Midwifery Education Standards

The ACM recognizes multiple routes of entry into midwifery and values graduates from all programs. The ACM strongly supports the establishment of undergraduate midwifery programs.

The ACM recognizes that midwifery and nursing are distinct professions each with its own philosophy, ethics, body of knowledge and scope of practice. The discrete and independent nature of the profession of midwifery is fundamental to all curricula that lead to registration as a midwife. Midwifery curricula must enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to practise to the full role and scope of midwifery as defined by the ICM/FIGO/WHO (1992). Programs of midwifery education must therefore reinforce and promote the recognition of midwifery as a separate professional identity.

The theoretical and clinical practice components of all midwifery programs are underpinned by the ACMI Framework for Midwifery, which incorporates:

• ACM Midwifery Philosophy
• ACM National Code of Ethics
• ACM National Standards for Midwifery Practice
• ANMC National Midwifery Competencies
• ACM National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral
• ACM Standards for Midwifery Education
• ACM Framework for Continuing Professional Development

The ACM is committed to collaborating with regulatory authorities on the accreditation of all midwifery education programs conducted in Australia.

The ACM promotes and expects all midwives as part of their professional obligations to engage in regular, relevant and high quality ongoing education and practice, supported by the ACM Framework for Continuing Professional Development.