Thinking of becoming a midwife? Get the low-down on what the job involves, what qualifications you need and how long it takes to train.
Midwives are responsible for delivering babies and providing advice and support to mothers both before and after she gives birth.
Midwives are often on the move all day. You may spend part of your time at a woman’s home helping her deal with post-natal depression before going on to delivering a baby in a hospital. You will also visit pregnant women in local clinics and in their homes where you will help prepare them for parenthood.
For entry onto a pre-registration degree programme in midwifery, you will usually need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above (typically including English language or literature and a science subject), plus two A’ levels or equivalent.
Alternatives to GCSEs that will be considered are CSE grade 1, SCE Standard grade 1(Scotland), GNVQ intermediate level plus one GCSE. Alternatives to A levels would be GNVQ advanced level or NVQ level 3, SVQ level 3, GSVQ level 3 (Scotland), EDEXCEL Foundation (BTEC) National or higher national diploma.
Entry levels do vary between institutions so it’s always best to check with your institution of choice what their requirements are.
The direct entry degree programme lasts three or four years. If you are already a registered nurse then you can undertake a fast track 78-week programme into midwifery.
Part-time courses are also available, usually by those universities that offer full-time courses. They may last for five or six years and are available to staff working in the NHS – usually as an assistant or an associate practitioner with qualifications up to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent).
(Information taken from www.nhscareers.nhs.uk)
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Comments
heyyyyy this is good :) really helped me understand what you need to be a midwife and what's involved, short and precise :)
charlotte · 02-02-10
The 18 month direct entry course for qualified nurses often have a very limited number of places, which can mean a delay before a course becomes available.
In order to practice midwifery in the UK you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery council - which automatically happens if you do the degree course or the direct entry route.
Once registered you must maintain your reigstration annually - if you don't you risk suspension or even dismissal because your employer will be at fault for employing an unregistered midwife.
There are many places to search for jobs online, but the place I got my last job was Nurses.co.uk - they have a great section for midwives.
BabyCatcher · 07-08-09
Any comments?