Midwife (WA)
Education and Training:
To become a midwife you usually have to study midwifery at university. Alternatively, you can undertake a postgraduate qualification in midwifery if you have completed a degree in registered nursing.
To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your WACE at Stages 2 and 3. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology and chemistry are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in midwifery. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.
Additional Information:
Before undertaking clinical placements for courses, students will need to obtain the relevant police clearances, first aid certificates, immunisations and Working with Children Checks.
In July 2010, a new National Registration and Accreditation Scheme came into effect for a number of health occupations, including midwives. Boards in each state and territory assist the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia by implementing these national standards and policies. For full details, visit the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's website.
It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia before practising as a midwife in any state or territory in Australia.
Related Courses:
While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.
*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.
Employment Opportunities:
Midwives may work in public and private hospitals, community and home-based services, community health centres and development programs, women's shelters, women's prisons, the armed forces, refugee centres, in remote and rural areas and in fertility clinics. Midwives may also work in private practice by themselves, with other midwives or with a doctor.
Midwives are also employed in international aid agencies and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. An increasing number of midwives are self-employed as consultants and educators.
Midwifery is a growing professional area and there are varied opportunities for midwives to work in clinical settings, within education and in research.
For Further Information:
Australian College of Midwives
1300 360 480
members@midwives.org.au
www.midwives.org.au Department of Health - Nursing and Midwifery Office
(08) 9222 4075Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
1300 419 495Information for other states and territories: