Train to be a midwife

[Chlandy]

Hi all,

I've been thinking a lot these past couple of years about becoming a midwife but never done anything about it! I would really like to start next year but don't know where to start! I'm 25 and have all my GCSE's but never did college or uni, does anyone know what I need and how I start please? I'm based in Leeds if that helps.

Thank you!

You'd need A levels and a shed load of experience. Are you working at the moment? Can you fit in any volunteer work?

Yes I wondered if there was any specifics so I could look for a part time college placement although I'm just guessing that part ha! What do you mean experience? I was on the understanding you did work placements whilst doing uni but I could be wrong (again an assumption ha). I don't work anymore, I'm a SAHM at the moment. Thanks x

Do an Access course rather than A levels. You get the fee paid via a loan which is written off if you then go to university. Yes you will need to also do some relevant voluntary work to demonstrate you have an idea of what midwifery involves - it's a very competitive degree. Good luck!

Are you prepared to move or do you need to stay local? You're best of looking at some uni prospectuses and see what they say.

My local uni requires AAB at a level, I think one has to be a science. They also accept access course for mature students.

You need some sort of experience in a health care setting, so old people's home, health care assistant in a hospital. Can be part time or even voluntary. Or outside the box maybe something like volunteer in a woman's refuge.

It's hard to get on. When I was accepted there was 1000+ applications for about 70 places. Though now you have to pay tuition fees maybe there's less applications?

And yes you do placements while training, you will work night shifts, weekends, early starts, late finishes. You won't get any choice on your shifts, you have to work when your mentor does. Most childminders don't start early enough or finish late enough so you will need a supportive partner or family.

Thats great thanks all, given me a lot to think about and look into! I do have experience as worked for Bupa for a while in a care home and worked my way up there, didn't realise I could use that! Thanks again everyone x

You will need to do an Access course, as others have said. Your work in a care home will definitely be valuable, so make the most of that in your personal statement. Your PS is very important - midwifery is a hugely competitive course. Do your research and ensure that you have a really good grasp of what the job is really about (you'd be surprised how many people still think it's all about babies!), gen up on the major issues in midwifery/the NHS as well so you have relevant things to talk about in the interview.

It's not at all unusual to be competing with 10-15 others for a single place; whilst applications have dropped with the removal of the bursary, it is still considered a 'selective' application process rather than a 'recruiting' one in most universities.

And what Viva said - be prepared for the demands of the actual course, as they are many! You will need childcare that's both watertight and flexible, and the ability to juggle placement, academic work and family life. Don't underestimate how tough it can be, emotionally and physically. However, it's worth it in the end!

Thank you, I've got a meeting with someone at Leeds Uni next week to have a chat about all the ins and outs! Leeds uni also help with childcare options for placements apparently which sounds interesting! I will definitely make sure I look into it thoroughly before applying for anything :) thank you so much x