Practice-based learning from your first year in midwifery
We’ve developed a placement program that will lead you to success. Because in our industry, we know nothing beats practice.
Practice-based learning is at the heart of our health education
With us, you’ll gain 1000+ hours of hands-on practical experience in all areas of maternity care before graduating as a midwife.
You’ll also follow at least 10 women all the way through pregnancy, labour, birth and the period after birth when you conduct your own continuity of care experiences.
What is midwifery continuity of care?
Care from a known midwife (or a small group) throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and post birth. It’s the ‘gold standard’ of maternity care – helping women to build a trusting relationship and increase their confidence.
We have a dedicated Clinical Practice Unit who are responsible for placing you at your ‘home’ hospital, where you’ll be based during placements throughout your degree.
What you'll experience
- 1072 hours at a maternity hospital throughout your degree
- Working morning, evening and possibly night shifts in a maternity ward and caring for multiple women
- Complete placement in blocks in each session, with extended clinical experience in third year
- Rural and remote placement option in third year
- Supervision and support from midwifery educators and midwives
- Build up a portfolio as a record of skills and reflection of your experiences
- Complete a minimum of 10 continuity of care experiences where you are matched with a woman in early pregnancy and follow her entire journey throughout, by:
- attending antenatal appointments
- being on-call to attend labour and births
- visiting during the postnatal period
Placement Requirements
- UTS clinical uniform
- ID card holder
- Complete and up-to-date vaccinations.
“You build such strong relationships with the women you are caring for on placement, and the moments you share with them are so meaningful. One woman told me that initially, she thought she couldn’t do natural birth, but working with me gave her the courage and self-confidence to do it.
For future students, I’d highly recommend you keep a journal – write down all the amazing experiences, as well as the difficult ones, just to remember and reflect on everything.”
Jessica
Graduate, Bachelor of Midwifery