How do I get started?

kazB · #1 (**permalink**) 30-Oct-2007, 20:30

I'm 20 and looking to break into midwifery but I dont know where on earth to start.

Am I too young?

I live in Manchester and hope there is something local here for me.

TallPoppy · #2 (**permalink**) 30-Oct-2007, 21:01

20 is a great age and not too young at all, I believe all ages, backgrounds, cultures etc have alot to offer midwifery afterall the more vast the kind of midwives the better! that way we are reflecting the population we care for, an 18 year old mum in labour may be more comfortable with a midwife closer to her age for example....

To get started contact your local uni or a uni you quite fancy going to and see what they offer you'll need 210 UCAS points to get on the degree/diploma course in most Unis...... if you havent got any points yet (gained through undertaking A Levels or an access course usually) then grab a course that gets you the points at further education level....... it also looks good if you have had some experience of caring for people like a Health Care Assistant at a hospital.... but thats not an essential criteria to getting on the course. Decent grades, a passion for midwifery and a good knowledge of what the course offers are all good starting points..... have a look at our news section to see whats going on in the world of midwifery and healthcare and have a gander round the site, it will give you an idea of the application process through to whats expected on the course...

Here's a link to the course details at my Uni...

Course finder - University of Brighton

Have a look at these too ...

Becoming a Midwife in the UK by the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

NMC Internet

A popular magazine with student midwives, subscription for a year is only £20

www.thepractisingmidwife.com

TallPoppy

kazB · #3 (**permalink**) 31-Oct-2007, 14:01

Thanks for all that.

I dont have any points towards the course and I will have a look at see what interests me. Are there any courses I can take that will help me in midwifery, or should I just do *anything* to get the points.

Thanks for your reply

Kaz x

TallPoppy · #4 (**permalink**) 01-Nov-2007, 00:04

Hey kazB

Nice to see ya back

Id suggest any healthcare professions courses or A' Levels in science, human biology, psychology, sociology... that kind of thing...

Higher education - London Life, GLA

Education UK - Innovative. Individual. Inspirational.

TallPoppy

ISIS · #5 (**permalink**) 01-Nov-2007, 18:18

Hiya TallPoppy

I did an access course to gain my uni points. It was really intense but it got me a place last year...unfortunately had to withdraw. But im back in the race this year

TallPoppy · #6 (**permalink**) 01-Nov-2007, 18:27

Good for you ISIS, and if we can be of any help just let us know

TallPoppy

groovychick · #7 (**permalink**) 02-Nov-2007, 12:34

Hi guys

Can i just say no you are never to old or young to be a midwife.

You need evidence of study in the last 5 years, ive just completed an Access course in June. My advice would be ring the unis you want to apply to and see what they require. You do need maths and english GCSE C or above.

Good luck guys

Edited to say I dont think the diploma is happening any more as of sept 08

smwife · #8 (**permalink**) 02-Nov-2007, 13:15

It doesn't matter what age you are. Anyone can be good or rubbish!

In my cohort there are 18 year olds to 50 year olds and we all love it and hopefully we will all make it (we have lost 6 already)

I did a pre-access and an access course to get in. I researched the role thoroughly for ther interview and worked hard at college.

The access course took a year at my college, I idn't need to take an entrance test (some literacy, numeracy and biology) as I did the three month pre-access course (A long time away after messing up at school)
this was one day a week from Sep to Dec ( I wanted Feb start)
I passed and got onto the access course which was 3.5 days a week for a year (till Dec) we were interviewed at the uni in Feb and had to wait until May to find out if we had got in (which was very hard) but i did and everyone else at college with me, which was good!!!

If I can get in you can!

Best thing I ever did!

Good luck!

Noo · #9 (**permalink**) 02-Nov-2007, 19:00

I'm currently in my 2nd year of an Access course. Once this course is completed I should have enough to fulfil entry requirements at any Uni for Midwifery. Unfortunately each Uni have started dictating a different amount of credits for their entry! Make sure if you are applying to mroe than one and undertaking an access course that you do enough modules to get enough credits for the uni that requires the most credits from your choices.

Some Unis also require GCSE Maths, English and/or Science. All unis are different, make sure you enquire as to what your chosen unis would like before applying.

sarah · #10 (**permalink**) 18-Nov-2007, 10:52

i have started my 2 year access coures and loving it but so worried that i wont be able to get into a uni as i know it is highly competitive i already work as an agency N/A on general wards volunteer on the maternity wards as well as running a mother and baby group this is as well as having my 2 children and a husbund does any one have any advice that might help me achive my childhood dream