Graduate Diploma of Midwifery

This course enables students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to gain endorsement to practice as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.. It is designed to prepare midwives who are able to demonstrate clinical leadership, technological expertise and complex decision making in the provision of high-quality, cost-effective care for women and their families. Students undertake four specialist units focusing on woman-midwife partnerships, extending midwifery partnerships, midwifery and maternity in context, and becoming a midwife. This course, offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, is designed to prepare students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to practise midwifery in a multidisciplinary context. Skills for evaluating evidence for best midwifery practice, as well as for development of self, others and the profession, are also features of this preparation. Students are exposed to a wide variety of perspectives and environments in order to help them develop the ability to think critically about the role of the midwife in the maternity care setting. On completion of the course students will be expected to be able to: •meet the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Midwife •'be with women' with the flexibility to care for women experiencing varied outcomes •work in partnership with women, family, medical and allied health personnel to ensure culturally appropriate and safe maternity care that is affordable, acceptable and accessible. Through strategic midwifery clinical placement students will have the opportunity to feel confident and nurtured in a maternity care environment and be prepared to abide by the Code of Ethics for Midwives in Australia and the ANMC Code of Professional Conduct for Midwives in Australia.
Minimum entrance requirements Students must have a bachelors degree, a current registered nurse practising certificate and at least one year of professional clinical experience. Affiliated hospitals provide employment and clinical support. Students are required to apply directly to the hospital to secure their position in the course. Special application requirements Application letter Current CV Certified copy of current nurse registration certificate Letter of support from employer