Job Description

A Midwife will care and support the mother-to-be and her baby during pregnancy, in childbirth and after the baby is born. They will provide advice, counselling and medical assistance to help deal with emotional and physical issues associated with pregnancy, childbirth and care of the new-born baby. Midwives normally work in shifts which would mean working evenings, nights and weekends.

Entry Requirements

To become a midwife you will either require a degree in midwifery or you could complete a degree level apprenticeship. If you're already a registered adult nurse you may be able to qualify through a conversion course.

University

You will need a degree in midwifery approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Full-time courses usually take 3 years.

Entry requirements can vary depending on the university you apply to but you will usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing

University course search

Apprenticeship

You can do a midwife degree apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Other routes

If you're already a registered adult nurse you may be able to qualify through a conversion course. These usually take between 18 and 24 months.

Further information

Health Careers and the Royal College of Midwives have information on a career as a midwife.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has information on midwifery training and registration.

Career Tips

Work experience in a caring role would be beneficial.

The following are some of the local NHS Trusts that may be able to offer you a work experience or volunteering, you could also try local care homes for volunteering.

You will also need clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service

Career Path and Progression

You must renew your NMC registration every 3 years to show you're keeping your skills up to date.

You could take further training to specialise in areas like ultrasound or neonatal care.

With experience, you could become a ward manager or team leader.

With further training, you could become a health visitor, a director of midwifery or midwifery consultant.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Nurse

Required Skills

A caring and empathetic nature
The ability to keep calm in stressful situations
Good communication skills and the ability to deal with people from different backgrounds
A good sense of humour
Physical and mental stamina

Salary Range

£24,907 to £37,890 (NHS)

Midwife