Prepare to work as a registered midwife, giving women the necessary support and care during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period.

In this program, you’ll gain a strong understanding of the social, cultural, spiritual, psychological and physical experiences of women to provide quality maternity care. You’ll study holistic assessment in midwifery; the nature of woman-centred midwifery practice; midwifery care across the childbearing continuum; legal and ethical requirements; bioscience and anatomy and physiology; research and evidenced based practice. By the end of the program you will meet the national requirements set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for registration as a midwife.

You’ll learn midwifery skills in a simulated environment with state of the art technology that is as close as possible to the real situation, and on midwifery practice placements.

Throughout your program, you’ll gain practical experience on placements in settings such as clinics, community settings, maternity services and private midwifery practice. You’ll also engage with 10 women throughout pregnancy, at antenatal visits, labour and birth as well as postnatal visits to gain a comprehensive understanding of the childbearing journey.

At USC, you’ll benefit from strong face-to-face contact with teaching staff who are qualified in the areas of midwifery, nursing, education and research.

Take advantage of increased career opportunities for midwives on the Sunshine Coast. The new Sunshine Coast University Hospital and new models of maternity care will require qualified staff.

If you are an Enrolled or Advanced Enrolled Nurse, you’re eligible for credit into the program.

At the end of your degree, consider continuing your studies with the Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) or the Master of Midwifery to pursue a career as a clinical midwife, midwifery researcher, privately practicing midwife or independent midwife.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking clinical placement, students must obtain and maintain a current first aid and CPR certificate, provide evidence of hepatitis B and a number of other immunisations, undergo a criminal history check and obtain a Blue Card. Refer to Program requirements and notes.

Career opportunities

Registered midwife in hospital or community settings, metropolitan, rural and remote locations or private practice midwife.

Membership

Australian College of Midwives.

Registration

Students in midwifery programs are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as students under the national law. USC arranges registration. Refer to the (AHPRA) website for detailed information.

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration a midwife in Australia with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, which is a Board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards that graduates must demonstrate in order to be eligible for registration. For example, graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7, with 7 in all subtests, or equivalent before being considered for professional registration. For full details of the AHPRA Registration Standards, visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website.