Midwifery

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Midwifery lasts 3years (a minimum of 6 semesters and a maximum of 12), and is offered exclusively on a full-time basis.

Successful completion of both theoretical and practical modules leads to the award of 180 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).

Upon graduation, students are awarded the Bachelor of Science HES-SO in Midwifery.

This qualification enables graduates to enter the workforce directly or to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s, PhD), either in Switzerland or abroad.

The demand for midwives on the labour market remains steady. They work in both university and regional hospitals.

Independent practice, either in clinics or in parents’ homes, has grown in order to ensure continuity of care.

To access independent practice, graduates must complete two years of full-time salaried employment, or a two-year assistantship with an independent midwife.

The training is delivered in the form of:

• lectures and seminars
• practical learning workshops
• simulation-based practice and role plays
• interprofessional learning weeks
• guided work
• independent study
• professional practice in clinical placements

The Bachelor’s programme includes:

• 18 theoretical modules (100 ECTS credits)
• 9 to 11 practical modules (80 ECTS credits)

Each semester includes 3 to 4 theoretical modules and 3 to 4 practical modules.

A Bachelor thesis marks the completion of the programme.

The Bachelor of Science in Midwifery aims to train midwives through a curriculum that covers the following disciplines and themes:

• Fundamentals in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neonatology, paediatrics, gynaecology, genetics, epidemiology, evidence-based midwifery and clinical practice
• Obstetrics: normal and pathological pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal periods, and deviations from normal
• Management of critical and complex situations, both as a midwife and as a member of an interprofessional team
• Perinatal care: development of attachment bonds, health education and parenting support, relationship-building and communication with families
• Professional midwifery role – foundations: epidemiology, ethics, sociology, law, psychology, anthropology, prevention and health promotion, woman-centred approach, midwifery research, quality management, public relations, history
• Reflective practice and training in clinical skills, structured clinical examinations, clinical reasoning and interprofessional communication
• Bachelor thesis
• Practical training modules

The topics are covered within theoretical and practical modules :

Professional practice placements are an integral part of the work-study training model used in the Health field.

Under the supervision of clinical mentors, students are quickly introduced to patient care and exposed to a wide range of situations. The placement offer covers all areas of midwifery practice.

The programme includes three periods of clinical practice, beginning in the second semester. Over the course of the three-year programme, 52 weeks are dedicated to practical training.

Further information on this system is available on the HES-SO website.