Midwife: Training

A midwife must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)  in order to practice. Newly qualified midwives are often given a formal period of support under the guidance of a preceptor (an experienced professional colleague) who can offer support and guidance in the first few months of professional practice. They also have to present a practice portfolio annually to a supervisor of midwives to demonstrate their professional competence.

The health sector generally has a commitment to continuing professional development, and The National Health Service (NHS)  provides access to post-registration training needs identified through the NHS Career Framework .

Post-registration education and practice (PREP) is a set of standards that you are expected to meet to demonstrate that you are developing knowledge and competence and keeping up to date in your practice.

They include a minimum of 35 hours' study activity every three years and the maintenance of a professional profile detailing professional development. You will be expected to meet them in order to renew your NMC registration every three years. More information on the specific requirements is published in the NMC's The PREP Handbook .

There are opportunities to extend your role by taking specialist courses in areas such as enhanced midwifery practice, family planning, teaching in clinical practice, and research. There are also opportunities for further study at degree, Masters and PhD level.