03/24/2026
This hands on Head to Toe Physical Assessment Skills Day provides focused training in performing a comprehensive physical exam commonly used in community midwifery practice. This session is designed for midwifery students who want to build confidence conducting systematic physical assessments and recognizing normal versus abnormal findings during routine midwifery care.
Participants will review the components of a complete adult head to toe examination and how these assessment skills are applied within community midwifery settings including prenatal visits, postpartum care, and general client wellness assessments.
Topics covered include:
• General appearance and vital sign assessment
• Skin, hair, and nail assessment
• Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat (HEENT) exam
• Lymph node assessment
• Cardiovascular and respiratory assessment
• Abdominal assessment and palpation
• Musculoskeletal observation and basic range of motion
• Basic neurological screening
• Identifying findings that may require consultation, referral, or further medical evaluation
• Documentation considerations within community midwifery practice
This is a hands on, participation based skills session where participants will practice assessment techniques in a small-group learning environment to build comfort and competency with physical examination skills.
All skills instruction is taught and supervised by a Licensed Midwife (LM), Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), and NARM Preceptor with experience in community midwifery care.
PEP students: If you are completing the NARM PEP pathway, please bring your NARM skills verification paperwork if you would like skills evaluated and signed during the session.
Please note that laboratory testing, blood draws, and IV placement will not be performed during this session. A separate Blood Draw & IV Skills Day will be offered in the future for participants who would like hands-on training in those skills.
Pelvic exams and Pap smear skills will be offered during our afternoon GYN Skills Day.
