midwifery

[kerrymill]

I am currently looking in to a career in midwifery.I know that you can study for either a diploma or degree in midwifery,but what difference does it make which one you do? I know the degree has higher entry requirements but  what bearing will having a degree rather than diploma have on your career? Would be grateful for any advice

[Octavius]

Successful completion of either programme means you are a qualified Midwife and you will be officially registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In addition you qualify with a degree or diploma. Diploma programmes require 60 credits of study at level three, whereas the degree programme requires 120 credits. This means the degree course is more intense, including additional modules in research and a dissertation. In choosing between the two programmes, candidates should consider their desired qualification outcome and their own academic strength. A diploma can be 'topped-up' to a degree at a later date with further study. For some institutions all candidates enter at diploma level and choose to switch to the degree after the first or possibly second year.

As far as programme content goes, there is little variation between institutions as professional registration has standard study requirements. Wherever you study you can expect to follow modules in anatomy and physiology, behavioural science, clinical midwifery skills, nutrition, infant feeding, handling complexities in childbirth, as well as touching on sociology, psychology, law, ethics, research skills and more besides. However, there may be variation in methods of teaching and assessment between the institutions. For clinical practice, some programmes require you to experience working in 2 or 3 different hospitals, others send to you to just one for the duration of the course. View the universities' own websites for specific programme information.

See RCM for more info

 

[Peahead66]

Ok basically all diploma courses are in a process of changing and in the near future everyone will require the degree. If you go down the diploma route by the time you finish you will more than likely have to top up to the degree. If you do the degree to start off with you will be in a much better position career wise and more likely to get employment than someone with a diploma. A diploma is 4 modules a year and the degree is 6 modules a year.

Sorry for rambling but basically if you do the degree from the start you will save yourself from having to top up the extra 6 modules at a later date and will be at an advantage over someone qualified to diploma level.

Best wishes.

[kerrymill]

 Thank you both.Very useful information.

[hinge1967]

This is a few days late but I just wanted to advise that I think Peahead's answer is a bit misleading. Not everyone who practices within nursing and midwifery will "require the degree", although it is likely that in the future all practitioners will entering the profession will study only at degree level as the diploma course is phased out.

This is still a few years away.

I did my degree as a top up in 2001. I'm not boasting but I got a first class honour. Good init? Except I can honestly tell you that it has been NO advantage at all in terms of promotion or financial reward, however studying at the higher level improved my practice.

I suggest you study to whatever level you feel comfortable with and enjoy your career.

[kerrymill]

thanks hinge1967.