Bachelor of Midwifery: reflections on the first 5 years from two Victorian universities

Bachelor of Midwifery programs in the state of Victoria, Australia commenced in 2002 through an affiliation of three universities in Melbourne named the 'Werna Naloo Bachelor of Midwifery consortium'. The approach allowed for collaborative synergies in program delivery through offering online 'consortium' units each semester in addition to on-campus content at each university. It is now 5 years since the first cohort of students commenced the course. During those years, members of the consortium have experienced a range of challenges and tensions. This paper provides a reflection by the course coordinators from two remaining members of the consortium, Australian Catholic University and Monash University. It explores issues confronted, regulation and registration, educational and clinical practice issues. In addition, the authors discuss course outcomes in terms of employment of graduates and their integration into the workforce, career development pathways and demand for the course. The authors conclude that the consortium has been successful and course outcomes positive with graduates successful in securing employment. Overall, the future for the Bachelor of Midwifery at both universities appears positive.