Exploring Career Paths in Midwifery

Midwifery is the expert healthcare profession centred around the care of women and their newborns, aiding childbirth, and postpartum care.

The delivery of a baby is a process with many potential deaths and disabilities, so the process is integral to the safety of the mother and newborn.

But is midwifery a good career? Absolutely. What are the career paths in midwifery? For those seeking high-potential growth, specialised knowledge or becoming a leader in the profession a career in midwifery is rewarding.

Read Cucumber’s guide on career paths in midwifery for further details from healthcare recruitment experts.

Starting in Midwifery

As midwifery is a field requiring specialised knowledge, the first step is to earn a degree or a degree-level program separate from a university.

Fortunately, the options are wide, with full-time undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees or degree apprenticeships so that you can earn as you learn.

Apply through UCAS for full-time degrees and search for degree apprenticeships through job boards and apprenticeship websites. Entry requirements typically vary; however, three A-levels–or A-level equivalents–are needed.

Contact individual universities and boards if you’re unsure or have further questions.

Career Growth Through Specialisation

By moving into a specialised career field, the growth opportunities are profound. It’s one of the most rewarding career paths in midwifery because you can specialise in one specific area, and develop your knowledge.

This means that you can get alternative jobs with your midwifery degree.

Options include:

Public Health Midwifery – protecting the public rather than specific groups.
Gynaecological Ultrasound – examining the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy.
Perinatal Mental Health – mental health care during pregnancy up until birth.
Complex Care – specialised support for pregnant women with medical conditions.

There are many specialised paths for career progression. Specialism leads to an increase in satisfaction with your career, more opportunities, and high-level training where important skills are developed.

Moving Into Leadership Roles

Do you desire a leadership role? With experience, midwives can achieve several rewarding leadership roles like Head of Midwifery, and supervising staff at a hospital or healthcare facility.

Alternatively, many midwives move towards the Clinical Educator role, providing training for student midwives or new staff. Many find this significantly rewarding.

Regardless of your path, progression through midwifery bands or climbing the ladder to leadership roles make this field a rewarding challenge for ambitious healthcare workers.

Setting Up a Private Practice

Those with an entrepreneurial spirit dream of running their own practice. Many people who become midwives have a personal vision–a practice on their terms. And with your practice, you can work creatively to serve women’s needs.

Knowing your operating expenses, market, and policies is the key to success. If you manage to save enough money to start the business, this could be one of the most rewarding career paths in midwifery.

Consider overheads and hidden costs before starting, and be sure to have the funds to cover staffing costs and a marketing budget.

While this path is uncommon, taking this risk could be the greatest step you ever take.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Many healthcare workers feel satisfied with continued development. Is this you? Midwifery offers constant education and training programs throughout your career.

This way, your progress will not stagnate, and you will continue to develop invaluable skills.

As technology and standards are forever changing, continuing education and professional development are key to maintaining an updated system and increasing career satisfaction.

In midwifery, the learning never stops, and the options are vast. Online courses, videos, and certifications are available.

Start Midwifery Roles with Cucumber

Are you ready to step into the rewarding world of midwifery? Don’t wait to get started. Look at our midwife staffing jobs to find your dream job or check out live opportunities.

If you’re unsure about how to get started, contact Cucumber and discuss your potential career with healthcare recruitment experts.