Midwifery

Not a midwife, but have you looked at the midwifery info on the NHS website? https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

You might want to cross post this on BT - although I think all the "Hitched Midwives" (there are a couple) use OT as well.

Good luck with your plans!

I too wanted to be a midwife when I left school/college but apparently it is hard to get into so young as they prefer more 'life experience'. I therefore decided to do a Nursing diploma, as once you are a qualified nurse the midwifery course is only 18 months rather than 3 years.

Your GCSE's would have been enough to get on a Midwifery diploma course, but as far as I am aware they stopped doing the diploma about 2 years ago. This is the case in Birmingham, not sure about everywhere else. So the only option is a degree, for which you need so many UCAS points depending on which university you want to go to. In which case you would probably have to do a couple of A levels.

Hope this helps, good luck

The main thing is recent study; I'm applying for 2010 and despite the fact that I already have a BA, an MA and a postgrad teaching qualification that wouldn't get me on the course if I didn't have study experience within the past couple of years. Most unis also want evidence of some kind of scientific background - I've got away with that one as I'm a qualified antenatal teacher, so have done a lot of the anatomy/physiology stuff, but the most common route seems to be to take an access course which gives you the equivalent to science A levels. Alternatively, some people seem to do a couple of OU science modules.

If you have particular universities in mind, give them a call and see what they'd suggest.

The other thing is that it's insanely competitive and some kind of relevant work experience seems to be essential, whether it's working as a care assistant somewhere or volunteering with something birth/breastfeeding orientated.

HTH

Hi

I'm a student midwife, just about to start my third and final year.

I did an access course for one year (think it was level 3) studying human biology and sociology. The Uni I attend also wanted Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, I had English but had to do level 2 Maths. Even if you have all the GCSE/A Level requirements, they want evidence of recent study. From memory recent study has to have been untaken in the last three years.

As far as I am aware they are phasing out the diploma in most universities and now most only offer degree (which is what I am doing). I get a means tested bursary, which isn't much I have to say, although this would depend on your household income/outgoings. I also get a student loan of around £2000 per year.

I am married and have two children aged 10 and 4. It is very hard to juggle homelife/studying/working, especially as it involves shift working, however I love this job. I waited 10 years to start and now just a year from qualifying, it has gone so quick, and has been mostly very enjoyable.

HTH

Ditto about what PL said about experience if you can get any. I did breastfeeding peer support at my local hospital.

Have a look at http://www.studentmidwives.co.uk/ there is some great info on there.

Good luck.

God I SO want to do this, but the financial side is putting me off so much. Excited I really hope you get on a course, all the best!!!

You're welcome, by the way. Don't mention it... oh, you haven't...

?

If I'd seen this I'd have known you'd be in labour very soon! ?

Thank you all for the help...princess, no need to be rude, I come on here very rarely, but always thank people for the posts once I do come on...!!!

I have just been declined funding through work for another course I had an interest in and so it is making midwifery look more like the option..should I be able to get on the course that is.

All the posts have given me food for thought so thank you once again.

x