This programme is delivered in conjunction with the University Maternity Hospital, Limerick. The duration of the programme is 18 months and is full time.
The philosophy of midwifery education is based on a wellness model of women centred holistic care. The programme aims to prepare a competent, caring, research-minded, analytical and reflective midwife practitioner who applies a systematic, evidence based approach to responding proactively, creatively, collaboratively and sensitively to the needs of pregnant women and their families. The programme is full time and the student is both an employee of the University Maternity Hospital, Limerick and a student of the University of Limerick. On successful completion of the programme students will be able to present for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and practice as a midwife and be awarded a Higher Diploma in Midwifery (Level 8) from the University of Limerick. For those wishing to register as a midwife in other EU countries, a further 12 months of midwifery practice post qualification is required in the Republic of Ireland under EU regulations. The Department of Nursing and Midwifery in the University of Limerick has received approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland for the programme.
Semester one the student will be grounded in normal midwifery care and will acquire the theory and skills of assessment of mother and baby.
Semester two will expose students to the theory underpinning complex midwifery care and so that while recognising and appreciating that pregnancy and childbirth are physiological processes they may be complicated by obstetric, medical and gynecological problems.
Semester three will provide the opportunity to consolidate practice through midwifery theory, utilising skills and knowledge that support the woman in achieving her potential throughout her pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.