'National rego' prompts surge of interest in midwifery
Published on 02 December, 2010
The move to national registration has prompted a surge of interest in CQUniversity's midwifery programs.
The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery enables 'return to practice' for those who have been out of the system and 'recognition of prior learning' of overseas practitioners, as well as a pathway for registered nurses to study midwifery.
That's according to academic Dawn Hay, who said hospitals around Queensland were forming partnerships and clinical schedules with the University to ensure relevant study opportunities.
Ms Hay has just returned from meeting prospective students at a session co-hosted by the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital.
She said the Queensland's Office of Chief Nurse had been encouraging CQUniversity to prepare for a surge in interest, in the wake of registration changes.
"In recent years we've really boosted our regional networking and have formed partnerships and relationships with many hospitals, especially in areas such as Kingaroy, Hervey Bay, Gladstone, Townsville and Mackay," Ms Hay said.
"The regional hospitals are starting to develop a 'grow your own' philosophy when it comes to finding midwives."
As well as the Graduate Diploma, CQUniversity also offers a Master of Midwifery program focused on research of specific midwifery issues and preparing students for leadership and specialist roles.