hi left a post on the doula thread for you, just wondering who i can get advice from on midwifery training???? can i do an open university course ???? ive got three young children so i need sum flexibility. any advice u can give mewould be greatly appreciated

thanks laura xxxx

hi laura!

i may not be of too much help now, cos the way to apply has changed considerably since i applied! you need to have english & maths, and i believe A-levels, or equivalent NVQ, or an Access to nursing course.

you then apply through UCAS to the uni's nearest to you, as they will send you to the hospitals nearest to you. i dont think you have much chance of flexibility tho' - you would be required to do 5 days a week on the wards / community, and when in uni, although you would get reading days, that isnt very flexible either.

i cannot see OU running the course, as the idea would be to get as much done in a very little space of time - you must have 40 deliveries to qualify, as well as know an awful lot! lectures are pretty frequent, and you cannot really opt out of them. the girls who are at Salford, Huddersfield & Mcr uni (nearest to me), have to have their attendance book signed everyday!

however, i think you can do an access diploma thru' the OU, but dont quote me!!

nearly everywhere runs the degree course now, too - i got the diploma, then went on to do the degree part time when qualified.

to train, you would get a bursary of about £6, 500, on qualifying (2008 figures) about £20k (full time)

it is a really fantastic job, and well worth the training!!

if you need any more info, let me know - i know of some really good student midwives who may be of more use than me!!

good luck with it all,

love Nicki

xxxxxx

Hi sorry to gatecrash. i am startin uni next year for midwifrey. i am doing an access to higher education course this year to get in. Like nicki said, u need maths and english. the access course you can do over 2 years part time and i think its free.

I cant wait to start!! there isn't any flexibility so if you want to do it you will need good childcare options! I'm lucky cos i have lotsa family willing to help me!

Heather xxx

okay, thats helpful thanks the diploma seems like my best bet to get started im gonna speak to my mw n see if she can help point me in the right direction but if ur student mws have any ideas or advice as to how to apply that would be great