Midwifery courses provide training for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. There are two types of courses: professional midwifery programs and graduate courses for registered nurses. Midwifery has a long history and is still used in many parts of the world. The best courses are available at select universities and colleges, and competition is fierce. Postgraduate courses are also available for nurses looking to transition to midwifery. Practical application is emphasized, and certification and licensing exams are required in North America.
The best midwifery courses provide the training and skills needed to respond quickly and appropriately to any situation that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth. There are two types of midwifery courses: courses offered as part of a professional midwifery program and graduate courses for licensed registered nurses. A midwife is a health care provider who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
Midwifery has a long and important history, assisting in the birth and delivery of babies across the world for centuries. The development of midwifery as a medical specialty is a relatively new development. Outside of North America, the vast majority of children are still delivered with the assistance of a midwife, either at home or in a birthing center. In the late 1990s, a growing trend is to return to midwives for normal pregnancies and to restrict the use of midwives to high-risk pregnancies or complicated situations.
The best midwifery courses for people who want to become midwives are available at a select number of universities or colleges. These programs are typically three to four years in length. Courses available in the first year are very similar to nursing programs, covering human anatomy, organs and body systems. In the second year, the courses become more focused, dedicated to the stages of pregnancy, care and support. In addition to these courses, delivery methods, risks, medical procedures and minor surgical procedures are included in this training.
In North America and Europe, the number of places available in these programs is very limited. As a result, competition is very fierce, with successful candidates having a combination of high grades and successful interviews. While there is no specific restriction against a male midwife, the vast majority are female. Most programs require applicants to have several years of experience working in a healthcare environment and life experience to qualify for admissions.
Postgraduate courses in midwifery are available at the same universities or colleges. These programs are for fully qualified nurses who are looking to make a career transition. Courses completed toward a midwifery specialty can be applied to that program, reducing the number of courses to complete.
The best midwifery courses combine theory with practical application. For example, some courses use mannequins to simulate a difficult birth, allowing students to study and understand issues they may face in the field. Some schools offer courses taught by guest lecturers who have experience working as a midwife. In North America, midwives are required to complete a certification and licensing exam to practice.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
