The Australian College of Midwives
Continuing Professional Development Program
'enhancing the safety and quality of midwifery care in Australia...'
What is MidPLUS?
MidPLUS is a new best practice continuing professional development (CPD) framework for all Australian midwives. It was designed based on ANMC Competency Standards for the Midwife.
MidPLUS aims to help you to plan and participate in CPD activities that are relevant to your learning needs and
your midwifery practice or role. MidPLUS supports the provision of high quality, woman-centred midwifery care.
As you will no doubt be aware, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) is developing a National Continuing Competence Framework that is expected to be implemented soon. Under this framework, midwives will be asked to meet five main criteria. More about these criteria (in their draft form) can be found on the ANMC’s website – http://www.anmc.org.au/
Currently three of the five criteria require midwives to participate in developing a professional portfolio, engage in both a self-assessment and professional review process and provide proof of continuing professional development (a minimum of 90 hours over a three year period).
Ahead of these requirements being implemented, the Australian College of Midwives has proactively designed the MidPLUS framework to not only help midwives expand their skills and experience in their chosen area of care, but also helps them meet the competencies required to renew their annual registration.
As some background for you, the MidPLUS program has been designed by midwives, for midwives. It has been specifically developed to assist Australian midwives to get the most out of their ongoing professional learning and development. The program provides support to help you plan and participate in relevant activities. Each hour of learning you undertake equates to one MidPLUS point. You are required to complete 30 MidPLUS points per year (or 2.5 hours per month) – you will note that this maps exactly with what is required of you as part of the National Continuing Competence Framework i.e. 90 hours over three years, or 30 hours per year. Most importantly, MidPLUS helps you to reflect on what you have learned and to incorporate new skills and knowledge into your midwifery practice. MidPLUS is relevant to all midwives, regardless of whether you are involved with providing care to women and babies, educating midwifery students, managing midwifery services, researching midwifery issues, or taking time out for your own family with the intention of returning to midwifery practice.
Who is MidPLUS designed for?
MidPLUS is uniquely designed by midwives for midwives.
MidPLUS has been designed for use by midwives working in a broad range of contexts. This includes all clinical areas, all models of care, public or private practice, research, education, management and government.
MidPLUS is relevant to midwives from the day they graduate to the day they retire from practice.
Features of MidPLUS
Our ‘user friendly’ program includes:
- a nationally recognised and consistent framework;
- a strong focus on you and your individual learning needs;
- step by step support for engaging in your own cycle of planning, learning, reflection and development;
- recognition of a range of formal and informal CPD activities;
- accreditation of education providers, so that you can have confidence an accredited CPD activity will be worth your precious time and money; and
- a clear plan and record of CPD for re-registration, applying for positions, or professional evaluation requirements.
MidPLUS requires you to participate in at least 30 hours of CPD activities each calendar year. This is an average of 2.5 hours per month.
The program recognises a wide range of learning activities as relevant and effective. This includes formal CPD workshops or courses you may attend as well as self directed learning and development, such as mentoring a student. It gives particular recognition to those activities that are effective at enhancing individual practice
MidPLUS respects each individual midwife as the best person to determine and act on their own professional learning needs.
MidPLUS starter pack
When you enrol in MidPLUS you’ll receive a great value Starter Pack that contains:
- a reflective practice handbook with a step-by-step guide to the MidPLUS learning cycle;
- an innovative portfolio to organise CPD activities relevant to your individual needs;
- a variety of CPD self-assessment tools and planning templates;
- access to your secure personal online CPD log; and
- copies of the latest professional standards for midwifery practice.
The College will also provide you with:
- regular updates about quality CPD activities for midwives; and
- information and support to assist you to keep up-to-date with developments in midwifery practice.
Enrolling in MidPLUS
To enrol in MidPLUS, simply call Abby Clemence, National Programs Manager, at the National Office on 02 6230 7333 or email her at programs@midwives.org.au.
If you are a member of the Australian College of Midwives your ongoing participation in MidPLUS is free. You simply need to purchase the Starter Pack for $90 (plus GST) to commence your enrolment.
If you are not currently a member, participation in MidPLUS attracts an annual fee of $200 (plus GST), which includes the cost of your Starter Pack. (Please note, if you are not a member, and do not wish to join, you will need to provide your full name and contact details in order for your enrolment to be processed.)
Once your email requesting enrolment has been received, your Starter Pack (including a login and password to your secure MidPLUS web pages) and an invoice will be posted out to you in the mail within 7 working days.
Group Discounts
Groups of midwives are most welcome to enrol in MidPLUS at the same time and access some great discounts.
College members can benefit from up to 20% discounts off the price of the Starter Pack as shown here:
|
Number of members |
% discount |
One-off payment per midwife
$price (ex GST) |
|
1-9 |
|
$90 |
|
10-19 |
10% |
$81 |
|
20-49 |
15% |
$76 |
|
50 |
20% |
$72 |
Midwives who are not members of the College are eligible for group discounts on your annual enrolment at the following rates:
|
Number of non-members |
% discount |
Annual enrolment fee
$price (ex GST) |
|
1-9 |
0% |
$200 |
|
10-19 |
10% |
$180 |
|
20-49 |
15% |
$170 |
|
50 |
20% |
$160 |
Group enrolments are available to mixed groups of members and non-members.