Midwifery is one of the most important roles under the healthcare umbrella. Not only do Midwives help bring new life into the world, but they also provide essential support during a life-changing time for expectant mothers. If you’re thinking about joining this profession, then you probably have many questions, including how long does it take to become a Midwife?
Well, the length it takes is dependent on the route you take. Below, we have outlined your training options and answered the question, ‘how long does it take to become a certified Midwife?’
How Long Does It Take to Train as a Midwife at University?
Deciding to become a Midwife is a big decision, and one that can be hampered by untrue myths about working as a Midwife. The truth is this profession is one of the most rewarding in the healthcare sector.
The most common route to becoming a Midwife is to go to university and study a degree that is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). At the time of writing, the UK’s regulated body had over 40,000 registered Midwives and you can join this growing group by embarking on a degree.
So, how long does it take to become a Midwife? UK learners who decide to study a university degree should know the following facts:
- A full-time midwifery degree lasts 3 years
- Half of the course is spent studying theory, and the rest consists of practical, supervised training across various settings
Degree Content
Now that you know how many years to be a Midwife, you are probably wondering what you will be learning during your course. Well, each university course differs in terms of its content, but you could cover the following topics in your course:
- Human relationships in midwifery
- Prenatal care
- Postnatal care
- Midwifery emergencies
- Midwifery research
- Public health and childbearing
When wondering how long to train to be a Midwife, you are likely to give some thought to the practical element of your studies. As well as delving into the topics above, you will also:
- Observe Midwives in work settings
- Treat patients under supervision
- Cover similar hours to that of a real Midwife
In terms of the day-to-day of your midwifery training, before you enjoy the benefits of becoming a Midwife, you should expect the following:
- Lectures and seminars
- Essay assignments and reports
- Practical demonstrations
- Research projects
- Observations of professional Midwives
- Practising midwifery under supervision
How Long Does It Take to be a Midwife if You Study Part-Time?
Many aspiring Midwives will be keen to know how to become a Midwife through a part-time course. Well, many universities offer part-time study for individuals who cannot commit to a full-time course.
So, how long does it take to become a Midwife by studying a degree part-time? Well, your degree could be spread over five or six years, with each university deciding on its own structure and course content. Like the full-time course, you will study a blend of theory and complete practical training.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Midwife Via an Apprenticeship?
Since 2018, aspiring Midwives have been able to qualify as a certified professional through apprenticeships approved by the NMC. The apprenticeship is at degree level, so you will need to meet the entry requirements of your chosen university to enrol on the apprenticeship.
This option differs from studying a degree outright as you will also be working in a relevant role while you study. So, how long does it take to train as a Midwife through an apprenticeship? Well, each university sets its own structure, but usually, students will commit up to 4 years to completing this programme. Your course could be split into the following:
- Study at university
- Practical learning on placement
- Working as an employee in your relevant role
- End Point Assessment (EPA)
Get Prepared for Midwifery Training
If you are keen to embark on this career path, and now you know how to become a Midwife, UK learners can get prepared for degree-level study. Most universities require that applicants have a series of A Levels, but if you don’t have the A Levels to get on to a midwifery degree, there is still a way.
Here at learndirect, we provide the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery), which is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares adults for university. The key features of this Level 3 qualification are as follows:
- An Access to HE Diploma is the equivalent of 3 A Levels
- Widely accepted by most universities as an alternative to A Levels
- Provides a blend of academic learning and study skills
Not only that, but by studying an Access to Midwifery course with learndirect, you can benefit from the following:
- 100% online learning – You can complete the course from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, and in your own time. There is no in-person learning involved, so you won’t have to deal with the restrictions that come with classroom study
- Individual Learning Plan – As soon as you enrol, you will be given an Individual Learning Plan, which will outline the submission deadlines of your assignments, helping keep you on track
- Get university ready in less than a year – Your question of ‘how long does it take to be a Midwife?’ has been answered, but how long does it take to finish an Access course? Well, you have two years, but our learners take 9-12 months on average
Take a Big Step Towards Midwifery Training
So, how long does it take to become a Midwife? That depends on whether you take a full-time degree, part-time degree, or an apprenticeship. Whatever option you choose, you will need qualifications that meet the entry criteria. These include Access to Higher Education Diplomas.
So, start the process and enrol on our midwifery Access course today by calling one of our Course Specialists on 01202 006 464 or reach out to us online. Alternatively, click below to learn more about our nationally recognised qualification.
