Migrate to Australia as a Midwife
Midwifery Skills Assessment
Midwifery is a healthcare profession that specialises in offering healthcare support to women during pregnancy and until the baby is six weeks old. Midwives play an important role during labour and birth and postpartum period providing the young mother with the required physical and emotional support. Midwives monitor the mother and the child during the postnatal period, assess their health conditions and take care of their wellbeing. It is one of the most in-demand professions in Australia and international students can shine well as midwives. As a midwife, you will be primarily working in hospital settings, but you will also be employed in community health services. Therefore, midwifery is a satisfying career for empathetic individuals who aspire to work in the healthcare industry.
How to become a registered midwife in Australia?
There are two major study pathways for international students to become registered midwives in Australia.
- Complete your three years Bachelor’s in Midwifery from a university in Australia
- Complete a postgraduate course in Midwifery after your bachelor’s in Nursing
If you have a bachelor’s in nursing, you can also study Master of Midwifery Practice or a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery.
After completing the course, you need to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to practise as a midwife. This registration must be renewed annually and it is necessary that midwives complete 20 hours of professional development every year.
Career options after course completion
After your registration is completed, you can find employment in hospitals and community services and be employed in one of these areas
- Maternity units in public and private hospitals
- Antenatal clinics
- Labour and Birth units
- Birth centres
- Postnatal and neonatal units
- Childbirth and parent education
- Private midwifery practice
- Community based health service
- Universities
- Caseload/midwifery Group practice
- Practice with obstetricians (doctors)
Midwives’ salaries in Australia
The average annual salary of midwives in Australia is in the range of $60000-$90000 a year. Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia and midwives will see rapid growth in terms of salaries and open job opportunities in the coming years.
How to apply for PR as a midwife in Australia?
Step 1: Complete your midwifery education in Australia (Bachelor’s/Master’s/Graduate diploma in midwifery)
Step 2: Register with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Step 3: Get the skills assessment done by ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council)
Step 4: Get invited to apply for a permanent visa
PR Pathway for Midwives in Australia
Australia is an ideal destination for healthcare professionals to apply for permanent residency. The industry is growing at an unprecedented pace and skilled midwives and nurses are in short supply. Australia maintains high standards of work that ensures a healthy work environment, safe living conditions and a perfect work-life balance. By making the right study and visa choices, you can design a smart pathway to PR. Nursing professionals can obtain PR within 5 years after completing their studies in Australia, given they possess the required educational, professional qualifications.
Potential Permanent Visas for Midwives:
- Permanent Residency- Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa- Subclass 190
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa- Subclass 491
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa- Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa-Subclass 186 (for candidates with 3 years work experience)