system of long distance supervision and on-site visitation. No teacher training classes are offered online.

A. Instruction Time

Education Phase I: Eight day course; Supervised Practicum I, six months.

Education Phase II: Six days advanced teaching skills; Supervised Practicum II, seven months

(includes on site visitation by a faculty member).

B. Teaching Format

1. Education Phases I and II include lecture, group and individual study, as well as exams.

2. Supervised Practica I and II are structured faculty supervised experiences which include direct client teaching at the student’s home location.

3. Final Examination: both programs include a professionally administered final examination. A grade of 75% or better is required.

4. This program is based in Kansas City, MO; however, on-site programs can be arranged.

C. Practicum

1. Supervised practicum I (6 months) is designed to develop basic FertilityCareTM System teaching skills.

2. Supervised practicum II (7 months) is designed to develop advanced FertilityCareTM System teaching skills involving management of infertility, chronic discharges, unusual bleeding, advanced behavioral issues, pregnancy evaluations, advanced case management, etc.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Upon successful passing of the final examination, the new teacher receives a certificate of satisfactory completion. After teaching an additional 10 clients, the teacher becomes eligible to apply for professional certification by the AAFCP (see F below).

E. Fees

Contact Director.

F. American Academy of FertilityCareTM Professionals (AAFCP)

The AAFCP is the accrediting body for Creighton Model Education Programs and the certifying body for the FertilityCareTM Providers.

G. Miscellaneous

Continuing education units are available for nurses.


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Marquette University College of Nursing Institute for NFP

At a Glance...

NFP Method: SHM (Marquette Model)
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry- Approved
Distance education via online classes
Spanish training available

Note: This is the only NFP Method that makes use of a hormonal monitor in its methodology.
Richard F. Fehring, PhD, RN, Director
Marquette University College of Nursing, Institute for NFP
P.O. Box 1881 Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
(414) 288-3838
(414) 288-1939 FAX
E-Mail: richard.fehring@marquette.edu

A. Instruction Time

Instruction includes a 3 credit theory course with nine modules of instruction and a 3 credit practice course with nine clinical sessions. The courses are provided over a semester time frame and entail a total of 72 hours of instruction time. The courses can be taken for graduate or upper level undergraduate college credits or for continuing education units. CEUs are offered to professional nurses.

B. Teaching Format

Online only with discussion rooms, PowerPoint presentations, digital text, case studies; includes practice charting, multiple assignments, a project paper required for college credit, mid-term and final examinations.

C. Practicum

A supervised practicum is required consisting of 6-10 clients (minimum) taught over a six month period of time. Oral and written case reports are required.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Certification of course completion from Marquette University College of Nursing is granted to students who have completed all theory and practicum requirements.

E. Fees

Contact Director.

F. Distance Learning: Online NFP Teacher Training Program

The Marquette University College of Nursing Natural Family Planning (NFP) teacher training program is a professional online educational experience based on the Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The program prepares the participant to provide professional NFP services and to qualify for certification through the USCCB in their home dioceses. This educational program was designed for healthcare professionals and involves a 3-credit NFP theory course and a 3-credit NFP supervised practicum. The Marquette University online NFP teacher training program was developed through a generous grant provided by Our Sunday Visitor Institute. (www.osv.com/). For more information and to register online see: www.marquette.edu/nursing/NFP/Teacher.

G. Miscellaneous

Eligibility requirements for the 3 credit theory course include college level junior or collegegraduate. Basic college level course in anatomy and physiology recommended. The 3 credit supervisory practicum is limited to students or practitioners in health related fields (i.e. professional nursing, medicine, physician's assistant). Faculty includes two NFP only obstetrician/gynecologists and a professor of theology. Supervisory faculty is all professional nurses. The practice course is only offered to health professionals, i.e., physicians, professional nurses (BSN), advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants.

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Natural Family Planning of the Diocese of Cleveland

At a Glance...

NFP Method:STM and OM
Standards for Diocesan Ministry-Approved
Will travel to train teachers
Rose Jacobs, NFP Coordinator
Department for Marriage and Family
Diocese of Cleveland
7911 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 334-2973
(216) 334-2976 FAX
E-mail: rxjacobs@clevelandcatholiccharities.org


A. Instruction

Time Instruction occurs over forty hours of classroom study, comprised of six sessions, once per month, June through November.

B. Teaching Format

On-site training includes lecture, independent study, interactive work by students, and exams.

C. Practicum

A required supervised practicum consists of a six to nine month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of six clients, supervised by authorized certified NFP Instructors.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Certification lasts for a period of one year. Re-certification requires participation in an annual NFP seminar or its equivalent substitute, with approval of the NFP Coordinator.

E. Distance Learning

Includes modified online training: sending materials (via e-mail or postal mail) and tests to a candidate and designating a certified NFP instructor as a supervisor, who grades exams, answers questions and serves as a practicum supervisor for a class series. This program is especially made available to the dioceses of Kalamazoo, Detroit, Youngstown and Columbus.

F. Fees

Contact the coordinator. Accommodations are not provided for non-local teacher candidates.

G. Miscellaneous

The Diocese of Cleveland NFP teacher training uses a locally developed syllabus and slides for both the Sympto-Thermal Method and the Ovulation Method. Students receive training in both methods, but are certified in only one method at a time. Each method requires a separate certification and supervised practicum. With regard to training sites: a member of the NFP faculty or Core Committee will travel to a diocese when invited to do so. Fees would be negotiated.


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Northwest Family Services, Inc.

At a Glance...

NFP Method: STM
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Distance education via internet or post
Spanish language teacher training available
Will travel to train teachers

Note: Northwest Family Services is a leading NFP provider in the area of adolescent sexuality and chastity education, both Catholic and secular.

Rose Fuller, Executive Director
6200 SE King Rd Portland, OR 97222
(503) 546-6377
(503) 546-9397 FAX
E-Mail: service@nwfs.org
Web Page: www.nwfs.org

A. Instruction Time

Five days of classroom instruction including an additional forty to sixty hours for individual study.

B. Teaching Format

1. On site training in Portland or in a host diocese includes active learning style, lecture, independent study and exams.

2. Independent study for online or correspondence course.

C. Practicum

A required supervised practicum consists of a twelve month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of ten to fifteen clients from a variety of reproductive categories.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Currently, there is no provision for re-certification. There is an active and inactive status for certified teachers.

E. Fees

Contact Director. There is a reduced fee structure and training process for NFP providers transferring from other NFP systems.

F. Distance Learning

Distance learning includes either the online course (which is the most popular) or the correspondence course via the postal system. The online course includes both online assessments with immediate responses as well as offline assessments. It also involves the same supervised practicum required as the in-person course. An additional advantage with the online course is the access to a digital library.

G. Publications

NWFS Update, a monthly teacher e-newsletter, and Stepping Stones, a quarterly client enewsletter. See web site for more information on programs and publications.

H. Miscellaneous

Support for all teachers (in training or certified) includes consultation on difficult client cases. Client instruction is available in both English and Spanish. It includes lecture, learning activities, individual follow-up, and reading materials. All teachers are expected to submit an annual service delivery report. Affiliate programs are available. 

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Pope Paul VI Institute Creighton Model Fertility Care Education Programs

At a Glance...

NFP Method: CMM (Creighton Model FertilityCare System)
Spanish teacher education available

Note: Accredited by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals.
Thomas W. Hilgers, MD, CFCMC, CFCE, CFCP, Program Director
Alice Sales, FCP, Education Program Coordinator
6901 Mercy Road Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 390-9168
(402) 390-9851 FAX
E-mail: education@popepaulvi.com
Web Page: www.popepaulvi.com

A. Instruction Time/Practicum/Teaching Format

Note: Each education program has its own requirements for instruction time, practicum and format. Complete program information may be obtained by downloading the Education Program Booklet from the Pope Paul VI Institute website, www.popepaulvi.com, under the Education tab or by completing an Application Information Packet also located under the Education tab. Instructor (FCI) FCI is a seven month program consisting of one Education Phase (an eight-day course) and supervised practicum via long distance supervision. An Instructor must work with a designated local FertilityCareTM Practitioner. Practitioner (FCP) FCP is a thirteen month program consisting of two Education Phases (an eight-day course and a six-day course) and supervised practicum via long distance supervision. An On-Site Visit is required.

Note: Prerequisite - 2 years of college or RN degree. Medical Consultant This is a six month program consisting of two Education Phases (an eight-day course and a seven-day course) and supervised practicum via long distance supervision.

Note: This program is only for medical doctors, osteopaths, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse midwives, or pharmacists. Medical Consultant/Practitioner This combined program of 13 months consists of two Education Phases (an eight-day course and another eight-day course) and supervised practicum via long distance supervision. An On- Site Visit is required. Note: Prerequisite—Bachelor degree or RN degree and certification as a FertilityCareTM Practitioner with a minimum of one year of teaching the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System. Supervisor This 13 month program consists of two Education Phases (an eight-day course and a nine-day course) and supervised practicum via long distance supervision. An On-Site Visit is required. Note: Prerequisite—Certification as a FertilityCareTM Practitioner with a minimum of one year of teaching the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System.

B. Certification/Re-certification

Upon completion of the final examination, the student receives a Certificate of Completion from the Pope Paul VI Institute and Creighton University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education. Certification/recertification is available for each program from the American Academy of FertilityCareTM Professionals (AAFCP).

C. Fees

For each education program, tuition, textbook fees and lodging fees are posted in the Education Program Booklet, which may be downloaded from the Pope Paul VI Institute website, www.popepaulvi.com, under the Education tab.

D. Miscellaneous

American Academy of FertilityCareTM Professionals (AAFCP)

The AAFCP is the accreditation body for Creighton Model FertilityCareTM Education Programs. The AAFCP is responsible for certifying CrMFC teachers and medical consultants. The AAFCP is the accrediting body for the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM Centers. All FertilityCareTM providers are required to affiliate with FertilityCareTM Centers of America (or FertilityCareTM Centers International, if applicable). CME /CEU Availability Continuing Medical Education Units (CMEs) are available for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurse midwives through Creighton University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education Division. These activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Creighton University School of Medicine and Pope Paul VI Institute. The Creighton University School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for nurses, social workers and allied health professionals and are provided by Iowa Western Community College, Iowa Board of Nursing Provider #6, and Iowa Board of Social Workers Provider #59.

For current availability of CME/CEUs, refer to the Education Program Booklet, which may be downloaded from the Pope Paul VI Institute website, www.popepaulvi.com, under the Education tab.

Love & Life Unlimited Conference

This education program is specifically designed for priests, religious, deacons, diocesan family life directors, NFP coordinators, pro-life directors and other religious leaders and educators. Information and registration form may be downloaded from the Events section of the Pope Paul VI Institute website, www.popepaulvi.com, under the Education tab.

Publications

A variety of published resources are available from the Pope Paul VI Institute Publications Department, including: ″ Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology: A Primer for FertilityCareTM Professional ″ The Medical and Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY ″ Women Healed ″ Unabridged NaProTECHNOLOGY PowerPoint slides ″ Brochures and other resources The FertilityCare™Practitioner/Instructor education program, texts and client teaching materials are available in Spanish. Client teaching materials have been translated into other languages as well.

To view more resources, visit the E-Store section of the Pope Paul VI Institute website, www.popepaulvi.com.

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St. Joseph Fertility Care Practitioner Education Programs

At a Glance...

NFP Method: CMM (Creighton Model FertilityCare System)
Will travel to train teachers

Note: Accredited by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals.
Angelique N. Garcia, LPN, BSE, CFCP, CFCE
4000 St. Joseph Place NW Lourdes Hall #130 Albuquerque, NM 87120
(505) 831-8222
(505) 263-3509 FAX
angel@fertilitycare.net

A. Instruction Time

Education Phase I: Eight day course.
Supervised Practicum I: Six months.
Education Phase II: Six day course.
Supervised Practicum II: Seven months, including on-site evaluation by a Certified FertilityCare™ Educator.

B. Teaching Format

Education Phases I and II include lecture with slides, handouts, clinical group sessions, group and individual study, and exams. Upon successful completion of Education Phase I and II (75% test score or greater), the teacher intern advances to the Supervised Practica Phases. Supervised Practica I and II are structured faculty supervised experiences, which involve evaluation of the intern's teaching of a client couple, presentation of an Introductory Session, review of the teaching facilities, and all client cases. All criteria for completing the Supervised Practica must be met in order for the intern to be advanced to the next Educational Phase, On- Site Visit, or Final Exam. Final Examination is administered by professional proctor and taken by all qualified interns on predetermined days and hours, throughout the world, four times a year. The exam includes multiple-choice, written and tape recorded forms of evaluation. A minimum grade of 75% in all content areas of the exam is required.

C. Practicum

Interns are closely supervised through all aspects of teaching the system during the two supervised practica, assignments and case reviews of all couples. Scheduled phone calls are made to the supervisor every month to monitor students' progress and provide opportunities for questions.

Supervised Practicum I (6 months): This clinical experience begins immediately following Education Phase I. It is designed to develop the basic teaching skills of the FertilityCareT M System, learned during EP-I.

Supervised Practicum II (7 months): This second clinical experience is designed to develop the advanced teaching skills necessary for teaching the FertilityCareTM System, learned during EP-I, SP-I and EP-II. Supervised Practicum II is a time for maturing, refining, activating and perfecting the student's advanced teaching skills. This is a time when interns learn to integrate their skills and knowledge. Interns are expected to develop skills in advanced case management, advanced chart reading and correcting, the conduct of pregnancy evaluations, developing the advanced business aspects, and the management of advanced behavioral issues. Included in this practicum is an on-site visit by the intern's faculty supervisor.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Once the intern qualifies for and passes the final examination (75% or greater), the new Practitioner receives a certificate of completion, and can use the title "FertilityCareTM Practitioner" (FCP). After an additional field service year and the teaching of 10 new clients, the FCP is eligible to apply for professional certification by the American Academy of FertilityCareTM Professionals (AAFCP). Certification requires a complete case list, continuing education, and the review of one client case by a Certified FertilityCareTM Educator or Supervisor on the AAFCP Certification Commission. Recertification is required every four years.

E. Fees

Contact Director.

F. Miscellaneous

St. Joseph FertilityCareTM Practitioner Education Program uses only the most recent, updated Curriculum and teaching materials available from the PPVI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction, and the FertilityCareTM Centers of America (FCCA). Interns are asked to complete evaluation forms for each educational phase and supervised practicum. These evaluations are used to ensure program quality and student satisfaction. Continuing education units are available for nurses. Off-Site Programs are conducted for sponsoring agencies or organizations willing to host the program, and sponsor interns outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico or the United States.

St. Joseph FertilityCareTM Practitioner Education Program is based in Albuquerque, NM, serving the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, but also conducts Practitioner Trainings internationally in cooperation with FertilityCareTM Centers International (FCCI), and FertilityCareTM Centers of Europe (FCCE). The St. Joseph program has conducted trainings in Mexico, Ireland, and England, and now has teachers throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Croatia, Germany, Poland and the Ukraine. 


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St. Joseph School of Nursing Fertility Care Practitioner Education Programs

At a Glance...

NFP Method: CMM (Creighton Model FertilityCare System)

Note: Accredited by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals.

Kathy Rivet, CFCE
St. Joseph Hospital, FertilityCare™ Services
172 Kinsley Street P.O. Box 2013 Nashua, NH 03061
(603) 595-3947
Email: krivet@sjhnh.org

A. Instruction Time

Eight days of initial emersion education, followed by subsequent practicums.

B. Teaching Format

Educational Phase I: An eight day total emersion educational experience prepares the FertilityCare™ Practitioner Intern to teach the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System. The curriculum consists of history of Natural Family Planning, anatomy and physiology, the hormones of the menstrual cycle, breastfeeding, menopause, psychodynamics of contraception and the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System, human sexuality, the beginnings of human life and the effectiveness of natural and artificial methods of family planning. The clinical group sessions train the Intern to teach the FertilityCare™ System according to the standardized curriculum and include basic chart reading and correcting, how to conduct the standardized Introductory Session and Follow-Up sessions, documentation, and the Supervised Practicum I Responsibilities. An assessment at the end of this education phase assures the competency of the student to begin teaching clients during their internship.

Educational Phase II: Following successful completion of Supervised Practicum I the intern is qualified to attend Education Phase II. This 6 day long educational experience covers advanced case management in infertility, continuous mucus discharge, unusual bleeding, and NaProTechnology. How to conduct pregnancy evaluations are also taught along with management of advanced behavioral issues, communication, marketing, and advanced business aspects of managing a FertilityCare™ Center. An Oral Exam at the end of Education Phase II helps to prepare the intern for their second supervised practicum.

C. Practicum

Supervised Practicum I

This practicum begins with the successful completion of Education Phase I and ends with Education Phase II. During the practicum the Intern returns to his/her home and begins teaching the FertilityCare™ System. Every Practitioner Intern is assigned a Faculty Supervisor who works closely with him/her during their practicum. The Supervisor provides the support and direction that a Practitioner Intern requires. All books, charts, slides, and teaching materials needed to teach are provided. Each Intern teaches a minimum of 6 client couples during the practicum. Written and recorded assignments as well as scheduled telephone calls with the Supervisor are part of the practicum.

Supervised Practicum II

This practicum begins with the successful completion of Education Phase II and ends with the Final Exam. During this time the Intern teaches an additional 12 client couples, submit assignments, have monthly phone calls with the Supervisor and experience an On Site Visit from the Supervisor. The On Site Visit is a time when the faculty supervisor will go to the intern's home location and observe his/her teaching, review files, and conduct a comprehensive case review of all the intern's clients.

D. Certification

When all the requirements are complete the Intern is given approval to take a national standardized final exam. This exam is proctored in the student's home location and is offered four times a year.

E. Fees

Contact Director. 


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St. Louis University Nursing Center for Fertility Education

At a Glance...

NFP Method: SHM (Marquette Model)
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Distance learning via Internet

Note: Only nurses or physicians are accepted for the program. 

Mary Lee Barron, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, NFPNP Director
Nursing Center for Fertility Education
Saint Louis University School of Nursing
3525 Caroline Mall St. Louis, MO 63104-1099
(314)977-8978
(314) 977-8849 FAX
E-mail: barronml@slu.edu
Web Page: www.nursing.slu.edu/ncfe

A. Instruction Time

This is an online program with various start times. Contact Director for dates.

B. Teaching Format

Online only, 11 week didactic; midterm and final exam with a 75% minimum score required. Computer requirements with online learning format include Broadband necessary to support audio lectures.

C. Practicum

Follows didactic portion, meets United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Standards for minimum number of client couples followed prior to certification.

D. Certification

Certification is granted at the successful completion of the practicum.

E. Fees

Contact Director.


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Southern Star Natural Family Planning Program

At a Glance...

NFP Method: STM
Standards for Diocesan NFP Ministry-Approved
Will travel to train teachersStella Kitchen, Director
209 Pink Dogwood Lane Pooler, GA 31322
(912) 330-9464
E-mail: stella.kitchen@gmail.com

A. Instruction Time

Four full days, offered either on four consecutive days or two separate weekends. One scheduled training session per year or on an as need basis.

B. Teaching Format

1. Format includes lecture, independent study, quizzes and final exam.

2. A 90% grade is required on all tests but teacher candidate can be retested in any areas of deficiency. At the conclusion of the training session the teacher candidate is required to provide a practice teaching session to faculty.

C. Practicum

Practicum consists of a six month period of time in which the teacher candidate instructs a minimum of four clients.

D. Certification/Re-certification

Certification is granted to teacher candidates who have attained a minimum of 90% on all tests, have demonstrated an ability to teach the method with confidence, and have completed the supervised practicum. Re-certification is granted after three years based on review of client records and in person (or in the case of out of State graduates, by phone) interview with the director. Graduates should strive to attend relevant enrichment programs.

E. Fees

Contact Director.

F. Miscellaneous

Originally developed for the Diocese of Harrisburg, this Sympto-Thermal program is tailor-made for diocesan structures.


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