Twenty-nine registered nurses have started their year-long journey to become qualified midwives and help ease the state's shortfall in midwifery services. The students began their training at The Shed in Launceston this week, with the University of Tasmania partnering with the Department of Health to reintroduce midwifery education.
The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery provides a pathway for registered nurses to become qualified midwives, supporting safer and more accessible maternity care for Tasmanian families.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Health) Professor Graeme Zosky said Tasmania, like many parts of Australia, was facing significant pressure on its health workforce, and midwifery was an area where the need was clear.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Health) Professor Graeme Zosky said Tasmania, like many parts of Australia, was facing significant pressure on its health workforce, and midwifery was an area where the need was clear.
“It is through our partnership with the Department of Health that we are helping to create a stronger local pipeline of skilled professionals who can support families across the State,” Professor Zosky said.
“This course is a great example of what can be achieved when the University and the health service work together on practical workforce solutions.
“By combining academic learning with employment-based clinical experience, we can support registered nurses to build the specialist skills Tasmania needs in maternity care.”
“By combining academic learning with employment-based clinical experience, we can support registered nurses to build the specialist skills Tasmania needs in maternity care.”
Professor of Midwifery and Head of Midwifery discipline in the School of Nursing Gina Kruger said the University had listened closely to the needs of the health system and designed a course that was practical, contemporary and strongly connected to maternity services.
“Midwives are key to the provision of safe woman-centred care for the health and wellbeing of women and their families.” Professor Kruger said.
“This course has been developed in partnership with the health service so students can build their skills in real maternity settings while being supported by experienced clinicians and educators.
“It is about creating a sustainable pipeline of midwives for Tasmania and contributing to the national effort to strengthen maternity care.”
The one-year, full-time course is designed for registered nurses and combines academic learning with professional experience.
Students must be employed by a maternity service for at least 0.6 full-time equivalent during the course, ensuring they can meet the clinical practice requirements of midwifery education. Students will also undertake face-to-face intensive training in Launceston, using the University’s midwifery simulation facilities to practise essential skills in a safe and realistic learning environment.
The program is open to registered nurses who have secured the support of an employer and a suitable place to practise midwifery skills. The University of Tasmania previously offered a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery in 2016 but was paused due to low enrolments. The reintroduction of the program has been enabled due to the partnership between the University and Department of Health.