Bachelor of Midwifery

The course aims to prepare a competent midwife who can work in maternity settings to the capacity of the internationally defined role of the midwife. The course teaches themes including that women are central to the provision of care; care of women across their lifespan; contexts of professional midwifery practice; understanding of scientific processes affecting the care of women and family; development of professional values and contemporary midwifery practice; exploration of essential sciences and pharmacology underpinning midwifery practice; and provision of care in multicultural contexts. Clinical practice makes up 50 per cent of the degree, with an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Students experience a wide variety of health agencies throughout Victoria. The course offers an innovative curriculum that is sensitive to the changing educational needs of midwives, the health care industry and the community. It aims to prepare a competent midwife who can work in a variety of maternity settings to the full capacity of the internationally defined role and scope of practice of the midwife.
Minimum entrance requirements for non-school-leavers TAFE Formal articulation pathways exist for applicants who have completed a Certificate IV in Health (Nursing). This qualification may entitle students to a 50% credit for year one, if selected. Selection of applicants with a Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) will be based on academic results. University Applicants may undertake two single units from the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery to meet minimum entry requirements, however additional units may enhance their chances of selection. There are no compulsory units, however science units from the Bachelor of Nursing are recommended. Applicants undertaking single units may apply for credit on admission. Alternatively, applicants may undertake units through Open Learning Australia, however credit will not be granted for these studies. Bridging courses The Bridging Nursing Program is offered through Holmesglen TAFE and Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE. VCE prerequisites Units 3 and 4-a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English and either Units 1 and 2-one of general mathematics or mathematical methods (CAS) or Units 3 and 4-mathematics (any). International Baccalaureate subject prerequisites •A score of at least 4 in English SL or 3 in English HL or 5 in English B SL or 4 in English B HL, and •A score of at least 3 in any mathematics subject.
This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. In years two and three, clinical practice in midwifery units will involve students working a supernumerary 16 to 24 hours per week. Students will be rostered to work a mix of day, evening, weekend and night shifts. Attendance on clinical placement is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. Clinical make-up for time missed will be arranged in consultation with the clinical coordinator on receipt of a medical certificate. Students who do not achieve a satisfactory result in their knowledge and skill level will be denied access to the clinical placement linked to the theory and practice units involved. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed unsafe, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.