Graduate Diploma in Midwifery
La Trobe University
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Postgraduate
CRICOS: 00115M
The Graduate Diploma in Midwifery is a one-year full-time, 150 credit point award, with teaching conducted at either the Bendigo or Melbourne (Bundoora) campuses. It is designed to enable appropriately qualified and experienced nurses to undertake studies in midwifery. The course is undertaken in one year full-time study only. The program timetable offers a combination of block and online modes. Clinical requirements of the course must be achieved prior to completion of the program. The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Diploma.
Structure
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, students must complete 120 credit points consisting of: 120 core credit points Students will attend a minimum of 100 antenatal visits with women Under the supervision of a midwife, the student must act as the primary accoucher for 30 women who experience a spontaneous vaginal birth. Additionally, provide direct and indirect care to an additional 10 women throughout the first stage of labour, where possible, during birth (regardless of mode). Students will attend a minimum of 100 postnatal visits with women and, where possible, their babies Students will gain experience in caring for 40 women with complex needs across pregnancy, labour, birth or the postnatal period Students will undertake 20 full examinations of a newborn infant Students must complete 10 Continuity of Care Experiences. A Continuity of Care Experience involves engaging with 10 women and attending four antenatal and two postnatal episodes of care and, for the majority of women, the labour and birth. This involves being
Subjects
- First Year Subjects: Academic Integrity Module
- Complex Maternal and Neonatal Care
- Context of Women's Lives and Comprehensive Maternity Care
- First Nations Perinatal Health
- Foundations of Midwifery Care
- Labour, Birth and Postnatal Care
- Research and Evidence in Midwifery
Standard entry requirements
- Postgraduate: Prerequisites - Course specific requirements - A place in this program is dependent upon the applicant having a clinical place at an approved clinical midwifery agency in either the metropolitan or regional areas.
- Postgraduate: Prerequisites - Course specific requirements - Applicants must have current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Postgraduate: Prerequisites - Course specific requirements - Specialisation - compulsory: Nursing
- Postgraduate: Prerequisites - Course specific requirements - Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent). (Applicants who have become registered nurses via a hospital education pathway may have this requirement waived.)
- Note: This course may be subject to alternative or extra entry requirements depending on your life circumstances and/or work experience. For the complete entry requirements, please search for your course on the La Trobe website: latrobe.edu.au/courses
Recognition
The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery may be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as a midwife. Professional registration may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Study information
| Campus | Fees | Entry | Mid year intake | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bendigo | No |
| ||
| Melbourne (Bundoora) | No |
|
Fee comments
Campuses: Bendigo, Melbourne (Bundoora).
Your course fees will depend on the subjects you choose to study: each subject has its own costs. The total course fee may vary depending on the subjects you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and your approved Credit for Prior Learning. Fees correct Friday, Dec 8 2023
Further information
This course commences in early February (Week 8) of each year and runs until December. Clinical placement may extend after this time to ensure all requirements are met. Applicants must apply to the hospital for their clinical placement and apply separately for the course. It is advisable that students are up-to-date with all their immunisations. Current recommendations for practice in Midwifery include: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, varicella and TB. Students may have to provide details of their immunisation status for their placement hospital as part of their employment, and some hospitals will not permit commencement without proof of these vaccinations. Students will also need access to a broadband internet connection.
