On completion of this programme graduates will be able to practise within the Midwifery Scope of Practice and meet the Competencies for Entry to the Register of Midwives as set by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand. This programme prepares midwives for practice in New Zealands maternity services although the knowledge, skills and professional behaviour attained will be transferable to health and maternity systems in other countries. Upon graduation and registration graduates will be able to work as Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) or as Core Midwives and will be eligible to enter postgraduate midwifery programmes. For more information refer Otago Polytechnic here

By the end of this programme students will be able to Work in partnership with women across the Midwifery Scope of Practice. Understand, promote and facilitate the physiological processes of pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period. Identify complications in mother or baby and work in collaboration with other health professionals to ensure appropriate care following the correct process for consultation and referral. Appropriately manage emergency situations that occur in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Inform and prepare women and their families for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood. Facilitate the interface between primary and secondary/tertiary maternity services when necessary. Work autonomously and remain responsible and accountable for the care provided in all settings. Recognise the potential for making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of the woman, her baby and her family by promoting public health strategies, including breastfeeding. Utilise a range of evidence to support the decision making process in partnership with women and employ the skills of critical analysis to discern the value of such supporting evidence. Appraise the responsibilities implicit in the Tiriti o Waitangi and practise in accordance with these. Demonstrate an ability to meet the Midwifery Council of New Zealand's Competencies for Entry to the Register of Midwives. Apply integrated assessment skills, including comprehensive assessment of physical, mental health, social, cultural, emotional and spiritual dimensions and how they impact a woman's health. Facilitate newborn and infant care, including assessment and care of the sick newborn. Facilitate well woman and well child care to six weeks postpartum and manage the integration into well woman and well child services, screening programmes and immunisation. Critically evaluate professional midwifery issues, including history and politics, regulatory requirements and relevant legislation in the context of health and the maternity system including social services and community support agencies

Graduates will be able to progress to postgraduate study in the midwifery discipline.

Admission to the Programme
Entry Requirements
* University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, consisting of:
* NCEA Level 3:
* a minimum of 18 credits at level 3 in biology, chemistry or physics
* a minimum of 16 credits at level 3 in an English language rich subject (such as English, history, art history, classics, geography or economics, media studies)
* a further 16 credits at level 3 or higher in two approved subjects or domains on the National Qualifications framework
* 20 credits at level 2, including:
* a minimum of 16 credits in biology
* and a further 16 credits in chemistry or physics
* 16 credits in another level 2 subject
* Literacy - 10 credits at level 2 or above, made up of:
* 5 credits in reading
* 5 credits in writing
* Numeracy - 10 credits at level 1 or above, made up of:
* achievement standards - specific achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
* unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 - all three required)
* or (for those over 20 years): evidence of academic equivalence of the above qualifications: or
* , demonstrated evidence of ability to study successfully at degree level

Applicants for whom English is a second language must complete an assessment of their English language and pass the required standard. This can be achieved through completion of either:
* the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (academic version) with an overall score of 7.0 and not less than 6.5 in writing and comprehension; and not less than 7.0 in speaking and listening, or equivalent.
* An Occupational English Test (OET) test with passes at A or B in the four areas.
Scores for IELTS and OET assessments of English language ability must be achieved in one sitting of the respective tests. Evidence of a successful completion must be provided at the time of application to a school of midwifery.

Applicants with Te Reo as their first language should contact the Midwifery Council of New Zealand. (MCNZ) (MCNZ,, 2015, p. 1811).

Applicants must demonstrate that they have good health and good character, via a medical report, identity confirmation, a police check, referee reports sufficient for safe and effective practice as a midwife, as required by the Vulnerable Children's Act 2014, now known as the Children's Act 2014.

Applicants must demonstrate strong communication skills and self-responsibility in relation to their learning practice.

Registered health practitioners from other disciplines who seek Recognition of Prior Learning on the basis of their professional qualification and practice experience must hold registration with the relevant regulatory authority in New Zealand and provide a Certificate of Good Standing from that authority.

Additional Entry Criteria
In addition to the criteria described above students must apply online and are required to address the following by submitting a curriculum vitae and an application essay to allow for selection of those who have met the entry requirements
* Demonstrated commitment to practising midwifery;
* Life experience relevant to midwifery and/or women's health;
* Personal qualities appropriate for midwifery practice
* Completion of a current comprehensive or standard First Aid certificate, including
proficiency in CPR (NQF unit standards 6401 and 6402 or equivalent).
* Demonstrated computing skills.
* A driver's license

Additional Entry Criteria for Pathway for Registered Nurse Transition into Bachelor of Midwifery programme
* Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing undertaken in a New Zealand
educational institution within the last 10 years unless evidence of recent postgraduate
study
* Current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) with a minimum of one year practice
experience
* In good standing with their Regulatory Authority (Nursing Council of New Zealand)
* Completed Vulnerable Children's screening as per the Children's Act 2014
* Meet local District Health Board immunisation requirements (Health New Zealand)
* Successfully complete the selection process for the Bachelor of Midwifery programme.