Registered midwives (RMs) have the knowledge and the skills to work with women during pre-conception, pregnancy, labour, birth and to provide care for the mother and baby.
The role of RMs
RMs practice within many models and settings to care for women and their families at a very significant time in their lives.
RMs work with women and babies in hospitals, the community and residential settings. RMs have a central role in working with women and families antenatally, during labour and postnatally, and in areas of sexual and reproductive health.
RMs also work in education, management, research and policy roles.
Starting your career as an RM
To become an RM you must complete a Bachelor of Midwifery.
A Bachelor of Midwifery can be studied either as an undergraduate degree, or postgraduate for those with an undergraduate Bachelor or Nursing degree.
The undergraduate Bachelor or Midwifery is studied full time over three years, and the post registration/professional entry degree is studied full time over 18 months (or the equivalent part time).
To practice as an RM, you must apply to and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Course and application information
Midwifery degrees are offered at two South Australian universities. Further information regarding courses and entry requirements can be found at:
Applications are processed through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Further information is available at the SATAC website.
Pathways into registered midwifery
RNs can complete postgraduate studies to obtain their Bachelor of Midwifery and hold dual RN/RM registration.
Advancing your RM career
SA Health provides RMs with a range of career-enriching development pathways, including scholarships for:
- Postgraduate clinical specialisation
- Rural health
- International study tours, through the Premier’s Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships.
SA Health also provides professional development opportunities for current and emerging nursing and midwifery leaders through the Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Programs.
Midwifery Prescribing
Some RMs are endorsed by the NMBA to prescribed scheduled medicines, ensuring that women receive the treatment they need in a timely manner.
Only midwives who hold the NMBA Endorsement for scheduled medicines for midwives are eligible to apply for prescribing credentialing.
The Principles for Midwifery Prescribing in SA Health (PDF 158KB) and Midwifery Prescribing in SA Health Information Sheet (PDF 194KB) have been developed to outline the process and governance for midwifery prescribing at SA Health.
Current RM vacancies
To view all SA Health nursing and midwifery employment vacancies, visit iworkfor.sa.gov.au.