Bachelor in Midwifery

• Midwives with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree have a solid foundation for working in various areas of healthcare. They work in hospitals, birthing centres, in women's and families' homes, in midwifery offices, breastfeeding consultation centres and maternity care centres.
• We offer practice-oriented and scientifically sound training. Classes include reflection on work experiences, preferences of women and their families, as well as the latest scientific findings.
• The internationally recognised degree forms the basis for a varied career as a midwife. Continuing education programmes open up new perspectives in practice, teaching, research and leadership roles in healthcare organisations.

Midwives provide women and their families continuous support and counselling during pregnancy, they manage childbirth and provide care for mothers and newborns during the postpartum period and breastfeeding. They work closely with women and families in the spirit of partnership and empathy. Moreover, midwifes are part of a network of other health care and social care professionals.

This is a full-time study programme and lasts three years plus a 10-month additional practical module. Upon graduation, you will receive a double ticket for your future:

• a licence to practice as a fully qualified midwife (Hebamme HF)
• an academic degree Bachelor of Science ZHAW in Midwifery

Study achievements are evaluated using ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. This makes your degree comparable across Europe. The programme covers 180 ECTS credits, with one credit corresponding to approximately 30 hours of work.

The structure of the Bachelor's degree programme in Midwifery complies with national and international standards and didactic requirements.

The programme consists of 40 per cent classroom-based teaching and around 60 per cent self-study. In addition to lectures, methods are used that promote independent and action-oriented learning, such as skills and simulation training, e-learning sequences, exercises, case-based learning, self-study and project work.

• Midwifery studies: Foundation knowledge and advanced knowledge in the following areas: pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, hygiene, genetics, gynaecology, neonatology, paediatrics, and pharmacology
• Professional context: Communication and counselling, family systems, ethics, health care systems, occupational law, methods of learning and reflexion, health promotion and prevention, quality management, public relations, professional policy and professional development, internationalisation
• Skills and practical transfer: Training of practical skills and abilities, linking theory and practical experience
• Practical modules: Practical application of various areas of midwifery

Subjects include scientific work, communication, and interprofessional collaboration as well as various multi- and interprofessional topics involving society, culture and health care.

During your studies, you will complete three internships of 12 to 14 weeks each in various institutions and fields of work. After the sixth semester, you will complete three internships totalling 10 months (additional module C) to obtain your professional qualification.

Internships are arranged by the ZHAW and are located in clinics, birthing centres and with midwives  working independently. Students may be assigned to internships in neighbouring  countries (usually German-speaking areas). The terms of employment of the respective internship institution apply.

To write their Bachelor’s thesis, students work on a professionally relevant topic and apply the scientific methods they have learnt as part of their studies.

Midwives work in hospitals, birthing centres, with women and their families at home, in midwifery offices, breastfeeding consultation centres and general counselling centres.

Continuing education programmes open up new perspectives in practice, teaching, research and leadership roles in healthcare organisations.

Students acquire the necessary skills to perform the following seven roles:

• As an expert, the midwife carries out specific tasks and makes appropriate decisions. University degree and licence to practice
• As a communicator, the midwife facilitates the building of trusting relationships and a selective sharing of information.
• As a collaborator, the midwife proactively participates in interdisciplinary teamwork.
• As a manager, the midwife assumes professional leadership and contributes to the effectiveness of the organisation as well as developing her own career.
• As a health advocate, the midwife is committed to the health of the woman and her family.
• As a health advocate, the midwife is committed to the health of women and their families.
• As a scholar, the midwife is committed to lifelong learning and the transfer of knowledge.
• As a member of the midwifery profession, midwives promote health and quality of life. They are committed to the ethical standards and values of the profession and pays attention to their own health.