The aim of this program is to prepare a midwife with the ability to provide woman centred care through demonstration of competent practice consistent with the Australian College of Midwives Incorporated (ACMI) competencies and Code of Ethics.

Program objectives

• discuss the historical and contemporary issues in health care and women's health which affect midwifery and its practice;
• recognise and enact the roles and responsibilities of midwife in the provision of health care;
• assess a woman's needs, facilitate the process of decision making for a woman and her family and respect their decisions regarding childbirth;
• utilise childbirth, health care education and counselling practices to support women, families and community groups;
• recognise abnormalities as they arise and work with health care professionals, consulting and referring as necessary when a woman's or neonate's need for care exceeds the competencies of the midwife;
• undertake all aspects preconception, pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum care for women with normal pregnancies;
• provide safe and competent midwifery care directed by evidence-based practice;
• provide care and support to women during the birthing process by assuming the professional role of the midwife;
• recognise the responsibility and accountability for their ongoing professional development;
• practise midwifery within the current legislation, common law duties and their own scope of competence.

Students will follow a course of study that requires satisfactory completion of 6 courses over 2 terms full-time or 3 terms part-time.  At least 1032 hours of clinical practice is conducted in a variety of approved clinical areas including hospitals and community settings.  The University will arrange clinical practice at approved locations.