Graduate Diploma of Midwifery – Royal Darwin Hospital

Aim of the employed model

Through clinical rotation and clinical educator support the employed model supports the students to meet the clinical requirements of the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery while employed as a registered nurse/student midwife working in the RDPH Maternity Unit.

Recognised university providers

The employed program works specifically in partnership with CDU. You cannot enrol at another university and still be eligible for the employed model.

Course duration

The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is a pathway for Registered Nurses to complete their midwifery training. It is an 18 month course comprising of 80 credit points.  There are 3 simulation training blocks over the course of study specifically for registered nurses to immerse deeply into midwifery from the first week.

How to apply

The application process is in two parts:

1. Apply for the CDU Graduate Diploma of Midwifery (TMIDW1) Semester one 2025 via South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) . Application fees apply.
2. Apply to the Northern Territory Government for the Employed Model Position.

Program dates

Employment at RDPH Maternity unit within the division of Women Children and Youth commences 6th March 2025 and is fixed contract for two years.  Clinical Simulation Block for your first practical unit Mid502 at Charles Darwin University is scheduled for four days commencing on the 10th of March 2025. It is essential that you attend this simulation block before commencing in the clinical area.

Study load

Study load varies from 20 – 30 credit points per semester, with no option available within the employed Graduate Diploma of Midwifery model pathway to alter your study plan. If a more flexible approach will meet your needs better, you can reach out regarding an individualised study plan with CDU and completing your practical component through a supernumerary unpaid placement model.

The theoretical content of the course at CDU is offered flexibly and online.  There is a four day clinical simulation block for each of the three semesters, and you will be supported with study leave through NT Health.

Employment conditions

You will be offered a contract for two years at 0.84 full-time employment (FTE) which is 32 hours a week. If you are a permanent NT Health employee you will transfer to the Maternity Unit for that period of time.

You will be employed as a registered nurse/midwifery student which is at Nurse 2 level. This will be with your relevant yearly increment and previous experience as a Registered Nurse.

If you are in a promotional position i.e. Nurse 3 and above you will need to do a reduction by consent to N2 at your yearly increment for the period of the course/contract. You will receive annual recreation leave, personal leave and penalty payments in line with the current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

Fee Support

You will be reimbursed 100% of your fees at the end of each semester following submission of documents showing successful completion of units.

Shift work

To maximise clinical experience, and to even out the student allocation it is essential that you have the capacity to work all shifts including weekends and night shifts.  You will also be required to be available for a small amount ‘on call’ to meet the requirements of the course, these times are not expected to be frequent. There is little capacity to give fixed roster requests, as it impacts on the clinical education opportunities and experience of the other students.

Clinical experience

This is offered through pre-mapped rotation in the clinical areas which includes antenatal/postnatal ward (6A), Birth Suite, Antenatal/Midwives clinic, Domiciliary Midwifery Service, Midwifery Group Practice and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. You will be allocated preceptors and a designated amount of supernumerary time in each area to enable a smooth transition into being included in the staffing numbers.

Contact

Or contact Jennifer Gilbert – Midwifery Education Consultant on 08 8944 8734 or jennifer.gilbert@nt.gov.au or

Lucy Thane – A/Midwifery Education Consultant on 08 2922 7916 or Lucy.Thane@nt.gov.au