Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Midwifery at AACTD University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students with the scientific knowledge, clinical competencies, ethical principles, and professional skills required to support women, newborns, and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
The program integrates maternal and newborn healthcare, reproductive health sciences, evidence-based practice, clinical simulation, healthcare leadership, digital health technologies, and community-based maternal health services.
Students develop the ability to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive, and person-centered care while recognizing complications, supporting normal physiological childbirth, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
The curriculum is designed with reference to international midwifery education and competency frameworks, including those developed by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Proposed academic program specification. Professional approval, clinical placement arrangements, and licensing eligibility must be independently established before the program is advertised as qualifying graduates to practise midwifery.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, reproductive health, maternal health, and neonatal development.
Apply evidence-based midwifery principles in antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn care.
Conduct appropriate maternal and fetal assessments, identify deviations from normal health, and initiate timely referrals.
Support normal physiological pregnancy and childbirth while promoting maternal safety and dignity.
Deliver essential newborn care, including initial assessment, breastfeeding support, and recognition of neonatal complications.
Apply professional ethics, informed consent, patient confidentiality, and culturally competent communication.
Collaborate with obstetricians, nurses, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals.
Use electronic health records, telehealth systems, and digital tools to support maternal healthcare.
Interpret clinical research and quality improvement data to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and lifelong professional development.
Promote reproductive health education, maternal nutrition, family planning, and community health awareness.
Design and evaluate digital maternal health education resources using appropriate web technologies.
Pathways Available
The program offers a core midwifery curriculum with opportunities for focused academic development in the following pathways.
1. Clinical Midwifery and Maternal Care
Focuses on antenatal assessment, labor support, postpartum care, maternal safety, and clinical decision-making.
2. Neonatal and Newborn Care
Covers newborn assessment, breastfeeding, neonatal nutrition, early development, and recognition of neonatal emergencies.
3. Community and Public Health Midwifery
Emphasizes maternal health promotion, reproductive health education, public health initiatives, and underserved communities.
4. Web Development and Digital Maternal Health
Combines introductory web development, healthcare information systems, telehealth, and patient education technology. Students explore HTML, CSS, JavaScript, accessible websites, and digital platforms for pregnancy education and maternal health support.
5. Midwifery Research and Healthcare Leadership
Develops competencies in research methodology, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, clinical governance, and healthcare team management.
Program Goals
The BSc in Midwifery aims to:
Prepare academically and clinically competent graduates for safe, ethical, and evidence-based maternal and newborn care, subject to professional licensing requirements.
Improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes through prevention, education, early identification of risks, and appropriate referral.
Promote respectful maternity care, patient autonomy, health equity, and culturally sensitive practice.
Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across healthcare settings.
Integrate technology, digital communication, and innovative healthcare solutions into maternal health education and service delivery.
Encourage independent research, professional accountability, leadership, and continuous professional development.
Support graduates pursuing postgraduate education in midwifery, public health, reproductive health, healthcare management, and related disciplines.
Possible Career Options
Graduates may pursue the following professional and academic opportunities, depending on their clinical training, professional registration, local legislation, and additional qualifications.
Career | Potential work setting |
|---|---|
Registered Midwife | Hospitals and maternity centers, subject to licensure |
Community Midwife | Community clinics and maternal health services |
Maternal Health Educator | Health education organizations and clinics |
Antenatal and Postnatal Care Specialist | Maternal health programs, within authorized scope |
Reproductive Health Program Coordinator | NGOs and public health organizations |
Maternal and Child Health Project Officer | International development and humanitarian programs |
Healthcare Quality Improvement Assistant | Hospitals and healthcare institutions |
Maternal Health Research Assistant | Universities and research centers |
Digital Maternal Health Coordinator | Telehealth and health technology organizations |
Healthcare Web Content Developer | Health education platforms and digital health companies |
Graduates seeking regulated midwifery positions must satisfy the applicable registration and licensing requirements. The degree alone does not guarantee authorization to practise.
Program Curriculum and Structure with Learning Outcomes
Proposed four-year undergraduate curriculum | Eight semesters | 120 US semester credits, subject to academic and regulatory approval
The curriculum combines theoretical instruction, simulation-based education, supervised clinical practice, research, and digital healthcare applications. Clinical competencies are progressively developed across the four academic years.
Year 1 — Foundations of Health Sciences and Midwifery
Course | Credits | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II | 6 | Explain human body systems and physiological changes associated with pregnancy |
Introduction to Midwifery | 3 | Describe the role, responsibilities, ethics, and professional scope of midwifery |
Medical Terminology and Healthcare Communication | 3 | Use accurate clinical terminology and communicate effectively with patients |
Microbiology and Infection Prevention | 3 | Apply infection prevention and control principles |
General Psychology and Human Development | 3 | Explain psychological and developmental factors affecting maternal health |
Nutrition and Maternal Wellness | 3 | Identify nutritional requirements during pregnancy and breastfeeding |
Introduction to Digital Health and Information Technology | 3 | Use foundational healthcare information and digital communication tools |
Foundations of Clinical Skills and Simulation | 6 | Demonstrate basic patient assessment, safety, documentation, and communication skills |
Year 1 total: 30 credits
Year 2 — Maternal and Reproductive Healthcare
Course | Credits | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology | 3 | Explain reproductive processes and physiological pregnancy |
Antenatal Care and Pregnancy Assessment | 5 | Perform supervised antenatal assessments and identify risk factors |
Maternal Pharmacology | 3 | Explain medication safety and principles of pharmacological care |
Embryology and Fetal Development | 3 | Describe fetal growth and developmental milestones |
Sexual and Reproductive Health | 3 | Provide evidence-based reproductive health education |
Maternal and Newborn Health Promotion | 3 | Develop preventive health and patient education interventions |
Introduction to Web Development for Healthcare | 3 | Build basic accessible healthcare education websites using HTML, CSS, and introductory JavaScript |
Clinical Midwifery Practice I | 7 | Demonstrate supervised clinical assessment, communication, and antenatal care skills |
Year 2 total: 30 credits
Year 3 — Advanced Midwifery and Clinical Practice
Course | Credits | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Intrapartum Care and Physiological Childbirth | 5 | Apply supervised labor assessment and childbirth support principles |
Postnatal Care and Maternal Recovery | 3 | Assess postnatal recovery and provide appropriate support |
Neonatal Assessment and Essential Newborn Care | 4 | Perform supervised newborn assessments and identify warning signs |
Obstetric Complications and Emergency Response | 4 | Recognize emergencies and initiate appropriate team responses |
Community Midwifery and Public Health | 3 | Plan community maternal health education and referral activities |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 | Critically appraise research and formulate clinical research questions |
Digital Maternal Health and Telemedicine | 3 | Evaluate digital healthcare tools, privacy, and remote patient education |
Clinical Midwifery Practice II | 5 | Demonstrate developing clinical competencies under qualified supervision |
Year 3 total: 30 credits
Year 4 — Professional Integration, Leadership and Research
Course | Credits | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Advanced Maternal and Neonatal Care | 4 | Integrate clinical knowledge in complex maternal and newborn care scenarios |
Midwifery Leadership and Healthcare Management | 3 | Apply leadership, quality improvement, and clinical governance principles |
Professional Ethics, Healthcare Law and Patient Safety | 3 | Evaluate legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities |
Maternal Health Informatics and Web-Based Systems | 3 | Design and evaluate a maternal health information or education platform |
Global Maternal Health and Humanitarian Midwifery | 3 | Analyze maternal health challenges in different healthcare settings |
Clinical Midwifery Practice III / Internship | 10 | Demonstrate integrated clinical competencies under qualified supervision |
Graduation Research Project / Capstone | 4 | Complete an evidence-based research or applied maternal health project |
Year 4 total: 30 credits
Proposed Credit Distribution
Academic Year | Credits |
|---|---|
Year 1 | 30 |
Year 2 | 30 |
Year 3 | 30 |
Year 4 | 30 |
Total proposed credits | 120 |
Clinical education requirement: The credit allocation above is illustrative, not evidence that the program meets midwifery registration standards. Before implementation, AACTD must establish supervised clinical placements, required practice hours, competency assessments, qualified clinical preceptors, and any minimum birth-experience requirements imposed by the relevant regulator. These cannot be replaced by online coursework or simulation alone.
Assessment Methods
AACTD University’s proposed BSc in Midwifery uses a combination of academic and competency-based assessments.
Written Assignments and Case Studies: Evaluate theoretical understanding, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making.
Practical Skills Assessments: Assess clinical techniques using structured simulation and direct observation.
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs): Evaluate students’ performance across simulated clinical stations.
Supervised Clinical Practice: Evaluate practical competencies through direct observation, clinical logs, preceptor feedback, and structured assessments.
Research Projects: Assess research design, critical analysis, academic writing, and evidence-based practice.
Digital Healthcare Projects: Assess the development of maternal health websites, educational resources, and digital communication tools.
Presentations and Group Projects: Evaluate teamwork, leadership, communication, and healthcare problem-solving.
Reflective Portfolios: Document professional development, ethical decision-making, and achievement of learning outcomes.
Written Examinations: Assess essential clinical knowledge and application of scientific principles.
Final Capstone Project: Demonstrate integrated academic, research, and professional competencies.
Clinical progression and graduation should require verified achievement of essential clinical competencies, not merely a passing overall academic average. This approach is consistent with ICM guidance on competency-based midwifery education.
Entry Requirements
Applicants to the proposed Bachelor of Science in Midwifery should normally meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualifications
High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
A suitable academic background, preferably including biology and chemistry.
International applicants may present A Levels, an International Baccalaureate, or other recognized secondary qualifications.
Transfer applicants may be considered for academic credit based on verified prior study, subject to applicable regulations.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate proficiency through an accepted English-language qualification. A proposed institutional benchmark is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent, subject to any higher clinical regulator requirements.
Additional Requirements
Completed application and verified academic transcripts.
Identification documents.
Personal statement describing motivation for studying midwifery.
Academic or professional reference, where required.
Interview or suitability assessment.
Occupational health and immunization clearance for clinical placements.
Background screening and safeguarding clearance, where legally required.
Compliance with healthcare placement requirements.
Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants with previous nursing, midwifery, or related healthcare education may be considered for recognition of relevant academic learning. Exemptions from clinical competencies must be approved under applicable professional regulations.
Proposed Local and International Awards and Recognition
AACTD University may develop an institutional recognition and awards strategy to strengthen academic quality, community engagement, research, and student achievement.
The following are proposed award titles and future recognition initiatives, not existing awards or distinctions already received by AACTD University.
Proposed Institutional Awards
Award title | Purpose |
|---|---|
AACTD Excellence in Midwifery Education Award | Recognize outstanding achievement in midwifery teaching and learning |
AACTD Maternal and Newborn Health Innovation Award | Recognize innovative student or faculty projects |
AACTD Distinguished Clinical Practice Award | Honor exceptional clinical learning performance |
AACTD Community Maternal Health Impact Award | Recognize meaningful community health initiatives |
AACTD Digital Maternal Health Innovation Award | Reward innovative websites, telehealth education tools, and digital health projects |
AACTD Midwifery Research Excellence Award | Recognize outstanding undergraduate research |
These awards could be established internally following approval of formal eligibility criteria, assessment processes, and independent judging arrangements.
Proposed International Recognition Initiatives
AACTD University could establish the following awards through documented partnerships with participating organizations:
International Maternal Health Leadership Award — recognizing leadership in maternal health education and community initiatives.
Global Midwifery Innovation Challenge — an international student competition focused on improving maternal and newborn health.
International Digital Maternal Health Excellence Award — recognizing innovative digital maternal health solutions.
Global Respectful Maternity Care Award — recognizing projects promoting dignity, informed choice, and culturally sensitive care.
International Emerging Midwifery Researcher Award — recognizing outstanding early-career research contributions.
These titles should be described as AACTD-led initiatives, not as awards endorsed by WHO, ICM, or another external organization unless a formal endorsement has been obtained.
External Accreditation and Recognition Opportunities
Rather than inventing external credentials, AACTD University should consider pursuing legitimate quality assurance and professional recognition routes.
Organization or framework | Potential opportunity |
|---|---|
International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) | Evaluate eligibility for the Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme (MEAP) and align the curriculum with ICM education standards |
World Health Organization (WHO) | Use WHO midwifery education guidance and clinical quality frameworks for curriculum improvement; this does not confer WHO accreditation |
Relevant US state nursing or midwifery authority | Determine the applicable authorization and professional approval requirements |
Relevant institutional accrediting agency | Explore institutional accreditation eligibility, where applicable |
Recognized healthcare providers | Develop supervised clinical placement and professional training agreements |
ICM standards provide a basis for education quality assurance, while WHO emphasizes recognized education, competent educators, and appropriate clinical preparation.
Graduation and Further Study Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the approved academic and clinical requirements, graduates may be prepared to pursue further education in areas such as:
Master of Science in Midwifery
Master of Public Health (MPH)
MSc in Maternal and Child Health
MSc in Reproductive and Sexual Health
MSc in Healthcare Management
MSc in Neonatal Healthcare
MSc in Digital Health and Healthcare Informatics
PhD in Midwifery, Public Health, or Health Sciences
Admission to postgraduate programs depends on the receiving institution’s entry requirements and recognition of the applicant’s prior qualification.
Academic Standards and Professional Recognition
AACTD University aims to develop its BSc in Midwifery curriculum with reference to internationally recognized frameworks for maternal and newborn healthcare education.
