MIDWIFERY PROGRAM

Description of the program of Diploma in Midwifery

The main purpose of the program is to provide a professional education for nurses who as future midwives will promote maternal and child health for the people of the West Bank and Gaza. The practice of midwifery draws upon nursing skills, specialist midwifery knowledge and practice skills, and has commonality with obstetrics and neonatology. The behavioral and social sciences, ethics and research are important aspects of the program. Professional accountability, maternal and child health promotion, management and teaching all receive emphasis.

This is a five semester (38 credit) program for part time students who have current experience in maternity services. To earn the diploma the student must achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 in all courses, and master the objectives of each practicum. The curriculum consists of 7 courses and includes a six-month extended practicum in advanced labor care in the student's base hospital.

Criteria for Admission:

• Tawjihi 60% or above.
• Three year Diploma or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing.
• At least two years of clinical experience.
• Evidence of a commitment to the health and welfare of women in the local community
• Satisfactory knowledge of English.
• Passing the entrance exam which assesses academic ability.

Admission Process:

Advertising for this program is done in the local newspapers. Institutions also are invited to nominate suitable candidates for the program. Each candidate will be interviewed by a selection panel which requires evidence of the candidate's educational and professional qualifications. A short statement in English will be completed by each candidate indicating the reasons for wishing to be admitted to the program, and how, as future midwives, they may be of benefit to the local community.

Paradigm of courses

DIPLOMA IN MIDWIFERY

Description of courses

MDWF 503 Neonatal Nursing and Child Health (Cr. 3)

The major focus of this course is the healthy neonate, development, care and nutrition. Concepts explored are: child health promotion strategies, and high-risk situations which include the common neonatal disorders. The care of pre-term babies and the problems associated with pre-term birth are also a focus.

MDWF 504, 516 Women's Health and Normal Child Birth I, II (Cr. 5,4)

Normal Midwifery is a major focus along with the behavioral and sociological aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood and parenting. Antenatal intrapartum and post-partum care by midwives is explored in depth, and includes concepts related to the well woman, health education, health promotion and family spacing.

MDWF 514, 517 Scope of Professional Practice I, II (Cr. 4, 3)

This course is designed to provide the midwifery students with insight into women's health issues. Midwifery practice issues will also be a major focus along with ethics and moral dilemmas encountered by practitioners in gynecology and midwifery.

MDWF 515 Applied Anatomy and Physiology (Cr. 3)

This course is designed to deepen and broaden the midwifery students' previously acquired knowledge of human reproduction. Major concepts of this course are applied anatomy and physiology of the female and male reproductive systems, and emphasis on the females. Embryology and genetics are explored with a focus on fetal development and the factors that contribute to fetal malformation and inherited disorders.

MDWF 518 Midwifery Management (Cr. 1)

This course is designed to introduce the student to concepts of human resource management. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to utilize the management process. Midwifery students will also learn about their role in effecting and managing change in their clinical areas.

MDWF 519 Midwifery Research (Cr. 2)

This course is designed to emphasize one of the important roles of the midwife, which is a researcher's role. Through this course the students increase their knowledge about research design and the steps that should be followed in order to conduct research, and being aware of the particular research evidence that relates to practice.

MDWF 520 Preceptorship (Cr. 2)

This course is designed for staff midwives in order for them to have an effective role and participation in the orientation program for newly employed midwives and or students. With the advanced technology seen in health institutions particularly in hospitals, as well as the level of intensity required in the client and community care, a structured orientation program is very essential for new staff members to help them adjust to the new system.

MDWF 525 Practicum: Post Partum Care (Cr. 1)

The purpose of the course is to provide the student midwife with the knowledge that has been learned and the management of normal labors and deliveries as well as complicated ones.

MDWF 527 Practicum Labor and Delivery II (Cr. 2)

This period of the practicum in normal labor and delivery provides the student midwife with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and the skills that are learned in MDWF 516: Abnormal Labor and Delivery. Emphasis is placed on the management of normal labor and delivery as well as complicated labor in addition to neonatal care.

MDWF 528 Practicum: Antenatal Care (Cr. 2)

The purpose of the course is to provide the student midwife with the opportunity to apply the theories learned by conducting antenatal examinations in various situations.

MDWF 529 Extended Practicum (Cr. 3)

The purpose of the extended practicum is to provide the student with an opportunity to practice autonomy in labor and delivery care in the base hospital. To ensure competence and autonomy in practice when making judgments and decisions, the student will keep a journal of critical incidents in practice from the outset of the program. The personal journal is an important aspect of the program evaluation strategy.

MDWF 530 Practicum Labor and Delivery I (Cr. 2)

This period of the practicum in normal labor and delivery will provide the student midwife with an opportunity to apply the theories and skills that are learned in MDW 504: Normal Childbearing. The main concern is on management of normal labor and delivery. Each student is evaluated by the program objectives.

MDWF 531 Practicum Neonatal (Cr. 1)

The major focus of this course is to provide the opportunity for the students to apply the knowledge and the skills that are learned in MDWF 503: Neonatology and Child Health Care. The focus is on working with healthy neonates as well as with high risk neonatal situations, through spending a period of time in normal nurseries and Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Academic Programs

Degree Requirements

• Arabic
• English
• Humanities
• Religious Studies
• Social Sciences
  

Faculty of Business Administration

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• MICAD - Master in International Cooperation and Development
  

Faculty of Education

• Teacher Preparation Programs
• Rehabilitation Studies
  

Faculty of Nursing

• Nursing Program
• Registered Nurse Program
• Midwifery Program
• Neonatal Nursing Program
  

Faculty of Science

• Biology
  • Master Program in Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Information Sciences
  

Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism

• Travel Agency Management
• Tourism Management
• Tour Guiding