C10225 Bachelor of Midwifery v1

Note(s)

This course is subject to final approval for 2005.

Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery incorporates midwifery theory, science and clinical practice in a range of health facilities. Graduates of the course will be competent midwives who have the skills, knowledge and confidence to practise midwifery according to the international definition of the role and scope of practice of the midwife.

This course is the first Bachelor of Midwifery to be introduced in New South Wales. It provides the opportunity to gain registration as a midwife without having to become a registered nurse beforehand.

Course aims

The course aims to produce informed, reflective, caring and compassionate midwives who demonstrate competencies related to professional responsibility, interpersonal processes and the exercise of clinical judgment. Graduates will be capable of providing woman-centred care in both hospitals and community settings. They will practice reflective, evidence-based midwifery encompassing primary health care principles as well as emotional and social aspects of birth. They will promote culturally sensitive care for women from both indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The course will prepare students to identify and analyse the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will continue to develop them as midwives and lifelong learners. This will include meeting the challenges of contemporary midwifery practice and maternity service provision in Australia and internationally.

Career options

Graduates will be employed as registered midwives in both hospital and community settings in both metropolitan and rural settings.

Additional assumed knowledge

Any two units of English. Any two units of Science and any two units of Mathematics are recommended.

Course duration and attendance

The Bachelor of Midwifery is offered at City campus on a full-time basis over three years.

Course structure

Students must gain a minimum of 144 credit points to complete the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Full-time students study four subjects per semester which incorporate nursing theory, science and clinical practice.

Course completion requirements

Industrial training/professional practice

The Bachelor of Midwifery as an initial qualification leading to registration as a midwife includes extensive midwifery practice, which is a compulsory component of the course.

Professional recognition

Nurses and Midwives Board New South Wales

Other information