Qualifying as a midwife
To qualify as a midwife, you need a degree in midwifery which leads to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The degree course is 40% theory (minimum) and 60% practice (maximum), with your time split between the university and practical placements in hospitals and the community, where you'll begin to work under the supervision of qualified health professionals. The degree course is three years in length. Qualified nurses (adult nursing) can take a shortened course in midwifery, which takes 18 months (78 weeks) to complete.
Eligible students who are accepted onto approved courses will usually have their tuition fees paid in full. Students on the three-year degree course can apply for a means-tested bursary, and those on the 78-week shortened course are salaried as qualified nurses.
A career in midwifery
Midwifery today is a highly attractive career with good fianncial rewards and excellent employment prospects in the UK and overseas.
Midwives provide care and support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, during birth, and for up to 28 days after the birth. They guide women in the choices they make during their pregnancy and the birth and help women to have the birthing experience of their choice.
For the majority of women, pregnancy and birth are a normal and healthy part of life. However, midwives must be equipped to deal with problems and provide the intense emotional support and care needed by families who experience difficulties.
The majority of midwives work in the NHS, either in the community working alongside GPs, district nurses and social workers, or in hospital environments in partnership with obstetricians, anaesthetists and paediatricians. Others work in private maternity hospitals or practise independently.
Skills and qualities you'll need
Excellent people skills
Women who have babies come from all sorts of backgrounds and lifestages, so you'll be supporting a diverse range of women during one of the most emotionally charged times in their lives. You'll need to be able to stay calm and alert in times of stress, and enable women to feel confident and in control.
Communication skills
Good communication skills are essential. Midwives need to advise women, explain the options and help them make informed choices about their care. You'll need to be able to provide reassurance and counselling and must also be a good listener and respond to what women are saying.
Professional expertise
Working as a midwife you'll need to have an in-depth understanding of fetal and child development. The majority of pregnancies and births are normal and increasing numbers of women are opting for natural and home births with the minimum of medical intervention. However, midwives need to recognise when the mother or her baby is at risk and know when to intervene to promote their health and safety.
Teamwork
As a midwife you'll be part of a multi-disciplinary team liasing with GPs, health visitors and social workers. The better your working relationships, the more smoothly the birth is likely to go.
Reflective practice
Modern midwifery practice is evidence-based and all midwives are encouraged to reflect on their practice and its effectiveness. Many midwives have the opportunity to do their own research work and are encouraged to undertake projects, publish papers and speak at conferences and seminars. There are many examples of midwifery-led research work being used to change midwifery practice.
- Learn more about midwifery careers and specialisms at NHS careers
- Find out more about our midwifery degree courses
