Midwifery Bridging Program
Program Aim
The Western Health Midwifery Bridging Program supports midwives following completion of their Graduate Diploma of Midwifery to consolidate clinical skills, address individual learning needs, and build confidence in maternity care. The program builds on prior learning and experience to support participants to transition into the workforce as capable and valued members of the midwifery team.
Information Evenings
We welcome you to join us at our information sessions. These sessions will give you an opportunity to learn more about our graduate midwife programs, meet staff, and ask questions.
The Midwifery Education team will conduct a tour of Joan Kirner Women's & Children's hospital.
Dates: Wednesday 20 May 2026 and Tuesday 26 May 2026
Time: 4.30 pm to 6 pm. If you would like to join a hospital tour, please meet at 4 pm at Joan Kirner main reception, Ground Floor Foyer.
Location: Auditorium Level 1, WCHRE Building, Western Health Sunshine Campus176 Furlong Road St Albans VIC 3021
Eligibility
- Must be completing a Graduate Diploma degree in Midwifery in 2026
- Must hold a practicing certificate in Midwifery with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) by 2027
- Must not have undertaken any other Midwifery Graduate Program
2027 applicants must apply through our careers site:
Program Duration
- Part Time – 0.84 FTE (8 shifts a fortnight)
- 6-month Program
Rotations
- Main rotations - Birthing and Postnatal
- Short rotations - Antenatal Clinic, Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC)
- Annual leave - 2 weeks pre allocated in program
- Four supernumerary shifts for first rotation and two supernumerary shifts will be provided at the commencement of each new rotation thereafter
Intakes
- February 2027
- April 2027
- July 2027
- September 2027
Support
A team of Clinical Midwifery Educators, Clinical Support Midwives and Ward Midwives are available to guide and support in the clinical setting. The Midwifery Program Coordinator and Line managers are available for support to all program participants.
Criteria for Completion
- Satisfactory clinical hours (minimum 64hrs/fortnight)
- Completion of Clinical Objectives each rotation
- Satisfactory Performance Development Reviews
- Participation in Study Days
- A certificate will be presented on successful completion of the Program
Study Days
- Orientation for all graduates at commencement of program
- 2 Training days
- 2 Graduate Midwife skills/study days
- 1 Allocated Professional Development Day
These study days aim to prepare graduates for commencing in the organisation, ensure competencies are met, practice development addressed and enhance knowledge and bridge the theory to practice gap.