C110/08
Curtin University of Technology introduces the first undergraduate midwifery degree
in Western Australia.
Wednesday 16 April 2008
5.00pm – 7.00pm
(Refreshments to follow)
Bankwest Theatre
Building 200
Curtin University of Technology
Bentley
Parking available at P31 visitors parking
(Enter via Kent Street and follow the signs)
Curtin University of Technology is the leading provider of midwifery education in Western Australian. The University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery has a well established Postgraduate Diploma of Midwifery which it offers to metropolitan and rural students.
In 2008 Curtin started to enrol students into WA’s first undergraduate midwifery degree, the Bachelor of Science (Midwifery).
The degree offers students a direct entry route to studying midwifery and gives graduates the necessary skills to work in the community or provide acute care.
According to Professor Phillip Della, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Curtin, the launch of this new degree in WA is very timely.
“The number of babies born in Western Australia is increasing and King Edward Memorial Hospital recently confirmed the number of births last year was up by 1,000,” Professor Della said.
“With the increase in births, there is a recognised shortage of midwives in the community and practicing WA midwives are part of an aging workforce as well.
“The Bachelor of Science (Midwifery) will encourage a younger cohort of students into the profession which in turn will provide a long term remedy to the current shortages.”
