Foundations of Midwifery Practice unit (CNA689)

Launceston

Introduction

This unit extends your understanding of the role and scope of practice of midwifery. You will critically explore strategies to empower women and their families to determine how they can be supported in playing an active role in decision-making about their health during pregnancy. The ethical and legal rights of the pregnant woman are also explored. As part of this unit, you will develop knowledge of maternal and fetal pathophysiology during pregnancy... You will examine current evidence to implement best practice for the safe care of women who experience a complication during pregnancy. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, you will develop capabilities and accountabilities in decision-making, consultation, and referral. This unit is one of two specialist midwifery practice units that contribute to the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes/attributes required for competent beginning-level midwifery practice. By the completion of the course, you are required to demonstrate your acquisition of the current NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice.

Summary

Unit name	Foundations of Midwifery Practice
Unit code	CNA689
Credit points	25
College/School	Health School of Nursing
Discipline	Nursing
Coordinator	Nicki Watts
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Launceston	Half Year Period 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Half Year Period 2	21/6/2026	27/7/2026	17/9/2026	7/11/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Integrate and synthesise midwifery theories to critically analyse complex pregnancy presentations in a culturally safe manner that respects the diverse experiences and expectations of each woman and their family.
• Detect and appraise deviations from normal during pregnancy and consult, refer and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Design and justify strategies that ensure women experiencing pregnancy remain central to decision-making about the health and wellbeing of themselves and their unborn infants.
• Demonstrate application of midwifery theory and evaluate professional capabilities and accountabilities in practice in the context of pregnancy, as defined by the current Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwife Standards for Practice.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
060303	$1,184.00	$1,184.00	not applicable	$6,356.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Co-requisites

CNA624 Introduction to Midwifery

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On-Campus Residential School - 8 hours per day over a single week. Online webinar (lectures and tutorial)- 1 hour, 15 times during the study period. Midwifery Practice Experience - Completion of the expected number of care experiences in MPE Portfolio in accordance with ANMAC Midwifery Accreditation Standards, during concurrent employment of a minimum of 0.6 FTE in a Midwifery unit.
Assessment	Midwifery Practice Experience (MPE) Portfolio|Midwifery Practice Readiness|Professional Conversation
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	There is no set text for this unit.  Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.