Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Master of Midwifery Practice

Effective from 01-JAN-2023 : Code I80

This course prepares Registered Nurses to become competent, confident midwives.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Clinical or professional work placement Requirement

Students are required to complete a number of clinical practicum places throughout the duration of their course. Students enrolled in entry-to-practice programs will be required to travel to professional experience placements in a variety of health services within the region of the campus they are enrolled and may be required to travel to other regions of Western Australia. Students are responsible for any travel and accommodation related costs. Professional experience placements require rostered shifts covering the 24-hour period, inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Students are expected not to undertake paid employment during a period of full-time professional experience placement, as it is a requirement that students have a sufficient length of breaks between shifts.

Duty of care

To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete clinical practice orientation, risk management training and obtain various screening, vaccination and clearances, as appropriate on commencement of the course and in subsequent semesters. These clinical placement requirements include, but are not restricted to: International students on temporary visas may be required to provide a Certificate of International Police Clearance where possible WA Police National Police Certificate WA Health Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification Manual Handling Certification Neonatal resuscitation Evidence of immunisation status aligned with the Australia Immunisation Handbook Tuberculosis screening MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months; WA Working with Children Check Confidentiality agreement Due to the practical nature of the nursing and midwifery professions, there are inherent requirements applicable to this course that may impact upon the success of some potential students. Applicants and students with a disability or other issue likely to impact on their ability to perform in practice are encouraged to contact the Course Coordinator to discuss the support and inherent requirements of this course More information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/nursing-and-midwifery/nursing-and-midwifery-clinical-placements. There may be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to placements which form part of your Course. Please consider this requirement before enrolling in this Course and speak with the Course coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete placement units if you are unable to meet the placement requirements, which may impact your ability to complete this course.

Attendance requirements

This course includes a number of clinical midwifery placements where students will be rostered on shifts over 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Professional practice rules

Registered midwife standards for practice. Students will be expected to comply with the conduct requirements of their clinical placement.

Implications of failing

The practicum units are a fundamental course requirement and some units may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the Progression Panel. Failure to pass these units may result in exclusion from the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Reflect critically on a complex body of midwifery knowledge and relevant research to demonstrate mastery of midwifery practice.
2. Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in authentic midwifery practice situations.
3. Apply and model communication and collaboration skills in midwifery practice, demonstrating cross-cultural awareness and an enhanced ability to empathise and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
4. Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute a substantial midwifery practice project.

Registration

Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Enables graduates to apply for registration as a midwife.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 6)

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 5)

International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0) or any other equivalent test approved by AHPRA. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

• Bachelor degree from an approved country;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to provide proof of current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Registered Nurse Division 1); a statement detailing their interest in the midwifery course including the skills they have achieved in nursing to assist midwifery practice, and provide a copy of current resume. Applicants must also have a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60% in their undergraduate degree, or where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience will be considered.

Course Duration

• 2 Years: 3 semesters part-time 1 semester full-time

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Students should note this course takes a minimum of two years to complete. It includes clinical practice experience through clinical midwifery placements, and through a minimum of ten 'continuity of care' clinical experiences, where they meet regularly with women during their pregnancy and perinatal period. Students should also note that five of the units are offered online only.

Course Coordinator

A/Prof Michelle GRAY

Course Structure

# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a School has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by the School Progression Panel.