Five measured steps from foundation to fellowship.
Certification at IADA is not a course one finishes. It is a practice one enters—maintained through annual study, supervised work, and quiet contribution to the alliance.
- I
Foundation
60 hours of seminar instruction in anatomy, ethics, evidence literacy, and bilingual case study.
- II
Specialization
120 hours within your chosen discipline—Birth, Postpartum, Newborn Care, or Family Support.
- III
Practicum
Mentored hours with three families, reviewed by faculty in weekly clinical rounds.
- IV
Capstone
Portfolio of cases, written reflection, and oral defense before a panel of three faculty.
- V
Fellowship
Annual continuing education and supervised practice to maintain active certification.
IADA certification is aligned with the standards of DONA International, CAPPA, and the Newborn Care Specialist Association, and is widely accepted by hospital systems, birth centers, and private practices across North America.