Charles Darwin University
1 year
This course prepares experienced Registered Midwives to expand their scope of practice through advanced training in diagnostics and prescribing of scheduled medicines. Ideal for midwives in private practice or rural/remote settings seeking professional endorsement and enhanced clinical capabilities.
Applicants must hold a recognised Bachelor of Midwifery, Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, or pre-registration Master of Midwifery qualification (or equivalent international qualification). Current unconditional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as a Registered Midwife is required. Minimum three years full-time (or equivalent) clinical experience across the full scope of midwifery practice, including antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care is mandatory. Applicants must meet standard English language proficiency requirements for higher education at CDU, with options including previous study in English, completion of secondary schooling in recognised English-speaking countries, or approved English test scores (IELTS 6.0+, PTE 50+, TOEFL 60+, or CAE 169+).
Semester 1 focuses on screening and diagnostics, developing knowledge and skills in clinical decision-making through synthesis and critical evaluation of findings to inform independent decisions on diagnostic investigations. Semester 2 prepares students in safe prescribing and pharmacological therapy integration, covering principles of Quality Use of Medicines, safe prescription practices including collaborative approaches, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and clinical pharmacology application. The course comprises two core units: MID514 Screening Diagnostics and Clinical Decision-Making in Midwifery (20 credit points) and MID515 Advanced Therapeutics and Prescribing for Midwives (20 credit points), totalling 40 credit points. Throughout, emphasis is placed on contemporary, evidence-based approaches to screening, diagnostic and pharmacological management in holistic care of women and babies, underpinned by safety, quality, and risk management principles.
Charles Darwin University is recognised as #2 in Australia for postgraduate nursing starting salary and #3 for postgraduate nursing employment outcomes (GUG 2024), with #3 ranking for postgraduate learner engagement in nursing. CDU delivers nursing and midwifery education through passionate, expert lecturers guided by evidence, innovation, and patient-centred care principles. The university offers flexible study options including online, on-campus, part-time, and full-time delivery, with practical experience gained through placements and state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites located across Australia. CDU's people-first approach ensures a supportive learning environment enabling students to balance study with work and family commitments.
Graduates are particularly well-positioned for midwifery roles in private practice or rural and remote settings where expanded scope of practice enables provision of enhanced services to women and babies. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for midwifery endorsement with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), enabling prescribing of scheduled medicines and expanded diagnostic capabilities. This qualification enhances career opportunities in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare settings, supporting professional advancement and increased autonomy in clinical decision-making and patient care delivery.
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