Online Courses Handbook 2003

142407 v.2 Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery

Introduction
This course provides the skills and knowledge required of flexible, competent, beginning clinicians, scholars and change agents becoming leaders of the future. The application of evidence based theory and practice enables graduates to practice midwifery in a variety of settings and in ways which meet contemporary society's demands for family-centre maternity care. Teaching staff encourage students to engage in critical thinking, self-discovery, self direction and life-long learning.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
Eligible for registration in Division One of the Nurses Board of Western Australia, with a bachelors degree in nursing or equivalent. Non-degree Registered Nurses may be admitted with an alternative mode of entry assessment. Recent clinical experience is necessary. International applicants are required to meet University requirements for English competency and be eligible for registration as a registered nurse with the Nurses Board of Western Australia.

Specific Requirements
Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is of one year full-time duration or equivalent part-time. Most units are available via external study.

Course Organisation
Students complete clinical practice in an approved agency. At the end of second semester there are two weeks of continuous clinical practice Applied Midwifery 562 to assist in consolidation of clinical skills.

Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a midwife in Division One of the Nurses Board of Western Australia.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

12637 v.3 Midwifery Studies 561 3.0 25.0

13410 v.2 Midwifery Science 561 4.0 25.0

13416 v.2 Midwifery 561 26.0 25.0

4712 v.3 Qualitative Methods in Health Research 582 4.0 25.0

OR

13152 v.2 Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

13408 v.2 Applied Midwifery 562 5.0 25.0

13409 v.2 Midwifery Science 562 4.0 25.0

13411 v.2 Midwifery 562 30.0 50.0

100.0